Drone use in Manipur, concerns over Goa's land law, and Rahul Gandhi in US
Sep 11, 2024
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This discussion features Sukrita Baruah, an Indian Express expert on drone warfare in Manipur, shedding light on the alarming use of drones for violence. Pavneet Singh Chadha reveals how political figures in Goa may profit from controversial land law changes, threatening environmental integrity. Additionally, Rahul Gandhi shares insights during his first trip to the US as Leader of Opposition, touching upon India's evolving political landscape. The conversations highlight critical issues of violence, political maneuvering, and environmental concerns.
The alarming use of drones for aerial assaults in Manipur marks a dangerous escalation in ongoing ethnic violence, resulting in casualties and heightened security concerns.
In Goa, controversial amendments to land use regulations threaten environmental preservation by enabling the reclassification of green zones for construction, raising alarm among activists.
Deep dives
Escalation of Violence in Manipur
The recent escalation of violence in Manipur has alarmed security officials, particularly due to the use of drones and improvised rockets as new means of warfare. Since the start of September, at least 11 people have been killed as attackers have transitioned from using crude bombs to aerial assaults, marking a significant shift in the conflict. The Kothruk area in Imphal West reported bombings from drones, leading to injuries and fatalities in local villages. As tensions rose, the government responded by banning mobile internet and VPNs in the region to curb the spread of violence and misinformation.
Construction in Goa's Green Zones
An investigation has revealed that Goa's designated green zones are increasingly being converted into construction sites due to recent amendments in land-use regulations. These changes allow property owners to claim that their land was improperly zoned as a green zone and facilitate its reclassification to enable construction activities. As a result, approximately 21 lakh square meters of land has been reallocated for development over the past 18 months, raising concerns among environmental activists about the preservation of eco-sensitive areas. Critics argue that this trend favors real estate interests and undermines efforts to protect Goa's natural resources and agricultural land.
Rahul Gandhi's Remarks during US Visit
During his visit to the US, Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP's governance and alleged constitutional violations, emphasizing the party's struggles in the recent elections. He discussed the importance of representation for all citizens, stating that ignoring the majority's participation in building a modern nation is unsustainable. Gandhi highlighted the challenges faced by the Congress party and accused the ruling government of using unfair advantages during elections, fostering a controlled atmosphere that stifles opposition. Despite disagreements, he expressed a desire for empathy rather than hatred towards Prime Minister Modi, advocating for a more compassionate political dialogue.
First, Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah discusses the alarm raised by the use of drones to drop crude bombs and improvised rockets in the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur.
Next, Indian Express' Pavneet Singh Chadha shares details of his investigation, which reveals how at least two state ministers, several politicians across party lines, and multiple real estate companies in Goa are alleged beneficiaries of a controversial change in the state’s land use law (09:25).
And finally, we examine Rahul Gandhi's recent statement during his current trip to the US, which marks his first visit abroad as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha (21:20).
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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