Kerala Latest News

Altarpiece ∙ Pope Benedict XVI, who introduced India’s first saint, is now a candlelit memorial. Pala Diocese and Bharanganam St. Alphonsa Pilgrimage Center is in commemoration of Pope Benedict XVI who canonized Alphonsama. When Alphonsama was canonized, the Asian continent also received its first saint through Pope Benedict.

Alphonsama was canonized on October 12, 2008 in a ceremony held in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Mons. Mar Joseph Kallarangat, Mar Joseph Pallikapparampil, diocesan Vicar General Fr. Joseph Kuginjal, Fr. Philip Njeralakat, Vice Postulator Fr. Francis Vadakkel, Jinil Ozhutotiyil, who was a member of the parish of Mannapara miraculously healed by St. Alphonsama, and others attended the canonization at the Vatican.

Pope Benedict XVI was an eminent theologian, writer and courageous warrior of the faith, said the Rector of the Holy Alphonsa Pilgrimage Center in Bharanganam, Fr. said Jose Vallompurayatam. At the news of Pope Benedict’s death, the bells were rung in the churches and institutions of the diocese as a sign of mourning.

Featured Content: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Kochi ∙ Ban order on the uninhabited islands of Lakshadweep! Of the 36 islands in Lakshadweep, only 10 are inhabited. Collector Dr. Rakesh Minhans has issued an order to prevent entry to the rest of the islands without written permission under Penal Code 144.

The collector’s order stated that Lakshadweep is a strategic area which is part of the western international coastal border and the ban is in view of the infiltration of smugglers and people engaged in anti-national activities under the guise of the permission given to coconut farmers to live on uninhabited islands.

These islands are used to hide contraband, including drugs, and harbor anti-nationals and anti-socials. The collector’s order said such individuals can choose major cities, institutions and busy areas of the country for attack and take precautionary measures in view of this possibility. The ordinance also establishes that those who enter the island in violation of the order will be severely punished.

After Lakshadweep administrator Praful Ghoda Patel took over, most of the illegal constructions on the uninhabited islands were demolished. There was also strong anger against the demolition of agricultural cleaning equipment, fishing equipment and sheds built to store agricultural products.

However, the authorities have defended these protests by claiming that the uninhabited islands of Lakshadweep have recently become a haven for terrorist forces. Earlier information had come out that there was a warning from the Central Intelligence Agency about the presence of anti-nationals on the island.

English Summary: 144 imposed in the no-man’s island of Lakshadweep

Kochi: The NIA conducted a wide-ranging investigation following a tip that the Popular Front of India (PFI) was active even after it was banned.

Central intelligence agencies had reported that active covert operations were underway, including through social media groups. Unlike the raid conducted in September, this time the raid was co-operated by Kerala Police in most of the centres. The raid started from 2 in the morning. The officials returned before 10:00 in most centres.

Mubarak was one of the first activists

Kochi – Locals say Muhammad Mubarak, who was taken into NIA custody, was an early Popular Front activist. He graduated in law and practiced in the High Court. A few cases related to the organization have been addressed. His wife is also a lawyer. Karate and kung fu were trained in the country. He recently started an organic coconut oil production unit in collaboration with another.

A ten-member NIA team arrived at Mubarak’s home at 4 in the morning. After being questioned there, the house was thoroughly inspected. Mubarak’s parents, wife and son were at home. The inspection lasted until 9 am.

Then the group returned with Mubarak. The family claims that the propaganda that money and deadly weapons have been recovered from the house is not true.

Information is alleged to have been leaked to Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta ∙ Information about the NIA raid on the home of former Popular Front leaders in the district is alleged to have been leaked. However, the police have denied this.

When NIA officials reached the homes, the 3 leaders were not there. Thiruvananthapuram’s former regional secretary Muhammad Rashid, Nisar who was a member of the state committee, and Sajeev, a native of Pazhakulam who was the district head, were also searched. Rashid left the house just before the NEAA team vehicle arrived. A laptop, 3 pen drives and 4 books were recovered from here, and a cell phone and a bag containing PFI publications were recovered from Nissar’s home.

Meanwhile, the family said another house in Pazhakulam was raided in the name of Sajeev’s house. Ayathikonil Sajeev, who was the district head of the Popular Front, lived on rent near here. The cops who went with the NIA team say the house was broken into but know nothing about it.

English Summary: NIA raid on the People’s Front Office