News at random.

1. KT Jaleel at it again. 

He has courted controversy, yet again. To quote an expert on similar issues, Jaleel has used the terminologies that Pakistan uses. He has termed Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as 'Azad Kashmir' and the areas comprising Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh as 'India controlled Kashmir'.  

In a Facebook post, while talking about his visit to Kashmir, he has criticised the Modi government for the 'miserable' life of the people out there, consequent to the scrapping of Art 370.

This evening, he has deleted the controversial post.

My take

Being an MLA, he must be aware of the ramifications of making such statements. My queries for him are given below :-

   * Are you limbering up for another major controversy that's gonna overtake you imminently?

   * This could, then, be a diversionary move. Isn't it?

   * Why is your sudden love for the people of Kashmir? 

   * Why haven't you touched up on the activities of the terrorists that Pakistan smuggles into this

      country? 

   * Why did you delete the post?

   * Surprised by the reactions from your own party?

You are a confused guy and need to hand yourself over to the process of the law. And the sooner, the better.

2. Salman Rushdie stabbed at Talk Show

He was stabbed multiple times just before he was to speak at a talk show in New York. The assailant had got on to the stage at the Chautauqua Institution's event and punched/stabbed the celebrated author 10 - 15 times, as he was being introduced to the audience. His interviewer also suffered minor head injuries.

The audience tackled the suspect and handed over to police custody.

My take

His fourth book, in 1988, The Satanic Verses, forced him into hiding for nine years after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa demanding his execution for the book's blasphemous content. Iran's bounty of $3 million to anyone who killed him also holds even to this day.

He continues to be in a critical condition!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Washing machinex of the soiled clothes.

It was a quiet Saturday.

Participated in the 581st episode of the Aazhchakkoottam : "Women power in Mountaineering" by Pricilla Marain from 1600 - 1725 hrs. 33 year-old and asthmatic, she had conquered Kilimanjaro 5,895 mts - the highest free standing mountain in Africa (It's not a technical mountain as it is not part of a mountain range) - last year, through sheer hard work and determination. The interaction, post talk, was interesting.