Bijnor Hindu boy forcibly converted to Islam in Kashmir, says family; files case

IANS | May 19, 2026 2:48 PM

Lucknow, May 19 (IANS) A shocking case of purported forced conversion of a minor boy from Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district, in Jammu and Kashmir, has kicked up a major controversy, prompting protests from the family members who are now pleading before the administration to arrange his return from the valley.

Gates of Rudranath Temple open amid chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’

IANS | May 18, 2026 3:07 PM

Chamoli, May 18 (IANS) The gates of the world-renowned Rudranath Temple in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, revered as the Fourth Kedar, were opened on Monday for devotees amid elaborate Vedic rituals, chanting of mantras, and traditional religious ceremonies.

Return to a homeland frozen in memory

Lalit Kumar Jha | May 18, 2026 6:20 AM

Washington, May 18 (IANS) For 36 years, Kashmir existed for Sheerin Raina in fragments -- stories told at the dinner table in New Jersey, fading photographs, temple names spoken with reverence, and memories inherited from parents who had left in the middle of the night and never truly returned.

Muslim leaders meet in Mumbai to ensure 'peaceful' Bakrid

IANS | May 17, 2026 7:11 PM

Mumbai, May 17 (IANS) Islamic scholars and Muslim leaders, on Sunday, held a meeting with NGOs, lawyers, social activists, political party leaders and others to ensure administrative preparedness and peaceful celebrations of the upcoming 'Bakrid' festival.

Uniform Civil Code a 'shield' for Muslim women, says Uttarakhand minister

IANS | May 16, 2026 10:35 PM

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) Uttarakhand Social Welfare Minister Khajan Dass on Saturday praised a Muslim woman after she registered the first case under the state's Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying UCC will become a "shield" for such women and other heinous practices will also be punished.