Release of Malayali rationalist sought
The Hindu
Abdul Khadar Puthiyangadi has been jailed in Dubai for criticising religion
Rationalist groups have urged the Union government to help release a free thinker from Kerala, who has been jailed in Dubai for alleged blasphemous remarks against Islam through writings and videos.
According to sources, Abdul Khadar Puthiyangadi from Kasaragod runs an IT-related business in the Gulf country for the past five years. Arif Hussain Theruvoth, president, Non-Religious Citizens, told The Hindu on Sunday that Mr. Khadar was earlier a firm religious believer, who had learnt about Islam in the traditional way. He used to be critical about those who speak, write or campaign against Islam. Mr. Khader delved deep into religious texts to take on anti-religion campaigners. In the process, he is claimed to have become a critic of the religion.
More than 2.6 lakh village and ward volunteers in Andhra Pradesh, once celebrated as the government’s grassroots champions for their crucial role in implementing welfare schemes, are now in a dilemma after learning that their tenure has not been renewed after August 2023 even though they have been paid honoraria till June 2024. Disowned by both YSRCP, which was in power when they were appointed, and the current ruling TDP, which made a poll promise to double their pay, these former volunteers are ruing the day they signed up for the role which they don’t know if even still exists