Muzaffarnagar: Army stages flag march; death toll climbs to 12

Muzaffarnagar, Sep 8: Army on Sunday staged a flag march in riot-hit areas of Muzaffarnagar district where the toll in clashes between members of two communities rose to 12 even as 30 people have been arrested for the violence.

Curfew remained in force in Civil Lines, Kotwali and Nai Mandi areas of the district with Army carrying out a flag march in the troubled areas. Five companies of PAC and five of RAF and police have also been deployed.

"Twelve people have been killed in the clashes and the toll is expected to rise as some people are missing. Police are searching for them," district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said.

The bodies of two persons were recovered from Bhopa police station area on Sunday morning and one from Chapar police station.

Arun Kumar, ADG, law and order said the "Situation is totally under control. No unlawful incident has been reported so far since last night. Army has been deployed, they have started with a flag march".

"Since last night we have arrested around 30 persons and we hope the situation will remain under control," he said, adding the district magistrate and the SP have been given special instructions to deal with the situation with "soft hands".

Tension has been running high in the district since three persons were killed in Kawal village on August 27.

On Saturday, nine persons, including a TV channel journalist, were killed and 34 injured in clashes.

IBN7 channel's part-time correspondent Rajesh Verma and a photographer hired by police, Israr, were among those killed in the violence.

Saturday's violence ocurred as a meeting was being held in Naglabadhod in defiance of prohibitory orders to demand withdrawal of cases registered in connection with August 27 violence in Kawal.

Giving details about the clashes in the district, Kumar said, "There was an incident in a village of Muzaffarngar two days ago and a fake video related to murder of two people in a village was uploaded on the internet.

"We blocked that particular video but unfortunately the CDs were circulated in the village. One particular community gave call for mahapanchayat and created law and order situation.

"When people started coming from villages, communal clashes took place at two places. When the tension was visible, people were asked to disperse. While they were dispersing, there was political violence in the district," Kumar said.

UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had on Saturday said that those behind the clashes will not be spared.

He said senior officials, both in Muzaffarnagar and Lucknow, are working to restore peace and are keeping a vigil on the situation there.

The Uttar Pradesh government had on Saturday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 15 lakh to the kin of the TV journalist and Rs 10 lakh to the family of others who were killed in clashes between members of two communities in Muzaffarnagar.

Earlier report:

9 killed in communal riots in Muzaffarnagar, army deployed

Muzaffarnagar/Lucknow, Sept 8: At least nine persons, including a TV channel journalist, were killed and 34 injured today as fresh violence between members of two communities erupted in Muzaffarnagar, after which indefinite curfew was imposed and the army deployed to help maintain law and order.

Tension running high since three persons were killed in Kawal village on August 27 today burst into clashes in several parts of the district.

IBN7 channel's part-time correspondent Rajesh Verma and a photographer hired by police, Israr, were among those killed in the violence.

Nine persons were killed--two in Muzaffarnagar town, three each in Bhopa police station area and Shapur area and one in Sikhera police station area, District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said.

Curfew was imposed in Civil lines, Kotwali and Nai Mandi of Muzaffarnagar town. Officials in the district said at least 34 people were injured.

Late tonight, a Home Department spokesman said in Lucknow that army personnel have been deployed in the riot-hit areas of the district to help the civil authorities maintain law and order.

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Philanthropist, Visionary Entrepreneur, A K Group Founder M Ahmed passes away

coastaldigest.com news network

October 8,2024

Mangaluru, Oct 8: The city of Mangaluru mourns the loss of M Ahmed, a pioneering businessman, philanthropist, and the Founder Chairman of the AK Group. He passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of service, innovation, and community building.

M Ahmed, also fondly known as A K Ahmed, was a man of humble beginnings who grew into one of the most respected entrepreneurs in South India. He founded the AK Group in 1984, which has since flourished into a multi-faceted business empire. The company, which began as a small frame manufacturing unit, now encompasses a wide range of industries, including plywood, formaldehyde, particle boards, fire-rated products, and more. AK Group's growth extended beyond India, with manufacturing units established in Myanmar and Vietnam.

What began with 18 employees in 1984 has today expanded to provide employment to approximately 3,000 people in India and 400 abroad. M Ahmed’s dedication and vision were instrumental in transforming the company into a market leader, recognized for its high-quality products and innovation. AK Plywood is now one of India’s top plywood manufacturers, and the largest in South India. The company was Karnataka’s first plywood manufacturer to receive ISO certification and has garnered prestigious awards, including the Rising Stars Power Brands Award in London (2017) and the Best Manufacturer Award from MSME Karnataka (2018).

Ahmed’s business success was deeply rooted in values instilled in him during his early years. He worked alongside his father, the late Abdul Khader Moopa, loading sawn timber, and it was from these humble beginnings that he developed his work ethic, pioneering spirit, and respect for time—values that remained the cornerstone of his remarkable career.

His foresight was evident when he recognized the potential of timber from Perumbavoor, Kerala, for plywood and blockboards at a time when it was merely being used as firewood. This strategic move led to the establishment of one of the first frame manufacturing and peeling units there, and soon after, Ahmed launched his own company in Mangaluru, swiftly earning national and international recognition.

Beyond plywood, the AK Group has diversified into multiple industries, including marine food, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, hypermarkets in India and the UAE, and food industries in Indonesia. Under Ahmed’s leadership, the company’s reach expanded, ensuring its position as a formidable player in various sectors.

Ahmed was not only an extraordinary businessman but also a deeply compassionate individual, dedicated to social and religious causes. He served as the founding president of the managing committee of Ihsan Masjid in Mangaluru and established the Highland Educational and Cultural Centre. His philanthropic efforts were as vast as his business ventures, benefiting countless communities both in India and abroad.

His kindness, simplicity, and punctuality were hallmarks of his character. Those who knew him admired his unyielding commitment to excellence, as well as his warmth and generosity. M Ahmed is survived by his wife, three daughters, and four sons, who continue his legacy of philanthropy and social service.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from all sectors of society. Social, religious, and political leaders in Mangaluru expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of a man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others.

M Ahmed’s journey from humble beginnings to massive success will continue to inspire generations. His life serves as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and, above all, integrity.

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