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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Uddhav attacks Modi

Asks, ‘who are you reassuring’ Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the Bharatiya Janata Party, questioning the political ‘message’ behind Modi’s reported assurance to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his MPs: “Do not fear, I am standing by you.” Thackeray asked whether the Prime Minister’s remark was meant merely to assuage the Shinde camp - or whether it carried a...

Uddhav attacks Modi

Asks, ‘who are you reassuring’ Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the Bharatiya Janata Party, questioning the political ‘message’ behind Modi’s reported assurance to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his MPs: “Do not fear, I am standing by you.” Thackeray asked whether the Prime Minister’s remark was meant merely to assuage the Shinde camp - or whether it carried a loaded political message – especially with the Supreme Court hearing the case of the long-pending dispute over the Shiv Sena name and election symbol. “The PM said: ‘Do not fear, I am standing by you.’ To whom was this message conveyed? Was it a threat to the court? Was it meant for Amit Shah, Devendra Fadnavis or the administration?” Thackeray asked, seeking an explanation to the context of the remark. On Friday, political eyebrows shot up when Shinde, along with MPs of the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction were invited for a breakfast meeting by Modi in New Delhi. The closed-door rendezvous came even as the Supreme Court continued hearing the dispute over the Shiv Sena’s name and symbol, possibly now in the final stages, prompting Thackeray to question the timing and political significance of the visit. He made it clear that his party would apprise the Supreme Court of “this objectionable behaviour” when the crucial case is being heard. Shah-Sena Jibe Taking a swipe at the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, Thackeray pointed out how in the recent past, whenever its leaders travelled to the national capital, they would call on the “chief” of the “Shah-Sena”, referring sarcastically to Amit Shah. “Now perhaps their boss has changed, so they no longer need to meet the Shah-Sena chief and are going directly to Modi,” he said, adding that yesterday, while Shah was in Mumbai, the meeting with the PM took place in New Delhi. The SS (UBT) supremo attempted to make a wider political interpretation, suggesting it could also be read as a ‘signal’ to potential defectors in other parties -- “Don’t worry, betray your party, come over to us and I will stand by you.” Jeering the Shinde camp, Thackeray wondered why they continue to be scared even after being ‘washed clean’ in the BJP’s political washing machine, and yet need to scramble to the PM with their tails between the legs. He said that ‘the two Shiv Senas’ dispute is no longer merely a battle between rival factions, but had become “a test for the very survival of Indian democracy”. “The virus of treachery is killing democracy,” Thackeray declared, appealing to all people who value the Constitution and democratic institutions to fight the battle to save Democracy unitedly.

Gun Violence in America

Updated: Jan 2, 2025

Gun Violence in America

On December 16, 2024, tragedy struck Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, where a 15-year-old student, Natalie Rupnow, fatally shot a fellow student and a teacher before taking her own life. Six others were injured, with two in critical condition. This devastating event is a grim reminder of the United States' ongoing struggle with gun violence, particularly in schools.


A Long History of Gun Ownership in America

The issue of gun violence in the United States cannot be discussed without acknowledging its deep-rooted history of gun ownership. The right to bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1791, which states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”


Initially, this amendment was intended to empower citizens to form militias for self-defense during a time when standing armies were distrusted. Over the centuries, however, the interpretation of the Second Amendment has evolved. Today, it is often cited as a justification for individual gun ownership, a concept reinforced by landmark court cases such as District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), which affirmed an individual's right to own firearms for self-defense.


Gun culture is deeply ingrained in American society, with nearly 400 million firearms in civilian hands—more guns than people. This level of accessibility, coupled with a powerful gun lobby led by organizations like the National Rifle Association (NRA), has made significant legislative reform difficult.


Gun Violence in Numbers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearms cause approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the United States—equivalent to 109 deaths per day. This figure includes homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. Among children and teenagers, firearms are now the leading cause of death, surpassing motor vehicle accidents.


School shootings are a particularly horrifying aspect of gun violence in America. Since 1990, there have been over 800 incidents in K-12 schools, resulting in more than 500 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. High-profile tragedies such as the Columbine High School massacre (1999), the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting (2012), and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School attack (2018) have shocked the nation and the world, yet meaningful reforms remain elusive.


A Global Comparison

The United States stands out among developed nations for its high rate of gun violence. In countries like Australia, Canada, and much of Europe, strict gun control measures have significantly reduced firearm-related deaths. For example: By contrast, the firearm-related death rate in the United States is 12.2 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than other developed nations. The prevalence of guns and the lack of uniform gun control laws contribute to this disparity.


Challenges in Addressing Gun Violence

Efforts to reduce gun violence in the U.S. have faced significant obstacles. One of the most notable is the prohibition of federal funding for gun violence research. In 1996, Congress passed the Dickey Amendment, effectively barring the CDC from studying gun violence as a public health issue. Although the funding ban was partially lifted in 2019, its legacy has left the country with a limited understanding of the causes and solutions to gun violence.


Advocates have long called for measures such as:

• Universal Background Checks: Closing loopholes in gun sales to ensure that all firearm purchases are subject to background checks.

• Safe Storage Laws: Requiring gun owners to store firearms securely to prevent unauthorized access.

• Bans on Certain Firearms: Prohibiting the sale of assault-style weapons, which are often used in mass shootings.


The Debate Over Gun Rights and Reform

The debate over gun control in the United States often pits the rights of gun owners against the need for public safety. Opponents of stricter gun laws argue that restrictions infringe on constitutional rights and fail to address the root causes of violence, such as mental health issues. Proponents, however, point to the success of gun control measures in other countries and the overwhelming public support for policies like background checks.


A Way Forward

Despite the challenges, there is growing momentum for change. Grassroots organizations, survivors of gun violence, and some lawmakers are advocating for comprehensive reforms. The Madison school shooting serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of these efforts. As the nation grapples with its gun violence epidemic, it must look to both its history and the experiences of other countries to find a path toward a safer future.


(The author is a resident of US. Views personal.)

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