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ISLAMABAD: Protests and demonstrations have been lingering on in the Indian state of Bhopal, since a mob of Hindutva extremists beat a Muslim man accused of &ldquo;love jihad&rdquo; so mercilessly that he was left half dead. The concept of &quot;Love Jihad&quot; is an unproven conspiracy theory alleging a systemic plot by Muslim men to convert non-Muslim women through marriage. India&#39;s Supreme Court views it as a politically motivated narrative that targets consenting interfaith couples. Bhopal police said on Monday that men accused of the torture had no formal links to the Hindutva group Bajrang Dal, further fuelling communal tensions and protests that have gripped parts of the city following the assault, despite widespread allegations and social media claims, Indian media reported. The controversy erupted after videos circulated online allegedly showing a Muslim man being brutally beaten inside a hotel in Bhopal. According to reports by Maktoob Media and Muslim Mirror, the attackers accused the youth of &ldquo;love jihad,&rdquo; a term frequently used by Hindu nationalist groups against Muslim men allegedly involved with Hindu women. The videos allegedly showed the victim being assaulted, abused and forced to chant religious slogans while surrounded by a mob. Reports also alleged that blasphemous remarks were made during the attack, deepening outrage within the Muslim community. The incident triggered large protests across Bhopal, with demonstrators demanding arrests, action against Hindutva groups and protection from mob violence.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2054528955462336782&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fmedia-library%2F&sessionId=e5f66d26aeb0fed0cf72edf57f29b4bc69704ff4&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 873px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>Community members accused police of initially failing to take swift action despite videos of the assault spreading widely online. According to Muslim Mirror, tensions escalated after police allegedly used force against Muslim protesters, including baton charges and firing in some areas. Several protesters claimed authorities focused more on controlling demonstrations than addressing the alleged anti-Muslim violence that triggered the unrest.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2054528386643771672&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fmedia-library%2F&sessionId=e5f66d26aeb0fed0cf72edf57f29b4bc69704ff4&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 873px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>Police denied allegations of bias and said action had been taken against those involved in violence and disturbance. On Monday, The Indian Express reported that investigators said the accused individuals were not officially connected to Bajrang Dal or any right-wing organisation. The clarification drew criticism from activists and sections of the Muslim community, who alleged that extremist groups often operate informally without official membership records. Rights advocates said the assault reflected a broader pattern of anti-Muslim vigilantism and communal intimidation in parts of India. They also alleged that accusations linked to &ldquo;love jihad&rdquo; are increasingly used to justify harassment, public humiliation and violence against Muslims. Security remained tight in parts of Bhopal as authorities attempted to prevent further unrest amid continuing anger over the assault and the handling of protests.

India

Protesters say police played silent spectator as Bajrang Dal men beat up the man; police say the group accused of violence has no links to the beating.

'Blasphemy', Muslim youth assault spark protests in India’s Bhopal

ISLAMABAD: The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) on Saturday highlighted the killing of a Muslim truck driver in India&rsquo;s Rajasthan state, a case that has renewed scrutiny of alleged cow-vigilante violence targeting minorities in the country. The incident, first reported by the Observer Post, occurred in the Bhiwadi area of Alwar district, where 28-year-old Aamir, a truck driver from neighboring Haryana, died after what relatives say was an attack by members of the Hindu nationalist group Bajrang Dal. According to family members cited in Indian media reports, Aamir was stopped by men accusing him of cattle smuggling before being assaulted. His relatives alleged that the attackers &ldquo;shot him in the head,&rdquo; blaming Bajrang Dal-linked cow vigilantes for the killing. Local police said the precise cause of death would be determined after post-mortem and forensic examinations, adding that the investigation remains ongoing. The killing comes amid broader international concern about policing practices and violence against marginalized communities in India. In a report issued last month, experts from the United Nations Human Rights Council warned of what they described as a pattern of excessive and often lethal force by Indian law-enforcement authorities and vigilante groups, disproportionately affecting minorities including Muslims. &ldquo;These allegations paint a picture of law enforcement violence that is not sporadic, but systemic,&rdquo; the UN experts said. &ldquo;If substantiated, they reveal grave violations of the right to life, the absolute prohibition of torture, and the right to non-discrimination.&rdquo; The experts called on the government of India to launch urgent and independent investigations into allegations of extrajudicial killings and torture-related deaths, warning that practices such as so-called &ldquo;encounters&rdquo; risk normalizing unlawful violence. Aamir&rsquo;s family says his death has left them devastated. Relatives described him as the sole breadwinner supporting his parents, wife and young child. His wife is four months pregnant, and his sister&rsquo;s wedding was scheduled for next month. IAMC, a Washington-based advocacy organization representing Indian American Muslims, said the case underscores continuing concerns over mob attacks carried out under the banner of cow protection. In a social media statement, the group urged authorities to ensure accountability for the killing and to address what it described as a pattern of vigilante violence linked to accusations of cattle smuggling. Attacks by self-styled cow-protection groups have repeatedly triggered controversy across India, where cows are considered sacred by many Hindus and slaughter is banned or restricted in several states. Rights groups say such laws have increasingly been used by vigilantes to target Muslims and other marginalized communities. The latest killing in Rajasthan is likely to intensify criticism from activists who argue that India&rsquo;s authorities have failed to curb mob violence or hold perpetrators accountable, leaving minority communities increasingly vulnerable to attacks carried out in the name of cow protection.

Rights advocates say a Muslim truck driver dies after suspected cow vigilantes stop his vehicle in Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi area, while police launch forensic inquiries and his family alleges members of a Hindu nationalist group carried out the attack.

Cow vigilantes in India kill Muslim driver, rights group raises alarm

ISLAMABAD: A violent attack on a Christian pastor in Odisha&rsquo;s Dhenkanal district has drawn nationwide outrage, with the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) calling it a &ldquo;new low&rdquo; that has shamed the nation&rsquo;s conscience. The INC in a post on Facebook on Wednesday condemned India&rsquo;s ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government for what it called &lsquo;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/india-witnessed-over-1300-events-of-hate-speech-in-2025-report" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">jungle raj</a>&rsquo; or rule of the jungle in the country.&nbsp; On Jan. 4, Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik, along with his family and a few others, was attending a prayer meeting at a house in Parjang village, a predominantly Hindu area with only seven Christian families.&nbsp; According to Indian media reports, a mob of around 40 people from the Bajrang Dal forcibly entered the house, alleging that Naik was conducting forced religious conversions.Naik and those present were brutally beaten.&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/india-sees-surge-in-attacks-on-christians-muslims-under-modi-wsj" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">pastor</a>was tied to a Hanuman temple, red Sindoor was smeared across his face, and a garland of slippers was placed around his neck.&nbsp;&nbsp;Forced to eat cow dung&nbsp;He was then coerced into eating cow dung while being slapped repeatedly and forced to chant &ldquo;Jai Shri Ram.&rdquo;&nbsp; Vandana Naik, the pastor&rsquo;s wife, recounted that despite repeated pleas, the police did not intervene promptly.&nbsp; He was later taken to the local police station but left without immediate medical assistance.&nbsp;&lsquo;Blot on humanity&rsquo;The INC condemned the attack, stating that it represents a &ldquo;blot on humanity and civilized society&rdquo; and reflects the rising trend of crimes against minorities since 2014. &ldquo;Mobs have been emboldened, violence normalized, and minorities persecuted under the current government&rsquo;s divisive politics,&rdquo; the party said in the Facebook post. A social activist stated that Pastor Naik was made to sit at the police station for nearly an hour without medical care, highlighting the failure of authorities to protect victims promptly, Indian media reported.&nbsp; While a police complaint has been registered, a counter FIR accusing Naik of forced conversion was also filed, intensifying tensions in the village. The incident has ignited calls for strict action against those responsible, with political leaders stressing that the pastor and his family deserve justice under the Constitution of India. Congress emphasized that it will continue to fight for minority rights, asserting that such acts of mob violence mark &ldquo;the true face of the BJP&rdquo; and a new low in the country&rsquo;s governance.&nbsp;

The pastor was reportedly coerced into eating cow dung while being slapped repeatedly and forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’; Congress has asserted such acts of mob violence mark ‘the true face of the BJP’.

Opposition slams India’s ruling BJP after attack on Christian pastor 

ISLAMABAD: Six members of the Bajrang Dal who were arrested for allegedly vandalizing Christmas decorations at Raipur&rsquo;s Magneto Mall were released on bail this week, a development that sparked controversy after public celebrations and provocative slogans marked their release, Indian media reported. Bajrang Dal is a right-wing Hindu nationalist youth organization affiliated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, known for activism around Hindutva issues in India. The incident dates back to Dec. 24, when a group of men allegedly barged into the mall armed with sticks and damaged Christmas-themed decorations a day ahead of the festival. Vandalism&nbsp;Videos of the vandalism circulated widely on social media, showing festive installations being destroyed in the presence of shoppers and staff.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 600px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2004056933062549907&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fmedia-library%2F&sessionId=3e0b7d10fff2d541d135e8c2f166b52a2a9a97f9&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Police later arrested six Bajrang Dal workers on Dec. 27 in connection with the incident. A magistrate&#39;s court in Raipur initially denied bail to the accused. However, a sessions court subsequently granted them bail, following which the six walked out of jail on Thursday. Their release was followed by a procession organized by supporters, who welcomed them with garlands, drums, and celebratory music. &lsquo;Isai missionary murdabad&rsquo;Videos shared online showed the men being carried on shoulders while slogans such as &ldquo;Isai missionary murdabad&rdquo; (Death to Christian Missionaries) and &ldquo;Jai Shri Ram&rdquo; (Victory to Lord Ram) were raised.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 1074px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2007311600441835520&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fmedia-library%2F&sessionId=3e0b7d10fff2d541d135e8c2f166b52a2a9a97f9&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Bajrang Dal state coordinator Rishi Mishra defended the celebration, stating that there was nothing inappropriate about organizing a procession for those released on bail, Indian media reported. He claimed the incident was linked to protests against alleged religious conversions in Chhattisgarh and said slogans reflected that sentiment. The vandalism occurred on the day a Hindutva group had called for a state-wide &quot;bandh&quot; (shutdown) to protest alleged illegal religious conversions. The bandh followed communal tensions in Bade Teoda village of Kanker district, where clashes broke out on Dec. 16 and 17 over the burial of a Christian individual. Public show of intimidation&nbsp;Fresh violence was reported from the same village on Dec. 18 after a mob breached police barricades. A case against the six accused has been registered at the Telibandha Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including trespassing, causing damage to property, rioting, unlawful assembly, and causing hurt. Civil society groups and minority organizations have criticized the celebratory welcome, arguing that it turns a routine legal process into a public show of intimidation. Police officials said investigations into the Magneto Mall vandalism are ongoing and that legal proceedings will continue.

Six Bajrang Dal members accused of vandalizing Christmas decorations at Raipur’s Magneto Mall were released on bail and publicly welcomed by supporters with garlands, drums, and slogans, drawing criticism and highlighting continuing communal tensions in India.

In India, right-wing Hindu militants celebrated after bail in Christmas vandalism case

ISLAMABAD: India&rsquo;s opposition party Congress has strongly criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party following the arrest of a Christian priest and 11 others during a Christmas prayer meeting in Nagpur, Maharashtra, alleging that the incident reflected a &ldquo;hate-filled agenda of religious bigotry.&rdquo; According to party leaders, Maharashtra police arrested 12 people, including Father Sudhir, a Malayali priest of the Church of South India (CSI) South Kerala Diocese, Nagpur Mission, and his wife Jasmine, after a complaint was allegedly filed by activists of the right-wing Bajrang Dal, Indian media reported on Wednesday. Bajrang Dal is a right‑wing activist group in India often described as a hardline outfit affiliated with the Vishva Hindu Parishad that mobilizes youth around Hindu nationalist causes and has frequently featured in media reports on communal tensions and protests. The arrests reportedly took place around 8 p.m. on Wednesday while a Christmas prayer meeting was underway in Nagpur. Congress leaders further claimed that some individuals who later went to the police station to enquire about the arrests were also taken into custody, and cases were registered against them. &lsquo;Unlivable for all minorities&rsquo;Congress MP and general secretary K.C. Venugopal described the incident as &ldquo;highly condemnable&rdquo; in a post on X, alleging that the BJP was &ldquo;using the state machinery to harass Christians under the bogus pretense of religious conversions.&rdquo; He said that growing polarization had made life &ldquo;unlivable for all minorities&rdquo; in BJP-ruled states and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the FIR against the priest.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 345px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2006346591884497255&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=540f4e4c6e04dafb7862c8f834f012a856302552&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Venugopal also called for strict action against those he described as &ldquo;Bajrang Dal goons,&rdquo; alleging their actions led to what he termed a &ldquo;frivolous case.&rdquo; &ldquo;Those who take law into their own hands and destroy the secular fabric envisioned in our Constitution must be the ones receiving punishment, not innocent citizens,&rdquo; Venugopal said.&nbsp;Call for urgent intervention&nbsp;Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan also condemned the arrests and sought urgent intervention from the center and the Maharashtra government. Tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a post on X, he demanded the immediate release of all those arrested.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 624px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2006290744508834178&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=540f4e4c6e04dafb7862c8f834f012a856302552&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>In a letter, Satheesan stated that Father Sudhir is a native of Amaravila in Thiruvananthapuram district and has been serving in Maharashtra for the past five years, while the remaining 10 arrested individuals are residents of Maharashtra. He said all those detained were being held at the Benoda Police Station and were likely to be produced before a court shortly, noting that attempts by CSI representatives to secure bail at the police station were unsuccessful. Describing the episode as alarming, Satheesan said the arrests raised serious concerns about violations of constitutional rights, particularly the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion.

Opposition leaders condemn the arrest of Father Sudhir and 11 others during a Christmas prayer in Nagpur, accusing the BJP and Bajrang Dal of harassment and demanding the immediate release of those arrested.

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