www.thestatesman.com | @TheStatesmanLtd FOLLOW US: India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 16 8th Day Snan Yatra: Journey of Lord Jagannath’s cosmic but human aspect Committed to ensuring fair probe: Ram Temple Trust STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Ayodhya, 27 June The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has issued an official statement on the recent controversies surrounding the Ram Temple, stating that the Trust is deeply saddened and concerned by the incidents that unfolded within the temple complex. The Trust clarified on Saturday that the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr Anil Mishra have been received, and a decision will be taken at the Trust’s next meeting. The Trust assured that an impartial investigation is being conducted into the entire matter, and strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty. It also appealed to devotees not to believe any misleading or unverified information. The Trust further stated that the recent incidents in Ayodhya have hurt everyone and that it’s objective is to bring the facts to light and maintain the trust of devotees. It stated that the complete records of devotees who personally donated silver bricks, jewellery, or other valuables to temple officials are safe and secure, and all items are protected. The Uttar Pradesh government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) following complaints of alleged irregularities in the funds received from the donation box. Following the receipt of the interim report, the Trust filed an FIR, and further legal proceedings are underway. | @thestatesmanltd ` 5.00 | People’s Parliament, Always in Session thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR Evolve | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | 28 June 2026 S P O RT S The Statesman: Tale of how a teacher inspires her students with newspaper stories Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 to top Group H, send two-time champions crashing out Page 16 PM Modi begins Seychelles visit, highlights maritime partnership STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 27 June P rime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday on a three-day state visit, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the strategically important Indian Ocean nation and describing Seychelles as a trusted maritime partner and close friend. Mr Modi was received at the airport by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, marking the start of a visit that coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. The Prime Minister is visiting the island nation at the invitation of President Herminie and will participate as the Guest of Honour at the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations. Shortly after his arrival, Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and underscored the significance of the bilateral relationship. “Landed in Seychelles. Deeply appreciate the warm welcome extended at the airport by Dr Patrick Herminie,” Mr Modi said in a post on X. “Seychelles is a valued maritime partner and a close friend in the Indian Ocean. Looking forward to a productive visit aimed at further strengthening our longstanding ties and enhancing cooperation for the benefit of the people of our nations,” he added. During his visit, Mr Modi is scheduled to hold talks with the Seychelles leadership on a range of issues, including maritime security, defence cooperation, development partnerships, climate resilience, capacity building and regional stability in the Indian Ocean Region. The discussions are expected to further deepen a partnership that has grown steadily over the decades. India and Seychelles have enjoyed close diplomatic relations since the establishment of ties, with New Delhi emerging as one of the island nation’s key development partners. Indian assistance has supported projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education and human resource development, while maritime cooperation has become a cornerstone of bilateral engagement amid growing strategic interest in the Indian Ocean. In a symbolic gesture reflecting the two countries’ shared commitment to environmental conservation, Mr Modi planted a sapling of the rare Coco de Mer palm at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden in the presence of President Herminie. The tree plantation was carried out under India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative and highlighted the emphasis both nations place on sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Prime Minister and the Seychelles President also visited the Giant Tortoise Enclosure at the National Botanical Garden, showcasing the island nation’s unique biodiversity and conservation efforts. Govt rejects misrepresentation of Rajnath’s address on Op Sindoor : New Delhi: The Centre on Saturday rejected misrepresentation of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s address in Parliament on 28 July last year on Operation Sindoor. Issuing a clarification, the Ministry of Defence in a statement said certain posts circulating on social media platforms have sought to misrepresent the Defence Minister’s address delivered on the floor of Parliament on 28 July 2025: “These posts have selectively quoted an isolated portion of the speech to falsely imply that the Defence Minister claimed that no Indian soldier lost his life during Operation Sindoor. These are deliberately misleading and factually incorrect”.