FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | Monday, 13 July 2026 SPORTS PERSPECTIVE NATION Rebel nightingale of South India who rejected Padma award Unfinished battles that Pakistan must fight WORLD US & Iran launch fresh attacks amid Strait of Hormuz conflict Page 7 Indian missing after ship attack in Gulf, Delhi urges de-escalation ARTI BALI New Delhi, 12 July T he government on Sunday condemned the attack on a commercial vessel off Oman’s coast that left one Indian national missing, stating that repeated assaults on shipping in the region were “deeply worrisome” and calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions. One Indian national remains missing after the Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy commercial vessel carrying 11 Indians came under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, while 10 others have been rescued, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday. The government condemned the attack on the vessel, and said its embassy in Oman was coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation. “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 11 Indian nationals on board, 10 have been rescued so far, while one Indian national is reportedly missing,” the MEA said in a statement. “The Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation,” it added, while thanking Omani authorities for their assistance. The ministry expressed concern over repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region and called for an immediate reduction in tensions. “The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region,” the MEA said. It said attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must end, urging all sides to restore free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law. The latest incident has renewed concerns over the safety of seafarers and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which has emerged as a key flashpoint in the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Caught in the crossfire of geopolitical rivalries, commercial ships and their crews have increasingly become vulnerable targets as military operations and maritime restrictions intensify in the strategic waterway. The incident comes as the United States and Iran launched fresh attacks and counterattacks on Sunday in an escalating confrontation over control of the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington saying it carried out a new wave of large-scale strikes on Iranian military targets and Tehran saying it retaliated by attacking US military facilities across the Gulf as it declared the strategic waterway closed. India has previously raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers and commercial vessels operating in the region, including at the highest levels. The government had repeatedly called for an end to attacks on commercial shipping after Indian-crewed tankers were hit during the United States/ Israel war against Iran, including an incident in which three Indian sailors were killed. (Representational image) Ritabrata camp claims court has recognised its national executive as only lawful Trinamul authority STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 12 July The Trinamul Congress faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee (photo) claimed a major legal victory in the ongoing battle for control of the party, asserting that an Alipore court has recognised the National Executive Committee elected at the party’s special session on 22 June as the only lawful body authorised to administer the organisation. Addressing a Press conference on Sunday, Mr Banerjee said the court had ruled that the National Executive Committee constituted at the special session held on 22 June 2026, “constitutes the only lawful executive body authorised to administer the activities of the Trinamul Congress.” Quoting from the court order, he said: “The National Executive Committee elected at the special session held on 22 June 2026 constitutes the only lawful executive body authorised to administer the activities of the Trinamul Congress.” According to Mr Banerjee, the order further restrains any rival faction from claiming to represent the party or interfering with its functioning. He added that no one else can claim to be the representatives or office-bearers of the party. “The court has also restrained them from interfering in the administration of the party and they cannot issue any direction,” he said, referring to the Kalighat faction of the party led by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee. He further quoted the order as saying that rival groups have no authority over the party’s records, funds, bank accounts or properties and “constitutional and statutory authorities cannot be communicated with, in the Ram Temple Trust set for major changes at 22 July meet MANOJ BHADRA Ayodhya, 12 July The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to undergo major organisational changes in the wake of the theft of offerings at the Ram Temple. Old committees will be dissolved and reorganised. To strengthen the administrative system, new members may be assigned responsibilities in some committees, a senior VHP leader confirmed on Sunday. A decision on the proposed restructuring is likely to be taken at the Trust’s next meeting, scheduled for 22 July at Mani Ram Das Cantonment. Sources said the restructuring of the Trust’s various committees has assumed significance in the wake of the theft of offerings. Page 12 Page 9 Page 4 New members are expected to be assigned responsibilities in certain committees, while decisions may also be taken to further strengthen the administrative framework. With the Chairman’s permission, other important issues related to the temple’s administrative set-up, security, the system for counting offerings, and organisational reforms may also be discussed. Notices regarding the 22 July meeting have been sent to all trustees by the Trust’s interim General Secretary, Dr Krishna Mohan. The main meeting will commence at 4:00 p.m, preceded by a special meeting at 3 p.m. Discussions regarding the formulation of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with the bank will also take place during the meeting. During the meeting, selections will be made to fill three vacant positions in the Trust, and final approval will be given to the names. Two positions have been vacant since the resignations of former General Secretary Champat Rai and Dr Anil Mishra, while one position has been vacant following the demise of Raja Bimalendra Mohan Pratap Mishra. • Editorial: Trust and Temple - Page 6 name of the Trinamul Congress” by any person or body other than the recognised National Executive Committee. Mr Banerjee said the court had made it clear that the working committee headed by Arup Roy alone was legally empowered to administer all affairs of the Trinamool Congress. Describing the verdict as a landmark judgment, he said: “The days of muscle power overriding party rules are over.” “Any attempt to forcibly occupy Trinamul Bhavan in Kolkata or any other party office in the state would also be illegal,” Mr Banerjee said. Explaining the background of the case, Me Banerjee said the litigation had been initiated by ordinary party workers after a special session of the Trinamool Congress was held at a hotel in Kolkata on 22 June. At that session, he said, a new National Executive Committee was elected in accordance with the party constitution and Arup Roy was chosen as its chairperson. He alleged that despite the formation of the new committee, some individuals had continued to use the party’s name and attempted to enter party offices to create confusion. “The court’s observations have now separated fact from fiction,” he said. Mr Banerjee said a copy of the court order had already been circulated among party workers and the leadership would shortly meet legal advisers to decide the next course of action. He warned that any attempt by expelled or rival leaders to function in the name of the All India Trinamul Congress or forcibly enter party offices would invite strict criminal proceedings based on the court’s order. Mortal remains of 15 Indians killed in Phu Quoc boat mishap reach Ho Chi Minh City STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 12 July The Indian Embassy in Vietnam on Sunday began arrangements for the repatriation of the mortal remains of 15 Indian nationals who lost their lives in a boat accident near Phu Quoc Island, as Vietnamese authorities launched a probe into the tragedy. The Embassy said the bodies have reached Ho Chi Minh City and would be sent to India after completion of the required procedures. “The mortal remains of 15 Indian Nationals who tragically passed away in yesterday’s boat accident have reached Ho Chi Minh City. After completion of formalities at Ho Chi Minh, the mortal remains will be transported to India at the earliest,” the Embassy said in a statement. The mission said Indian diplomatic officials and Vietnamese authorities were working together to complete the process smoothly. “The Embassy and the Consulate teams are closely coordinating with the Vietnamese authorities, who are committed to providing all assistance for the earliest transportation of the mortal remains to India,” it said. The Embassy also said efforts were underway for the recovery of the survivor who remains admitted to a hospital in Phu Quoc. • Related report: Page 4 Julian Alvarez scores stunner to set up blockbuster Argentina vs England semi-final Govt convenes all-party meeting ahead of Monsoon Session of Parliament STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 12 July The government has convened an all-party meeting on 19 July, a day ahead of the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, where the government is expected to outline its legislative agenda and the Opposition parties spell out the issues they intend to raise during the session. The all-party meeting, held ahead of every Parliament session, would begin at 11 a.m, officials said. The government has a heavy legislative agenda, and several significant bills are expected to be taken up during the session. The session is expected to be tumultuous, with some Opposition parties having seen rifts and splits in recent weeks. The Trinamul Congress has witnessed turmoil after the defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with 20 of its MPs having “merged” with the National Citizens Party of India. They have sought separate seating in the Lok Sabha. Three party MPs resigned their Rajya Sabha seats and have joined the BJP. There has been a further split in the Shiv Sena (UBT) with six of the party’s MPs in the Lok Sabha joining the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Seven AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha had joined the BJP earlier. The Opposition is likely to raise the NEET-UG paper leak case and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks on casualties in Operation Sindoor. The Congress has moved a breach of privilege notice against the Defence Minister. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju earlier said that the Monsoon Session of Parliament will be held from 20 July to 13 August. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the proposed 130th Constitution Amendment Bill is also expected to adopt its report on 17 July before submitting it to Parliament. The Bill has sparked political debate over a provision that mandates the automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and Union or state ministers from office if they remain in judicial custody for 30 consecutive days in cases involving serious offences. In its report, the panel is understood to have proposed that the term “removal” be replaced with “suspension”, i.e., “ministers facing specified criminal charges should be suspended, not permanently removed, pending the outcome of legal proceedings”.