#illegal encroachment

[muffinlevelchicanery]

History may not fully repeat itself but it rhymes. Arms embargo now! Land back now!!

[kingofmyborrowedheart]

I’ve never heard of some of these penalties. “Illegal batting” sounds like something I’d say to my cat when she swats at me.

[rightnewshindi]

कानपुर में रोहिंग्या की अवैध बस्तियों पर चला प्रशासन का बुलडोजर, 50 से ज्यादा अवैध कब्जे ध्वस्त

कानपुर में रोहिंग्या की अवैध बस्तियों पर चला प्रशासन का बुलडोजर, 50 से ज्यादा अवैध कब्जे ध्वस्त #news #viral #trending #update #newspaper #breakingnews #currentaffairs #dailynews #newsletter #newspapers #newsupdate #People #Media #info #Journalism #Press

Uttar Pradesh News: कानपुर जिले में गुरुवार को रेलवे ट्रैक के किनारे रोहिंग्या की अवैध बस्तियों पर प्रशासन का बुलडोजर चलने से इलाके में हड़कंप मच गया. इस कार्रवाई में 50 से अधिक कच्चे-पक्के अवैध कब्जों को ध्वस्त कर दिया गया. यह कदम साबरमती एक्सप्रेस हादसा और कालिंदी एक्सप्रेस को पलटाने की साजिश के मामलों की जांच के बीच उठाया गया, जिससे रेलवे ट्रैक की सुरक्षा को मजबूत किया जा सके.दरअसल, एक दिन…

[townpostin]

Railway Issues Eviction Notice for Unauthorized Construction in Jamshedpur

Tatanagar Railway Engineering Dept. gives two-month deadline to vacate land in Bagbera Naya Basti The Tatanagar Railway Engineering Department has issued an eviction notice for unauthorized construction on railway land in Bagbera Naya Basti. JAMSHEDPUR – Pramod Bhagat has been granted two months by the railway authorities to vacate the land and demolish a partially constructed house in Bagbera…

[seemabhatnagar]

“Delhi HC Orders CBI Probe into Tragic Drowning of 3 IAS Aspirants at Rau's Coaching”

Kutumb through its trustee v. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors. along with Amrik Singh Babbar (Library) v. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors.

W.P.(C)-10550/2024 & CM APPL. 43292/2024 In W.P.(C)-13308/2023

Before The Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the deaths of three civil services aspirants who drowned in the basement of an IAS coaching center in Rajendra Nagar. The direction came from an Division Bench comprising Acting Hon'ble Mr. Chief Justice Manmohan J andHon'ble Mr. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela J acknowledging the seriousness of the incident and potential corruption by public servants.

Query by Court:

What caused the water to accumulate in the basement?

Why was the infrastructure not upgraded to prevent such incidents?

Who sanctioned the building plan, and was there any negligence in ensuring safety compliance?

Submission by MCD Commissioner:

The stormwater drain is dysfunctional and encroached upon by residents.

The physical infrastructure in Delhi is outdated and poorly maintained.

Measures will be taken to make the drains functional and remove encroachments and illegal constructions.

Submission by Delhi Police (ASG Sanjay Jain):

The investigation was carried out under extreme stress.

Further scientific investigation is needed.

The owner of the building has been arrested, but MCD officials have not been personally questioned yet.

Court's Observations:

Physical Infrastructure:

The physical infrastructure in Delhi, laid down 75 years ago, is inadequate and poorly maintained.

There is a need for modern physical, financial, and administrative infrastructure to cope with Delhi's growing population of over 3 crores.

MCD's Role:

The supervising officers of MCD are not performing their duties adequately.

The MCD was criticized for not respecting judicial orders and lacking accountability, with references to ongoing issues of unauthorized construction and inadequate enforcement.

There was negligence in repairing the stormwater drain and supervising the building's safety measures.

Investigation:

The investigation by Delhi Police was not handled scientifically.

The Court stressed the importance of conducting the investigation scientifically and without stress.

The involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was deemed necessary to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation.

Court's Proceedings and Orders:

Transfer of Investigation:

The Court transferred the investigation to the CBI to ensure public confidence in the investigation process.

MCD Directives:

The MCD Commissioner was directed to ensure that the stormwater drains are functional.

Encroachments and illegal constructions in the area should be removed immediately.

Formation of Committee:

A committee headed by the Chief Secretary of GNCTD, MCD Commissioner, Commissioner Delhi Police, and DDA VC was constituted.

The committee was directed to submit its report within four weeks.

Court's Remarks to Delhi Police:

The Court emphasized the need for a transparent and factual investigation.

The Delhi Police was advised to conduct the investigation without stress and focus on scientific methods.

Compliance with Safety Regulations:

The Court referred to previous incidents and the lack of preventive measures taken by the authorities.

It highlighted the ongoing issue of illegal commercial buildings operating without proper approvals and safety clearances.

Seema Bhatnagar

[4rtheyenews]

अवैध अतिक्रमण करने वालों को दी गई स्वयं ही अतिक्रमण हटाने की हिदायत

 राजनांदगांव 09 दिसम्बर 2023। कलेक्टर श्री डोमन सिंह के निर्देशानुसार जिले में कानून व्यवस्था बनाए रखने के लिए जुआ-सट्टा, अवैध अतिक्रमण एवं चखना दुकानों पर लगातार कार्रवाई की जा रही है। जिसके अंतर्गत जिले भर में जिला प्रशासन, पुलिस प्रशासन, नगर निगम व नगर पंचायत की संयुक्त टीम द्वारा कड़ी कार्रवाई की जा रही है। एसडीएम राजनांदगांव श्री अरूण वर्मा ने बताया कि शासकीय मेडिकल कॉलेज परिसर पेंड्री में…

[shehzadi]

so far, nearly 3 weeks on from the inauguration of ram mandir, indian authorities have demolished as many masjids and/or madrasas.

30.01.24 - akhoonji masjid & madrasa in delhi, also destroying a cemetery, shrine and all the students’ belongings in the process.

01.02.24 - a madrasa in maharashtra despite facing opposition from local muslims and one day before its scheduled court appeal.

08.02.24 - a masjid & madrasa in uttarakhand. this comes one day after uttarakhand became the first state to pass the uniform civil code (x, x) which aims to apply a ‘hindu code’ to all indians, infringing on the rights of dalits, adivasis, sikhs, christians, buddhists and muslims (i.e. anybody non-hindu) to practice their religion/lifestyle. muslim women protesting the demolition were lathi-charged (beaten with sticks) by police, a shoot-on-sight order was given resulting in 6 muslims killed and 300+ injured in the riots that followed, a curfew was put in place during which hindutva mobs burned down muslim homes and businesses while shouting abuse at muslims.

as always, no prior notice was given and bjp used it’s gold-standard excuse for each demolition, citing ‘illegal encroachment’.

in addition to these masjid demolitions, indian authorities bulldozed 2 neighbourhoods (ghettos, really) in the same timeframe and also without prior notice:

01.02.24 - jasola slum, which, having been around for at least 16 years, should not have been demolished without providing alternative housing, as the delhi slum policy states for slums which came up before 2015. obviously, housing hasn’t been provided.

06.02.24 - panchsheel nagar in mumbai which, having been around since 2011, entitled residents to paid rehabilitation, which has also not been given. this has left over 110 families homeless.

the demographic of both neighbourhoods, surprise surprise, is overwhelmingly muslim, buddhist and dalit.

bjp is enjoying the cover it is receiving from israel’s genocide in palestine to do whatever it wants and is getting bolder by the day. this ‘bulldozer justice’ has been happening for years, but not at such a rapid rate as it is now.

[best24news]

Bhiwadi Crime: रेहडी लगाने को लेकर अवैध वसूली, अतिक्रमण हटाने गई टीम पर पथराव

Bhiwadi Crime: रेहडी लगाने को लेकर अवैध वसूली, अतिक्रमण हटाने गई टीम पर पथराव

भिवाड़ी: भिवाड़ी के सेंट्रल मार्केट के सामने अतिक्रमण हटाने गई नगर परिषद की टीम पर कुछ महिलाओं ने पत्थरों से हमला कर दिया। इस पत्थरबाजी में एक महिला घायल हो गई। पत्थरबाजी से अफरा तफरी मच गई। सूचना पर मौके पर पहुंचे फूलबाग थाना के सब इंस्पेक्टर रमाशंकर शर्मा ने बताया कि कुछ लोगों के द्वारा कर्मचारियों पर पत्थरबाजी की गई है। जिनके खिलाफ कड़ी कार्रवाई की जाएगी। Haryana News: रेवाडी में छह घंटे चला…

[metamatar]

How do I argue with someone who says integration (Indians moving to Kashmir Valley) is good?

ask them if its fair that kashmiris homes get destroyed and seized by the indian army and then indians from the mainland get to buy the land for cheap. if their answer is yes they are beyond your or my reach. this moving of indians to the valley is not some idealised "natural" migration happening in the absence of the ideological motives of hindutva forces that have long aimed to resettle kashmir to make it more hindu.

(frontline's paywall can be broken using reader mode on your browser)

[queersatanic]

[This post is a series of images from an infographic by the Slow Factory Foundation originally posted May 2021. The first image is a photo with text over it. The photo shows a massive fireball in the middle of a group of buildings, with a massive black cloud rising from the flames that is bigger than the buildings themselves. The building just behind the fireball is low, rectangular, and lit up bright orange. Behind that building, there is a city lit up at night. Hundreds of buildings stretching into the distance, a thousand glimmering lights.]

What is happening in Palestine is not complicated; it's settler colonialism & ethnic cleansing.

Debunking Misinformation around Palestine.

Myth ❌ Palestine and Israel are in "conflict."

Fact ✅ What is happening in Palestine is settler colonialism, military occupation, land theft and ethnic cleansing. A conflict means there is equal footing, which is not the case. There is an active oppressor (Israel) and an oppressed (Palestine). A colonizer (Israel) and a colonized (Palestine). This is not a conflict.

[Three images of headlines with the word 'conflict' crossed out in red ink.]

Note: According to the Congressional Research Service,

Israeli military occupation has been supported by US aid with $3.8bn a year paid for by U.S. tax dollars since 2016 for the next 10 years.

It's also supported by other colonial countries including Canada, Australia, France and Belgium.

Myth ❌ Before Israel came to Palestine, it was "just a desert" and Israel made the desert green.

Fact ✅ Before the occupation of Israel, Palestine had green, rich and lush land. In fact, Palestine respected the biodiversity of their Indigenous land: Palestinians were producing 92% of Palestine's grain, 99% of its olives and 95% of its melons to name a few.

Since Israel's occupation, biodiversity has decreased. Israel removed Indigenous plants from the land to plant European Invasive species. This phenomenon is called green colonialism, which has been discussed in depth by many, including Naomi Klein in "Let Them Drown."

Myth ❌ Sheikh Jarrah is the only neighborhood in Palestine that is in danger.

Fact ✅ Israel has been gradually stealing Palestinian land, destroying and ethnically cleansing entire Palestinian villages, violently displacing families and building illegal settlements on top them since the first Nakba ('catastrophe' in Arabic) in 1948, where almost 600 Palestinian villages were destroyed, Palestinian history erased and half the Palestinian population were expelled from their homes.

Myth (cont'd.) ❌ Sheikh Jarrah is the only neighborhood in Palestine that is in danger.

Fact ✅ Over the past few decades, the state of Israel has continued the settler colonial project, and Sheikh Jarrah is the latest and not the last neighborhood being violently threatened with dispossession, which Israel has no legal right to do.

[Images of a map showing the drastic decrease in Palestinian landmass from 1946 to 2019. In 1946, Palestine was 99% Palestinian land. In 1947, it decreased to 40%. In 1967, to 30%. And in 2019, less than 20% of Palestine is Palestinian land. The remaining areas are being encroached on by occupied Palestinian land, meaning occupied by Israelis. The rest is Israeli land.]

The mainstream media has been supporting these myths by spreading misinformation that conceal Israel's ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestine by saying it's a two-sided conflict, framing Palestinian resistance as terrorism and normalizing the state of Israel.

To learn more about Palestine and the ongoing fight for liberation, follow Palestinian-led organizations, media and frontline activists. [@Instagram / Facebook]

@theimeu / Institute for Middle East Understanding ( IMEU )

@eye.on.palestine

@palestinianyouthmovement / Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM)- حركة الشباب الفلسطيني

@jewishvoiceforpeace / Jewish Voice for Peace

@visualizing_palestine / Visualizing Palestine

@wolpalestine [Censored by Meta]

@mohammedelkurd / Mohammed El-Kurd

@muna.elkurd15 / Muna Nabeel Elkurd

@nouraerakat / Noura Erakat

Sources & Suggested Reading

Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Davis

Let Them Drown by Naomi Klein

Black Power and Palestine by Michael Fischbach

Orientalism by Edward Said

The Question of Palestine by Edward Said

Palestine by Joe Sacco

"Zionist Logic — Malcolm X on Zionism" in The Egyptian Gazette, Sept. 17, 1964

On Palestine by Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappé

The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappé

[End of images]

[is-the-owl-video-cute]

It’s one thing to learn about genocides that were so extreme the whole world remembers them, but I’ve never been alive or (or perhaps just never aware, I’m not thaat young) when they happened. This is the first for me, and probably many ignorant or young people like me, but it’s so utterly blatant and extreme. And my country enables it like a fucking trust fund for human horrors.

I want to be sick. I wish bad people in the world would suffer, it seems like such an awful rarity

I wish it were rarer than it is. The only thing rare about genocide is that it’s rare for a lot of larger countries like america to notice or care. The Nazis would sometimes scoff at the idea they’d have consequences for their atrocities citing that no one remembered the Armenians. And even now the Armenian people continue to be victims of genocide. The only reason people had any awareness of it was because System of a Down released two songs to raise awareness but even then people forgot quickly. The West doesn’t even recognize genocide happening in its own countries, note the lack of attention to the continued quiet kidnappings and illegal forced sterilizations towards native Americans and Latin Americans seeking asylum, not to mention the continuous encroachment on and exploitation of what little land is left for natives.

There are atrocities everywhere, and Palestine has been victim to this genocide for the better part of a century and it’s only NOW that any of their voices have been heard by other nations? And the UN is still ignoring Israel afaik.

So it’s not that genocide is rare it’s that it’s under-reported because genocide tactic 101 is to control the narrative and prevent the press from reporting what’s actually happening.

[townpostin]

Railway Land Clearance Operation in Jugsalai, Jamshedpur

Dozens of illegal structures demolished; RPF and local police ensure security In a major anti-encroachment drive, the Railway Land Department cleared illegal structures on railway property in Jugsalai, Jamshedpur. JAMSHEDPUR – The Railway Land Department conducted a significant operation to remove encroachments from railway land in Jugsalai, Jamshedpur. The operation targeted unauthorized…

[wonderlanddreamer]

[1929] The Iron Forge, Birmingham.

Bonnie Gold should not have been boxing in an illegal, underground fight club, and Lydia Shelby certainly should not have been there watching.

[Part of The Lydia Saga]

The late afternoon sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue that enveloped the sprawling estate of Arrow House in a soft, glowing embrace. The light filtered through the grand windows, painting the room with a gentle amber wash that danced across the polished wooden walls. Inside, the air was thick with the familiar scents of smoke and whiskey, mingling with the faint, comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea that wafted from the expansive kitchen.

Lydia Shelby stood in her elegantly appointed room, a sanctuary that offered a respite from the grandeur of their surroundings. She faced a large, ornate mirror, its edges gilded and reflecting an old-world charm befitting the opulence of Arrow House. With careful precision, she pinned a stray lock of her long, dark hair back into place. Her blue eyes, striking and intense, reflected back at her, revealing a spark of excitement as she prepared for an evening out with her friends. She wore a simple yet elegant dress that flowed around her with a grace that belied its simplicity, its deep emerald hue enhancing the brilliance of her eyes. As she fastened a silver locket around her neck, the door creaked open, its sound a familiar intrusion in the quiet.

Tommy Shelby, her older brother, stepped into the doorway, his presence as commanding as ever. He leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, his posture a mix of authority and familial care. “Going out, are we?” he asked, his voice a deep, steady rumble that filled the room.

Lydia turned to face him, a gentle smile tugging at her lips, a blend of affection and amusement. “Yes, I'm going to the pictures with Annie and Stanley,” she replied, her voice carrying a youthful lilt.

Tommy studied her for a moment, his gaze a mixture of protectiveness and respect for her independence. “Be back by nine, Lydia. You know how things can get after dark,” he advised, his tone firm yet caring.

She met his gaze, her eyes a blend of affection and a hint of defiance, a testament to her Shelby spirit. “I can handle myself, Tommy,” she assured him, her voice steady and confident.

A smirk played on his lips, a spark of pride lighting his eyes. “I’ve no doubt about that,” he remarked, a hint of teasing in his tone. There was a brief pause, and Tommy walked over to her, placing a tender kiss to the top of her head. “But still, be careful.”

Lydia placed a reassuring hand on his arm, a gesture of both affection and promise. “I will. And I promise I’ll be back by nine,” she vowed, her voice carrying the weight of sincerity.

With a slight nod, Tommy stepped aside, granting her passage with a simple yet profound gesture. “Have fun,” he said. 

The lively streets of Birmingham thrummed with life, a vibrant tapestry of sounds and sights that enveloped Lydia as she made her way toward the meeting spot. The chatter of passersby mingled with the occasional clang of industry, creating a symphony that was uniquely Birmingham. The air was crisp, carrying with it the subtle promise of a cool evening, and the bustling energy of the city seemed to breathe life into Lydia's steps, quickening her pace with an unspoken anticipation.

As she turned onto a quieter street, the noise of the city softened, and she spotted her friends gathered beneath the flickering glow of a gas lamp outside the local confectionery shop. The lamp cast a warm, welcoming circle of light on the pavement, highlighting her friends' familiar figures against the encroaching dusk.

Anna was the first to notice Lydia's approach. Her face lit up with a bright smile that seemed to mirror the lamp's glow. Petite and lively, Anna's curly auburn hair bounced with each enthusiastic nod, her eyes twinkling with their usual mischief. Beside her stood Stanley, a lanky boy with a mop of sandy hair, whose easygoing nature was evident in his relaxed posture. His hands were casually stuffed into the pockets of his tweed jacket as he leaned against the lamppost, exuding a laid-back charm.

“There you are, Lydia!” Anna called out, her voice bubbling with excitement as she hurried over to greet her friend with a quick, warm embrace. “We were beginning to think you’d changed your mind.”

“Not at all,” Lydia laughed, returning the hug with equal warmth. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”

Stanley chimed in with a nod, his grin broadening at the sight of their reunited trio. “It’s not often we’re all actually free to meet up,” he remarked, his tone light and cheerful. “But, speaking of plans, Anna’s got a new idea.”

Anna's eyes sparkled with an infectious excitement as she gestured for Lydia and Stanley to huddle closer. Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, adding an edge of intrigue to her words. “I heard there’s a big boxing match at a new place that just opened in Digbeth tonight,” she revealed, her enthusiasm almost palpable. “They say it’s something you don’t want to miss.”

Lydia hesitated, her gaze shifting between her friends as she weighed the proposal. “A boxing match? I don’t know, Anna. You know my brothers wouldn’t be too thrilled about me going anywhere like that alone,” she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

“Oh, come on, Lydia,” Anna coaxed, her tone playful and persuasive. “It’s just for a little while. We can still catch the late showing at the pictures afterward. Besides, you're not alone. Stanley and I will be there too.”

Sensing Lydia’s reluctance, Stanley joined in, his voice gentle yet encouraging. “It could be fun, Lydia. Something different, you know? We’ll stick together, and if it feels off, we’ll leave straight away.”

Lydia bit her lip, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She was all too familiar with Tommy’s protective nature, and the idea of defying his wishes caused a ripple of unease. Yet, the allure of adventure and the eager, hopeful faces of her friends tugged insistently at her curiosity. The Shelby spark within her stirred, whispering that sometimes, rules were meant to be bent, if not broken.

“Alright,” Lydia finally agreed, a trace of exhilaration creeping into her voice. “But just for a little while. And if anything feels wrong, we leave, agreed?”

Anna clapped her hands together in delight, her face a portrait of triumph, while Stanley gave a decisive nod. “Agreed!” they both echoed.

The trio navigated the intricate streets of Birmingham, their destination a nondescript building sandwiched between a butcher’s shop and an old cobbler’s. Above the entrance, a faded sign read ‘The Iron Forge,’ its letters barely discernible in the dim glow of the early evening. At the threshold, Lydia paused, her instincts tingling with caution, but Anna and Stanley moved ahead, driven by palpable excitement.

Inside, a narrow corridor greeted them, leading to a steep staircase spiralling down into the building's depths. The walls, clad in peeling wallpaper, seemed to close in as they descended, and the air grew denser, more oppressive. Muffled voices and distant cheers reverberated through the walls, growing clearer with each step downward.

At the bottom, they entered a vast basement, the atmosphere alive with an electric mix of anticipation and rebellion. The room was bathed in dim light, flickering lanterns casting eery shadows, while cigarette embers punctuated the darkness. The mingling scents of sweat, smoke, and alcohol formed an intoxicating haze that clung to the air.

The space teemed with a diverse crowd—men and women clustered around rough wooden tables, deep in animated conversations or engrossed in games of chance. In one corner, a group exchanged money, whispering amongst themselves, their eyes darting nervously across the room.

Dominating the centre was a makeshift boxing ring, outlined by a simple rope, where two fighters squared off, their fists wrapped and ready. The crowd pressed close, eager faces illuminated by the dim glow, their shouts and cheers bouncing off the low ceiling.

Lydia’s unease intensified as she absorbed the scene. It was immediately evident that The Iron Forge was no ordinary venue; it was an illegal fight club, operating in secret beyond the reach of the law. The air thrummed with a dangerous energy, and despite no overt attention, Lydia felt the weight of invisible eyes upon her. What she knew for certain was that The Iron Forge lay outside the radar of the Peaky Blinders, offering her and her friends no protection.

“I don’t like this,” Lydia murmured, leaning into Anna and Stanley. Her instincts screamed to retreat, to climb the stairs back into the safety of the streets above.

Anna, undeterred, scanned the room for a vantage point. “Look, there’s a spot over there,” she said, pointing to a small clearing near the ring's edge. “We’ll have a great view.”

Stanley nodded, slipping his arm around Lydia's shoulder to reassure her. “Come on, Lydia. It’ll be fine. We’ll watch one match, and then we can go.”

Lydia hesitated, her heart a drumbeat in her chest. Yet, the thrill in her friends' eyes was infectious, and she found herself, against her better judgement, trailing behind them as they weaved through the horde of spectators.

Settling into their chosen spot, Lydia tried to quell her unease, directing her attention to the rhythmic chants of the crowd and the raw energy radiating from the fighters preparing to clash. Despite her better judgement, a part of her was captivated by the spectacle, the thrill of the forbidden mingling with her nerves. She recalled the matches Tommy had taken her to over the years—events of glamour and prestige, yet the visceral excitement they stirred was undeniably present here too.

The noise within The Iron Forge reached a crescendo as the announcer took centre stage, a rotund man whose booming voice sliced through the noise. His waistcoat strained against his ample frame, and his presence demanded the immediate attention of the restless crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” he bellowed, his voice reverberating off the walls. “Welcome to tonight’s main event at The Iron Forge! We have a treat for you this evening—a clash of titans, a battle of skill and strength!”

The crowd responded with a raucous cheer, their anticipation electric. Lydia leaned forward, her initial apprehension momentarily overshadowed by curiosity. The atmosphere was infectious, and her heart raced as the announcer continued.

“Our first contender, hailing from the mean streets of Liverpool, is the reigning champion of the docks, known for his ferocity and unmatched power—give it up for ‘Iron’ Jack Callahan!”

The crowd erupted in applause and whistles as a burly man entered the ring, his physique imposing and his expression one of grim determination. Jack acknowledged the crowd with raised fists, a confident smirk playing on his lips as he soaked in their adulation.

“And his challenger,” the announcer went on, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone, “a young upstart from the Romani camps, known for his speed and resilience, but considered the underdog tonight—let’s hear it for Bonnie Gold!”

Lydia’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening in recognition. Bonnie Gold, son of Aberama Gold, was a familiar face, renowned for his prowess in the ring and the close ties his family had with the Shelbys. Her mind raced with worry; if Aberama was there, word could easily reach Tommy that she had ventured here. But as her gaze swept the room, she saw no sign of Aberama. Bonnie appeared to be alone, his focus solely on the impending fight.

The crowd’s reaction was mixed—some jeered, while others cheered, the odds clearly stacked against the young fighter. Yet Bonnie, undeterred, stepped into the ring with quiet confidence, his eyes briefly scanning the audience before locking onto his opponent.

The bell rang, slicing through the uproar of the crowd, and the match was underway. Jack lunged forward with a powerful jab, his movements heavy but precise, each swing a testament to his brute strength. Bonnie, in stark contrast, danced away, his footwork light and agile, narrowly avoiding the oncoming barrage. The juxtaposition between the fighters was striking—Jack’s raw power clashing against Bonnie’s speed and dexterity.

Lydia leaned in, her earlier anxiety dissipating as the fight unfolded with mesmerising intensity. Bonnie ducked and weaved, his movements fluid and calculated, each dodge and parry executed with precision. When he found an opening, his fists struck with unexpected power. Jack, growing frustrated, pressed harder, his swings becoming more aggressive, his intention clear as he attempted to corner the nimble challenger.

The crowd roared with each exchange, their shouts and cheers forming a chaotic symphony that reverberated through the room. Lydia found herself swept up in the spectacle, her reservations fading as she witnessed Bonnie’s skill and tenacity. The fight was an intricate dance, each movement a calculated risk, each blow proof of the fighters' endurance and strategic ability.

As the rounds progressed, it became clear that Bonnie was no mere underdog. His endurance and strategic capability began to unravel Jack’s defences, his strikes landing with increasing frequency and precision. The crowd’s mood shifted, a growing tide of support building for the young fighter’s unexpected display of strength and resilience. Whispers of admiration and surprise passed through the throng, their initial scepticism giving way to genuine excitement.

In the final round, both fighters were visibly exhausted, their bodies glistening with sweat under the dim lights. Yet, Bonnie seized his moment with the tenacity of a seasoned fighter. With a swift combination of punches, he broke through Jack’s guard, each strike landing with a force that echoed through the room. The decisive blow sent Jack stumbling back against the ropes, a look of disbelief etched on his face as he struggled to regain his footing.

The crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause as Jack slumped to the ground, unable to rise before the referee’s count reached ten. Bonnie stood victorious in the ring, his chest heaving with exertion but his face alight with triumph. Lydia joined in the applause, a smile breaking across her face despite herself, the thrill of the fight leaving her breathless and exhilarated.

The elation of Bonnie Gold’s unexpected victory had scarcely settled when the atmosphere in The Iron Forge took a sudden and dangerous turn. The air, charged with excitement moments before, thickened with tension as a group of men, their faces flushed with alcohol and anger, pushed their way through the crowd. Their voices rose in a drunken chorus of outrage, their movements erratic and volatile.

“It’s a fix!” one of them shouted, his words slurred yet his intent unmistakable. “We’ve been swindled!”

The men, clearly having wagered heavily on ‘Hammer’ Harris and now facing significant losses, quickly became aggressive. Their fury escalated into violence, fists flying indiscriminately as they accused anyone within reach of being part of the imagined conspiracy. What had been a celebratory atmosphere turned chaotic as the crowd erupted in panic, people scrambling to avoid the brewing brawl.

Lydia, momentarily disoriented by the sudden shift, felt herself jostled by the frantic movement around her. Her heart raced as she searched for Anna and Stanley, but in the crush of bodies, they were swept away in opposite directions. Panic flared in her chest, her mind reeling with the fear of being isolated in the chaos.

Suddenly, a sharp blow struck the side of her head, sending the world tilting dangerously. She stumbled and fell to the ground, the cacophony of the brawl overwhelming her senses. Her vision swam as she struggled to regain her bearings, desperately trying to avoid the trampling feet of the panicked crowd.

Fear surged through her, a moment of helplessness threatening to consume her as she lay vulnerable amidst the turmoil. Just as despair began to take hold, a strong arm reached down, pulling her up with surprising strength and urgency.

“Got you, Miss Shelby,” a familiar voice said, calm and steady despite the chaos. Lydia blinked, her disorientation fading as she realised it was Bonnie Gold who had come to her rescue. His eyes, sharp and focused, provided a beacon of stability amidst the chaos.

Without hesitation, Bonnie positioned himself defensively at her side, his fists ready to fend off any threats as he guided her through the scrap. His movements were fluid and precise and he deflected blows and cleared a path with swift, decisive motions. His presence was commanding and reassuring. Lydia clung to his arm, her fear tempered by the knowledge that she was in capable hands. Bonnie didn’t allow a single person to lay a finger on her, his rough hands shoving back anyone who dared approach, whether intentional or not.

The noise and confusion seemed to fade into the background as they moved, Bonnie’s focus unwavering as he shielded Lydia from harm. His reputation as a skilled fighter was evident in every movement, and Lydia felt a surge of gratitude for his timely intervention.

When they reached the edge of the crowd, emerging into a quieter corner of the basement where the chaos had not yet reached, Bonnie paused to ensure that Lydia was steady on her feet. His gaze was assessing, scanning her for any signs of injury.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice carrying a note of genuine concern.

Lydia nodded, still catching her breath, the adrenaline of the moment making her heart race. “Thank you, Bonnie,” she managed to say, her voice filled with relief. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Bonnie gave a faint smile, a hint of amusement in his eyes despite the seriousness of the situation. “Couldn’t leave a lady behind in a mess like that,” he replied simply, his demeanour as calm as ever, “Much less a Shelby.”

As Lydia steadied herself, the distant echoes of the brawl continued to reverberate through the basement, a harsh reminder of the chaos they had narrowly escaped. Her eyes scanned the crowd anxiously, searching for any sign of Anna and Stanley, hoping they had managed to avoid the worst of the turmoil. Just then, familiar voices pierced through the clamour, offering a glimmer of relief.

“Lydia!” Anna called, her voice tinged with urgency as she and Stanley pushed their way toward them. The worry etched into their expressions was palpable as they reached her side, their relief evident.

Bonnie, ever vigilant, instinctively shifted his stance, positioning himself protectively between Lydia and the approaching figures. His eyes narrowed slightly, assessing the newcomers with the readiness of a seasoned fighter prepared to defend if necessary.

“It’s okay, Bonnie,” Lydia said quickly, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. “They’re my friends.”

Bonnie relaxed, stepping aside but maintaining a watchful eye on the surroundings. Anna and Stanley looked at Lydia, their expressions a mixture of concern and relief.

“Are you alright?” Stanley asked, his eyes scanning her for any signs of injury, his voice laced with worry.

“I’m okay,” Lydia replied, though she could still feel the lingering dizziness from the blow to her head. “Bonnie helped me out of the chaos.”

Anna nodded gratefully at Bonnie, her gratitude evident in her voice. “Thank you for helping her,” she said sincerely.

Bonnie nodded in acknowledgment, his manner calm and composed. “It’s no trouble. Really.”

As the adrenaline of the moment began to wane, Lydia felt her legs sway slightly, the room spinning ever so subtly. Anna noticed immediately, concern creasing her brow. “Lydia, you don’t look so good. Maybe we should get you home.”

Lydia nodded, but her legs felt unsteady beneath her, the ground seeming to shift. “I just need a minute,” she admitted, leaning back against the wall for support, her breath coming in slow, measured intervals.

Bonnie, observing her condition with quiet attentiveness, stepped forward. “If you’re not ready to leave just yet, I can stay with you until you feel better,” he offered, his voice steady and reassuring. He turned to Lydia’s friends, adding, “I’ll make sure she gets home alright.”

Anna and Stanley exchanged a glance, relief evident in their eyes at the offer. “That might be best,” Stanley said, his tone grateful. “If you’re sure?”

Lydia nodded, appreciating their concern. “Yes, I’ll be alright. Thank you,” she said to her friends, then turned to Bonnie. “I really appreciate this.”

“It’s no problem,” Bonnie replied with a reassuring smile, his warmth cutting through the lingering tension. “Your family has saved me from a few rough spots before. It’s the least I can do.”

As Anna and Stanley headed cautiously towards the exit, casting worried glances back at Lydia, Bonnie stayed close to her, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the lingering tension. Lydia leaned against the wall, taking slow, deep breaths as she waited for the dizziness to pass. The chaos of the brawl began to subside, the noise in The Iron Forge shifting to something quieter, though a few rowdy patrons still lingered, their tempers not yet cooled. Bonnie kept a vigilant eye on the remaining troublemakers, wrapping a strong arm around Lydia's shoulders as he led her away from the main room. He guided her toward a small changing room at the back, a space offering a semblance of peace, and closed the door behind them.

The room was small and dimly lit, with walls that seemed to press inward, enclosing the space with a sense of intimacy. Metal lockers lined one side, their paint chipped and worn, while wooden benches stretched beneath them, offering a place for weary fighters to rest. The air was tinged with the scent of sweat and adrenaline.

Bonnie guided Lydia to one of the benches, his touch gentle but firm. As she settled, he crouched before her, his eyes scanning her face with genuine concern. "You alright now?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.

Lydia managed a small smile, the dizziness slowly ebbing away as she felt the warmth of his presence. "Getting there," she replied, her eyes meeting his with a hint of gratitude. She unconsciously leaned into his touch as he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, the gesture both tender and grounding.

A playful light danced in Bonnie's eyes as he kept his hand steady for her, maintaining the contact. "You know, you shouldn’t have been here tonight, Miss Shelby," he teased, a teasing lilt in his voice. "I doubt your family would be pleased to see you in a place like this."

Lydia raised an eyebrow, quick to return his banter. "With all due respect, Mr Gold, neither should you. I’m sure your father wouldn’t be thrilled about his son getting into such dangerous bouts."

Bonnie chuckled, the sound rich and genuine, filling the small room with warmth. "True enough," he conceded with a shrug. "But I’ve got my reasons."

Her curiosity piqued, Lydia straightened slightly. "And what might those reasons be?"

With a mischievous grin, Bonnie shifted to sit beside her, their shoulders brushing. "I like the fight. The rush of it. Plus, it pays well, and a bit of extra cash never hurt anyone."

As if on cue, the owner of The Iron Forge appeared in the doorway, a stack of winnings clutched in his hands. "Bonnie," he greeted with a nod, handing over the pile of cash. "Nice work tonight."

"Cheers," Bonnie replied, accepting the money with a nod of thanks. As the owner retreated, Bonnie turned back to Lydia, his expression softening. "See? Not a bad night’s work."

Lydia laughed softly, shaking her head in amused disbelief. "You’re incorrigible, you know that?"

"Maybe," Bonnie admitted, his grin widening. "But it keeps things interesting."

“As interesting as two people in a place they both shouldn’t be,” Lydia remarked with a playful glint in her eyes.

Bonnie gave Lydia a gentle nudge with his shoulder, his signature cocky smirk on his face. “Aye, but I reckon secrets are best kept between us, Miss Shelby. Mum’s the word, if you play along,” he replied with a wink

Lydia nodded, winking back up at him. “Our little secret.”

In the quiet of the changing room, Bonnie's gaze turned serious as he looked at Lydia, concern woven into his features. "Let’s see if you can stand, yeah?" he suggested, offering a steadying hand.

Lydia hesitated briefly before accepting his help. As she rose, Bonnie remained close, his presence a reassuring anchor. "How’s the head?" he inquired, his voice filled with genuine care.

"A bit better," Lydia admitted, though a trace of dizziness lingered. She leaned slightly into Bonnie's supportive touch, grateful for his steadiness.

They stood together, a charged silence enveloping them, a blend of relief and an unspoken connection forged amidst the evening's chaos. Bonnie's eyes held hers, his usual easygoing demeanour softened by the moment. "I’m sorry this happened to you," he said softly.

Lydia's smile was small but sincere, touched by his concern. "It’s not your fault," she replied, appreciating his sincerity. "Besides, I’ve got you to thank for not getting trampled."

Bonnie chuckled softly, his eyes warm with camaraderie. "Guess we make a good team, then."

The intimacy of their proximity contrasted sharply with the earlier chaos, offering a sense of calm. Bonnie kept a gentle hold on Lydia's arm, ready to steady her if needed. "You’re tougher than you look, you know," he remarked, a playful glint returning to his eyes.

Lydia laughed, the sound a gentle echo in the small space. "I’ve had to be," she replied, meeting his gaze with a mixture of amusement and honesty. "Especially when I keep finding myself in places I probably shouldn’t be."

Bonnie nodded, his expression teasing yet earnest. "Well, next time you decide to drop into a fight, give me a heads-up. I’ll save you a better seat."

Lydia nudged him lightly with her shoulder, their shared laughter a balm after the evening's tension.

"You really are alright?" he asked again, his voice softening, laced with lingering worry.

Lydia nodded, a warmth spreading through her at his care. "I am now," she said, her voice carrying a truth that resonated between them.

As their conversation began to wind down, Bonnie glanced toward the door, the noise from the main room now a distant hum, muted by the walls of the changing room. "Think you’re ready to head out?" he asked, his hand still resting lightly on Lydia's arm, offering support and reassurance.

Lydia nodded, feeling more grounded with each passing moment. "Yeah, I think I am," she replied, a grateful smile touching her lips.

Bonnie stood up and offered his arm, a gentlemanly gesture that made her smile widen. "Come on then, let’s get you home."

Together, they navigated their way out of the changing room, moving through what remained of the crowd that lingered in the hallways of The Iron Forge. Bonnie kept a protective eye on their surroundings, his senses attuned to any potential threats or disturbances. As they stepped into the cool evening air, Lydia took a deep breath, the fresh breeze a welcome change from the stuffy atmosphere of the club.

The walk was calm, the earlier tension dissipating as their laughter lingered in the air between them. Bonnie matched his pace to hers, their footsteps falling into an easy rhythm on the cobblestone path. "You know, this wasn’t quite how I imagined spending my evening," he remarked with a playful grin.

Lydia smiled softly, glancing up at him with a teasing look. "And how did you imagine it?"

"Winning the fight, maybe a drink or two after," Bonnie confessed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Didn’t expect to be playing the hero."

"Well, I’m glad you did," Lydia admitted, her voice soft but sincere. "I’d have been in a lot more trouble without you."

Bonnie shrugged modestly, though a pleased smile played on his lips. "Anytime, Miss Shelby. Anytime."

As they approached the entrance to the grounds of Arrow House, a comfortable silence settled between them, the evening’s events having forged an unexpected but welcome bond. Bonnie paused at the gate, offering a reassuring smile. "Well, here we are. You sure you’ll be alright from here?"

Lydia nodded, appreciating his genuine concern. "Yes, I’ll be fine. Thank you for everything tonight, Bonnie."

He gave a small nod, the corners of his mouth lifting in a relaxed grin. "Anytime. Just try to stay out of trouble, alright?"

With a shared laugh, Lydia started up the long driveway and turned back to Bonnie, a streetlamp casting a warm glow over them. "I’ll do my best," she promised, her eyes meeting his with sincerity. "Goodnight, Bonnie."

"Goodnight, Lydia," he replied, his voice gentle. He turned and walked down the road, his figure gradually fading into the shadows.

Lydia watched him for a moment longer, feeling an unexpected warmth in her chest. Despite the chaos of the night, she felt a sense of peace knowing she had found a reliable ally in Bonnie Gold.

Tags - @novashelby @peakyswritings @lau219 @futurefamousdeadmusician

[chanaleah]

Hi, I appreciate that you emphasize you support a 2 state solution. What do you think of the Netanyahu gov't consistently opposing a Palestinian state? Also polls of Israelis indicating the majority wants a single state solution? Do you see a way to change these people's minds?

I think there needs to be a slow process to peace. Neither Israelis nor Palestinians trust the other side, and I think both are justified in that.

Since even before 1948, Israel has offered peace again and again and the Arab nations have rejected it. Israelis see how after the second intifada, Israel pulled out of Gaza, bulldozed the settlements, and handed it all over to Palestine. In return, they got rockets and terrorist attacks.

Palestinians in the west bank/judea & samaria see how extremist settlers continually encroach upon their land and act violently, and how the Israeli govt does almost nothing to mitigate it, sometimes even encouraging it. Gazans see how the most basic of items - fabric, medical supplies, toys - are restricted from entering Gaza. They see airstrikes destroying their homes and neighborhoods.

I personally don't support the Netanyahu/Likud govt - the same as a lot of Israelis, however not being Israeli myself I can't really do anything about that.

Honestly, I think people's mind cannot be changed with words. After this war is over (which I pray it will be soon) I think both Israel and Palestine (the Palestinian authority) need to show the other "side" that they are dedicated to peace. Israel can do that by cracking down on settler violence and illegal outposts and by perhaps turning more of Area B over the the PA. Palestine can do that by not committing acts of terrorism and violence. With less violence committed by settlers and Palestinians, I think the restrictions on the West Bank could be eased, and there could become a positive cycle of less violence leading to less restrictions.

I think if the people of each nation see the other government actually making steps toward peace then people might be more in support of a 2SS.