Evening NEWS DIGEST
31 Oct, 2015: 17 Muharram 37: Vol:7, No: 13
INDIA
Only Parliament can decide on scrapping Art.370:SC
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/only-parliament-can-decide-on-scrapping-article-370-supreme-court/#sthash.1gxymTX3.dpuf
New Delhi: Days after the J&K High Court observed that Article 370 is a “permanent” provision of the Constitution, the Supreme Court Friday said that only Parliament can take a call on scrapping Article 370 that accords special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir.Refusing to entertain a PIL that wanted Article 370 removed from the Constitution, a bench led by Chief Justice H L Dattu said that the court cannot issue such directives. “Will it be done by the court or by Parliament? Can we ask Parliament to delete a provision from the Constitution? It is not for this court to do so,” observed the bench, also comprising Justice Amitava Roy.PIL petitioner BP Yadav, a lawyer based in Andhra Pradesh, argued that the issue required interference by the Supreme Court but the bench turned down his plea. “We can strike down a provision if it is unconstitutional but we cannot be asking Parliament to remove a provision. It has to be done by them(Parliament),” said the bench as it asked Yadav to file a better petition if he intends to pursue this matter any further.Noting that Article 35A protected the existing laws of the state, the High Court said that J&K had retained limited sovereignty while acceding to the Dominion of India, and did not merge with the Dominion of India like the other princely states that signed the Instrument of Accession. Indian Express
Gujarat HC removes prosecutor who appeared in Best Bakery case
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Gujarat-HC-removes-prosecutor-who-appeared-in-Best-Bakery-case/articleshow/49601500.cms
Ahmedabad: Gujarat High Court ordered removal of Vadodara district govt pleader Raghuvir Pandya over his record as a public prosecutor in the 2002 Best Bakery case. Mere eligibility is not enough for selection as a district pleader, a chief law officer in the district, but his or her credentials and "institutional integrity" must be assessed, said Justice JB Pardiwala in his order. Laxman Meghwani and two others had challenged Pandya's appointment in May. They cited the Supreme Court order against Pandya which had termed him as unfit for the post in view of his performance in the Best Bakery trial. "The public prosecutor appeared to have acted as defence counsel," the apex court had said, while ordering fresh probe. Timesofindia
HC rejects selection of counsel who argued Best Bakery case
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat/hc-quashes-appointment-of-public-prosecutor-for-his-role-in-2002-best-bakery-case/#sthash.ni3FV6GD.dpuf
Moody’s to Modi: Rein in BJP members or risk losing global credibility
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Moodys-to-Modi-Rein-in-BJP-members-or-risk-losing-global-credibility/articleshow/49603075.cms
New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi must keep "his party members in check" from making controversial statements "or risk losing domestic and global credibility", an arm of global ratings agency Moody's said on Friday while urging the govt to focus its attention on the reforms agenda. Moody's Analytics (MA) said, "In recent times, the govt also hasn't helped itself, with controversial comments from various BJP members. While Modi has largely distanced himself from the nationalist gibes, the belligerent provocation of various Indian minorities has raised ethnic tensions." "Along with a possible increase in violence, the govt will face stiffer opposition in upper house as debate turns away from economic policy," MA said in a report. NDA's lack of a majority in the Rajya Sabha has proved to be a major stumbling block to reforms. Times of India
Rein in BJP or risk losing global credibility: Moody’s
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/rein-in-party-or-risk-losing-global-credibility-moodys/article7824861.ece
Intellectuals intolerant: RSS
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/intellectuals-intolerant-says-rss/article7824858.ece
RSS on Friday hit out at intellectuals returning awards and honours in protest against “growing intolerance,” accusing them of a long-standing “intolerance towards the Sangh and Hinduism.” RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Manmohan Vaidya said that Sangh joint-general secretary Dattatreya Hosbale had raised the issue in a statement on Day-1 of the ongoing Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal meet in Ranchi. thehindu
Civil society groups inlcuding Jamaat to hold rally over 1984 riots
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/civil-society-groups-to-hold-rally-over-1984-riots-115103001588_1.html
New Delhi:Demanding justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots post assassination of then PM Indira Gandhi, civil society groups have called for a joint rally here on Sunday.Various human rights organisations on Friday jointly condemned the 'state terrorism' of 1984 in which thousands of Sikhs were killed."A joint rally will be held from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar on Sunday to condemn the state terrorism of 1984," S Raghavan, president of the Lok Raj Sangathan, told mediapersons here.The rally has the support of more than 30 political and non-political organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Social Democratic Party of India, United Muslim Front, National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations and the Sikh Forum.IANS
Now, scholars slam 'assault on academic freedom'
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Now-scholars-slam-assault-on-academic-freedom/articleshow/49603945.cms
New Delhi: A group of academics and scholars on Friday expressed their outrage and anger against the "assault on academic and constitutional freedom", joining the recent protests by writers, artistes, filmmakers, historians and scientists over "rising intolerance". "We as social scientists, scholars, teachers and concerned citizens, feel extremely concerned about the lynching at Dadri, and the murders of scholars and thinkers like MM Kalburgi, Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and others and wish to register our strong protest," a statement signed by a group of 250 academics said. The scholars, including professors from leading institutions like Delhi University, JNU, Madras Institute of Development Studies, IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, expressed "shock" at PM Narendra Modi's "late response" to the incidents as also the "implications of the victim blaming statement he made". PTI
Under RSS, India is becoming mirror image of Pakistan: Irfan Habib
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Under-RSS-India-is-becoming-mirror-image-of-Pakistan-says-Irfan-Habib/articleshow/49603299.cms
JKLF supports Geelani’s ‘Million March’ to counter Modi’s rally
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/jklf-supports-geelani-s-million-march/200365.html
JKLF has supported the ‘Million March’ called by Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani here on Nov,7 to counter PM NarendraModi’s rally in the summer capital that day.JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik said they intended to hold a parallel rally at historic LalChowk on November 7. But, he said, since a rally has already been announced by Geelani, JKLF has “decided to appeal people to make it successful.”Geelani called for ‘Million March’ to Tourist Reception Centre grounds.Malik said if Geelani’s rally is not allowed by the govt , people should observe civil curfew and complete shutdown on Nov7. greater kashmir
Where should Abu Qasim lie buried? Villagers clash in Kashmir
http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/where-should-abu-qasim-lie-buried-villagers-clash-in-kashmir/story-67W9TbiFYmHK0GYSCEyw8N.html
Srinagar: Several people in south Kashmir are coming forward to lay claim to the body of top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Qasim and demand his burial at their respective villages.Police had to use force after a group of people from Khandaypora village of Kulgam district on Friday tried to exhume the Lashkar commander’s body who was buried in Bugam village of the district.Qasim, a Pakistani national, was killed on Thursday after security forces launched an operation in Khandaypora village following information about his presence in the area. Some locals of Bugam opposed the exhumation by Khandaypora villagers leading to verbal spar between the two groups. Some locals of Bugam had agreed to the exhumation after the people of Khandaypora argued that the militant commander had wished to be buried in their village near grave of a local militant. Eyewitnesses said that police lobbed tear-smoke smoke shells to prevent the people from exhuming the body, which resulted in clashes between the people and police. Similarly, residents of Kakapora in Pulwama had also claimed the militant’s body.Meanwhile, a family from Khandaypora has claimed that the slain Laskhar operations chief was actually a family member, Muhammad Yaqoob Hajam, who went missing when he was 15-years-old. The family also wanted his body to be handed over to them. Hindustan Times
J&K: FIR against 8 students for raising pro-Pak slogans
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/j-k-police-on-lookout-for-students-who-raised-pro-pakistan-slogans/
Jammu: J&K Police have started looking for 8 Class 12 students who on Thursday raised pro-Pakistan slogans during school hours, leading to tension at Sial Sui in Kalakote area of Rajouri district.A case has been registered against the 8 students following a written complaint by Anil Kumar Gujral, Principal of Govt Higher Secondary School at Sial Sui. The complaint was lodged after students opposed to the sloganeering protested along with some local residents, including panchayat members led by their Sarpanch, at the school, leading to the Tehsildar and the SHO concerned visiting the school and pacifying them. indianexpress
Hindus, Muslims should stand united: Kanchi Math head
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/hindus-muslims-should-stand-united-kanchi-math-head/story-JSMBNnLmEZcTXGVnWIvZ9L.html
New Delhi: The head of one of India’s leading Hindu monastic institutions, the Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, said it was time for the Hindus and Muslims to stand together.“This is a time for both Hindus and Muslims to stand as one. Despite differences, they have to realise that their aims are the same. National unity is pertinent,” Jayendra Saraswathi, the 69th pontiff of the Kanchi Math told HT when asked for his views on the level of tolerance in the country, amid incidents like the Dadri lynching and the Sena’s attack on Sudheendra Kulkarni.82-year-old seer’s statement is considered to be significant due to his reported proximity to the leaders of the RSS and the VHP. HT
Muslim population growth is higher in border areas: RSS
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/muslim-population-growth-is-higher-in-border-areas-rss-1158802.html
Praveen Togadia demands immediate implementation of Uniform Civil Code
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/praveen-togadia-demands-immediate-implementation-of-uniform-civil-code/articleshow/49600953.cms
Ranchi: VHP leader Praveen Tagodia today demanded immediate implementation of Uniform Civil Code in the country. Welcoming the Supreme Court's recent queries on the situation of Muslim women, 4 marriages under Muslim Personal Law and divorce, the international president of VHP said time has come to adhere to SC's decision and end discrimination against Muslim women. "It is a basic fundamental right in a modern state that Uniform Civil Code should be implemented with immediate effect. PTI
President Mukherjee again calls for preserving pluralistic character of India
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/multiplicity-plural-character-of-india-must-be-preserved-president-mukherjee/#sthash.q3TX2EgX.dpuf
President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday once again called for preserving the multiplicity and pluralistic character of the country and said India has thrived due to its power of assimilation and tolerance. President, who had on a number of occasions spoken against growing intolerance in the last 3 weeks, was speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Delhi High Court.PTI
India would become weak if minorities feel insecure: Teesta
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/india-would-become-weak-if-minorities-feel-insecure-teesta/story-6fYhPqO3A8cWYG4xxBtSbN.html
Aligarh: Centre must understand that if minorities were feeling insecure, India would become weak and divisive forces would gather strength, activist Teesta Setalvad said in Aligarh.“We are witnessing a very determined bid by fascist forces to denigrate the country’s Constitution and the entire socio-justice system which safeguards the interests of the weakest and most vulnerable sections of society,” she alleged, while delivering a lecture at the Aligarh Muslim University.PTI
Considerable fear in minds of minorities: Murthy
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Considerable-fear-in-minds-of-minorities-says-Narayana-Murthy/articleshow/49608939.cms
New Delhi: Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy on Saturday expressed concerns that there is considerable fear in the minds of minority in India and said the govt s should bring back the sense of confidence in them. "I am not a politician, I am not interested in politics, therefore, I don't want to comment on that but the reality today is that there is considerable fear in the minds of minority in India," he said. He said there was also "considerable fear" in the minds of people of one region living in another region. PTI
‘Inequality’ in Hinduism: spiritual leader for reforms
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/inequality-in-hinduism-spiritual-leader-for-reforms/#sthash.HNfCMZed.dpuf
Bhopal: Politicians from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have often called on him and sought his advice, both in crises and good times. 4 years ago, he was called to Delhi to end the fast unto death undertaken by anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare.But Indore-based spiritual guru Bhaiyyuji Maharaj is now growing increasingly frustrated with Hinduism, mainly the “frippery” and “inequality” that has entered the religion. The preacher, who is in his mid-40s and has undertaken extensive social work in Maharashtra, has called for immediate reforms in the religion.Trashing speculation that he is planning to embrace Buddhism, he said that he was unhappy with several things associated with Hinduism, like the continuation of evil practices like Devadasis, “VIP treatment” the rich get in temples and the extravagant spending on religious events.indianexpress
Beef protest brings together people of various hues
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/beef-protest-brings-together-people-of-various-hues/article7825029.ece
Kolkata: An ordinary event by a non-descript organisation here on Friday to protest the ban imposed on beef in some parts of the country brought together people of different political leanings at one table. The senior CPI(M) leader and former Kolkata Mayor, Biaksh Ranjan Bhattacharya, helping the poet and Sahitya Akademi awardee, Subodh Sarkar, with a delicacy of beef is an unusual sight, given the political divide between the two. They spoke in one voice, espousing the freedom of choice in food.The former Left Front Minister, Abur Razzak Mollah, was there at the venue of protest organised by Bhasa-O-Chetna Samity.Emanul Haque, one of the key organisers and a Bengali professor, told The Hindu that vegetables and sweets were on the menu along with beef. thehindu
Centre cancels screening of film on beef & caste politics
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Centre-cancels-screening-of-film-on-beef-and-caste-politics/articleshow/49604833.cms
Days after filmmakers returned their national awards protesting "growing intolerance" in India, a film on beef by students of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, set to be screened at a Films Division Festival in Delhi, has been called off at the last minute.This was the only one of 35 films that the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry did not clear, based so ely on its synopsis. While the film, `Caste on the Menu Card', was supposed to be screened on Saturday , the festival organizers were informed by the I&B ministry on Thursday that it could not be screened. Many feel the ministry's last-minute decision was to ensure no time for protest. TOI
Ex-Akali Dal leader among 12 new faces in Akhilesh Yadav’s cabinet in UP
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/akhilesh-yadav-govt -gets-12-new-faces-sixth-cabinet-reshuffle-since-2012/#sthash.MIPDfJd0.dpuf
Lucknow:Ex-union minister and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Balwant Singh Ramoowalia was surprise inclusion as cabinet minister during the fifth ministry expansion of CM Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday. Governor Ram Naik administered oath to 21 ministers which include 12 new faces including two cabinet, two minister of state with independent charge and eight minister of state. 2 MoS and one MoS independent charge have been promoted as cabinet minister while 6 MoS have been independent charge. The total strength of Akhilesh’s ministry is now 58 ministers.Among other new faces is Sahib Singh Saini as cabinet minister who was close to former CM ND Tiwari before joining SP. Hailing from Saharanpur, Saini is involved in a controversy for having 2 wives. Saini was also appointed as Chairman of Seeds Corporation and later nominated as MLC by Akhilesh Yadav.2 new faces have been appointed as minister of state with independent charge. Madan Chauhan is MLA from Garh Mukteshwar and is close to Amar Singh. Shadab Fatima is another new entry fitting into the category of Shia Muslims who are presently against Akhilesh Yadav. Indian express
UP Governor Ram Naik lands in controversy over stopping national anthem mid-way
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/up-governor-ram-naik-in-controversy-over-stopping-national-anthem-mid-way/
Most polluted city in the world, Delhi suffers from a toxic blend, says UK study: Indian Express
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/the-most-polluted-city-in-the-world-delhi-suffers-from-a-toxic-blend-study/
Delhi:A new study on air pollution in Delhi by a team of researchers led by University of Surrey in the United Kingdom has found the city suffers from a “toxic blend of geography, growth, poor energy sources and unfavourable weather that boosts its dangerously high levels of air pollution”. The study also recommends all-round solutions instead of just focusing on vehicular pollution. The study was recently published in the journal Atmospheric Environment and includes a professor from IIT Delhi. The team researched how Delhi’s landscape, weather, energy consumption culture, and growing urban population combines to elevate concentrations of air pollutants, including ultra-fine particles, the most harmful to human health.
Delhi: Potential trouble in mosque thwarted by the elderly
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/potential-trouble-in-mosque-thwarted-by-the-elderly/article7825343.ece
New Delhi: An empty liquor bottle was allegedly thrown inside a North Delhi mosque during Friday prayers, causing tension. However, restraint shown by the Namazis ensured that the situation remained peaceful. Those present at Masjid Shahgul in Sadar Bazar at the time of the incident said that there were a large number of devotees at that point of time and an instant appeal for calm by the elderly managed to pacify those enraged. The matter was reported to the police soon after. Recounting the incident, Zuheb who was also performing the prayer said as soon as the prayers started and the Namazis had occupied their slots in three different floors including the open area on the ground floor, an empty liquor bottle landed from one of the bordering multi-storeyed buildings and shattered taking everyone by surprise. No one was, however, injured.A senior police officer said all angles including the possibility of a planned conspiracy with an attempt to trigger a riot were being probed. thehindu
Sisi promises to release 2 Indians in Egypt prison after meeting with PM
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sisi-promises-to-release-two-Indians-in-Egypt-prison-after-meeting-with-PM/articleshow/49603936.cms
New Delhi: Soon after his bilateral meeting with PM Narendra Modi, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi decided to release 2 Indians languishing in an Egypt jail. Modi thanked Sisi for attending the India-Africa Forum Summit saying the summit would not have been complete without him. Sisi had earlier wanted to send a representative to the summit but after his meeting with Modi in New York changed his mind and decided to come himself. timesofindia
INDIAN MEDIA ON TERROR CASES
Jhabua blast main accused Rajendra Kaswa alive, SIT hopes to get leads with narco test on kin
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Jhabua-blast-main-accused-Rajendra-Kaswa-alive-SIT-hopes-to-get-leads-with-narco-test-on-kin/articleshow/49600410.cms
Indore: SIT of MP police believes Rajendra Kaswa, prime accused in Petlawad blast, is alive and hopes to find out his whereabouts with narco test of Manoj Gadia, a distant relative of Kaswa."We have got few video footage of Kaswa. In one footage, which was recorded after the blast, Kaswa was seen riding pillion on a two-wheeler and Manoj Gadia in front seat," additional SP (SIT) Sima Alawa said. The footage is of a CCTV installed close to Kaswa's house in Petlawad. The footage shows Gadia is taking Kaswa from his house to some other place on his bike.Alawa said they are sure that person riding as pillion on Gadia's bike was Kaswa. "During interrogation, Gadia admitted someone was sitting on his bike after the blast, but he claims to have not remembered, who was sitting behind," said Alawa, adding that with the help of the narco test we are hoping to find out the truth. They expect that Gadia will reveal where he had dropped Kaswa after the blast.TOI
MP SIMI activist Abu Faisal, convicted for ATS constable murder: indian express report
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/simi-activist-abu-faisal-convicted-for-2009-murder-of-ats-constable/
Bhopal:SIMI activist Abu Faisal alias ‘doctor’ was on Friday convicted for killing Sitaram Yadav, a constable of anti-terrorist squad of Madhya Pradesh Police, in Khandwa in Nov.2009.Police said Faisal, Aijazuddin and Mohammed Aslam had shot dead the constable in the communally sensitive Khandwa town in broad day light and minutes later also killed two others, one for challenging them and another for snatching his bike. Aijazuddin and Aslam were killed in an encounter in Telangana in April this year.Faisal, who had hatched the conspiracy to kill Yadav, was also the mastermind of the daring jailbreak in Khandwa after which 6 SIMI activists escaped in Oct.2013. Faisal, who wanted for several cases, was caught two months later, the police said.B S Bhadoriya, the special judge in Bhopal, is likely to announce the quantum of punishment on Saturday. Mehtab, another SIMI activist, was acquitted of the murder charge but convicted under the Arms Act, said his lawyer Parvez Alam. Indian Express
After 13 yrs, Godhra train carnage accused held
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/On-the-run-for-13-yrs-Godhra-train-carnage-accused-held/articleshow/49603537.cms
Vadodara: Panchmahal police on Friday arrested Farooq Hafiz Mohammed Dhantiya, an accused in the Sabarmati Express train carnage at Godhra. Acting on a tip-off, the local crime branch nabbed Dhantiya from his residence in Signal Falia early in the morning. He was on the run ever since the carnage took place on Feb.27, 2002. Sources said Dhantiya used to frequently visit his house. It has come to light that Dhantiya was sleeping on the upper floor when the police swooped on his house. An SIT team arrived at Godhra on Friday to take custody of Dhantiya from the local crime branch. TOI
Lucknow: Court grants acquits 6 alleged HuJI men 8 yrs after arrest
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/lucknow-court-grants-benefit-of-doubt-acquits-6-huji-men-8-yrs-after-arrest/
WORLD
'Missing' Russian airliner with 224 passengers crashes in Egypt
http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/egypt-loses-contact-with-russia-bound-plane-carrying-212-passengers-reports-1238426
Cairo: A Russian airliner carrying 224 passengers and crew crashed in Egypt's Sinai peninsula today, the Egyptian govt has confirmed. The search and rescue team has found more than 100 bodies, including those of five children, in the wreckage of the Russian aircraft, an officer at the site told Reuters. "The plane split into two, a small part on the tail end that burned and a larger part that crashed into a rock. We have extracted at least 100 bodies and the rest are still inside," the officer said.Egyptian search and rescue team members have also heard voices in a section of a Russian plane, an officer, who requested anonymity, said. "There is another section of the plane with passengers inside that the rescue team is still trying to enter and we hope to find survivors especially after hearing pained voices of people inside." he said. Most passengers on the flight are believed to be Russian tourists. Reuters/ndtv
Russian plane: No survivors found, officials say
http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/egyptian-rescue-team-hear-voices-in-crashed-russian-plane-1238460
Cairo: Egyptian search and rescue team members have found no survivors in the wreckage of a Russian plane that crashed in the country's Sinai peninsula today, media reports quoting officials said.NDTV
Egypt plane crash: Pilot spoke of technical problems, 100 bodies recovered
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Egypt-plane-crash-Pilot-spoke-of-technical-problems-100-bodies-recovered/articleshow/49608462.cms
World powers agree to more talks on Syria crisis
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/10/world-powers-agree-talks-syria-crisis-151031052852539.html
Major powers meeting in Vienna for talks on Syria have found enough "common ground" to meet for a new round of talks in two weeks, even as the conflict enters a new phase with the deployment of US special forces in the country. President Barack Obama has ordered the deployment of fewer than 50 commandos to help coalition forces coordinate with local troops, Josh Earnest, the White House spokesperson, said on Friday. The troop announcement came as diplomats in the Austrian capital representing 17 countries and the EU agreed to launch a broad new peace attempt to gradually end Syria's long civil war - a declaration that avoided any decision on when President Bashar al-Assad might leave. aljazeera
Nearly 150 killed in deadly day of air strikes in Syria
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/10/150-killed-deadly-day-air-strikes-syria-151031015240812.html
More than 140 people were killed in govt and Russian air strikes across Syria within 24 hours, according to sources and monitors.At least 80 people were killed in Aleppo city and nearby towns by a series of Russian and regime air strikes on Friday, sources told Al Jazeera. About 25 areas within Aleppo province were hit by the air strikes.The deadly raids came after at least 61 people were killed and more than 100 others wounded after Syrian govt air strikes hit a marketplace in a Damascus suburb, sources said.An officer of Syria Civil Defense in the Damascus suburbs branch told Al Jazeera that the air raids struck a busy market in Douma on Friday, killing at least 61 and injuring more than 100 others. Douma, east of Damascus, has been under intense govt attack for weeks now.Witnesses said missiles were fired into the marketplace in a rebel-held part of Douma.aljazeera
ISESCO condemns Russian strikes on public market in Syria
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/22016-isesco-condemns-russian-strikes-on-public-market-in-syria
Islamic Educationa, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) has condemned the Russian airstrikes on a popular market in the Syrian city of Duma, Quds Press reported. The body condemned the airstrike, which killed and wounded a large number of Syrians.“This aggressive act proves that Russian intervention in war, which has been going on in Syria, is a clear aggression on the Syrian people, not a war on terror as Russian leadership is claiming,” it said. middleeastmonitor
Russian planes transport Iranian weapons to Syria
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/22004-russian-planes-transport-iranian-weapons-to-syria
US deploys ground troops in Syria
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/165837/us-deploys-ground-troops-in-syria
US will send less than 50 Special Forces troops to Syria to advise, assist and train moderate Syrian opposition forces fighting ISIL, the White House said Friday. Spokesman Josh Earnest maintained that the American troops will not take part in a combat mission, but acknowledged that those being sent to Syria will face significant risks.“If we were envisioning a combat operation, we probably would be contemplating more than 50 troops on the ground,” he said, adding, “This is a dangerous place on the globe and they are at risk, and there's no denying that.”The troops will be advising Syrian Arab, Turkmen and Kurdish forces, according to a Defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to publicly comment on the matter. World Bulletin
US Troops in Syria Will Only Fight IS: Kerry
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/kerry-us-troops-syria-fight-islamic-state-34874030
US Secretary of State John Kerry says American special operations troops being sent to Syria will only fight Islamic State militants and won't become involved in the long-running civil war. Kerry calls IS a threat to every nation and says U.S. policy is clear — the group must be defeated.Kerry isn't ruling out a further US escalation of the fight, saying he can't predict the future.AP
Assad, Iran-backed foreign forces must quit Syria: Saudi
http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/10/31/mideast-crisis-syria-saudi-idINKCN0SP07A20151031
Riyadh: Russia and Iran must agree to a date and means for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to quit the country, and agree to withdraw all foreign forces from Syria, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said in an interview with Sky News Arabia broadcast on Saturday. Arch regional competitors Saudi Arabia and Iran, whose rivalry has been aggravated by their support for opposing sides in Syria, both took part in talks to find a peaceful solution for the country for the first time in Vienna on Friday.Jubeir said in the interview the Vienna talks, which will resume within two weeks, would show how serious Assad and his backers Iran and Russia were in seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis.Reuters
Saiudi Prince Bin Talal denies pro-Israel statements
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/22001-al-waleed-bin-talal-denies-pro-israel-statements
Saudi Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal has denied reports claiming he would support Israel if a new Palestinian uprising broke out.The prince’s office described the article by AWDNews as “completely bogus and untrue”, adding that he had not spoken to the Kuwaiti media outlet mentioned in the article or made any of the statements attributed to him.Al-Waleed’s office said the site in question had “repeatedly spread false and fabricated material about Al-Waleed without confirming the authenticity with his office.” middleeastmonitor
Fabricated quotes attributed to Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal on Israel-Palestine go viral
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/fabricated-quotes-attributed-saudi-prince-alwalid-bin-talal-go-viral-1705457503
Israeli forces kill 3 Palestinians including a baby
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/10/israeli-police-kill-palestinian-alleged-attack-151030112258424.html
3 Palestinians - including an 8-month-old baby - have died from Israeli fire and another is critically wounded, while many others were injured in West Bank and Gaza protests. Palestinian health ministry confirmed on Friday the death of Ramadan Mohammed Faisal Thawabta, the baby who suffocated from tear gas inhalation in a village near Bethlehem.He died in Beit Fajjar in clashes as the Israeli army sprayed tear gas at Palestinians.The ministry also confirmed the first incident, citing the death of Qasem Sabaana, 20, and the injury of a 17-year-old, as yet unnamed, at a checkpoint south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank. Aljazeera
Palestinian baby killed during Israeli bomb attack
http://english.palinfo.com/site/pages/details.aspx?itemid=74562
African Union calls on Egypt to spare Brotherhood chief
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/21990-african-union-calls-on-egypt-to-spare-muslim-brotherhood-chief
African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) has issued a recommendation to the Egyptian govt to take all necessary measures to stop the execution of the Muslim Brotherhood’s General Guide Mohamed Badie in accordance with several articles of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, to which Egypt is committed.Recommendation letter said that Badie was arrested after he filed a formal complaint against the killing of his son Ammar in the wake of protests in Egypt on 16 Aug. 2013 by govt troops. Following his filing of the formal complaint against Egyptian authorities, Badie himself was arrested, tortured and detained. middleeastmonitor
Egyptian army again floods Gaza tunnels: AnadoluAgency
http://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/egyptian-army-again-floods-gaza-tunnels/458010
Rafah: For the second time in recent weeks, Egyptian authorities flooded the area along the border with Gaza with water to destroy underground tunnels between Sinai and the Palestinian territory.Palestinian source said that many tunnels were flooded with sea water in 6 areas in southern Gaza.
Sunni preacher handed death sentence in Iran
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/21999-sunni-preacher-handed-death-sentence-in-iran
Iran Supreme Court has approved the death sentence issued against the Sunni preacher Shahram Ahmadi, Arabi21 has learnt from informed sources.Ahmadi, an Iranian Sunni preacher, was sentenced to death after he was arrested in 2009 by the Iranian intelligence forces.In July, the Supreme Court denied his sentence, but he was re-tried in the same court by the same judge, and was sentenced to death again. His lawyer informed him of the court’s decision on 15 Oct.and his case was referred to the court that will carry out the execution. During his imprisonment, Ahmadi was subject to various forms of severe physical and psychological torture. He was initially sentenced to death in 2012 by the Iranian Revolutionary Court during a hearing where his lawyer was prohibited from attending.Ahmadi suffers from chronic illnesses, and he lost one of his kidneys due to the suffering and torture exercised against him during his time in prison. Despite this, the judicial authorities did not allow him to receive treatment outside jail, even after a medical report was issued stating he needed to be admitted to a hospital immediately.His younger brother, Bahram Ahmadi, was executed in Ghezel Hesar on 27 Dec.2012. middleeastmonitor
Reconciliation process will include Muslims: Sri Lankan govt
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/reconciliation-process-will-include-muslims/article7824856.ece
Colombo: Sri Lankan Muslims will be an integral part of the proposed truth, justice, reparations and non-recurrence process, according to the country’s Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.“Muslims’ grievances and concerns will be a part of the consultations, design and operationalisation of the domestic mechanisms including Commission for Truth, Justice, Reconciliation and Non-recurrence, the Judicial Mechanism, the Office of Missing Persons and the Office of Reparations,” Samaraweera said at a function held by the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to mark 25th anniversary of Muslims’ expulsion by LTTE from Northern Province.The Hindu
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:37 PM)
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