Evening NEWS DIGEST
27 Nov. 2016: 26 Safar 1438: Vol: 8, No:46
INDIA
Armed men storm Punjab jail; free Khalistan Liberation Front chief
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/Armed-men-storm-Punjab-jail-free-Khalistan-Liberation-Front-chief/article16710412.ece?homepage=true
Patiala:A group of armed men in police uniform on Sunday stormed the Nabha Jail here and fled with five prisoners, including Khalistan Liberation Front chief Harminder Mintoo.Those who escaped include gangster Vicky Gondar, Gurpreet Sekhon, Nita Deol, Vikramjeet, and terrorist Mintoo, police said. Punjab government has announced Rs. 25 lakh reward to any person providing info leading to arrest of escaped prisoners, reported PTI.Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, in a series Tweets, reacted to the incident. He said the government would "uncover the conspiracy" behind the jailbreak "at all costs." He also stated that DGP Suresh Arora has been asked to investigate the incident.The Deputy Chief Minister didn't rule out Pakistan's involvement in the jailbreak. DG (Prisons) Sanjiv Gupta and Nabha jail superintendent have been suspended for dereliction of duties.Home Minister has asked the Chief Minister to take urgent steps to tighten security in all jails in Punjab, officials said.Mintoo was arrested by Punjab Police from Delhi’s IGI Airport in 2014. He was arrested in connection with 10 cases, including the 2008 attack on Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and recovery of explosives at Halwara Air Force station in 2010.the hindu
Nabha jail break not possible without SAD-BJP govt connivance, says Captain Amarinder Singh
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Nabha-jail-break-not-possible-without-SAD-BJP-govt-connivance-says-Captain-Amarinder-Singh/articleshow/55648520.cms
Bathinda: Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh has alleged connivance of the SAD-BJP government of Punjab in the daylight Nabha jailbreak on Sunday. Amarinder said "the incident had exposed a complete breakdown of law and order in the state, while triggering fears of revival of terrorism ahead of the Assembly elections".The shocking manner in which the gangsters walked into the high-security jail and freed a dreaded Khalistani terrorist along with other convicts clearly shows complicity at the highest levels, said Amarinder.TOI
Probe ordered after 10 gunmen break into Punjab jail, flee with Sikh militant
http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/armed-assailants-break-out-one-terrorist-and-4-other-inmates-from-nabha-maximum-security-jail/story-6P3j0pWHxKKZpri2lZL6cK.html
Pakistan could be behind Nabha jail break: Badal
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/pakistan-could-be-behind-nabha-jail-break-sukhbir-singh-badal-4398155/
Punjab jailbreak: Rajnath seeks report, directs tightening of security
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/nabha-jailbreak-khalistan-liberation-chief-harinder-singh-mintoo-gangsters-punjab-escape-live-updates-4397632/
Nabha jailbreak: Khalistan Liberation Force chief Harminder Singh Mintoo has links with ISI
http://www.firstpost.com/india/nabha-jailbreak-khalistan-liberation-force-chief-harminder-singh-mintoo-has-links-with-isi-3127112.html
ISIS not a threat to India and its Muslims: Rajnath
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2016/nov/27/isis-not-a-threat-to-india-and-its-muslims-rajnath-1543226.html
Hyderabad: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said he does not look at terror outfit ISIS as a challenge as he believes that Muslims in India love their country.“I'm sure the threat of radicalisation by ISIS won't be an issue in our nation because people who follow Islam in India, love the country,” he said.“I have stated clearly that no innocent should be troubled and none of the offenders should be spared,” he added. Commenting on 3-day long annual DGP conference at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy Hyderabad, Singh said they discussed the emerging security scenario, challenges faced by state police and also brainstormed on issues like challenges of terrorism, radicalisation, cyber-crime, road safety and how to improve airport security.ANI
ISIS not an issue as people who follow Islam in India love the country: Rajnath
http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/isis-not-an-issue-as-people-who-follow-islam-in-india-love-the-country-rajnath-singh_1953899.html
"Give list of people facing sedition cases, 'martyrs'
http://www.ptinews.com/news/8123462_-Give-list-of-people-facing-sedition-cases---martyrs--.html
New Delhi:With tags of 'patriots' and 'anti-nationals' being at the centre of debate, Central Information Commission has asked the Home Ministry to make public the list of people who are facing sedition charges for indulging in alleged anti-national activities.The transparency watchdog's directives came on a petition by Moradabad-resident Pawan Aggarwal, who had sought from the PMO through an RTI application the list of persons declared as "martyrs" and "anti-nationals".Aggarwal's petition was forwarded by the PMO to the Home Ministry which responded that there was no list available with it in which people were categorised as "patriots", "martyrs" or anti-nationals, hence the information cannot be provided.PTI
Illness killing more BSF men than border operations
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Illness-killing-more-BSF-men-than-border-operations/article16710385.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi : More BSF personnel have died of cardiac arrest and other illness than in action on the borders and anti-Naxal operations in the past two years, according to official data.The data revealed that only 25 of total 774 deaths in the period between Jan.2015 and September 2016 were battle casualties. It showed that while a total of 25 personnel were killed in action, 316 died due to a variety of illness and 117 suffered cardiac arrest.While the deaths due to HIV/AIDS and malaria have gone down in the paramilitary force during the period, fatal casualties of personnel in rail, road and bike accidents continue. Officials said these remained a “cause of worry.”“The force lost 774 personnel during the period, out of which only 25 were battle casualties. This is a cause of worry and these numbers need to be brought down. A number of initiatives are being taken to ensure a healthy lifestyle and safe driving habits amongst the personnel,” a senior official said.PTI
RBI not averse to idea of Islamic banking
http://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/7480-rbi-not-averse-idea-islamic-banking
New Delhi:In a fresh move, RBI has said that it is open to the idea of interest free Islamic banking in the country, which can give a big boost to the Indian economy.In a RTI reply, the Central bank has said that an “Islamic window” can be opened in conventional banks for gradual introduction of Shariah-compliant, interest free banking in the country.Asked to comment on the RBI’s proposal of opening an Islamic window, senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said: “They can for all of RBI existence. RBI Act bars the RBI. If they bring an amendment in Parliament, then it will be anti-national and betrayal of Hindutva. We will defeat that.” Interestingly, it was Swamy’s letter about two years ago which led to the suspension of the launch of State Bank of India (SBI) Shariah Mutual Fund, which was designed to invest in Shariah (Islamic law) compliant companies, at the eleventh hour. There have been proposals to change the name of Islamic banking so that it does not create any kind of confusion among the majority community. “It can be termed as India Mutual Fund or Saajhedari. Nomenclature should not become a hindrance to introduction of Islamic banking, which has got immense potential. The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, for example, is ready to invest $2 trillion in different projects all over the world,” said H. Abdur Raqeeb, convenor of the National Committee on Islamic Banking. Sunday Guardian
Looking through the 'Islamic window': RBI's suggestion draws mixed reactions
http://www.mid-day.com/articles/islamic-window-rbi-suggestion-muslim-banking-system-demonetisation-mixed-reactions/17787191
A week after the government dropped its demonetisation bombshell, hoping to bring black money back into the country’s financial system, the RBI proposed the idea of an ‘Islamic window’ at banks to ensure ‘inclusion of those sections of society excluded because of religious reasons’. The suggestion, however, has drawn mixed reactions. While members of the community feel move could be both beneficial and detrimental, banks are fervidly opposed to the central bank’s proposal.The community feels that the Islamic window will not just create more transparency, but take money out of the control of a few and disperse it to those in need. Maulana Saiyad Atharali, a noted leader of the community, said, “An equity-based system where the bank and customer work together will bring in transparency.”Bohra community, which has a large business community, supports the RBI’s decision. “RBI should certainly implement this plan. Late Syedna Dr Mohammed Burhanuddin had launched the Burhani Qardan Hasana scheme for Dawoodi Bohras in the 1960s. Under this, the account holders and those running the scheme share all profits and losses,” said Zoeb Bootwala, activist and a member of Bohri community.midday
What is Islamic Banking and why does the RBI want it in India?
http://scroll.in/article/822234/what-is-islamic-banking-and-why-does-the-rbi-want-it-in-india
Malaysian minister denies claim of Zakir's citizenship
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/it-takes-decades-deputy-minister-denies-claim-zakir-naik-now-malaysian-citi#sthash.XaHSCigB.dpuf
Kuala Lumpur: Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed dismissed today a news report alleging that Indian televangelist Dr Zakir Naik has been given Malaysian citizenship.“Not true,” Nur Jazlan told Malay Mail Online when contacted.“There are many processes to follow and it takes decades to become a citizen,” he added.Nur Jazlan also told The Star Online that Malaysia does not automatically confer citizenship on anybody, unless said person is born in the country to Malaysian parents. Pulai MP said he did not think that Dr Zakir would want to apply for Malaysian citizenship. Indian news outfit Hindustan Times cited unnamed representatives of Dr Zakir as saying that the Mumbai-based televangelist’s so-called Malaysian citizenship had come as a “package” together with his “Tokoh Maal Hijrah” award that he received from Malaysia in 2013. The publication also claimed that Dr Zakir now holds dual Indian-Malaysian citizenship although Malaysia does not allow such a thing. He is believed to be currently in Malaysia.themalaymailonline
Malaysian Home Ministry denies giving citizenship to Zakir Naik
http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/11/192344/home-ministry-denies-giving-malaysian-citizenship-preacher-zakir-naik
‘It takes decades’: Deputy minister denies claim Zakir Naik now Malaysian citizen
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/it-takes-decades-deputy-minister-denies-claim-zakir-naik-now-malaysian-citi#sthash.XaHSCigB.dpuf
Zakir Naik has Malaysian citizenship too: reports
http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/271116/zakit-naik-has-malaysian-citizenship-too-reports.html
No misuse of funds by my NGO, every penny accounted for: Zakir Naik
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/no-misuse-of-funds-by-my-ngo-every-penny-accounted-for-zakir-naik-4398336/
Mumbai:“It is wrong to imply that a few miscreants who joined terror groups were influenced by me. So if I was really spreading terror, wouldn’t I have made a few lakh terrorists by now? Not just a handful.“In a fan following of millions, there may be a handful of anti-social elements who will go astray and take up violence. But they are surely not following what I’ve told them. The moment they pick up senseless violence, they cease to be Islamic and they surely lose my support,” Zakir Naik told PTI in an e-mail interview.Asked about the legal steps he would take to challenge the ban on his NGO IRF, he said his legal teams in Mumbai and Delhi were looking into the issue and would move the Court soon.On allegations of money laundering by IRF in the funds received from abroad, he said the Rs 47 crore in question came from his personal account in Dubai to his personal account in Mumbai in the last six plus years.“It was duly declared by me in the returns and used for lawful activities, including giving gifts and loans to my family members. I don’t know where is the problem in that.“IRF received about Rs 14 crore in the FCRA account over the past 15 years. Of this, about Rs 4 crore was from NRIs living abroad. Only about Rs 10 crore was received from foreign donors in the last about 15 years. All of this was duly declared to the MHA, including the amounts, the names and the addresses of the donors. So, where is the question of money laundering?” Naik asked.Asked why was he not returning to India, Naik said he has repeatedly offered his co-operation to government agencies in their investigations but till date, no agency bothered to contact him, ask him questions, or send him any notice.PTI
Zakir Naik's YouTube videos a concern:NIA
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-zakir-naik-s-youtube-videos-a-concern-says-nia-2277310
New Delhi: Government might have blocked websites owned by IRF, but its founder Zakir Naik continues to thrive on YouTube, where thousands of his speeches remain.NIA, during search operations on IRF premises, confiscated video tapes and DVDs of Naik's public speeches. NIA says that examining the speeches was a lengthy process as the quantity of videos were poor, but said that the YouTube speeches were a different ball game all together.A single YouTube channel named Dr Zakir Naik has close to 3 lakh subscriptions and has 1,615 videos. The latest was uploaded a week ago. Islamic Productions, which too regularly uploads the preacher's speeches, has a total view of 2.3 crore, though the channel was started in January this year. Dr Zakir Naik - IRF, another channel, has 35,211 subscribers, with 7,081,194 views. Other channels like MIK Islamic Media and Voice of Zakir Naik also have heavy traffic."We have written to MHA to block YouTube videos. It is a time-consuming process, but, for now, we are focusing on the videos we confiscated from IRF premises," said an official, adding that the videos will be examined by a team of experts with a good hold on comparative religion, something which Naik had mastered over the years.DNA
Few tears in community over Zakir Naik’s fall:TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Few-tears-in-community-over-Zakir-Naiks-fall/articleshow/55642645.cms
MP govt orders probe into Petlawad communal tension
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/mp-govt-orders-probe-into-petlawad-communal-tension-4397375/
Bhopal: MP govt has ordered a judicial probe into stopping of a Muharram procession in Petlawad on Oct.12 that caused communal tension in the town and led to a tussle between RSS functionaries and the local police. A retired district judge has been asked to probe within 3 months the reasons behind the stoppage, whether adequate measures were made by administration for procession, fix liability and suggest measures to avoid such incidents in future.Citing an incident in which a Hindu man’s hand was chopped allegedly by Muslims in Gandhwani in neighbouring Dhar district a few hours before, a group of right-wing protesters had allegedly forced the Muharram procession to change its route in Petlawad. That night police cracked down on RSS functionaries, allegedly beating them in the police station. Hindu Jagran Manch then enforced bandh in town, Jhabua and Dhar districts. indianexpress
Criminal case: No advantage for Shahi Imam being mosque head, says Delhi court
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/criminal-case-no-advantage-for-shahi-imam-being-mosque-head-4397679/
New Delhi: Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari cannot take advantage of being a mosque head and try to browbeat powers of courts under “fictitious” and “imaginary” threat of communal tension, a court said while refusing to quash a criminal case against him. While terming as “funny and hilarious” the ground of possible communal tension, it also rejected the Imam’s contention that he has Z-Plus security and inconvenience would be caused if he was taken to face trial, saying in National Herald case,top Congress brass including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi appeared as accused in a court in New Delhi.“It does not appear to be tenable because recently some senior leaders of the Opposition party, namely Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, who were summoned as accused in the National Herald case, and who had much higher degree of security threat had appeared before the court of law without any kind of inconvenience being caused to anyone,” Additional Sessions Judge Lokesh Kumar Sharma said.If such exemptions and exceptions are carved out in legal arena, none of the “so-called head priests” of any sect would ever be brought to the corridors of justice, the court said.PTI
Witness turning hostile serious threat to justice delivery system: SC
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Witness-turning-hostile-serious-threat-to-justice-delivery-system-SC/articleshow/55643550.cms
New Delhi: Holding witnesses as eyes and ears of justice, the Supreme Court has expressed concern over the recent "phenomenon" where witnesses are turning hostile in high-profile cases to frustrate the justice delivery system, resulting in the accused getting acquitted. timesofindia
‘Less-cash’ first, ‘cashless society’ next: Modi appeals in ‘Mann ki Baat’
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Less-cash-first-cashless-society-next-PM-Narendra-Modi-appeals-in-Mann-ki-Baat-radio-address/articleshow/55646835.cms
New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi made the biggest public push for a 'cashless economy' on his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address. He acknowledged that while a 'cashless' society is not immediately possible, and appealed to the people to work towards it by being part of a 'less-cash' society immediately.
Demonetisation: 150 detained while trying to march to PM Modi’s residence
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/demonetisation-150-detained-while-trying-to-march-to-pmnarendra-modis-residence-4397505/
New Delhi:Around 150 people were detained on Saturday after they tried to proceed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence to protest against the Centre’s demonetisation move. Students from various universities, workers and women from different parts of the city participated in the protest rally against note ban. Students from varsities like Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Jamia Milia Islamia and Ambedkar University participated in the rally. Left-leaning AISA organised Saturday’s march and claimed that workers from Wazirpur, Noida, Narela and other industrial areas of the city had come to lend their support for the march. On Saturday, the march started from Mandi House and proceeded towards Janpath.PTI
Need united Opposition, bandhs will only lead to more suffering: Mamata Banerjee on demonetisation
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/demonetisation-cm-need-united-oppn-bandhs-will-only-lead-to-more-suffering-4397418/
Demonetisation: Volunteer group in Hyd sets up free food stall for cashless
http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/season-demonetisation-volunteer-group-hyd-sets-free-food-stall-cashless-53443
A few kilometres away from Mehdipatnam bus stop in Hyderabad, more than 50 people have gathered together near pillar no. 47 of the PVNR Expressway. They are there to eat free food from a stall set up by Syed Naseer Ahmed, his brother Akram, and Gajendra, a friend. The reason? Demonetisation.“Few days back, two young labourers came to my restaurant asking for food. When I questioned them, I came to know that they don’t have money and have not eaten anything for the past 2 days. Then they said that because of demonetisation, they are now jobless as function halls in this area are not getting customers,” Syed said. News Minute
BJP MLA gifts son Mercedes: How long would it have taken him to withdraw the money from bank?
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bjp-mla-gifts-son-mercedes-demonetisation-days-withdraw/1/820449.html
New Delhi:BJP MLA Ram Kadam recently tweeted a picture of his grinning teenage son posing before his new birthday gift, a Mercedes. The politician wrote, "Happy Birthday to my dearest son, Aum R Kadam! This my loving gift for him!"While social media users lashed out at BJP MLA from Ghatkopar, Mumbai, for splurging while millions across India are facing major cash crunch, we thought of coming up with a more logical comeback.If Kadam, who describes himself as the "Dashing MLA of Ghatkopar" had to manually withdraw the cost of the car from the bank, that is, had he been an ordinary citizen who would have had to stand in queues for hours for a handful of money, would his boy still have been smiling before a Mercedes car?IndiaToday
Would’ve resigned if I was asked to implement demonetisation: Chidambaram
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Wouldve-resigned-if-I-was-asked-to-implement-demonetisation-Chidambaram-at-Times-LitFest-2016/articleshow/55650379.cms
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has said if he were the Finance Minister, he would have advised the PM against demonetisation, and that he would have resigned if his PM had asked him to implement demonetisation.TOI
MIM legislator alleges bias in cash loading in ATMs
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/MIM-legislator-alleges-bias-in-cash-loading-in-ATMs/articleshow/55647802.cms
Won’t give triple talaq, clerics make men vow
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/Wont-give-triple-talaq-clerics-make-men-vow/articleshow/55639552.cms
Bareilly: On the last day of Urs-e-Razvi of Dargah Aala Hazrat, clerics drew support of thousands of people gathered at Islamia ground that they will not give triple talaq. They raised their hands to show their support and also promised that they will not give divorce on petty issues. Clerics on the occasion, however, claimed that triple talaq is valid and the Centre will pay a big price if it tries to intervene in Shariat matters. Spokesperson of Dargah Aala Hazrat, Mufti Mohammed Saleem Noori, said, "During the event, Muslim men who had gathered at the venue raised their hands to pledge that they will not give triple talaq or divorce their spouse on petty issues. We told them that they should seek a divorce only when it becomes extremely difficult to stay together." timesofindia
3 Kashmiri students thrashed inside college in Mohali, J&K govt ‘takes up matter with Punjab cops’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/three-kashmiri-students-thrashed-inside-college-in-mohali-jk-govt-takes-up-matter-with-punjab-cops-4397591/
Chandigarh:3 Kashmiri students studying at Doaba Group of Colleges (DGC) at Kharar in Mohali suffered injuries after they were allegedly beaten by a group of youth including few fellow students on Friday afternoon inside the college premises. Police said personal enmity could be the cause of the incident.The incident prompted J&K government officials to speak to their Punjab counterparts, urging them to take action against the perpetrators.“Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has been informed about the incident.CM’s office is also monitoring the situation and they have already taken up the matter with Punjab police and college authorities,” the PDP)youth president Waheed Para told Chandigarh Newsline. According to the Kashmiri students, the incident happened on Friday afternoon when they were going to sit for an exam. Suddenly a group of youth armed with sharp weapons attacked them. The incident resulted in injuries to three out of which one suffered serious injuries on his face and head. Indian express
Trump’s business interests in India, other countries raises questions
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/indian-businesses-foremost-in-donald-trumps-conflict-of-interest-as-president-4397572/
New Delhi:Earlier in Nov., US President-elect Donald Trump met three Indian real-estate investors who are constructing a luxury apartment complex in South Mumbai under the Trump brand. The meeting took place at Trump Towers in Manhattan, New York. He took time out from planning his transition to the Oval office to meet with businessmen. While a spokeswoman for Trump said it was a routine courtesy call and the three flew from India to congratulate Trump on his victory, there were many questions raised on the conflict of interest that may arise because of his global business interests.The tweet has since been deleted but questions still remain. The New York Times reported on Saturday how in India, Trump’s business interests raises eyebrows considering many corporate businesses in India are in nexus with politicians. By associating with those corporate businesses, Trump may establish a monopoly which Suraj Hegde, the secretary of All India Congress Committee, says may be problematic for a democracy.
Muslims from 30 countries reach Bhopal for Ijtima, lakhs attending congregation
http://newsbits.in/muslims-from-30-countries-reach-bhopal-for-ijtima-lakhs-attending-congregation
Bhopal: One of the biggest congregations of Muslims in the world, Alami Tablighi Ijtima, commenced in Bhopal on Saturday. Muslims from 30 countries have arrived in Bhopal for the Ijtima. The grand congregation is organised annually in the central Indian city. Hundreds of jamaats (groups of devout) have arrived in Bhopal for the 3-day event. The event begins on Saturday with the Fajr prayer. On the second day, mass marriages are solemnised during the congregation.Ijtima will conclude on Monday. This is the 69th Ijtima in Bhopal. During the three days of the congregation,Islamic scholars deliver discourses, urging the Muslims to follow the path of religion.A tent city spread over 215 acres of land with marquees on 65 acres has come up at Ghasipura in Eintkhedi on the outskirts of Bhopal. The remaining land of about 150 acres is marked for parking and shopping plots meant for eateries. As many as 55 food zones, 25 breakfast outlets and 275 hotels have come up at subsidised rates. 10 thousand volunteers have been deployed for the smooth functioning of the Ijtima and to help the jamaatis arriving in Bhopal.NewsBits.in
WORLD
Qamar Javed Bajwa’s Selection Is the Eye of a Religious Storm in Pakistan; labelled ‘Ahmadi’ :thequint
https://www.thequint.com/world/2016/11/27/pakistan-army-chief-general-qamar-javed-bajwa-appointment-amidst-controversy-religion-nawaz-sharif-ahmadi-muslim
After much speculation, Pakistan has appointed General Qamar Javed Bajwa as the new army chief. But even before his appointment, controversy surrounded Bajwa when he was one of the 4 contenders to replace General Raheel Sharif. He has been labelled an ‘Ahmadi’ by some hardliners and it sparked a debate.It all started when a few days before the appointment, Pakistani senator and politician Sajid Meer suggested that Bajwa has Ahmadi relatives, followed by many religious hardliners then objecting to his promotion. In the past, people have been persecuted for being followers of the Ahmadiyya sect in Pakistan.Before the appointment, the controversy spilled over to social media and many prominent activists and journalists expressed their concern over how religious discrimination was overshadowing merit.They argued that it does not matter whether Bajwa was an Ahmadi or not and that there have been Ahmadi officers in the past.Although some people on social media said that whether it matters or not, Bajwa’s father-in-law is an Ahmadi, but that does not make him a follower himself.But despite the vilification campaign, Pak PM Nawaz Sharif made Bajwa the army chief.
Bajwa selection as Pak new army chief & Ahmadi links
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/qamar-javed-bajwa-ahmadi-pakistan-army-chief-4397574/
California: 3 mosques receive hate letters threatening genocide
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/california-3-mosques-receive-hate-letters-threatening-genocide-4397491/
Los Angeles:A civil rights group has called for more police protection of mosques after several in California received letters that praised President-elect Donald Trump and threatened Muslim genocide.The Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, said the same handwritten, photocopied letter was sent last week to the Islamic Center of Long Beach, the Islamic Center of Claremont and the Evergreen Islamic Center in San Jose, Los Angeles Times reported..The letter was addressed to “the children of Satan” and it was signed by “American for A Better Way.” L.A. area mosques received it Wednesday and the San Jose mosque on Thursday.AP
Sweden: Attackers burst into Stockholm mosque, paint swastikas
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/sweden-attackers-burst-into-stockholm-mosque-paint-swastikas-4397020/
Stockholm:At a Stockholm mosque just after morning prayers on Saturday, unidentified attackers burst into the building, spray-painting swastikas and hate speech on the walls and throwing firecrackers, police said.All of the worshippers had left the mosque at the time of the attack except one, and he was shaken but unharmed, mosque officials told Swedish news agency TT. Police said they were investigating the incident as vandalism and a hate crime. No arrests had been made several hours after the attack.AFP
46 civilians killed in fresh airstrikes on Aleppo
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161127-46-civilians-killed-in-fresh-airstrikes-on-aleppo/
At least 46 civilians were killed and hundreds injured in airstrikes carried out by regime forces and Russian warplanes in Syria’s northern city of Aleppo on Saturday.Local civil defence official Ibrahim Abu Laith said the raids targeted opposition-held neighbourhoods in eastern Aleppo.“46 people were killed and 325 others injured in the bombardment,” he told Anadolu.Regime forces have tightened up its siege and attacks on opposition-held areas in eastern Aleppo in an effort to retake Aleppo and advance to Idlib, the opposition’s last stronghold. 508 civilians were killed and 1,871 others injured in regime attacks on Aleppo since mid-Nov. middleeastmonitor
Syria: Children play underground to avoid bombing as half a million remain trapped in besieged areas
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syrian-war-children-deaths-bombing-civilian-casualties-besieged-areas-underground-playground-land-of-a7441271.html
“My mum doesn't allow me to play in the street with the neighbours' children, but when she learnt that this place is underground she let me come here to play,”says 10-year-old Abdulaziz.He has been playing with his friends in earthen tunnels that form part of a subterranean playground where they can be kept safe from relentless bombardment by Syrian government forces and their allies.“Land of Childhood” sits hidden in a rebel-held region of the war-torn country as it continues to be besieged, trapping civilian families inside under fire and facing shortages of food and vital medicine.Abdulaziz, whose father was killed in the war, is one of many youngsters attempting to live normal childhoods amid the unending violence.Network of basements linked by volunteers led by a former architecture student, allows them and their parents a moment of relative safety to play.Toy cars sit on display in an enclave dug into the earthen walls, while a Wendy house, ball pit and park complete with climbing frame and rocking horses has been installed.In one corner, volunteers make homemade sweets while a makeshift ferris wheel takes up another wall decorated with colourful paintings of flowers and trees – a reminder of the outside world that is no longer safe for these children and many more.More than 200 children visit the playground every day, while in another besieged area an underground school is allowing 50 girls to continue their education. Yaseen, Land of Childhood’s designer, told Unicef volunteers dug tunnels themselves before adding coloured lights and toys.“We wanted to turn the tunnel from being linked to attacks, fear and horror to a fun place that attracts children to pass through it,” he said. UN says worsening violence in Syria’s fifth year of civil war has caused the number of children living under siege to double.Almost 500,000 children are estimated to live in 16 besieged areas across the country, almost completely cut off from humanitarian aid and basic services, some for two years.HT
Syria army captures rebel-held Hanano area in Aleppo
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/11/syrian-army-captures-part-rebel-held-east-aleppo-161126214447646.html
Qatar will help Syrian rebels even if Trump ends US role:Reuters
http://www.investing.com/news/world-news/qatar-will-help-syrian-rebels-even-if-trump-ends-u.s.-role-443820
More than 400 civilians flee east Aleppo
http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/more-than-400-civilians-flee-east-aleppo-116112700372_1.html
Inside east Aleppo's last hospital: 'No space to walk'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/11/east-aleppo-hospital-space-walk-161127054128357.html
ISIS and Israel clash for first time after jihadis open fire on Israeli forces: independent UK
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-israel-fight-clash-first-time-syria-golan-heights-a7441866.html
Israeli forces killed 4 Isis militants in Syria in the first direct clash between the country and the jihadi group.The militants opened fire on a military patrol on the Israeli side of the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, a military spokesman said. Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner said the patrol came under machine gun and mortar fire early on Sunday.They returned fire towards Syria before an Israeli aircraft engaged the militants, striking a machine gun-armed car and killing its passengers.All of the gunmen were suspected militants from "Shuhada al-Yarmouk," an Isis offshoot which controls the area.Lerner said none of the Israeli soldiers, from the Golani Brigade, were wounded in the clash.PM Benjamin Netanyahu commended the troops for thwarting the attack. "We are well prepared on our northern border and will not allow Islamic State elements or any other hostile elements to use the war in Syria to establish themselves close to our borders," he said at his weekly Cabinet meeting. independent
Israeli military kills 4 IS militants in Syria after ambush:AP
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/israeli-military-kills-4-islamic-state-militants-in-syria-after-ambush/story-3ntQjjvpaBkB725oC1Zk2K.html
Israeli air strike kills four IS-linked gunmen on Golan
http://in.reuters.com/article/israel-syria-idINKBN13M09J
'Gaza risks becoming easy launchpad for ISIS,' says Qatari minister: Israeli paper
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/ISIS-Threat/Qatari-Minister-Gaza-risks-becoming-easy-launchpad-for-Islamic-State-473798
Doha - Palestinian infighting and years of an Israeli blockade could turn the impoverished Gaza Strip into an easy "launching pad" for Islamic State recruiters, Qatar's foreign minister says.The small gas-rich Gulf state is a major backer of Hamas, the armed movement which has maintained its control over the coastal enclave for almost a decade despite conflicts with Israel and a rift with Western-backed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.Foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said in an interview in Doha on Saturday that a blockade imposed on Gaza's borders by Israel and Egypt had turned the territory into an "open-air prison.""If we will leave them as they are, people from Daesh can recruit them easily. They can start operations from there easily," he told Reuters, using an Arabic acronym for the group.Hamas, an Islamist movement that shares the Islamic State's hostility to Israel but not their quest for a global religious war, deny the jihadists have a presence in the territory. jpost
Bangladesh pushes back at least 95 Rohingya Muslims
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-bangladesh-pushes-back-at-least-95-rohingya-muslims-2277524
Dhaka:At least 95 Rohingya Muslims including women and children have been pushed back from different border points of Teknaf by the Border Guard Bangladesh in Cox's Bazar district.Teknaf 2 BGB Commander Abuzar Al-Zahid was quoted by the Dhaka Tribune, as saying that around 90 Rohingyas had boarded in six boats and were prevented from trespassing in the Naf River at midnight by the BGB. ANI
China asks Muslims to oppose religious extremism
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/China-asks-Muslims-to-oppose-religious-extremism/articleshow/55651529.cms
Beijing: China has asked its Muslim citizens to resolutely oppose religious extremism and stick to socialism with Chinese characteristics as it tightened security in the restive Muslim-majority Xinjiang province with stern measures.Chinese Muslims should resolutely oppose religious extremism, Wang Zuo'an, chief of the State Administration for religious affairs, said.In his address at the 10th National Congress of Chinese Muslims on Saturday, Wang said the development of Islam in China should stick to socialism with Chinese characteristics, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.PTI
Opposition wins close to half of Kuwaiti parliament seats as govt eyes resurgence from dipping oil price
http://www.mexicostar.com/index.php/sid/249727371
Kuwait: Making a comeback after 4 years of protesting the govt's amendment of the key voting system, the Islamist, nationalist and liberal opposition won 24 out of 50 contested assembly seats in Kuwaiti parliamentary elections, the election authority announced on Sunday.Outgoing parliament members were dealt a heavy blow as over half of them failed to win, while two of three cabinet ministers also failing to secure a re-election win.Out of 50 available seats, all but one seats were won by the men, while only one woman Safaa al-Hashem of the liberal candidates won the election out of 15 women. There was also an influence of the Muslim groups linked to Salafists in the election. However, the power remains with the emir. Following the strong show, the immediate challenge for the opposition would be to revive the country’s economy after a slump in the global oil price. 70 percent of Kuwaitis, who turned out to vote also expect to get back their subsidies which were reduced following the slump. mexicostar
Israel: Firefighters douse fires that forced mass evacuations
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/israel-firefighters-douse-fires-that-forced-mass-evacuations/story-Ykm1g86AXJsrOjLCOWiV7N.html
Jerusalem: Firefighters have extinguished blazes that ravaged Israel and the occupied West Bank for five days and forced tens of thousands to flee, authorities said Sunday, blaming arsonists for some outbreaks.There were no deaths but some 122 people were treated for injuries, mainly due to smoke inhalation, medical officials said.Around 700 homes were damaged or destroyed as the blazes fed by high winds and dry conditions ripped through thousands of hectares.Around 1,000 residents of Halamish near Ramallah in the West Bank had to flee at the weekend.Police have arrested 23 people suspected of lighting fires and interrogated another seven.AFP
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:21 PM)--
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