Evening NEWS DIGEST
27 Dec.2016: 27 Rabiul Awwal 1438: Vol:8, No:73
INDIA
Historian Narayanan terms SC ruling on National anthem stupidity:‘India not a nation, but federation of nationalities’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/national-anthem-ruling-stupidity-india-not-a-nation-historian-mgs-narayanan-4447067/
New Delhi: Historian MGS Narayanan has termed as “stupidity” the Supreme Court ruling making the National Anthem mandatory before movie screenings. Calling it a good example of judicial overreach, the former chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) said there was no need to justify or criticise the same as the order will fail on its own if people don’t make it fail.“People who come to cinemas for entertainment don’t need to be force-fed nationalism. This move to impose nationalism won’t succeed. In fact, it will fail,” he said in an interview published in Mathrubhumi Weekly. Narayanan, who is one of India’s top authorities on ancient history, said India does not have a nationalism as it is more a civilisation. “We can call it a federation of nationalities, but not a nation. I have never felt it is a nation,” he said. “The national anthem comes into relevance only when there is a feeling of nationalism. But this feeling cannot be created by force, it should come naturally,” he said, adding that the efforts to force these feelings will in the end have a negative impact. Narayanan, who was appointed head of ICHR during NDA rule, said these moves reminded him of a “dictatorial minority”, which was against the concept of democracy. “Article 51(A) in our Constitution is clear that the respect of our country and its symbols is not something that should be achieved judicial force,” he said, adding that the 1986 Supreme Court ruling in the case pertaining to students from the Jehova’s Witness community underlines that our culture teaches us tolerance and our spiritual leaning espouses tolerance. indianexpress
NIA failed to establish our IM link: Hyderabad blast convicts
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/271216/nia-couldnt-prove-our-im-link-hyderabad-blast-convicts.html
Hyderabad: Convicts in the Dilsukhnagar bomb blast case on Monday moved the Hyderabad High Court, appealing the death penalty awarded by a special NIA court. They said the NIA had failed to establish that they were members of the Indian Mujahideen.T Srinivasa Rao, additional district and sessions judge cum special judge for scheduled offences under the NIA Act, on Dec.13 had awarded the death penalty to Yasin Bhatkal and a Pakistani national, Zia-ur-Rahman alias Waqas, Asadullah Akhtar alias Haddi, Tahaseen Akhtar alias Monu and Ajaz Shaikh for the blasts which claimed 18 lives and left more than 100 injured in 2013.NIA had claimed that the IM had hatched a conspiracy to wage war against India and decided to carry out bomb blasts in Hyderabad to create terror further its activities. The appellants in their appeal relied on the ground which was pointed out by the special court judge.The judge had said that “the question that fails for my determination is does the prosecution prove the accused No 2 to 6 along with absconding accused No 1 (Yasin Bhatkal) during the period between 2010 to 2013 Feb.were members of the unlawful association namely IM which has been declared as unlawful by notification under Section 3 of the UAPA.”The judge had noted that the prosecution had not produced any notification issued by the Centre under Section 3 of the Act 1967. Meanwhile NIA special court referred the case to the Hyderabad High Court for confirmation of the death sentence.Deccan Chronicle.
Bring Bhatkal to city: Lawyer for 2011 blasts accused
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Bring-Bhatkal-to-city-Lawyer-for-2011-blasts-accused/articleshow/56186849.cms
Mumbai: The men arrested on charges of masterminding the July 13, 2011 triple blasts have requested the MCOCA court that prime accused, Yasin Bhatkal, be brought from Hyderabad jail to the city so that the pending trial in the case could begin. Bhatkal and 4 others —Tahseen Akhtar, Zia Ur Rehman alias Waqas, Asadullah Akhtar and Aizaj Sheikh—were awarded the death sentence by a court in connection with their role in Dilsukhnagar blasts. Advocate Shareef Shaikh, lawyer for the other accused in the Mumbai blasts cases, said, "We have requested the court to pass an order to bring Bhatkal and Sheikh, to Mumbai so that the hearing could begin." Bhatkal is accused of providing explosives and assembling the bombs while Sheikh along with another accused was suspected to have stolen an two-wheeler and planting a bomb on it.The accused in the Mumbai case had earlier told court that their trial should be conducted at the earliest. timesofindia
Dilsukhnagar blast: convicts appeal against verdict
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2016/dec/27/dilsukhnagar-five-appeal-verdict-1553430.html
Notice served on legal counsel of Zakir Naik’s IRF
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/notice-served-on-legal-counsel-of-zakir-naiks-ngo-4446183/
Mumbai police on Monday served a notice received from the UAPA, set up to examine the evidence on the basis of which the Centre banned Zakir Naik’s NGO IRF last month, on the organisation’s legal counsel in Mumbai. “Notice was received from the registrar of the tribunal and was served on IRF’s legal counsel SHA Jamati at the organisation’s office here,” a police spokesperson said. The tribunal was set up to adjudicate whether or not there was sufficient cause for declaring IRF an “unlawful association” under UAPA. IRF was declared an unlawful association under section 3(1) of UAPA, with the gazette notification, dated Nov.17,stating that the NGO and its members, particularly its founder Naik, had been “encouraging and aiding its followers to promote or attempt to promote disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious communities and groups”. Tribunal issued notices seeking responses from Maharashtra govt, IRF and other “interested persons” after its preliminary hearing. NGO has been granted time till Feb.6 for filing its response.PTI
Notice served on legal counsel of Zakir Naik's NGO
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2016/dec/27/notice-served-on-legal-counsel-of-zakir-naiks-ngo-1553464.html
Muslim body asks centre to appoint commission to re-examine UAPA cases
http://www.news18.com/news/india/muslim-body-asks-centre-to-appoint-commission-to-re-examine-uapa-cases-1328214.html
Kozhikode: Association of Muslim Scholars of India has urged the Centre to set up a commission to re-examine the cases registered under UAPA against "innocent people" in the guise of national security. "Centre should appoint a commission to re-examine the cases filed under UAPA that have been imposed on innocent people under the guise of national security," General Secretary of the Association, Kanthapuram A P Abubacker Musliyar said.He was delivering the keynote address at the international Milad Conference.He further said, the freedom of religion and freedom to believe and practice ones faith is one of the cornerstones provided in the Constitution. A host of Muslim scholars representing different countries and international associations attended the conference. news18.com
5000 OBCs perform 'ghar wapsi', convert to Buddhism
https://scroll.in/latest/825176/five-thousand-obcs-perform-ghar-wapsi-convert-to-buddhism-in-nagpur
60 years after Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar led 6 lakh Dalits to abandon Hinduism for Buddhism, more than 5,000 people belonging to other backward classes converted to Buddhism on Sunday in Nagpur.Ceremony at Deekshabhoomi was the culmination of 5 years of planning by the Satyashodhak OBC Parishad, an activist group based in Maharashtra. The group had initially thought to convert in Nagpur on the anniversary of Ambedkar’s conversion, but abandoned the idea as the city would be too crowded that day. “We finally decided to convert on Dec.25 for three reasons,” said Dhanaji Gurav, one of the organisers of the event. “This was the day Savitribai [Phule] started her first school for girls, it is Christmas and also it is Manusmriti Dahan Divas, the day on which Babasaheb burnt the Manusmriti [in1927].”The date had the added advantage of being commemorated by women’s organisations associated with group as their day of liberation, he said.Since 2011, when their recruitment drive began, the group has been emphasising the history of OBCs as “nagvanshis”,who were Buddhists in medieval times.They have termed this their true “ghar wapsi”, or homecoming.RSS and other Hindu organisations have used the phrase “ghar wapsi” for efforts to convert Indians from other religions to Hinduism.scroll.in
Naqvi says govt not thinking of uniform civil code now
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/naqvi-says-govt-not-thinking-of-uniform-civil-code/articleshow/56203796.cms
Thrissur: Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi categorically stated on Tuesday that the govt was not taking any initiative for bringing in common civil code on its own."There is no discussion or decision or even thinking on common civil code at the govt level now. If at all any govt takes such an initiative, it will be after discussions with all concerned sections and building up a consensus," the minister said here .The minister was responding to questions from a group of reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Ayurveda wing of Jubilee Mission Hospital, run by the Thrissur Archdiocese.He said the govt was ready to talk to the genuine minority groups who are running quality educational or healthcare institutions and render all possible help to them. He claimed that Modi govt was committed to avert leakages in various schemes including in the programmes for the welfare of the minorities. "We want to completely block the loot lobby, by eliminating the middlemen and power brokers," he said.TOI
TN: Parties join chorus against uniform code
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2016/dec/27/parties-join-chorus-against-uniform-code-1553379.html
Chennai: All mainstream political parties, including the ruling AIADMK and the opposition DMK, joined the chorus against the imposition of uniform civil code (UCC) in the country. Addressing a meet against UCC organised by various Islamic organisations held here on Sunday,they reiterated their opposition to the move of the Centre to force the common code upon the Muslims and the PM to concentrate on developmental programmes. Senior leader of AIADMK and MP S Anwar Raja said his party would raise the issue on the floor of Parliament. “Late CM, Jayalalithaa, opposed UCC in a strong manner. Following in her footsteps, AIADMK will register its opposition to the common code in Parliament,” he said. Talking tough on the issue, DMK’s deputy general secretary VP Duraisamy said, “The country’s strength lies in diversity. If the UCC is brought into force, it will harm the religious sentiments of Muslims and trigger destabilisation of harmony.” S Thirunavukkarasar, president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, said, “Congress will never allow BJP-led govt to implement the UCC.” He also noted that personal laws are in existence not only for Muslims but also for other religions in the country.
UCC, ploy to impair religious harmony:Kanimozhi
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/%E2%80%98Uniform-Civil-Code-a-ploy-to-impair-religious-harmony%E2%80%99/article16947279.ece
Education, jobs top on Minority Affairs Ministry list in 2017
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/education-jobs-top-on-minority-affairs-ministry-list-in-2017-4446770/
New Delhi:Empowering minorities by providing them education and employment opportunities will top the 2017 priority list of Union Minority Affairs Ministry which said bringing socio-economic schemes “out of papers and computers” and taking them to ground were its biggest achievement this year. 2016 saw change of guard in the Ministry with Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi assuming its charge following resignation of Najma Heptulla (now Manipur Governor) while management of Haj pilgrimage was also transferred to it from Ministry of External Affairs from Oct.1.Often under attack from Opposition over issues relating to minorities, particularly in the wake of lynching of Akhlaq in UP’s Dadri in 2015, govt also sought to combat “Opposition’s propaganda” against it by undertaking outreach programme like‘Progress Panchayat’ in minority-dominated pockets.PTI
Maharashtra Lawyers Forum, Muslim Personal Law Board seek 5% reservation for Muslims
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Forum-AIMPLB-seek-5-reservation-for-Muslims/articleshow/56189706.cms
Aurangabad: Maharashtra Muslim Lawyers' Forum and All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) want the state govt to implement the recommendations of Justice R M Bapat (retired) Maharashtra State Commission for Backward Classes that 5% reservation be given to Muslims.The Commission had recommended 5% reservation for 50 Muslim communities listed as Special Backward classes in the schedule of the Ordinance called Maharashtra State (Reservation of seats for admission in educational institutions and for appointment of post in public services under the state) for Special Backward Classes. Lawyers' Forum and All India Muslim Personal Law Board had organised a 2-day workshop, when a resolution was passed to make the demand with the govt .The conference that concluded on Sunday evening was presided over by Shakeel Ahmed, senior advocate of Supreme Court. Eminent high court lawyer Satish Talekar was invited to deliver a talk on the subject of reservation for Muslims.TOI
India taps Saudi for release of priest abducted in Yemen
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-taps-saudi-arabia-for-release-of-priest-abducted-in-yemen/articleshow/56187040.cms
New Delhi: In the absence of any govt in Yemen, India says it is reaching out to other regional countries like Saudi Arabia and local Yemeni authorities to reach Indian Catholic priest Father Tom Uzhunnalil, held captive by Islamists in Yemen since early 2016.After a new video of Father Tom surfaced, which appealed to the Indian govt and the Church for help to secure his release, an MEA spokesperson said India was continuing with efforts to secure his release. "With regard to the safe release of Father Tom who was abducted some months ago, we have been in regular touch with countries in the region, especially Saudi Arabia as also the local Yemeni authorities."But obviously the Indian efforts have fallen short, largely because of the state of instability prevailing in Yemen. The country has been a battleground between the Iran-supported Houthis and the Saudi Arabia supported govt of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, which has claimed over 7000 lives so far. timesofindia
UP: 70-year-old dies after being forced to stand on one leg to atone death of calf
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/12/26/70-year-old-dies-after-being-forced-to-stand-on-one-leg-to-atone/?utm_hp_ref=in-homepage
In another shocking incident of cow vigilantism, a 70-year-old farmer from the Bundelkhand region died, reportedly after he was made to stand on one leg for the death of a calf.According to a report in The Telegraph, the panchayat in Bada Malhera village of Chhattarpur district asked Har Singh Lodhi to atone for his sins after a calf was found dead on his farm and a bottle of rat poison was found near it.While the cause of his death was not certain, his son Dariyab told the newspaper that Lodhi had to go through purification rituals like taking a dip in the Sangam, shave his head and even pay a fine of Rs 500 for the calf's death."My father was himself keen to undertake the punishment as he had been feeling low since the calf died. After three hours of suffering and constantly changing legs, he fainted. He was taken to hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival," Dariyab told The Telegraph.
DEMONETISATION
Mamata, Rahul dare Modi to resign for 'failure of note ban'
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mamata-banerjee-rahul-gandhi-dare-pm-narendra-modi-to-resign-for-failure-of-note-ban/articleshow/56201101.cms?
New Delhi: Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee stole the show at a joint opposition press conference today and said that instead of making the country cashless, the Centre has made its own existence "baseless" and rendered itself "faceless" following the Nov 8 decision to scrap high-value currency notes. Banerjee dared PM Narendra Modi to resign saying that he had promised if the cash crunch situation doesn't improve in 50 days from demonetisation, he would personally answer for it. And in a direct hit alleging the PM is authoritarian , Banerjee also said the govt should have taken the Parliament into confidence before taking such a big step like demonetisation ."Will you resign as the PM, if things don't get stable in 50 days, which is now almost over? What you've done (currency ban), has sent the country 20 years back in time," the West Bengal CM thundered at a joint press conference with the Congress party, RJD and a few other parties that earlier held a joint meeting to discuss what could become a "common minimum agenda" to take on the Centre.Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who also addressed the press conference, focussed not just on demonetisation but also on what he calls "the personal corruption of the PM". TOI
Will you resign if things don’t improve 50 days after demonetisation, Mamata asks PM
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/opposition-press-conference-demonetisation-congress-tmc-dmk-live-updates-4446614/
MP: Ailing 86-old man forced by bank to be personally present for money deposit dies
http://www.newsbits.in/mp-ailing-old-man-forced-by-bank-to-be-personally-present-for-money-deposit-dies
Bhopal: An 86-year-old ailing man, whose personal presence or written permission was insisted upon by SBI officials in Mandsaur of MP, died on Sunday without being able to deposit Rs 40,000 in old currency notes.Before this, at least 7 persons have lost lives in different parts of MP due to demonetization related issues.In the Mandsaur case, the old man, Shantilal Jain was brought to the SBI branch twice on Dec.21 and 22, despite his being on oxygen support, as the bank officials insisted that Jain either gave permission for the deposit either orally on in written.However, Jain was in no condition to speak or write and kept sitting in an autorickshaw in which he was brought to the bank by his son. Despite the personal presence of Jain, bank officials refused to deposit the money.NewsBits.in
Farmers sacrificed in Modi’s yagna: Rahul
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/Farmers-sacrificed-in-Modi%E2%80%99s-yagna-Rahul/article16946559.ece
Demonetisation will end up making UP polls more costly: Survey
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/demonetisation-will-end-up-making-up-polls-more-costly-survey-4446120/
Demonetisation has forced candidates to find “innovative ways to pump in black money” for campaigning which will end up making UP Assembly polls more costly, a survey has claimed. Survey conducted jointly by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and UP Election Watch to study impact of demonetisation on poll expenses said, “Demonetisation will have no impact in the campaigning or the poll expense.”In the survey, 69% of prospective candidates and party office-bearers admitted that compared to previous polls, the cost of contesting polls would rise by at least 10% due to demonetisation.PTI
I-T Dept to issue notice to those who bought car afterNov8
http://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/it-department-to-issue-notice-to-those-who-bought-car-after-november-8/story/243084.html
New Delhi: After a series of raids across the country following demonetisation, the Income Tax Department is now taking a close look at car sales that were made after November 8.Car dealers across the country have been asked to share details of those buyers who made purchase after PM Narendra Modi made the big demonetisation announcement in a live TV address. I-T officials, in fact, plan to issue tax notices to these customers between 1-15 January. businesstoday
Rs. 100 cr. in party’s account entirely accounted for, asserts Mayawati
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Rs.-100-cr.-in-party%E2%80%99s-account-entirely-accounted-for-asserts-Mayawati/article16949234.ece?homepage=true
Lucknow:BSP supremo Mayawati on Tuesday asserted that the Rs. 100 crore detected by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in her party’s account was entirely accounted for and deposited following due procedures.Addressing a press conference here, ex-UP CM said:“Money belongs to the party, which has been deposited following due procedures. The entire money is accounted for.”Ms. Mayawati accused the BJP of using the state machinery to malign the BSP ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.IANS
Why demonetisation is a disaster – detailed analysis of RBI data: James Wilson
http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-delhi-centric-approach-address-india-s-deadly-air-pollution-problem-won-t-work-54712
OTHERS
Refugee vs refugee turns into Kashmir vs Jammu: Identity certificates spark protests and violence
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/west-pakistan-refugee-vs-rohingya-muslim-refugee-turns-into-kashmir-vs-jammu-identity-certificates-spark-protests-and-violence-4446449/
Jammu: In an echo of the Amarnath land row, the issue of ‘identity certificates’ to West Pakistan refugees in J&K is threatening to divide the state on regional and religious lines. While protests have erupted in the Valley, with separatists and the mainstream opposition accusing the PDP-BJP coalition govt of trying to dilute state subject laws by giving the certificates to the refugees, leaders in Jammu have raised the settlement of Rohingya Muslims in the region in return, calling it an attempt to change its demography.’Govt has defended the identity certificates saying the West Pakistan refugees, almost all Hindus, who came to J&K at the time of Partition, continue to be “non-state subjects”.“We are only issuing them identity certificates so as to help them get jobs in paramilitary forces and other central govt establishments as citizens of India,” said state govt spokesperson and Education Minister Naeem Akhtar. Such clarifications, however, have fallen on deaf ears in the Valley, where many point out that the issue of identity certificates to West Pakistan refugees forms part of the Agenda of Alliance between the ruling PDP and BJP.There were violent protests in Sopore town in Kashmir over the West Pakistan refugees after the prayers on Friday, with police lobbing teargas shells and using lathis to control the crowd. JKLF chairman Yasin Malik was detained in Srinagar, while Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq led another protest in old Srinagar town. National Conference described the issue of certificates to the refugees as a “first step” towards getting them permanent resident status and property rights in the state. In Jammu, BJP leaders said they would raise the issue of the “increasing number” of Rohingya Muslim refugees in the state in the coming Budget Session of the Assembly.“There are no records regarding them, and their settlement in a sensitive border state is a great threat to national security as these people can be easily used by anti-national elements,” said BJP Nowshera MLA Ravinder Raina.. indian express
J&K HC quashes Masrat Aalam’s detention under PSA
http://brighterkashmir.com/court-quashes-masrat-aalams-detention-under-psa/
Srinagar: J&K High Court Tuesday quashed the detention of Muslim League Head Masarat Aalam under Public Safety Act and ordered the detaining authority to release him without any delay. Aalam was booked under Public Safety Act by District authorities Baramulla under a case vide FIR number 396/2016. Justice Muzaffar Hussain Atthar after hearing the arguments from the public prosecutor Asif Maqbool and Cousel for the petitioner Advocate Mian Abdul Qayoom maintained that: by issuance of writ of Certiorari, order of detention bearing number 85/DMB/PSA/2016 dated 01 Sept.2016, passed by District Magistrate, Baramulla, is quashed with further direction to the respondents to release the person of Masrat Aalam Bhat, forthwith from preventive custody.” brighterkashmir
China calls for 'strategic balance' in South Asia after Agni-V test-firing
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/China-calls-for-strategic-balance-in-South-Asia-after-Agni-V-test-firing/article16949860.ece?homepage=true
Beijing:Without referring to Pakistan, China has advocated “preserving the strategic balance and stability in South Asia,” after India successfully test-fired Agni-V ballistic missile. “China always maintains that preserving the strategic balance and stability in South Asia is conducive to peace and prosperity of regional countries and beyond,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying in response to a question.thehindu
Communal tension erupts in Bhind after missing man found dead:HT
http://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/communal-tension-erupts-in-bhind-after-missing-man-found-dead/story-5lEyfP55uUiSDtugribZqL.html
Bhopal:Communal tension erupted in Gormi locality of MP’s Bhind district after the body of a 50-year-old man, who was missing since Dec.16, was found in a river on Sunday. After the body of the missing man was found, some unidentified persons allegedly burnt down about 12 houses and 6 vehicles reportedly owned by the members of a particular community, said sources. District administration has clamped prohibitory orders in the area under Section 144 of CrPc. According to sources who didn’t wish to be named, deceased, Munnalal Samadhia, a resident of Gormi locality, was allegedly missing since Dec.16.On that day, he had gone to market to buy some grocery but didn’t return after that. The next day, members of his family lodged a complaint about it and suspected the role of 2 of his neighbours in his sudden disappearance as they too were also untraceable since Dec.16.
Manipur Editors’ Guild to publish blank edit page tomorrow against bomb threat
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/manipur-editors-guild-to-publish-blank-edit-page-tomorrow-against-bomb-threat-4446354/
Imphal: Editors’ Guild in Manipur on Monday decided to halt all media-related activities and publish blank editorial pages in protest against a hand grenade being found at the gates of an evening daily PANDM, located at at Wahengbam in Imphal West district. The police said the Chinese-made grenade was suspected to be left behind by cadres of the banned KCP outfit. The suspected militants also left a note, which read: “It is a new year gift to the paper of Manipur”.PTI
Blockade: Manipur journalists seek Centre’s intervention
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/united-naga-council-unc-blockade-manipur-journalists-seek-centres-intervention-4446113/
Manipur Govt extends suspension of mobile data for another week
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/manipur-govt-extends-suspension-of-mobile-data-for-another-week-4446726/
Muslims give land for Hindu fair in Kota town: HT
http://www.hindustantimes.com/jaipur/muslims-give-land-for-hindu-fair-in-kota-town/story-gd5qaNEa6XKCQckbw0Pw9O.html
Jaipur:Two Muslim villagers in Rajasthan’s Kota did not tilt their land this Rabi season to facilitate Hindu community to hold a 228-year-old fair on their farmland, setting an example of communal harmony against the backdrop of growing religious intolerance in the country.Abdul Hameed (60) set aside 18 bighas of his farmland while 55-year-old Sabir Khan kept free 2.5 bighas for the fair which commenced on January 28 at the district’s Kherabad town.Hameed, a farmer is also a former sarpanch of Khairabad gram panchayat.Khan, a trader by profession, further constructed 10 houses of 100-square-foot each on his land for the use of pilgrims.HT
Muslim journalist threatened for writing against 'Hindu outfits'; caller says “apologise, or you will be killed”
http://twocircles.net/2016dec27/1482816700.html#.WGJvT_B97IU
For the past 6 months, Bhopal-based freelance journalist Anam Ibrahim keeps a look over his shoulder. And for good reason too: his car was rammed into by a truck, twice: it was then burnt right outside his house, and a person once walked into the office he was working with a cleaver in hand, threatening to kill him. And all this, because he has written “against right-wing Hindu organisations”.The latest threat came a couple of days ago, when an unknown caller, claiming to be from RSS, promised to eliminate him unless he stopped writing. “Listen to me carefully...you have committed a grave mistake by writing against the Hindu Sangh...you have got yourself into a big trouble...you better take responsibility and apologise, or you will lose your life this week…” said the caller, who went on to abuse Ibrahim at length for “writing against Hindus”. Ibrahim, who has been working as a reporter since his late teenage years, clears the idea that his reporting is only against Hindus. “Of course, people eye it with suspicion every time I, a Muslim reporter, write against a right-wing organisation. But no one can ever say that I am biased,” he explains. “As a journalist for the past 15 years, I have written on issues that impact everyone. I wrote against Jamat-e-Islami and Owaisi also. Does that mean I am anti-Muslim?” he asks. “You cannot be against anyone when you work as a journalist. I have always worked against issues, not personalities,”he adds.TCN
7 members of fact-finding commission on way to Chattisgarh arrested in Telangana, handed over to Police
http://twocircles.net/2016dec26/1482767383.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29#.WGJaP_B97IU
A 7-member team of lawyers, journalists and human rights activists belonging to Telangana Democratic Forum and other organisations have been arrested and handed over to the Chattisgarh Police.The team, Dec.25,2016 was in the village of Dummagudam village of Bhadrachalam District of Telangana and were planning to visit Chhattisgarh to enquire into complaints of human rights violations suffered by Adivasis of Chhattisgarh at the hands of security forces. 7 members of the team: Balla Ravindranath, Advocate.High Court, AP and Telangana, Chikkudu Prabhaker, Advocate,Durga Prasad, Journalist Hyderabad, Duddu Prabhaker, President, AP Kula Nirmulana Poratta Samiti, Rajendra Prasad, Telangana Vidhyarthi Vedika, Nazeer, Telangana Vidhyarthi Vedika and Ramananda Lakshmay, were arrested and handed over to Chhattisgarh police atKunta Police Station on same day.TCN
Mangaluru: Police foil attempt to disrupt inter-faith marriage registration
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/Police-foil-attempt-to-disrupt-inter-faith-marriage-registration/article16947893.ece
Mangaluru:Timely intervention by the police foiled attempts of Hindutva activists to prevent a Muslim boy and Hindu girl from applying for marriage registration in Bantwal on Monday. Siddique, a resident Badakaje village in Bantwal, had come to the Sub-Registrar’s office with Ponnamma, a resident of a village in Madikeri, to submit an application for registration of marriage.Just as they were submitting the form, several Hindutva activists affiliated to various groups started assembling at the office located on BC Road in Bantwal.thehindu
Dark-skinned Kerala Jews suffered from discrimination and racist attitude from Israel govt, tells a Jew story of Cochin Jews who immigrated to Israel: indianexpress
http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/kochi-muziris-biennale-meydad-eliyahu-exhibition-kerala-israel-artist-kashi-art-gallery-4446499/
FCRA licence of 20,000 - or more than 50% - of India's NGOs cancelled
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/fcra-licence-of-20-000-of-india-ngos-cancelled/1/843912.html
WORLD
Romania President rejects nomination of first Muslim PM of an EU country
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38443757
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has rejected PM candidate nominated by left-of-centre Social Democrats.Sevil Shhaideh would have been Romania's first female and first Muslim PM . President Iohannis has given no reasons for his decision.But MsShhaideh has been criticised for lacking political experience, only serving once as a regional minister.Social Democrats (PSD) won vote, and hope to form a coalition."I have properly analysed the arguments for and against and I have decided not to accept this proposal," Iohannis said."I call on the.... coalition to make another proposal," he said.The president did not explain the factors he considered in making his decision but there have been allegations that Ms Shhaideh would be PSD leader Liviu Dragnea's "puppet" if she became PM. PSD nominated her after its resounding election win on 11 Dec when its pledges to raise pensions and implement tax cuts secured it about 45% of the vote.bbc
Romanian president rejects the nomination of first Muslim PM of an EU country
https://www.neweurope.eu/article/romanian-president-rejects-nomination-first-muslim-prime-minister-eu-country/
Hamas slams state Bahrain state dignitaries, businessmen for hosting "Zionist" delegation
https://english.palinfo.com/news/2016/12/27/Hamas-slams-Bahraini-businessmen-for-hosting-Zionist-delegation
Gaza,(PIC)Hamas Movement has strongly denounced Bahraini businessmen for hosting a delegation it called a “group of Zionist fanatics” and partying with them in Manama. Movement expressed its shock and dismay over seeing a group of businessmen and dignitaries from the State of Bahrain having fun and dancing with "a Zionist delegation of extremist and racist Jewish figures,” describing the scene as “humiliating and disgraceful.”The Movement added that “this shameful incident has happened while there is growing momentum for the international solidarity with the Palestinian cause and the international boycott of Israel.”Hamas also saw what happened as “provocative to the feelings of the Palestinian people and harmful to the reputation of Bahrain.” It called on Bahrain and all other Arab and Islamic countries to work on ending all forms of relations with Israel, stressing that “the Palestinian people are exposed to daily crimes by Israel in full view of the whole world.”A delegation of Jewish American Businessmen, notorious for supporting extremist settler groups and settlement activities in occupied Palestine, visited Bahrain a few days ago in order to strike trade deals.A video circulated recently on the internet have showed Bahraini businessmen and dignitaries partying with members of the delegation. Jewish delegation’s itinerary also includes Oman and Dubai.
Hamas condemns video of Muslim and Jewish people dancing as 'disgraceful spectacle'
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-palestine-hamas-muslims-jews-dancing-response-video-a7497176.html
Bahraini king hosts a Hanukkah candle lighting -
http://www.albawaba.com/editorchoice/bahraini-king-hosts-hanukkah-candle-lighting-919196
Erdogan extends Hanukkah greetings
http://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/erdogan-extends-hanukkah-greetings/
2,000 Palestinian homes demolished by IOA in W. Bank
https://english.palinfo.com/news/2016/12/27/2-000-Palestinian-homes-demolished-by-IOA-in-West-Bank
O.Jerusalem, (PIC) Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) had approved 35 Palestinian structures in C areas of the West Bank and gave demolition orders to over 2,000 other structures during the past three years, the Israeli daily Haaretz said on Tuesday. Haaretz said the number of Palestinian structures demolished is 18 times more than those approved.According to the information from Civil administration, in 2014, nine building permits were approved. In 2015 seven were approved and in 2016 only 37 were approved. In exchange, 2,000 demolition orders were given, 983 of them have already been carried out.
Israeli bulldozers raze more Palestinian lands in Salfit
https://english.palinfo.com/news/2016/12/27/Israeli-bulldozers-raze-more-Palestinian-lands-in-Salfit
Salfit, (PIC)2 Israeli bulldozers and a truck wreaked havoc on Palestinian farmlands on Tuesday morning in Deir Ballut town west of Salfit province to the north of occupied West Bank. Eyewitnesses affirmed that bulldozers belonging to the Israeli illegal settlement of Leshem razed Palestinian agricultural lands located near the local homes in the town.
Netanyahu warns he will target UNRWA via Trump
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161227-netanyahu-warns-he-will-target-unrwa-via-trump/
Benjamin Netanyahu is planning to target UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) when US President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month,Yedioth Ahranoth reported on Monday. He made his threat in the wake of Friday’s UN Security Council Resolution 2334 which condemned Israeli settlement activities in Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.“PM Netanyahu plans to target UNRWA, UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian people and the anti-Israel [sic] UN employees,” the newspaper reported.middleeastmonitor
PA plans response to Israeli aggression with ICC action
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161227-pa-plans-response-to-israeli-aggression-with-icc-action/
Israel 'reducing ties' with nations over settlements
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/israel-settlements-161227093330265.html
Israel's foreign ministry has said the country is "reducing" ties with nations that voted for last week's UN SC resolution demanding a halt to settlement building in Palestinian territory.Foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said that Israel was "temporarily reducing" visits and work with embassies, without providing further details. aljazeera
Syrian army escalates campaign to capture Damascus water supply
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161227-syrian-army-escalates-campaign-to-capture-damascus-water-supply/
Syrian army escalated aerial bombing of a rebel-held valley northwest of Damascus in an offensive begun last week to recapture the strategic area where a major spring provides most of the capital’s water supplies, rebels and residents said on Tuesday.They said the army shelled and bombarded several towns in Wadi Barada valley about 18 km northwest of the capital in a major offensive launched since Friday. The roads leading to the towns in the valley and the mountain cliffs surrounding the area are under the control of elite Republic Guards and the Lebanese Shi’ite Hezbollah group, they said.
Mossad assassinated Tunisian engineer: Israeli journalist
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161226-mossad-assassinated-tunisian-engineer-reveals-israeli-journalist/
A senior Israeli journalist has revealed that the Israeli Mossad spy agency assassinated Tunisian drone engineer Mohamed Al-Zawari in front of his home earlier this month, Al-Araby Al-Jadid reported on Sunday.After a long investigation, Alon Ben David of Channel 10 TV published an article in Maariv, in which he said that Al-Zawari was ensnared by a female spy, who was the “bait” in a honeytrap. The woman introduced herself to Al-Zawari as a fellow journalist. middleeastmonitor
Russia, Iran interest conflict in Syria
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161227-russia-iran-interest-conflict-in-syria/
Russia and Iran have been closely coordinating their support for the Syrian regime President, Bashar Al-Assad in order to achieve their interests in the war-torn country. However, rivalry between the two countries appears to surface every now and then, leaving Assad as the biggest loser after gradually depriving him of his influence.This rivalry is clearly reflected in the strategic province of Homs where both sides try to impose their authority, especially in the country’s notorious security branches. Suriya Net reported that recently senior officers and the head of the security branch in Homs have all been removed from their positions by Moscow. The reshuffle was carried out in order to sever the branch’s ties with the Iranian-backed national defence apparatus and reduce Tehran’s attempts to block Russian reconciliation efforts in the area.
Idlib overwhelmed by influx of Aleppo's wounded
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/12/idlib-overwhelmed-influx-aleppo-wounded-161225133551158.html
Pakistan: 30 die after drinking tainted liquor at Xmas party
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/30-die-in-pakistan-after-drinking-tainted-liquor-at-xmas-party/story-5bbkbMpCPNOB7bG1NquYIM.html
30 people, most of them Christians, died and 60 more fell sick after drinking moonshine served at a Christmas party near Toba Tek Singh in Pakistan’s Punjab province, officials said on Tuesday. Dozens of people attended the party in Mubarakabad area on Saturday, when guests drank illegally brewed tainted alcohol after a Christmas cake was cut. Soon after, many people started vomiting and were rushed to the nearby district headquarters hospital. Doctors pronounced at least seven men dead on arrival.At least two Muslims were among the dead, a police official said. Police arrested a father-son duo for brewing the tainted liquor and authorities formed a committee to probe the incident.Police officials said most Christian communities brew their own alcohol in the absence of cheap alternatives and, in some instances, the liquor becomes toxic.Alcohol was prohibited in Muslim-majority Pakistan in 1977, but laws allow non-Muslims to purchase liquor from licensed shops.HT
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:23 PM)
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