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Evening NEWS DIGEST
17 Aug. 2016: 12 Dzulqa'dah 37: Vol:7, No:140
INDIA
SC to decide if ban on possession of beef is unconstitutional, seeks reply from Maha govt on HC beef ban order
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-to-decide-if-ban-on-possession-of-beef-is-unconstitutional/article8999191.ece
New Delhi: Agreeing to apply its judicial mind on the raging cow debate, the Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to decide on whether ban on mere possession of bovine meat is unconstitutional and infringes on the right to privacy and choice of food of a citizen. The SC has sought the response of Maharashtra govt on a plea challenging a Bombay High Court verdict which held that mere possession of beef of animals slaughtered outside the state cannot invite criminal action. A Bench of justices AK Sikri and DY Chandrachud agreed to hear Akhil Bharat Krishi Goseva Sangh's challenge to a May 6, 2016, Bombay High Court judgment, which struck down amendments in the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1976, banning even the possession of beef brought in from another State where cow slaughter is not illegal. HC had held that punishing a person for mere possession of beef amounted to State intrusion into a citizen's right to life and personal liberty — a freedom assured under Article 21 of the Constitution. Meanwhile, a separate petition was filed in the SC by a batch of private citizens challenging the same high court judgment of May 6, or at least that of it which upholds Maharashtra ban on cow slaughter.In the same verdict, while quashing the ban on possession of beef, the HC had upheld the ban on cow slaughter provided under the very same 1976 Act.In the latter case, the high court justified its decision in favour of the ban, saying that its purpose was to protect the cow and its progeny and not prevent people from eating beef. Challenging this reasoning, the petition filed through senior advocate Indira Jaising, contended that the high court ended up favouring a State law, which robs a large number of the poor their only inexpensive source of protein. The petition argued that the Maharashtra law's provisions, upheld by the high court, provides a “restriction on the right to food of those for whom beef is an indispensible part of their diet.”“It results in a discrimination against members of those sections of society who consume beef (predominantly from marginalised sections of society, including members of SCs, STs, OBCs, Muslim and Christian community,” petition contended. the hindu /PTI
SC seeks Maha govt reply on HC beef ban order
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sc-seeks-maha-govt-reply-on-plea-against-bombay-hc-beef-order/1/742560.html
SC issues notice to Maharashtra govt on beef ban
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-sc-issues-notice-to-maharashtra-govt-on-petition-challenging-cattle-meat-possession-as-illegal-2246017
SC issues notice in Appeal against Bombay HC Jt allowing possession of beef brought from outside state
http://www.livelaw.in/sc-issues-notice-appeal-bombay-hc-jt-allowing-possession-beef-brought-outside-state/
SC notice to Maharashtra govt over beef ban order
http://www.india.com/news/india/supreme-court-seeks-maharashtra-govt -reply-on-plea-against-bombay-high-court-beef-order-1414755/
Supreme Court Notice on beef ban in maharashtra
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/supreme-court-notice-on-beef-ban-in-maharashtra-1445148
UN rights chief on Kashmir: Without access, we can only fear the worst
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/kashmir-un-rights-chief-appeals-to-india-pakistan-for-access-2981243/
Geneva:Voicing concern over alleged human rights violations, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein Wednesday appealed to both India and Pakistan to grant his team access to J&K as well as PoK.“I deeply regret that our requests for access have not been granted,” said the High Commissioner who has sought access for a team to visit both J&K and PoK to independently and thoroughly look into allegations of human rights violations.Zeid said it was “unfortunate” that access hasn’t been granted yet considering “the seriousness of the allegations of the use of excessive force, allegations of state sponsorship of violence, as well as the number of people killed and the very large number of people injured.”The human rights office wants its team on the ground in Kashmir to interview victims, witnesses and security forces and to independently assess the situation. “We requested full and unhindered access to affected population, to interview a variety of individuals on the ground, including victims, witnesses, security forces, and with access to relevant documentation. Such access would enable us to provide an independent and fact-based analysis of the situation,” he said in a statement.“Without access, we can only fear the worst,” Zeid added. “I reiterate our request for access.” India and Pakistan have been engaged in a war of words over the situation in Kashmir where violent protests have that left more than 60 people dead after the killing of Burhan Wani.PTI
UN seeks access to Kashmir amid 'grave concerns over human rights violations'
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/un-seeks-access-to-kashmir-amid-grave-concerns-over-human-rights-violations/225958.html
UN rights chief appeals to India, Pak for Kashmir access
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/UN-rights-chief-appeals-to-India-Pakistan-for-Kashmir-access/articleshow/53739651.cms
India rejects Pak’s invitation for talks on Kashmir; Jaishankar expresses willingness to travel to Islamabad
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/jammu-and-kashmir-india-pakistan-foreign-secretary-level-talks-2980895/
New Delhi:2 days after Pakistan invited India for talks on Kashmir, India on Wednesday turned down its proposal for foreign secretary-level talks, saying terror remains the core concern but asserted that it would like to discuss aspects related to cross-border terrorism which are central to the current situation in J&K.Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar expressed his willingness to travel to Islamabad after receiving invitation from Pak Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry.
Broadband off, no news is bad news for Kashmir
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/broadband-off-no-news-is-bad-news-for-kashmir-burhanwani-killing-2979805/
Srinagar: It has been a month since mobile services were suspended in J&K and people remain cut off from their relatives. Now with broadband services too blocked for the last three days, even journalists are struggling.“Our Internet service provider has withdrawn Internet to us. We are trying our level best to keep you informed. We are literally into bandwidth begging. Kindly bear with us,”local paper Kashmir Life informed its readers on Facebook.Ahead of Independence Day, the state govt had asked private ISPs to stop services; later, it also ordered BSNL to block its broadband connections. Mobile services have been blocked since July 14, with the exception of BSNL postpaid. The govt briefly allowed private cellular operators to resume postpaid services before they were asked to cease again. Indianexpress
Kashmir: 2 soldiers, 1 policeman killed as militants attack army convoy in Baramulla
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/kashmir-two-soldiers-one-policeman-killed-as-militants-attack-army-convoy-in-baramulla-2980232/
Srinagar: 2 army personnel and a policeman were killed when militants attacked a security convoy on the Srinagar – Baramulla national highway. This is the first attack on a convoy in Baramulla in many years. 5 soldiers were injured in the attack. The militants managed to escape after the attack. Locals said firing continued for more than 20 minutes.After protests erupted in the Kashmir Valley, army has been moving its convoys during the night to avoid any engagement with protestors. However, this is the first time since the killing of Burhan Wani that an army convoy was attacked in any part of the Valley. Indian Express
Ayodhya's vulnerable Muslims once again face pressure to 'compromise' – just as they did in 1950: scroll.in
http://scroll.in/article/814207/two-rivals-show-true-olympic-spirit-by-helping-each-other-finish-race
While the legal disputes over the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya dates back at least to the 19th century, in post-Independence India they acquired more strident overtones once the mosque was broken into and idols of Lord Rama as an infant were placed inside on the night of Dec.22-23, 1949. The unusual similarity of content in each and every affidavit and the fact that all of them were filed in a span of 17 days created suspicion that local Muslims were acting under some kind of external pressure.Nearly 66 years and a whole length of judicial journey later, Ayodhya once again is witnessing an exercise which bears a similar stamp of pressure tactics employed in 1950, this time on the pretext of hammering out a “compromise” between local Hindus and Muslims.The exercise, which has entered its final phase, is being led by Pulak Basu, former judge of Allahabad High Court. “It involves collection of 10,000 signatures of Hindus and Muslims of Ayodhya and Faizabad on a compromise formula that would be presented to the Supreme Court as the view of the locals,” Basu told Scroll. “The compromise formula on which the consent is being obtained was finalised by a committee of locals which has both Hindus and Muslims as its members,” Basu said. “Allahabad High Court’s judgment on Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute was used as the basis for this compromise formula. I have only acted as facilitator,” he added.As per the new compromise formula, the local Muslims are being asked to consent that not only will they give up their claim over two-thirds of the disputed site given out to Hindu parties by Allahabad High Court but will even refrain from constructing any structure in the one-third part awarded to them. This area is to form the core of the new temple of Lord Ram. In return, compromise formula provides that a mosque will be constructed simultaneously with the temple in another part of the acquired area – away from the site where the Babri Masjid once stood. Though the Muslim parties in the Babri case are opposing the whole exercise and Hashim Ansari was firmly against any out-of-court settlement till his death last month, the committee formed by Basu has succeeded in making substantial progress in its drive to collect signatures of local Hindus and Muslims. “So far we have collected nearly 9,000 signatures, over 7,000 of which belong to Hindus,” said Gyan Prakash, Basu’s point man in Ayodhya and general secretary of the compromise committee, called Ayodhya Vivad Samjhauta Nagrik Samiti [Ayodhya Dispute Resolution Citizen Committee]. “The progress among Muslims is slow. But we are confident to obtain the targeted 10,000 signatures of local Hindus and Muslims in a month from now,” he added.The compromise formula has the blessings of most of the heavy-weight Mahants [priests] of Ayodhya, Prakash said.Is this the reason why some of the local Muslims are signing the compromise document? “Yes, indeed. They know that even if the Supreme Court decides in their favour they won’t be able to construct a mosque," said Ali, who has been instrumental in persuading quite a lot of Muslims in Ayodhya for giving their consent to the compromise formula.Ali runs a tailoring shop in Ayodhya’s Shringar Haat market which is owned by Hanumangarhi, a fortress-like Hindu religious establishment housing over 500 sadhus. His co-operation to any such move, therefore, is directly linked to his livelihood. Using the vulnerability of local Muslims to make a case for mutually agreed compromise is clearly a repetition of the pressure tactics of 1950, when some of the members of the minority community in Ayodhya were made to file affidavits against their own claims. And all affidavits made similar claims – that “Muslims stopped going to Babri Masjid for Namaz after the riots of 1934”, that “Hindus were regularly offering Pooja” since then and that “the petitioner would have no objection if govt handed over the mosque to Hindus”.
Ahead of UP polls: Time apt to build temple, masjid in Ayodhya, says BJP leader
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ayodhya-uttar-pradesh-elections-ayodhya-dispute-bjp/1/741798.html
Patna: As elections draw closer in UP, the controversial issue of Ram Mandir seems to be taking front seat once again for the BJP. Whether Mandir should be constructed or not in Ayodhya, the issue remain sub-judice but BJP leaders feel that the time is apt for PM Narendra Modi to begin construction of the Ram temple. BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Dr. CP Thakur said that time was ripe to start the construction of Ram Mandir. While advocating for construction of the Ram Mandir, Dr. Thakur also said that a Masjid should also be built simultaneously for amicably resolving the decades long controversy."Time is right for the construction of Ram temple. A mosque should also be constructed simultaneously. Both sides are ready, a little bit of initiative from the govt will ensure that both temple and mosque are constructed", said Thakur.India Today
Modi's new Baloch-PoK policy is that of a novice:Khurshid
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Narendra-Modis-new-Baloch-PoK-policy-is-that-of-a-novice-Salman-Khurshid/articleshow/53737400.cms
New Delhi: Congress party's Salman Khurshid broke away from the party line again to say that PM Narendra Modi's new policy vis-a-via Balochistan and PoK is "that of a novice", ANI reported."Yeh ek anari ki foreign policy hai," Khurshid said, according to ANI. That translates to, "This is the foreign policy of a novice."Separately, Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP, following PM Modi's stance, said he wants the govt to introduce a bill announcing Lok Sabha seats from PoK and Gilgit Baltistan.TOI
PM Modi's comments are 'proof India's meddling in Balochistan': Baloch govt
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Modis-comments-are-proof-Indias-meddling-in-Balochistan-Baloch-govt -spokesman-says/articleshow/53736698.cms
New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech that slammed Pakistan's atrocities in Balochistan is "proof that his country is meddling" in that province, a spokesman for Balochistan's provincial govt told German news organization Deutsche Welle (DW)."The Indian premier's speech is proof that his country is meddling in Balochistan. Indian and Afghan spy agencies are backing Baloch insurgents and working to destabilize Pakistan," Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar told DW.TOI
It’s 1971 redux: MJ Akbar finds an echo of East Pakistan in Balochistan
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/its-1971-redux-akbar-finds-an-echo-of-east-pakistan/article8995494.ece
New Delhi: A day after PM Narendra Modi mentioned Balochistan during his Independence Day speech, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar indicated that India would take up issue internationally, equating 1971 War of Liberation for Bangladesh with “simmering Balochistan”. Meanwhile, exiled separatist Baloch leaders from different parts of the world expressed their appreciation of India’s stand. “Nations created in the name of faith supremacy are coming apart. That is why Bangladesh happened in 1971 and Balochistan is simmering now,”Akbar said on his Twitter handle on Tuesday, quoting from a speech he delivered in New York. The speech marked the first time that an Indian dignitary has spoken about Balochistan in the US.Hyrbyair Marri, leader of Free Balochistan Movement, said, “Narendra Modi, the PM of India, has made a courageous decision to talk about human rights violations in Balochistan. His decision shows that India is a modern democratic and responsible country, it values human rights.”The statement added, “There are 4 names that I suggest [free] Balochistan’s roads should be named after. These friends of Balochistan are: American representative Dana Rohrabacher, Afghan leader Hamid Karzai, Indian leader Narendra Modi and Afghan leader Amrullah Saleh.”the hindu
India should speak out against rights’ violations, says B’desh opposition party BNP
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-should-speak-out-against-rights-violations-says-b-desh-opposition-party/story-BhIxMKA13ysQ57fqhpuYXI.html
New Delhi: India should broaden its ties beyond the ruling party and speak up against rights’ violations in Bangladesh, the neighbouring country’s main opposition party, BNP, has said. Modi govt seemed to be following the UPA’s Bangladesh policy of focusing on the ruling party which amounted to ignoring other outfits, said Amir Khosru Chowdhury, adviser to BNP leader and former PM Khaleda Zia.“PM Narendra Modi had reached out to the BNP leader and it was a very welcome step. But since then, not much has happened that would give us the feeling that present govt in Delhi looks beyond the ruling Awami League,” he said.Chowdhury is visiting India with BNP’s international affairs secretary Humaiun Kobir to reach out to political parties and think tanks.The outreach is an effort by Zia to improve ties with India as suspicion between the two sides grew when she was in power. Chowdhury defended as tactical his party’s ties with the Jamaat-e-Islami. “When the house is on the fire, anybody who rushes in with a bucket of water is welcome,” he said but insisted they were two different parties with different ideologies. hindustantimes
India builds 'China wall' with tanks in Ladakh, jets in n.east
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-builds-China-wall-with-tanks-in-Ladakh-jets-in-northeast/articleshow/53730308.cms
New Delhi: India is slowly cranking up its conventional military deterrence against China along the land border as well as the strategically located Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the deployment of additional Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, spy drones and missiles in the northeast as well as tank regiments and troops in eastern Ladakh.Under overall plan to progressively boost both military force-levels and infrastructure to address the stark military asymmetry with People's Liberation Army, the IAF will activate its Pasighat advanced landing ground (ALG) in West Siang district of Arunachal on Friday.Described as "a strategic asset" capable of operating aircraft and helicopters, the ALG will be inaugurated by junior home minister Kiren Rijiju and Eastern Air Command chief Air Marshal C Hari Kumar. "ALG will not only improve our response time to different operational contingencies, but also the efficacy of the overall air operations on the eastern front," said an officer.TOI
State-run Chinese press slams India's media, its manufacturing
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/State-run-Chinese-press-slams-Indias-media-and-its-manufacturing/articleshow/53735974.cms
New Delhi: A state-run Chinese paper has said in an article said Sino-Indian relations are not progressing smoothly because India's manufacturing isn't competitive and because India's media continues to vilify China for keeping India out of the NSG. This is the second time in as many days that state-run Chinese media has criticized the Indian press.Sino-Indian collaboration on economic and trade issues "have not been going smoothly in recent years" because "Indian products are not competitive" and are therefore driving up India's trade deficit with China, wrote China's Global Times news outlet.TOI
Poonch tense after Amarnath pilgrims, Muslims clash
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/jammu-communal-tension-in-mandi-area-following-attack-in-poonch-2979164/
Jammu: 3 days after a grenade attack hurt 15 at Poonch town, communal tension erupted in Mandi area of the border district following a clash between some of the Buddha Amarnath pilgrims and local Muslims on Tuesday.Trouble erupted when some pilgrims raised provocative slogans and local Muslim youth to raise counter provocative slogans. Reports reaching Jammu said that the situation in Mandi which had only Muslim population was highly surcharged with even the Poonch district SP, JS Johar, allegedly manhandled and some vehicles damaged by locals.Giving details, sources said that Chhari Mubarak was accorded a warm reception by local Muslims when it reached Buddha Amarnath shrine at Mandi from Poonch town around noon. However, trouble erupted when some pilgrims later went to the bazaar and raised slogans like “Bharat Mein Rehna Hooga, Vandematram Kehna Hoga” or “Bharat Mein Rehna Hoga, Ram Ram Kehna Hoga”.Some elderly Muslims initially tried to stop them, but as they did not listen, local Muslim youth assembled and started raising pro-Azadi slogans. This rose tempers on both sides and they even had a scuffle. However, the sitaution was saved by local police and para military personnel who intervened and separated both the groups. However, in the process, some window pances and wind screen of some vehicles got broken. Indianexpress
Police reforms must to battle communal mindset: Ex-top cop Vibhuti Narain Rai
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/police-reforms-must-to-battle-communal-mindset-ex-top-cop-116081600295_1.html
New Delhi: India needs to carry out police reforms at the earliest to rid young recruits of the poison of communalism when they sign up, retired DGP Vibhuti Narain Rai has said. Security forces should also be made accountable if and when communal riots erupt, Rai said.“In police training, the focus is primarily on physical and arms training,” Rai said. “There is hardly an attempt to address a person’s psychological fears or to make him a better human being.“The communal prejudices are so deep-rooted that people hardly ever bother to check the facts,” he added.“There is an immediate need to make interference at the police training level. Good psychologists, behavioural scientists, sociologists, history teachers must be hired to impart training,” Rai said.IANS
MHA launches probe into "possible" FCRA violation by Amnesty
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/MHA-launches-probe-into-possible-FCRA-violation-by-Amnesty/articleshow/53729343.cms
New Delhi:As Amnesty India faces a sedition case for allegedly raising anti-India slogans at a Bengaluru event, home ministry has started a probe into its funding to check for a possible foreign source. Amnesty India is not registered under FCRA, 2010, and its last request for prior permission was for a 3,00,000 pounds foreign donation in 2012, of which 1,00,000 pounds originated from a suspicious NGO registered in the tax haven of Gibraltar. timesofindia
Economic Offences Wing seeks info on grants received by trusts, firms linked to Zakir Naik, family
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/zakir-naik-information-eow-irf-peace-tv-family-2979579/
Mumbai: Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police has written to the state charity commissioner, the registrar of companies (RoC) and the income tax department (I-T) seeking details on various trusts, companies and their bank account details held by Dr Zakir Naik and his family members.The communications to these organisations is in connection with a preliminary enquiry (PE) being carried out by the specialised wing of the Mumbai Police.During the course of the PE, deposits ranging between Rs 50 crore and Rs 60 crore from Middle East countries into the account of a relative of Naik have allegedly come under the scanner of the Mumbai Police. According to police sources, the funds were subsequently transferred to accounts operated by Naik’s wife, children and other relatives. Top Mumbai Police sources also said that investigators were looking at four alleged shell companies controlled by Naik and his family.The Indian Express
Kerala's Peace International School under scanner in Ashfaq missing case
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/peace-international-school-isis-abdul-rashid-ashfaq/1/742006.html
Mumbai:After Zakir Naik's Islamic International School, now Peace International School has come under the scanner of Intelligence agencies. In a brand new revelation in Ashfaq's case, Intelligence agencies are zeroing on the role of Peace International School.Abdul Rashid, one of the missing youths, is believed to have played a central role in the disappearance of Ashfaq. Rashid was working as the PRO at Peace International School till his disappearance. Rashid's wife, also missing, had worked as a teacher in the same school after he left his job in Dubai as IT professional. "Rashid was working with Peace International School, so definitely role of school comes under scanner. We are going through it," said Sanjay Saxena, JCP (Crime), Mumbai Police.india today
In Gujarat, dead cows are not mere carcasses but a Rs 1,200-crore business
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/In-Gujarat-dead-cows-are-not-mere-carcasses-but-a-Rs-1200-crore-business/articleshow/53735967.cms
Gandhinagar: Just a little distance from Surendranagar in Saurashtra, Hirabhai Chavda is least bothered with the stench or the flies as he goes about 'opening' the dead cow. 3 generations working with dead animals have made him immune to such trifles. But his worries are now different and more serious. Meerkat like, he watches over his shoulders every now and then."Everyone wants to use leather products, but will beat up the guy who gets it out of the dead animal for them," he utters with disgust, spitting the remnants of some chewed tobacco on the ground, as he resumes his work.The task of skinning the carcasses, traditionally carried out by the Rohit (Chamar) community, faces a threat from the so-called cow protectors.While they more often than not make hey with the money extorted from the people like Hirabhai, it is a huge economic circle that is now taking a beating."Everything that comes from a dead cow is used," Hirabhai says."While meat is consumed, the leather is sold to the industry, so are bones and hooves," he adds. "Earlier, when the market was good, leather would be sold for Rs 800. Now it barely fetches Rs 500 a piece. Then there is bone. Each carcass would get as much as 10 kg of bones, which brings about Rs 10 per kg. In case of a good animal, you also get 5-6 kg fat, which is sold for Rs 20 per kg," he adds.As a matter of fact, there is an elaborate system is in place for disposing off the carcasses that is essentially manned by the people of Rohit community.TOI
100 odd Muslims participated in Dalit Asmita Mahasammelan, raised Dalit-Muslim unity slogans
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/100-odd-muslims-participated-in-dalit-asmita-mahasammelan-raised-dalit-muslim-unity-slogans-2979745/
Ahmedabad: 26 year-old Pankaj Solanki, a resident of Shapar village in Rajkot district, gets upset when his peers from upper caste address his father by his name. “This is a part of our daily torment. When I address their father as uncles why don’t they show respect to my father? Even though we have moved to Rajkot city, caste-based discrimination refuses to stop.” Solanki was part of about 6,000 odd gathering of Dalits in Una where Dalit Asmita Mahasammelan was held. Several Muslims also joined the gathering, showing solidarity with the Dalits. He said that when he heard Kanhaiya Kumar, president of the JNU SU, speak about freedom from caste, he was excited. However, he said he had no idea about people who actually participated in the 10 days march, barring Jignesh Mewani. There were about 100 odd Muslims wearing skull caps who participated in the event and raised “Dalit-Muslim” unity slogans. Among them was Muhammed Shafi Madni from Welfare Party of India. He said, “We are here to support Dalits fight for their dignity. The most basic thing is human dignity that we all should strive for.”He said that he came from Delhi with three other Muslim to back Dalits and their cause.indianexpress
Mob of 1,000 booked for rioting near Una:TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Mob-of-1000-booked-for-rioting-near-Una/articleshow/53729819.cms
Rajkot: A day after violence broke out after the massive dalit rally in Una, police arrested 27 persons and lodged a complaint of rioting against a mob of nearly 1,000 people of five villages near the town. 27 arrested persons are from Samter village, 7km from Una and other nearby villages. They were booked for attempt to murder, rioting and damaging public property and other sections of the IPC after they attacked policemen who were trying to control the situation from spiraling out of hand.
No new liquor shop to be opened in Delhi this yr: Kejriwal
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/no-new-liquor-shop-to-be-opened-in-delhi-this-year-says-arvind-kejriwal-2981089/
New Delhi:CM Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that no new liquor shop will be opened in Delhi this year. “No new liquor shops will be opened in Delhi this year. As far as existing shops are concerned, Mohalla Sabha will take the final call if a particular liquor shop needs to be relocated,” said Kejriwal in a press conference. CM also defended his govt ’s decision to hike minimum wages in Delhi saying money should be in the hands of the poor and middle class, and not “Ambani and Adani”, will benefit the country’s economy. Kejriwal said it was to be seen whether BJP and Congress show the courage to take similar decisions in the states ruled by them. indianexpress
Puducherry: 2 Hindu Munnani men held for ransacking mosque
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/puducherry/Two-arrested-for-ransacking-mosque/articleshow/53732492.cms
Police arrested a Hindu Munnani cadre and his friend on charges of attacking an imam of a mosque and ransacking it after an unidentified person hurled a bottle at speakers at a public meeting of Hindu Munnani on Sunday night. Arrested were identified as C Balanand, 23, a Hindu Munnani cadre from Periyar Nagar and his friend D Poornakumar, 36.TOI
Sacrilege in Punjab mosque: complainant maulvi’s relative held
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/sacrilege-in-punjab-mosque-relative-of-maulvi-held-2979199/
Sangrur:An incident of sacrilege of Holy Quran has occurred in a village in this district of Punjab for which police has arrested a close relative of maulvi of the mosque where the incident occurred. Incident took place on Mondayin Mehlan Chowk village of Suman, with over 100 pages of the holy book being found torn in the mosque premises, police said, adding these pages were later buried as per Muslim tradition. Later on Monday, police claimed to have cracked the case by arresting one Israr Mohammad, Police said secret information was received that the sacrilege incident was committed by Israr and he was arrested. Accused is the brother-in-law of Maulvi Mohmmad Mustafa, complainant in the case, police said.PTI
4 states get new Governors, Heptullah to serve in Manipur
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/four-states-to-get-new-governors-najma-heptullah-to-serve-in-manipur-2980823/
New Delhi: Centre on Wednesday announced new Governors for four new states – Punjab, Assam, Manipur and Andaman and Nicobar. List includes ex union minister Najma Heptullah, who will serve as 18th governor of Manipur.Delhi BJP leader, Prof Jagdish Mukhi will be appointed the new Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while ex-MP Banwari Lal Purohit will be the new Governor of Assam.Punjab will also get a new governor, VP Singh Badnore.indian express
SC to hear Teesta Setalvad's plea seeking defreezing of accounts, seeks response from Gujarat govt
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/SC-to-hear-Teesta-Setalvads-plea-seeking-defreezing-of-accounts-seeks-response-from-Gujarat-govt/articleshow/53738333.cms
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear social activist Teesta Setalvad's plea seeking defreezing of bank accounts belonging to her, her husband Javed Anand, and two of their NGOs - Sabrang Trust and Citizens for Justice and Peace.A bench of justices Dipak Misra and UU Lalit fixed the date of the hearing on Sept.21, and asked the Gujarat govt to respond before that date to Setalvad's allegation that it had frozen the accounts illegally. Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the response would be filed within 2 weeks. Today’s decision of the SC came after Setalvad, Anand and their 2 NGOs had appealed to it against a verdict issued by The Gujarat High Court in October last year. timesofindia
SC seeks response from Gujarat govt on plea filed by Teesta Setalvad, others
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/sc-seeks-response-from-gujarat-govt-on-plea-filed-by-teesta-setalvad-other-2980791/
Delhi HC asks Kanhaiya to move trial court for regular bail
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/delhi-hc-asks-kanhaiya-kumar-to-move-trial-court-for-regular-bail-2980647/
New Delhi:Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to hear JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar’s application for regular bail in a sedition case, asking him to approach a sessions court for same. Justice PS Teji dismissed the plea for grant of regular bail to the students’ union leader, who was on interim bail since March 2 this year.“The present application is dismissed with liberty to the petitioner to move before the sessions court,” the court said. Kanhaiya has approached the High Court as his 6-months interim bail is scheduled to expire on Sept.1.Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing for Kanhaiya, told the court that the petitioner seeks permanent bail. The court, however, without hearing the matter in detail, said the counsel can move the application for regular bail before the sessions court.PTI
Jamia students protesting police 'raids' call off agitation
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Jamia-students-protesting-police-raids-call-off-agitation/articleshow/53738410.cms
New Delhi: Students at Jamia Millia Islamia who have been protesting since 4 days against the "surprise checks" by police in the varsity hostels called off the agitation on Wednesday after the Vice Chancellor assured them of "zero police presence" on campus.Scores of students have been protesting at the varsity alleging that "surprise checks" were made by Delhi Police in their hostels last Saturday.While the students dubbed them as "raids", police officials maintained that they were part of routine checks being conducted in that area ahead of Independence Day.Taking exception to plain-clothed police personnel entering Jamia premises without permission, the varsity authorities had written to the Delhi Police demanding suitable action against them."4-day long protest was called off on Wednesday after the V-C in a written letter to DCP asked for legal action against those cops and officers who had entered university boys hostel premises," the students said in a statement."We have been assured of zero police presence on the campus. No police will be allowed to enter the campus without fulfilling proper rules and regulations and no action would be initiated against any students who were involved in the protest directly or indirectly," it added.PTI
Jamia students protest 'communal profiling'
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160817/jsp/nation/story_102900.jsp#.V7QUFVR97IU
Ruckus in TN Assembly: All 89 DMK MLAs suspended for a week, Stalin forcibly evicted
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/all-89-dmk-mlas-suspended-from-tamil-nadu-assembly-for-a-week/
New Delhi: Tamil Nadu speaker P Dhanapal on Wednesday suspended all 89 DMK MLAs for a week from the Assembly for continuous disruption of proceedings.Trouble erupted during the debate on demands for grants for the Housing and IT departments when AIADMK member S Gunasekaran, without naming Stalin, made some remarks about the ‘Namaku Naame’ programme undertaken by the DMK Treasurer in the run up to this year’s assembly election. Indian express
‘HuJI terrorist’ Yaqub acquitted by court after 8 yrs, tells his story of despair: Daily Mail
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-3194180/HuJI-terror-tale-Acquitted-court-eight-years-Yaqub-tells-story-despair.html#ixzz4Haya7hwz
Mohammad Yaqub was born free. But on June 10 of 2007 it all changed when the UP STF picked him up from Nagina railway station and alleged that he was a HuJI terrorist. He was allegedly tortured and made to confess that indeed he was a dreaded terrorist. Last Thursday, the Special Sessions Court set Yaqub free — the charges against him could not be substantiated by STF. But even as 36-year-old Yaqub walked out a free man again, his precious eight years were lost in the darkness of the Lucknow district jail. Something he will not get back. A shattered Yaqub is yet to get over the trauma. Still, he recounted how he got branded as a HuJI terrorist.
Yaqub: Another ‘HuJI terrorist’ acquitted after 8 years in jail
http://muslimmirror.com/eng/mohammad-yaqub-another-huji-terrorist-acquitted-after-8-years-in-jail/
In Assam, Indian Muslims are being abused as 'Bangladeshi': Advocate AMAN WADUD
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/assam-muslims-bangladeshi-sherman-ali-brahmaputra-erosion-ramakanta-deuri-assembly-election-british/story/1/12421.html
WORLD
Turkey will Work with Iran to Resolve Syrian Crisis, says Turkish PM: Asharq Al-Awsat
http://english.aawsat.com/2016/08/article55356557/yildirim-turkey-will-work-iran-resolve-syrian-crisis
Ankara: Turkish PM Binali Yildirim said has that a solution to the Syrian crisis would come through the maintenance of the unity of Syrian territories and the participation of all Syrian people in determining the future of their country. “Turkey rejects the partition of Syria into pieces and refuses the idea of creating a Kurdish state between Turkey and the rest of the countries in the Middle East,” Yildrim said, addressing parliament members of his ruling AKP. PM also noted that Turkey and Iran will work on finding a solution to the crisis in Syria. “Just like it normalized relations with Israel and Russia, Turkey and Iran will offer the solution to the crisis in Syria,” he said. Commenting on Yildirim’s recent remarks, sources close to the Turkish PM told Asharq Al-Awsat paper that Turkey was prioritizing its own interests by preventing the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union from establishing a Kurdish federal entity on the borders with Turkey.Sources stressed that Turkey would not abandon the Syrian people and was keen on the establishment of a democratic regime in the country.
Ankara, Tehran join forces to resolve Syrian crisis: Iranian agency
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950527000929
Russia, US, Turkey will 'join forces' to resolve Syrian crisis: Sputniknews
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160817/1044356339/russia-us-turkey-syria.html
Syria strikes out of Iran don’t violate UN resolution:Russia
http://www.todayonline.com/world/our-syria-strikes-out-iran-do-not-violate-un-resolution-2231-russia
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said there were no grounds to suggest Russia's decision to fly Syria bombing missions out of Iran violated UNSC resolution 2231.Lavrov said Russian aircraft had been flying out of Iran as a part of the Kremlin's anti-terrorist operation. Reuters
Russian strikes killed 2,704 Syrians in 10 months: NGO
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/russian-strikes-killed-2-704-syrians-in-10-months-ngo/629764
US: No legal action on Gulen until proof found
http://aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-no-legal-action-on-gulen-until-proof-found/629918
Washington: US will not take any legal action on Fetullah Gulen's extradition request by Turkey until evidence is found, State Department said."We haven't made a decision," agency spokesman Mark Toner said during a press briefing. Ankara requested extradition almost a month ago for preacher it accuses of orchestrating a recent coup attempt in Turkey.Anadolu
Turkey to release 38,000 prisoners to accommodate coup plotters
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/turkey-to-release-38000-prisoners-to-accommodate-coup-plotters/article8998852.ece
New Israeli diggings south of Aqsa Mosque
http://english.palinfo.com/site/pages/details.aspx?itemid=80215
Israel is embarking nowadays on carrying out new deep diggings several meters away from the southern side of Aqsa Mosque and the historical wall of Jerusalem. According to local sources, Israeli antiquities authority started, with funding from settler group Elad, to carry out widespread diggings at the entrance to Wadi Hilweh neighborhood of Silwan district. PIC
Palestinian killed, dozens injured in W. Bank clashes
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/palestinian-killed-dozens-injured-in-w-bank-clashes/629812
Houthi shelling kills 7 civilians in Saudi border city
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/houthi-shelling-kills-civilians-saudi-border-city-160816194418112.html
Projectiles fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels have killed 7 civilians in the southern Saudi city of Najran, Saudi state television has reported. Houthis targeted a crowd on Tuesday at an industrial area of Najran, close to the Yemeni border, Ekhbariya television channel said.
China may prefer Trump over Clinton for tackling ISIS: State Media
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-china-may-prefer-trump-over-clinton-for-tackling-isis-state-media-2246080
Beijing: Despite his anti-China rhetoric, Beijing may prefer US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump over his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton for his promised anti-terror campaign against IS, which is reportedly attracting militant groups from its Xinjiang region, state media reported on Wednesday."Trump's foreign policy, which centres around fighting what he calls 'radical Islamic terrorism,' will to some extent ease the current sour China-US ties," Liu Weidong, researcher at the Institute of American Studies of the China Academy of Social Sciences, told state-run Global Times. PTI
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:23 PM)
