Posts
Evening NEWS DIGEST
28 Sept. 2016: 25 Zil Hajj 37: Vol:7, No:168
INDIA
Mewat robbery, gangrape: Culprits of such heinous crimes would not be spared, says NCM report
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/mewat-robbery-gangrape-justice-minor-ncm-report-3053573/
New Delhi: A National minority panel, which visited Mewat last week to look into gangrape and murder case that took place in August, has noted in its report that the incident has “shaken” people in the area. It also emphasised that there is a need to convey a clear message that the “culprits of such heinous crimes would not be spared”.“The incident has shaken the people of the area and there is lot of resentment, especially among the Muslim community, partly due to the allegations that the culprits were gau rakshaks. There is a need to convey a clear message that culprits of such heinous crimes would not be spared. Such a step is more relevant in context of the Mewat district,” the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) said in its report, which has been approved at a meeting of the panel Tuesday. A 2-member delegation of NCM, comprising its Chairman Naseem Ahmad and panel member Praveen Davar, had visited Dingerheri village of Mewat district on Sept. 22 to look into the incident.The committee interacted with the families of the victims, local villagers and district officials, including Mewat Deputy Commissioner Mani Ram Sharma and S P Kuldeep Singh. A family member told the panel that they had no enmity with anybody in the village or outside. “Most of the persons who interacted with us at the crime spot were critical of the role of the police so far,” said the panel.One of the Mewat gangrape victims recently alleged that their attackers were cow vigilantes but the Haryana police Friday said no evidence has come to fore so far.NCM, however, said people at the crime spot told them that the rape victim had stated that the accused persons had confronted them about whether they ate beef. “But this fact has been omitted from the statement recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC and that the accused persons were gau rakshaks,” said the panel, quoting locals.In its recommendations, the NCM said, “The role of police in handling the case is also being widely criticised. Although the state govt transferred the case to the CBI, since law and order is the state subject, the govt is well advised to take steps to promote communal harmony and restore people’s confidence in the functioning of the police.” indianexpress
Mewat gangrape: NCM points fingers at gau rakshaks, questions police inaction
http://www.catchnews.com/india-news/mewat-gangrape-ncm-points-fingers-at-gau-rakshaks-questions-police-inaction-1475060755.html
People's faith shaken: National Commission for Minorities panel to govt
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Peoples-faith-shaken-National-Commission-for-Minorities-panel-to-government/articleshow/54555373.cms
NCM confirms Mewat gangrape, says accused were ‘Gau Rakshaks’
https://www.thequint.com/india/2016/09/27/national-commission-for-minorities-confirms-mewat-gangrape-murder-cbi-inquiry-gau-rakshak-cow-vigilantes
Minority panel recommends permanent jobs for Mewat rape victims
http://www.ianslive.in/index.php?param=news/Minority_panel_recommends_permanent_jobs_for_Mewat_rape_victims-527183/NATION/1
With eye at UP polls,Modi govt to hold direct dialogue with minorities
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/progress-panchayats-modi-minorities-uttar-pradesh-polls/1/775568.html
In a major minority outreach, Modi govt has decided to hold direct dialogue. Minority Affairs Ministry has decided to hold 100 "Progress Panchayats" as they are called, all across the country in the next few months. These Progress Panchayats will be used to evaluate and take feedback on programmes run by Minority Affairs Ministry for the minority community.Coming close on the heels of the concluding National Council address in Khozikode, in which PM Narendra Modi, referred to Deendayal Upadhyay and asked everyone to emulate his view of not treating Muslims as a vote bank.The first Progress Panchayat will be held on Sept.29, in Hathin and Bichor village of Mewat district of Haryana. Apart from Minority Affairs Minister, two other MoS, Indrajeet Singh and Krishnapal Gurjar will also participate. The first panchayat in Hathin will start at 10.25 am and the second in Bichor will begin at 12.30 pm.In these panchayats, scholarships and programmes run under Multi-Sectoral Development Programme (MSDP) will also be evaluated and feedback will be taken. When asked whether these panchayats are being held with an eye on UP elections, Naqvi said, "if this was done to woo Muslims of UP, then we would have held the first panchayat in UP itself and not Mewat. Problem is that every effort of this government is always viewed through a politically jaundiced eye". BJP insider's view this panchayat as an effort to reach out to minority community in order to blunt their aversion of BJP politics because of which they vote en masse to any party who is in a position to defeat BJP.As soon as the announcement of 100 panchayat became public, opposition party ridiculed the effort by the Modi govt. JDU member and RS MP, KC Tyagi said, "if BJP really wants to do anything for Muslims then they have to leave their contentious demand of Uniform Civil Code,Common Civil Code and the issue of cow. If they are serious about this, they should not flare-up situation like Kairana and Muzzafarnagar and should work honestly to readdress legitimate grievances of Muslims". Congress party spokesperson Meem Afzal too hit out at the BJP and said that in the last 2 and a half years they have not done anything for the minority community and now when the UP election is around the corner, they are doing this. "It's not progress but politics," said Afzal. India today
After PM Modi's Muslim outreach, govt launches new plan
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/after-pm-modis-muslim-outreach-govt -launches-a-new-plan-1467536
Modi govt's 'Progress Panchayats' for minorities
http://www.abplive.in/india-news/modi-govts-progress-panchayats-for-minorities-10-points-422834
Modi govt to begin minority outreach from riot-hit Mewat
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-in-times-of-hostilities-with-pakistan-govt-to-begin-minority-outreach-from-mewat-2259412
One year on, Dadri, No azaan sounded from village mosque was no kheer shared for Eid
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/no-azaan-no-eid-in-dadri-village/article9154574.ece
Dadri(UP): There is nothing to tell the mosque apart from the buildings around it, except for the loudspeaker that announces the azaan, the Islamic call for prayer.But there is no azaan from the mosque even though dusk has enveloped the village and it is time for maghrib, or prayers offered during sunset.Residents of the village said the loudspeaker has fallen silent since Sept.28 last year, when Akhlaq Saifi was lynched and his younger son Danish severely injured in a murderous attack by fellow villagers for allegedly eating and storing beef in their house.The village muezzin, Mohammad Dawood, told The Hindu they had stopped the azaan as they feared it might provoke the right wing elements. “According to those who witnessed Akhlaq’s killing, the crowd had threatened to shut down the mosque. That did not happen but the mosque does not sound the azaan anymore,” he said.Dawood is new to Bishahra. His predecessor was so shaken by Akhlaq’s lynching that he left the village and never returned. Much has changed in Bishahra in the year since the incident. Once a communal melting pot, this largely Hindu village with a miniscule Muslim population is no longer a picture of harmony. Locals said the killing has driven such a wedge between the two communities that for the first time in living memory, there was no animal sacrifice on Eid-ul-Zuha earlier this month for fear of accusations of cow slaughter.Even the customary exchange of greetings and kheer (rice pudding) was shunned. “It was the coldest Eid-ul-Zuha this time in my entire life. No goat was sacrificed and no greetings were exchanged between the two communities. We mostly kept to ourselves. It was very painful to see this,” said Mohammad Ali Jan, who irons clothes on the village road.Sanjay Rana, a local BJP leader whose son Vishal is accused of leading the lynch mob, said Thakurs used to send milk to Muslim households on Eid to prepare kheer. But not this time.Ironically, Akhlaq’s family used to host the village celebrations. Located in the heart of a Thakur settlement, his Hindu neighbours would gather at his house to enjoy a non-vegetarian platter prepared from animals sacrificed for the festival.But Akhlaq’s house today symbolises the shattered relationship between the two communities: a lock hangs on the door, its windows are shut and grass, at least a foot tall, surrounds it.Divide has not spared even school children. 15-year-old Mustafa Saifi alleged that he is regularly abused and taunted by boys in the school.Another villager alleged conversations are laced with sarcasm. “It was as if they want to tell us that you belong to Akhlaq’s community.There is a stigma around us now,” he said.the hindu
Branded culprits, proven victims: 1 yr since Dadri lynching
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/branded-culprits-proven-victims-one-year-since-the-dadri-lynching/article9158650.ece
A year after Ikhlaq’s lynching, Bisada sitting on a communal tinderbox
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/a-year-after-ikhlaq-s-lynching-bisada-sitting-on-a-communal-tinderbox/story-yDSARwiqqgxq7Za1W5IgoO.html
Dadri beef lynching changed India’s political conversation
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/Dadri-beef-lynching-changed-Indias-political-conversation/articleshow/54553653.cms
1 year since Dadri lynching, Mukhtar Naqvi claims communal tension have reduced under NDA govt
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-one-year-since-dadri-lynching-mukhtar-naqvi-claims-communal-tension-have-reduced-under-nda-govt-2259329
Dadri case crawls: 1 year, 18 hearings, 8 adjournments
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/dadri-case-crawls-1-year-18-hearings-8-adjournments-3053688/
Dadri: A year passes, without trial
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/A-year-passes-without-trial/articleshow/54553649.cms
Dadri revisited: Cops say they found 2kg meat, vet hospital says it got 5kg to test
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/Dadri-revisited-Cops-say-they-found-2kg-meat-vet-hospital-says-it-got-5kg-to-test/articleshow/54553674.cms
Dadri: How peaceful Bisada became a ‘badnaam’ village
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/Dadri-revisited-How-peaceful-Bisada-became-a-badnaam-village/articleshow/54553656.cms
Cops set to clear Akhlaq family of cow slaughter charge
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/Cops-set-to-clear-Akhlaq-family-of-cow-slaughter-charge/articleshow/54553514.cms
KASHMIR ISSUE & SUOTH ASIA
Unfazed by pull-outs, Pak to go ahead with SAARC summit
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/unfazed-pakistan-to-go-ahead-with-saarc-summit/article9158648.ece?homepage=true
Unfazed by the decision of India and three other SAARC member nations to not participate in the grouping’s summit here, Pakistan on Wednesday said it would go ahead with the event in Nov. Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said Pakistan would host 19th SAARC summit in November, Radio Pakistan reported on Wednesday.Zakaria was quoted as saying that it was learnt from the External Affairs Ministry’s tweet that India is not going to participate in SAARC Summit. Zakaria called the decision “unfortunate.” “While we have not received any official communication in this regard, the Indian announcement is unfortunate,” he said. Pakistan was committed to regional peace and would continue working for the broader interest of the people of the region, according to the report. Adviser to PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said India is making propaganda to foil the conference that was scheduled to be held in November, according to Pakistan Today newspaper.Besides India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan have pulled out of the summit, indirectly blaming Pakistan for creating an environment that is not right for the successful holding of the meet.PTI
Pakistan counters SAARC snub, claims ‘world knows it’s India financing terrorism’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/saarc-summit-pakistan-narendra-modi-mea-3053323/
Islamabad SAARC summit unlikely after India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan pull out: The Hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/after-india-bangladesh-bhutan-pull-out-of-saarc-summit/article9157600.ece
Pakistan stands isolated, Islamabad Saarc Summit likely to be called off
http://www.abplive.in/india-news/afghanistan-bangladesh-bhutan-join-india-in-boycotting-islamabad-saarc-summit-422681
After India’s SAARC pullout, Pakistan now finds itself out of favour with Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/web-edits/after-indias-saarc-pullout-pakistan-now-finds-itself-out-of-favour-with-afghanistan-bhutan-bangladesh-3054156/
Pakistan urges World Bank to stop India’s projects on Neelum, Chenab rivers: Reports
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/pakistan-urges-world-bank-to-stop-indias-projects-on-neelum-chenab-rivers-reports-3053987/
New Delhi: Following its meeting with the international lender, World Bank, on Tuesday on the Indus Waters Treaty issue, Pakistan has urged the bank to prevent India from making illegal constructions on the Neelum and Chenab rivers, embassy officials said, as reported by Pakistan daily Dawn.On Tuesday, Pakistan had approached World Bank with senior officials taking up the matter with the international lender which had mediated the water-sharing deal. Meeting took place amid reports that India could revoke the 56-year-old Indus Waters Treaty. A delegation of the Govt of Pakistan led by the Attorney General for Pakistan, Ashtar Ausaf Ali, met with senior officials of The World Bank at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC to discuss matters relating to Pakistan’s recent Request for Arbitration given to India pursuant to Article IX of the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960, Geo News reported. On August 19, Pakistan had formally requested India for settlement of outstanding disputes pertaining to India’s construction of Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric plants on rivers Neelum and Chenab rivers respectively, by referring the matters to the Court of Arbitration as provided in Article IX of the Treaty.
Pak approaches World Bank after India considers revisiting Indus treaty
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pak-approaches-world-bank-after-india-considers-revoking-indus-waters-treaty/story-k4447orJwbmnQzFiPhedrK.html
No decision yet to suspend Indus panel
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-decision-yet-to-suspend-indus-panel/article9155345.ece
Delhi's revocation of Indus treaty will be an act of war:Pak
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Delhis-revocation-of-Indus-treaty-will-be-an-act-of-war-warns-Sartaj-Aziz/articleshow/54554009.cms
Pakistan says India will ‘disintegrate’ when Kashmir is free
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/pakistan-says-india-will-disintegrate-when-kashmir-is-free-3054806/
Given the paltry trade, revoking Pakistan’s MFN tag will only be symbolic
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/given-the-paltry-trade-revoking-pakistan-s-mfn-tag-will-only-be-symbolic/story-q6Tl7CUqnnIeUS2rjrCH8J.html
New Delhi:Govt is building a case for scrapping most-favoured nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan, though it doesn’t mean much in trading terms even if the country doesn’t take action to curb cross-border terrorism. India-Pakistan bilateral trade came up to a paltry $2.6 billion in 2015-16 — tilted largely in India’s favour.Indian exports to Pakistan accounted for $2.2 billion during this period. Given that India has an overall goods trade of $643.3 billion, business relations with its neighbour is negligible at best.So, any decision to revoke MFN status will be nothing more than a symbolic – and political – gesture.HT
Excellent article On Uri, rather than Pak, India seems to be getting isolated internationally: Kejriwal tweets article
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Twitter-explodes-with-rage-after-Arvind-Kejriwal-tweets-anti-India-article/articleshow/54562005.cms
New Delhi: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has come under fire yet again after he shared an article by a national daily which made a case in the favour of Pakistan over Uri attack. The article claimed that it was not Pakistan but India which was getting isolated internationally after Uri attacks by Pakistan terrorists. "Excellent article. On Uri, rather than Pak, India seems to be getting isolated internationally," Kejriwal tweeted.TOI
Not in India’s corner: Ex-ambassador MK Bhadrakumar's article on Uri attack
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/not-in-india-s-corner/300591.html
Twitterati tears into Kejriwal for saying India, not Pakistan, is globally isolated over Uri attack
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/uri-terror-attack-twitterati-social-media-pakistan-india-pakistan/1/775312.html
Army clarifies no infiltrators killed in encounter after Uri attack
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/army-clarifies-no-infiltrators-killed-in-encounter-after-uri/story-UdHtbVaNZn8NY0nGZv2scM.html
Jammu: ARMY has denied killing 10 infiltrators along the LoC with Pakistan last week. The reported encounter was billed in media reports as an Indian strike-back after a militant attack in Uri left 18 soldiers dead.Though there was no official statement on the two “encounters” on the LoC, including one at Uri, army sources described the media reports as “a flight of imagination”.“At no point of time did the army say that 10 terrorists were killed. We simply said there was cross-border firing at two places on the LoC, including Uri,” a source at the Delhi-based army HQRS said.“We don’t know from where the media got these reports quoting unnamed intelligence officials. All TV channel reporters flashed the report of 10 militants having been killed. There was chaos. When we did nothing, how can we say anything,” the source said. Udhampur-based Northern Command, which is quick to break news of encounters in the restive state, was mum on the issue when HT approached it for confirmation. A Northern Command officer asked HT to mail queries via “proper channel” to defence spokespersons.“In the first place, we (the Northern Command) never said that 10 terrorists were killed. When we didn’t say so, why should we deny anything,” an officer said on the condition of anonymity.HT
Pakistan army 'exercising' near border adjoining Jaisalmer
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Pakistan-army-exercising-near-border-adjoining-Jaisalmer/articleshow/54555612.cms
Jaisalmer: After Uri attack, Pakistan Army and Air Force have started its biggest core level joint war game exercise some 15-20km away from the international border adjoining Jaisalmer. Movement of vehicles and other activities of Pakistan Army near the international border have been informed too. Exercise started on Sept. 22 and will continue till Oct. 30 which will be partaken by 15,000 army and 300 air force personnel.TOI
Transport ministers of India, Iran and Afghanistan to meet to expedite Chabahar port and trade link
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Transport-ministers-of-India-Iran-and-Afghanistan-to-meet-to-expedite-Chabahar-port-and-trade-link/articleshow/54549969.cms
New Delhi: India, Iran and Afghanistan will hold a tripartite meeting on Wednesday to discuss issues regarding speedy implementation of transport and trade corridor from India to Afghanistan via Chabahar port.Iranian minister for road and urban development Abbas Ahmad Akhoundi and Afghanistan's transport and civil aviation minister Mohammadullah (Batash) and will meet shipping and highways minister Nitin Gadkari.TOI
Baloch separatist Brahamdagh Bugti plea sent to Intelligence Bureau, final call rests with Cabinet
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Baloch-separatist-Brahamdagh-Bugti-plea-sent-to-Intelligence-Bureau-final-call-rests-with-Cabinet/articleshow/54554000.cms
New Delhi: Union cabinet will take a call on Baloch separatist Brahamdagh Bugti's request for political asylum. His application is currently being vetted by intelligence agencies.The Union home ministry has sent Bugti's application to the Intelligence Bureau for security clearance and expects a report in a week. "After an examination of Bugti's application for political asylum, we have sent it to security agencies for an in-depth vetting," a home ministry official said. timesofindia
China remains India'sprimary security challenge:UK report
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/China-remains-Indias-primary-security-challenge-UK-report/articleshow/54550525.cms
London: China remains India's primary security challenge because of its assertiveness on the border dispute, a report by a think-tank in the UK said today.The 'Strategic Survey 2016: The Annual Review of World Affairs' by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said India's relations with Pakistan and Nepal had deteriorated in the past year but China remained a primary concern because of its assertiveness on the border dispute."For policymakers in New Delhi, this created fears of encirclement and hardened their attitude towards Beijing, even as China continued to be India's largest trading partner, and [PM ] Modi sought to establish stronger trade and investment links with Beijing," the report said.PTI
Amid Pak tension, Jaitley hints at upping defence budget
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Amid-Pakistan-tension-Arun-Jaitley-hints-at-upping-defence-budget/articleshow/54553757.cms
Mumbai: Finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Tuesday that the security challenge that the nation faces will get priority in resource allocation over all requirements as sovereignty of the country is 'most important'. timesofindia
150 govt employees under J&K police scanner, PSA against 6
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/jammu-kashmir-150-govt-employees-under-jk-police-scanner-psa-against-six-3053533/
Srinagar:J&K police have prepared a list of about 150 govt employees, including gazetted officers, and sent it to deputy commissioners in the Valley, asking them to look into their role in the protests, that broke out after the killing of Burhan Wani. Officials said that 6 govt employees, including a gazetted officer, have also been booked under PSA — a law that allows govt to put a person behind bars for 6 months without a trial. J&K govt spokesperson and state education minister Nayeem Akhtar said,“This is a usual exercise by the admin.to find out if there is any evidence (against these employees). If evidence is found against anybody, the law will take its own course — whether an employee or non-employee. Obviously, whoever creates trouble will have to pay for it.”Sources said that district police chiefs in Valley have prepared lists of govt employees who,they believe, are part of protests or are “instigating” protesters.Lists — about 150 employees figure in them — have been forwarded to deputy commissioners concerned.indianexpress
Kashmiris warn India its crackdown is turning some to militancy:Reuters
http://www.mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/Kashmiris-warn-India-its-crackdown-is-turning-some-to-militancy/articleshow/54560262.cms
Srinagar: Simmering anger over India's crackdown on 10 weeks of protests in Kashmir risks drawing more young people to radical rebellion, demonstrators and security officials warn, as the sense of despair and alienation from New Delhi deepens.In the worst unrest in the disputed Himalayan region for six years, more than 80 civilians have been killed and thousands wounded, a widespread curfew is in place and suspected ringleaders are being held without charge."They are treating us like 'dons', like we are criminals," said Bilal Bhat, a 27-year-old journalist who is active in a local youth civil rights movement. Bhat was taken in by police in August and told to stop posting articles on Facebook. It was the second time he has been held. But the scale of the violence and security crackdown, and, more recently, a sharp escalation in tension between the neighbouring countries, have made the outside world sit up and pay attention.India's security forces have also reinforced their already large presence in Kashmir, drafting in 20,000 paramilitaries and 10,000 more soldiers.A senior Home Ministry official said India's security forces had reduced their use of pellet ammunition, which has drawn widespread condemnation, and had been instructed only to fire when they felt directly threatened."It is clear that the local Kashmiri youths were being used by Pakistan to attack Indian forces," the official said, responding to questions from Reuters about the use of force and risk of youth radicalisation.
OTHERS
Maharashtra: Muslim leaders form panel to plan quota stir
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Muslim-leaders-form-panel-to-plan-quota-stir/articleshow/54553815.cms
Mumbai: With the state govt being non-committal on Muslim reservation, community leaders have stepped up their plan to launch an agitation.On Monday, an 11-member coordination committee was formed to interact with prominent Muslim NGOs, religious organisations, institutions and prepare a strategy. "We want to keep it a peaceful movement. Special Backward Classes (SBC) among Muslims that the previous govt had identified and granted reservation for, deserve it as they have lagged behind," said MIM legislator Waris Pathan. Responding to NCP leader Majeed Memon's memorandum to CM Devendra Fadnavis on the issue, minority affairs minister Dilip Kamble said the high court, through interim order of Nov.14, 2014, had allowed 5% Muslim quota in education and stayed reservation in jobs and that govt would further move only after the final verdict on the issue.Congress MLA Amin Patel said:"Our govt had given reservation to Muslims on the basis of their backwardness and not on religious ground. NDA govt did great injustice by letting the ordinance for Muslim quota to lapse."Ex-minister and Congress MLA Arif Naseem Khan explained the plan the previous govt had made.TOI
Muslim groups plan meetings across Mumbai to demand quota
http://indianexpress.com/article/mumbai/muslim-groups-plan-meetings-across-mumbai-to-demand-quota-3053458/
Thousands of Muslims attend rally under the name of Shivaji in Raigad
http://twocircles.net/2016sep27/1474987567.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29#.V-uMU1R97IU
The Muslim Shivshahi sankalp Medava (rally) was organised on Sept.24 at Raigad under the banner of Chhatrapati Shivaji Muslim Brigade and the Tipu Sultan Brigade, and received a positive response from the thousands who attended the rally.This rally was named Mission Raigad and aims to make Maharashtra riot-free and spread secular qualities of the Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji.Despite continuous rains and landslides in nearby area, more than 4,000 people from all parts of the state took part in the rally.Chief organiser of the rally, Shaikh Subhan Ali, said in his keynote address that Shivaji loved Muslims and teachings of Islam. He pointed out that nearly 30% of his soldiers were Muslims. “Riots always harm all communities…it is time now to come under the banner of Maratha Seva Sangh for the purpose of a social front to make our state riot free and spread the peace which Shivaji dreamt of,” he added.Noted personalities of Maratha Seva sangh and Sambhaji brigade Manoj Akhre, Arjun Tanpure, Jayant patil, Toufiq Patel and Shrimant Kokate attended the same as guest and addressed the people.TCN
Saamana cartoon controversy: Cartoonist regrets hurting Maratha sentiments
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/saamana-office-stone-pelting-cartoonist-regrets-hurting-maratha-sentiments-3054214/
Mumbai:A day after an office of Shiv Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ was stoned over a cartoon it carried alluding to the ongoing Maratha rallies, the cartoonist Wednesday expressed regret over his work, which has triggered sharp reaction from across the political spectrum in Maharashtra. Saamana had published the caricature that attempted to make fun at the campaign for Maratha reservation that is under way in the state. Following that, Saamana’s office in Navi Mumbai was pelted with stones, reportedly by members of the Sambhaji Brigade, a Maratha organization.PTI
Saamana targets Muslims to deflect attention even as cartoonist apologises
http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/saamana-targets-muslims-to-deflect-attention-even-as-cartoonist-apologises/story-M0aNy4637sUDgicW4qwjBP.html
Mumbai:A day after its clarification over the caricature on Maratha protests met with little acceptance, an isolated Shiv Sena tried to shift focus away from the controversy by directing its anger towards the Muslims.In an editorial in the party mouthpiece, Saamana on Wednesday, the party said, “It is surprising that Muslim leaders give a call saying even we will protest, heat up the atmosphere, at a time when there is trust being shown [by the govt ] towards the Muslims.”Targeting the BJP for furthering vote-bank politics ahead of elections, especially in UP where there is a sharp Hindu-Muslim divide, the Shiv Sena said the PM should instead focus on making the Muslim community realise the laws and culture of the country.
PM Modi, Pranab Mukherjee condole death of ex-Israel President Shimon Peres
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/pm-modi-pranab-mukherjee-condole-death-of-former-israel-president-shimon-peres-3054620/
New Delhi:President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Narendra Modi and a host of other leaders today condoled the passing away of former Israel President Shimon Peres, saying he made courageous efforts to achieve peace for his country and the region.In a message to Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin, Mukherjee conveyed his heartfelt condolences and said he was deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Peres.“In his passing, Israel has lost a statesman who made courageous efforts to achieve peace for his country and the region. The worldwide admiration and accolades that he received for his work – including the Noble Peace Prize, are a testimony to the values that he stood for.“Peres was a visionary who strongly believed in the power of knowledge, innovation and technology,” he said in a statement. Mukherjee said India remembers Peres as a steadfast friend of country, whose lasting contribution to strengthening of the close bilateral partnership between India and Israel will be long remembered. “I would request you, Excellency, to kindly convey my deepest sympathies to his bereaved family. May the Almighty give them the strength to bear this loss,” he said. PM Narendra Modi in a tweet said, “In ex-President Shimon Peres, we lost a key world leader and a friend of India. Pained by his demise.Our condolences to people of Israel.” Congress president Sonia Gandhi described him as a defining political figure.“Peres will be remembered as a steadfast pacifist and hopeful believer in peace and coexistence,”she said in a statement. LK Advani said he was deeply grieved to learn about the demise of Peres, who represented many political parties in the Knesset.PTI
Hamas calls Peres a criminal, Abbas hails him as brave
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Hamas-calls-Peres-a-criminal-Abbas-hails-him-as-brave/articleshow/54567049.cms
Gaza: Hamas welcomed the death of ex-Israeli president Shimon Peres Wednesday, calling him a "criminal", while Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas lauded the "brave" Nobel Peace Prize winner.AFP
Shimon Peres obituary: Peacemaker or war criminal?Jonathan Cook
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/israel-elder-statesman-shimon-peres-dead-93-160128070510467.html
Salafi hate speeches could destroy plurality of society:PFI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Salafi-hate-speeches-could-destroy-plurality-of-society/articleshow/54555914.cms
Kozhikode: The hate speeches of certain Salafi preachers in Kerala pose a serious threat to the plurality of the society but it is an isolated phenomenon, said Popular Front of India state general secretary KH Nazar.Addressing a news conference here on Tuesday, he said such speeches were the byproducts of extreme spirituality and degeneration of religion. "The hate spread by certain Salafis are not a big social issue and it can be tackled within the community," Nazar said adding that such outbursts should not be seen as the common attitude of the Muslim community.TOI
Bastar teens not Maoists, killed in fake encounter: Villagers
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/bastar-teens-not-maoists-killed-in-fake-encounter-villagers-3053804/
Raipur:A week after Chhattisgarh Police killed two “Maoists” in Bastar district, villagers in Barsoor are staging a protest for the past two days alleging that the 2 were killed in a fake encounter. The villagers said the two deceased, aged 16 and 18, were from the Barsoor region in Dantewada and had gone to a relative’s village in the same district to inform them about a death in the family when they were shot dead. On Sept.24, the police had said they gunned down two Maoists in the Sanguel forests of the Burgum region. The police said the two were likely from the Barsoor area committee of the Maoists. Police confirmed protests outside Barsoor police station by villagers, who demanded an FIR into the incident. indianexpress
People’s Tribunal on those acquitted in terror cases to be held on Oct.2 in New Delhi
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/people-tribunal-criminal-justice-system-terrorists-hearing-delhi-3053497/
Mumbai:A first of its kind People’s Tribunal on those acquitted in terror cases is set to be held on Oct.2 in New Delhi. Tribunal will see participation of those exonerated in 10 terror cases in various states, with them narrating their experience of the criminal justice system and their struggle to rebuild their lives after their release. Cases include the recently concluded Aurangabad arms haul case in which eight persons were acquitted as well as the Malegaon 2006 blast where eight men, who had spent 5 years in prison, were discharged by a special NIA court in Mumbai. Those who were exonerated will speak before a jury, which includes Justice AP Shah, ex Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and others, including academicians and lawyers. Jury will then compile a report based on the testimonies presented before them to enable them to engage with various stakeholders on the issues of rehabilitation and compensation.Organised under collective Innocence Network — which includes individuals and organisations working for the rights of those wrongfully prosecuted, including those who have been exonerated — the tribunal will also see the release of a book on the 7/11 Mumbai train blasts.“The idea is to establish an innocence collective similar to the one in the US and other countries. Abroad, such movements with a thorough understanding of the justice framework as well as advocacy methods have yielded good results,” said Sharib Ali, Program Head, Quill Foundation, which along with the JTSA is facilitating the Innocence Network. indianexpress
First of its kind ‘Peoples’ Tribunal on Acquitted Innocents’ to be held on Gandhi Jayanti
http://twocircles.net/2016sep27/1474971869.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29#.V-uMXlR97IU
Mumbai: I am not a terrorist, clarifies Muslim man branded so on WhatsApp
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/i-am-not-a-terrorist-clarifies-man-branded-so-on-whatsapp-3054657/
Mumbai:A 30-year-old man was forced to do a sit-in outside a police station here holding a placard to clarify that he is not a terrorist, after rumours were allegedly spread on a mobile app branding him a terrorist.Saeed Ali Khan on Tuesday lodged a complaint regarding purported messages and photos posted on WhatsApp branding him a terrorist, an official at Virar police station said on Wednesday.The matter is being looked into and further action will be taken after thorough investigation, police said. Khan claimed that police initially refused to take his complaint, following which he, along with his family members, staged a protest in front of the police station.During the protest, Khan and his family members held placards with message ‘My name is Saeed Sher Ali Khan. I am not terrorist’.Khan, who also submitted the photos and messages along with his complaint, said the problem started after he refused to pay extra maintenance as sought by his landlord.PTI
My name is Khan, I am not a terrorist, says Virar man
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/My-name-is-Khan-I-am-not-a-terrorist-says-Virar-man/articleshow/54556207.cms
SC defers hearing on Shahabuddin’s bail till tomorrow
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/shahabuddin-bail-supreme-court-cancellation-plea-to-be-heard-today-3054180/
New Delhi" The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing on the plea to cancel the bail of ex-Siwan MLA and RJD leader Shahabuddin for one more day.The hearing of the plea was adjourned for two days after his lawyer asked for some more time to reply. indianexpress
Delhi 2nd most polluted major city in the world: WHO study
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/delhi-pollution-traffic-air-quality-second-most-polluted-city-who-3053607/
New Delhi: A new report by WHO on ambient air pollution levels shows that with very high levels of particulate matter measuring 10 microns or less, Delhi is among the most polluted cities in the world, second only to Riyadh among the big cities. The report — Ambient Air Pollution: A Global Assessment of Exposure and Burden of Diseases — found that 92% of the world’s population lives in places where air quality levels exceed WHO limits. indian express
Global competitiveness: Pakistan stands last in South Asia, India jumps 16 spots
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Global-competitiveness-Pakistan-stands-last-in-South-Asia-India-jumps-16-spots/articleshow/54562035.cms
Karachi: Pakistan has been ranked at 122, last amongst its South Asian neighbours, in the Global Competitiveness Index+ (GCI) by World Economic Forum (WEF).The forum has ranked India at 39th spot , followed by Sri Lanka 71, Bhutan 97, Nepal 98 and Bangladesh at 106 at the GCI, reports the Business Reporter, a financial daily of Pakistan.ANI
CBI abused me, tortured my family, says bureaucrat BK Bansal's suicide note
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/CBI-abused-me-tortured-my-family-says-bureaucrat-BK-Bansals-suicide-note/articleshow/54565572.cms
New Delhi: Ex-director general, Corporate Affairs, BK Bansal who allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday along with his son has accused some CBI officers of torturing him and his family. Bansal, an additional secretary-rank officer in the ministry of corporate affairs, was arrested by CBI on July 16 for allegedly accepting bribe from a company.Shocking details have emerged from the suicide note written by Bansal and his son Yogesh.In the 7-page suicide note, Bansal gives details of how on the intervening night of Sept.18 and 19, women officers of CBI allegedly abused and beat up his wife. timesofindia
Salman Chishty of Ajmer Dargah to address Organisation of Islamic Countries's global youth meet in Istanbul
http://www.sify.com/news/indian-to-address-organisation-of-islamic-countries-global-youth-meet-news-national-qj2mudggbface.html
Mumbai: In a recognition of the country's Muslim community, the second-largest in the world, an Indian has been invited to attend a prestigious conference of the Organisation of Islamic Countries' Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC). Haji Syed Salman Chishty of Dargah Ajmer Sharif has been invited to address the ICYF-DC's 3rd Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers opening in Istanbul on Oct.4."This is a great honour for India and Indian Muslims. I shall speak on 'Empowering Youth for Peace, Solidarity and Development', which is the main theme of this global conference to be attended by representatives from 52 countries," Haji Chishty, 27th direct descendent-custodian of Sufi saint, Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty, said via phone from Istanbul.Recommendations of the conference will be included in "OIC 2025 Action Plan", encompassing the adoption of the OIC Youth Strategy, he said. Haji Chishty said that under the leadership of its Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani, OIC has declared youth engagement in the Islamic world as one of its key priorities and the member-states have made investing in youth their main priority. IANS
World
Swiss lawmakers approve step towards face-veil ban
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/swiss-lawmakers-approve-step-face-veil-ban-160927205252756.html
Switzerland's lower house of parliament narrowly backed a ban on face veils on Tuesday, echoing moves by neighbouring France and other European nations.The plan by right-wing politician Walter Wobmann - who led a successful campaign to outlaw new minarets in 2009 - still has to pass through the upper house and the govt before it becomes law.But it joins a list of measures championed by populist and right-wing movements that have polarised Alpine nation, and drawn some criticism from abroad, including most recently a referendum ordering curbs on immigration from the EU.Wobmann, from anti-immigration Swiss People's Party, has said the veil ban will preserve Swiss culture and curb radicalism. He is also pushing for a referendum on the issue. aljazeera
Germany boosts security for Muslim centres in Dresden after mosque bombing:Reuters
http://in.reuters.com/article/germany-security-idINKCN11X0I7
German police are stepping up protection of Muslim institutions in Dresden after 2 improvised bombs exploded in the eastern city on Monday evening, one at a mosque and one at an international conference centre.No one was hurt by the blasts although the imam of the mosque was inside the building with his wife and sons."Even if we so far have no claim of responsibility, we must go on the basis that the motive was xenophobic," Horst Kretzschmar, head of Dresden police, said.
New York launches ad campaign to fight anti-Muslim rhetoric, violence:Reuters
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-new-york-launches-ad-campaign-to-fight-anti-muslim-rhetoric-violence-2259184
US: Father of Muslim teen falsely accused of making a bomb, files defamation lawsuit
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/america/280916/father-of-muslim-teen-falsely-accused-of-making-a-bomb-files-defamation-lawsuit.html
32,000 people arrested since military coup bid: Turkey
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/turkish-minister-says-32000-people-arrested-since-failed-military-coup-3054534/
Istanbul: Turkish justice minister says 32,000 people have been arrested since the country’s failed coup, and more may follow.In a live interview with private broadcaster NTV on Wednesday, Bekir Bozdag said 70,000 people have been processed and 32,000 were formally arrested since the July 15 coup attempt.“There may be new arrests or releases according to the evidence and information gathered in the investigation,” Bozdag saidd. He also said Turkey was building a courthouse in the outskirts of Ankara, the national capital, for the prosecution of suspected coup plotters.AP
Deadly air strikes hit 2 Aleppo hospitals
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/air-strikes-put-aleppo-hospitals-service-160928102656036.html
6 people were killed in air strikes on 2 hospitals in rebel-controlled Aleppo as a deadly Syrian govt onslaught continued and the civilian death toll climbed.A medical association said there were only six hospitals now remaining in the besieged city that has been been pounded by massive aerial bombardment and artillery attacks since a US-Russia implemented ceasefire collapsed last week."The attack happened at 4am local. One warplane targeted both [hospitals] directly," Adham Sahloul of Syrian American Medical Society, which supports the hospitals, said on Wednesday."There are only 6 hospitals currently operational now that the M2 and M10 have been temporarily taken out of service," he said. Both hospitals had been targeted in previous aerial attacks, according to Sahloul, who described the bombings as "deliberate".Wednesday's attacks were the latest in the Syrian govt 's major push to recapture the key northern city that has seen the most intense bombardment of the five-year war in recent days.Artillery shells also hit the al-Maadi neighbourhood near a bread distribution facility, killing six people, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of sources on the ground for its information.It said dozens were wounded and the number of dead was likely to rise because of the severity of injuries.Human Rights Watch, meanwhile, accused the Syrian govt of using toxic chemicals in two recent attacks in Aleppo, and urged UN Security Council to take action.aljazeera
Warplane targets bakery in Syria’s Aleppo, killing six
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/warplane-targets-bakery-in-syria-s-aleppo-killing-six/654310
Russian warplanes pound Aleppo neighborhood, 22 killed
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/russian-warplanes-pound-aleppo-neighborhood-22-killed/653889
Letter from Aleppo: 'My city is not just a death toll'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/letter-aleppo-city-death-toll-160928055621630.html
NGOs call for humanitarian corridor in Aleppo
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20160928-ngos-call-for-humanitarian-corridor-in-aleppo/
US-led coalition troops in Iraq reach 8,000: Official
http://aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-led-coalition-troops-in-iraq-reach-8-000-official/653891
Baghdad: The number of troops on the ground in Iraq as part of a US-led coalition against the Daesh now stands at some 8,000, a US official announced on Tuesday. "The number of coalition forces in Iraq is now 8,000 personnel, including 4,500 Americans," US Army Lieutenant-Colonel John Dorian said at a press conference held at the US embassy in Baghdad.This number, he stressed, would not be increased without the express consent of the Iraqi govt .Dorian went on to put the number of militants in Iraq’s Daesh-held city of Mosul at somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000. Anadolu agency
Israel detains 39 Palestinians in West Bank raids
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israel-detains-39-palestinians-in-west-bank-raids/654304
Ramallah:Israeli forces have rounded up dozens of Palestinians, including a lawmaker, in overnight raids in Israel-occupied West Bank, according to a local Palestinian NGO. Seventeen Palestinians were detained by Israeli forces in East Jerusalem’s Shufat refugee camp and Beit Hanina neighborhood after raiding their homes, the Palestinian Prisoners Society said in a statement on Wednesday. Seven more Palestinians, including Hamas MP Mohamed al-Natsheh, were arrested in the West Bank city of Hebron, NGO said. Anadolu agency
Pentagon backtracks on Daesh chemical attack claim
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20160928-pentagon-backtracks-on-daesh-chemical-attack-claim/
The Pentagon has backtracked on a claim that a rocket fired last week by Daesh militants at an Iraqi air base that was hosting US troops was in fact not a chemical weapon at all, USA Today has reported.Although the Pentagon last week confirmed that Daesh had tried to attack US forces with mustard gas, they have since backpedalled on the claim stating that US Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford’s testimony before Congress regarding the event was based on information available at the time. middleeastmonitor
Iraq, Iran accused of sending children to fight ‘jihad’ in Syria
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20160928-iraq-iran-accused-of-sending-children-to-fight-jihad-in-syria/
Iraqi civil rights groups have accused their govt of staying silent as Iranian-sponsored militias and organisations recruit child soldiers to fight a “jihad” in Syria, Al Jazeera reported on Monday.Campaigners accused Baghdad of adopting a policy of silence or complicity as Iran uses organisations and armed militant Shia factions under its control to press children to take part in the Syrian bloodletting that has now claimed 400,000 lives since 2011.The families of some of these children have complained that Iraqi officials have done little to address their grave concerns regarding the welfare of their children. middleeastmonitor
Palestinians call on FIFA to ban matches in settlements
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/palestinians-call-fifa-ban-matches-settlements-160927175654156.html
An official from the PLO on Tuesday called on football's ruling body FIFA to ban Israeli teams from playing matches in Jewish-only settlements across the occupied West Bank. "By allowing games to be held on Palestinian land where settlements have been built, FIFA is involved in political and business activity that supports these settlements, which are considered illegitimate and illegal by international law," Ali Ishaq, a member of the PLO's committee in charge of the sports department, said in a statement.The call comes two days after New York-based Human Rights Watch urged FIFA to act on the issue of six clubs who play in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. aljazeera
Amnesty: Israeli forces guilty of ‘pattern of unlawful killings’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20160928-amnesty-israeli-forces-guilty-of-pattern-of-unlawful-killings/
Amnesty International has accused Israeli forces of displaying “an appalling disregard for human life by using reckless and unlawful lethal force against Palestinians”, in a new statement timed to coincide with the anniversary of an uptick in violence dated 1 Oct. 2015.The international human rights group says it sent a memorandum to the Israeli authorities on 14 Sept detailing 20 cases of “apparently unlawful killings of Palestinians by Israeli forces seeking clarification about the status of investigations.”In at least 15 of the cases, Amnesty says: “Palestinians were deliberately shot dead, despite posing no imminent threat to life, in what appear to be extrajudicial executions.” middleeastmonitor
Israeli PM rejects ‘2-state solution’: Palestine leader
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israeli-pm-rejects-2-state-solution-palestine-leader/654410
New York: Mahmoud Abbas has reiterated the difficulties involved with reaching a peace deal with Israel under PM Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the latter continued to reject the Palestinians’ longstanding demand for a "two-state solution based on 1967 borders". In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Abbas accused Netanyahu of seeking to normalize relations with Arab countries without withdrawing from Palestinian land occupied by Israel in 1967, in line with the terms of a 2002 Saudi-proposed peace initiative. Anadolu Agency
BDS condemns Arab participation in Zionist conference in New York
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20160928-bds-condemns-arab-participation-in-zionist-conference-in-new-york/
Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (BDS) strongly condemned on Tuesday Arab participation in a Zionist conference held in New York about the threat posed by Iran, Arab48.com has reported.The movement claims that UAE ambassador to the USA, Yousef Al-Otaibi, Bahrain’s former ambassador Sheikha Haya Rashid Al-Khalifa, Saudi academic Mohamed Al-Yahya and the Lebanese researcher Toni Badran took part in the conference, which was also attended by former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. middleeastmonitor
Iranian threat to ‘erase Saudi Arabia from existence’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20160928-iranian-threat-to-erase-saudi-arabia-from-existence/
An advisor of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has threatened to erase Saudi Arabia from existence if it harms his country, while pointing out that Iran does not seek wars, Moheet.com reported on Tuesday. Hassan Firouzabadi made his comment on the fringe of the Iran Defence Show.“If Saudi Arabia made such a mistake,” he explained, “it would be punished to the degree that there would be no remains of the Saudi regime and Wahhabism in the world.” Saudis, he added, do not have human cadres for the purpose of war. middleeastmonitor
Ahmadinejad bows out of Iranian presidential race
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20160928-ahmadinejad-bows-out-of-iranian-presidential-race/
Former Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, will not run for president in next year’s Iranian election. Ahmadinejad’s decision comes following the “advice” of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who warned his candidacy would increase divisions in Iran.“In carrying out the intentions of the leader of the revolution, I have no plans to take part in the elections next year,” Ahmadinejad said in a letter to Khamenei, published on his website dolatebahar.com.“You [Khamenei] advised me it is not expedient to run and I announced my obedience,” Ahmadinejad’s letter stated. middleeastmonitor
Ghannouchi did not say he has no objection to Bashar Al-Assad, aide insists
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20160928-ghannouchi-did-not-say-he-has-no-objection-to-bashar-al-assad-aide-insists/
The political advisor of the Head of Tunisia’s Ennahda Movement has denied claims that Rashid Al-Ghannouchi has no objection to Bashar Al-Assad, Quds Press reported on Tuesday.“Al-Ghannouchi is always calling for reconciliation among the Arabs,” explained Lutfi Zaytoun, “and was always against turning the Syrian uprising from popular to armed revolution and then to a civil war.”He pointed out that the veteran Ennahda leader supports whatever is agreed by all of the sides in Syria and accepted by the nation. “He also calls for the whole world to support the Syrian people, who are suffering in this crisis.”Tunisia’s Al-Shorooq newspaper reported on Tuesday that Ghannouchi had called for Arabic reconciliation, saying that he does not object to the Syrian president. Zaytoun told Quds Press, however, that the quotes cited “are completely false.” middleeastmonitor
Detainees of Egypt’s notorious Scorpion prison: “we’re living, but we are in tombs”
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20160928-detainees-of-egypts-notorious-scorpion-prison-were-living-but-we-are-in-tombs/
Human Rights Watch have released a detailed report on the abuses that take place in Egypt’s notorious Scorpion prison (Tora prison), where inmates are kept in cells without beds, visits by families and lawyers are restricted and authorities interfere with medical treatment.The report, which is based on interviews with relatives of detainees, lawyers, a former prisoner and medical files of sick and deceased prisoners reveals that between May and Oct. 2015 at least 6 detainees died after being denied medical care, medicine, or requests to release them on medical grounds.Interior Ministry authorities have refused to provide high-ranking members of the Muslim Brotherhood and Al-Gama Al-Islamiyya with live-saving medication in abuse that is politically motivated and a way to silence the opposition.Scorpion prison is notorious for being the detention centre which houses “enemies of the state” – the 1,000 estimated detainees are made up of Brotherhood leaders, alleged members of the Islamic State group and journalists and doctors who oppose Sisi. middleeastmonitor
Hindu community lauds passage of Pak Hindu Marriage Bill
http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/hindu-community-lauds-passage-of-pak-hindu-marriage-bill-116092800117_1.html
Washington:Hindu community in US has lauded the passage of the Hindu Marriage Bill in Pakistan's National Assembly, which now officially recognises Hindu marriages throughout the country."The Hindu Marriage Act is viewed as an attempt to bring legitimacy to marriages occurring within the Hindu population, which had previously not been officially recognised," Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said in a statement on Tuesday.PTI
Jim Yong Kim re-appointed as World Bank President
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/jim-yong-kim-re-appointed-as-world-bank-president-116092800122_1.html
Washington: Jim Yong Kim has been re-appointed for a second 5-year term as World Bank president, beginning July 1, next year, the bank announced."Humbled to have the honour of serving a second term as the head of this great institution. I would focus on building a more inclusive world free of poverty," Kim said in a statement.PTI
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:24 PM)
