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Evening NEWS DIGEST
18 Oct. 2016: 16 Muharram 1438: Vol: 8, No:14
INDIA :PERSONAL LAW & uniform civil code
Scrutiny of triple talaq, halala' and polygamy is judicial legislation: AIMPLB to SC in fresh affidavit
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/scrutiny-of-triple-talaq-is-judicial-legislation-aimplb-to-sc-116101801221_1.html
New Delhi: All India Muslim Personal Law Board today vehemently opposed the scrutiny of the practice of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy by the Supreme Court, saying it would amount to "judicial legislation" and personal laws cannot be challenged on the ground that they violate fundamental rights. AIMPLB, in a fresh affidavit, rubbished the stand taken by the Modi govt that the SC should re-look these practices as they are violative of fundamental right like gender equality and the ethos of secularism, a key part of the basic structure of the Constitution. Stoutly defending the prevalent practice in the community, AIMPLB Secretary Mohammed Fazlurrahim said "if this court proceeds to examine questions of Muslim personal laws and lays down special rules for Muslim women in matters concerning marriage, divorce and maintenance, it would amount to judicial legislation and will be violative of doctrine of separation of powers." AIMPLB has listed out grounds for its opposition to the judicial scrutiny of the practices. The questions raised in the petition are matters of "legislative policy" and, moreover, personal laws cannot be challenged as being violative of fundamental rights like right to equality under the Constitution, the affidavit said. It also said the personal laws of Muslims cannot be "re-written in the name of social reform" and these practices are protected under Article 25, 26 and 29 (freedom to practice religion) of the Constitution. Opposing the Law Commission's fresh endeavour on Uniform Civil Code, the body said it pertained to the Directive Principles of State Policy of the Constitution and hence "not enforceable". Highlighting importance of religious scriptures, AIMPLB said the courts "cannot supplant its own interpretations over the text of scriptures" in a situation where "unique importance" has been attached to such texts. PTI
BJP leader MJ Akbar persuaded Rajiv Gandhi to override Shah Bano ruling: Ex-CIC Wajahat
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/mj-akbar-persuaded-rajiv-gandhi-to-override-shah-bano-ruling-former-cic-116101801213_1.html
New Delhi: It was none other than the current Union Minister of State for External Affairs MJ.Akbar who persuaded the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to intervene in the landmark Shah Bano case, former Chief Information Commissioner, Wajahat Habibullah has said.In May 1986, the Rajiv Gandhi government enacted the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, annulling the Supreme Court's April 23, 1985 decision in the Mohammed Ahmed Khan versus Shah Bano Begum case.The Supreme Court had ruled that the Section 125 of CrPC -- which allowed the estranged/divorced wife to get a maintenance amount from her husband -- applied to Muslims as well as there was "no conflict between the provisions of Section 125 and those of the Muslim Personal Law".However, the Muslim clergy and several Muslim organisation raised a storm, calling it an intervention in the Shariah, and asked the government to intervene.Habibullah was at that time a Director in PMO, dealing with matters concerning the minorities."I found on my table a slew of petitions and letters criticising the judgement and seeking government intervention to overturn the (Supreme Court) ruling," Habibullah wrote in a column in The Hindu newspaper on Tuesday.IANS
Law Commission, Women against triple talaq RSS stooges, need DNA test: Muslim scholars
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-women-against-triple-talaq-rss-stooges-need-dna-test-ulemas-2265104
Mumbai: In a meeting of different Ulema associations held in Ghanchi Jamatkhana of Mumbai on Monday, attendees slammed the media,and said members of the Law Commission of India (LCI) and Muslim women fighting against triple talaq were RSS stooges.The meeting was held to publicly support the stand of AIMPLB, which has appealed to community to boycott the questionnaire sent by LCI on Uniform Civil Code. Those in the meeting did not even spare women and other members of the community who are against triple talaq."Some TV channels are talking about UCC like this is the biggest issue affecting the entire country and there is no other issue. They call such people on TV shows that are not adept at defending the religion,"said Maulana Naeem Akhtar. Slamming the women from the community, some questioned the hiring of lawyers to fight their case. "They hire non-Muslim lawyers. Had the lawyer been Muslim, he would have never have gone against Sharia," said one. Maulana Khaleel Noorie said, "Women affiliated with RSS organisations are raising these issues. They do not know Sharia and are only into leisure." Ulemas even questioned the urgency with which the SC took suo motu cognisance of the issue." There are more divorce cases in Hindu communities compared to Muslims," said Nawaid Hamid, head of All India Muslim Majlis-E-Mushawarat. "Govt should also tell what they will do about the tax benefits given to Hindu undivided families," Hamid added.DNA
'Triple talaq matter of Muslims, leave it to them, they will decide,' Ghulam Nabi Azad tells PM
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Uniform-Code-triple-talaq-raked-up-to-polarise-country-Ghulam-Nabi-Azad/articleshow/54901714.cms
Patna: Senior Congress functionary and the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has asked PM Narendra Modi not to interfere in the matter of triple talaq and concentrate on only those issues for which he got mandate from the people. "Triple talaq is a matter of Muslim minorities, leave it to them, they will decide," Azad said while disclosing his party's stand on the controversial issue. Azad further said that the BJP and the RSS wanted to create a divide in the society by spreading hatred between Hindu and Muslim on the issue of Uniform civil code (UCC). AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Wali Rahmani asked the Congress functionaries, especially those who had arrived from New Delhi, to avoid 'touch and leave' policy on the issues of triple talaq and take a 'strong stand' in favour of religious law of Muslims, otherwise the party would not going to be revived in the coming years. Rahmani also quipped as to how a Muslim woman of Delhi, who had hardly any known source of high income, has been engaging lawyers at the rate of Rs 3 and 4 lakh a day, for contesting the triple talaq case. "Such people have been projected by the forces opposed to Muslims," he said. TOI
BJP polarizing society on communal lines: Azad
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/BJP-polarizing-society-on-communal-lines/articleshow/54904854.cms
Triple Talaq: Farooq Abdullah tells Centre not to interfere with Muslim Personal Laws
http://www.firstpost.com/india/triple-talaq-farooq-abdullah-tells-centre-not-to-interfere-with-muslim-personal-laws-3057124.html
Talaq:MP Muslim scholars accuse Centre of meddling
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Triple-talaq-Muslim-scholars-accuse-Centre-of-meddling/articleshow/54909733.cms
Bhopal: AIMPLB members from Madhya Pradesh on Monday alleged that the triple talaq issue is a deliberate attempt by the Union govt to interfere in Muslim personal law ahead of the UP assembly elections.Muslim scholars and religious leaders from Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain and Burhanpur held a joint meeting here to discuss the action plan over the issue of talaq. Noted Islamic scholar Peer Saeed Miyan, Bhopal Shahar Qazi Syed Mushtaq Ali Nadvi and AIMPLB member Arif Masood warned the govt against pushing Uniform Civil Code through backdoor.TOI
All personal laws need reforms but no uniform civil code: CPI-M
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/54914265.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
New Delhi: Alleging that "communal" forces have launched an offensive on identity of minorities, CPI(M) today said any move to push Uniform Civil Code "as is being done by the govt " will be counterproductive for women's rights even as it favoured reforms in personal laws of all communities, including Hindus. Left party supported the demand of section of Muslim women against the practice of "arbitrary and instant" triple talaq and said reforms were needed in personal laws of the "majority community" too as that they "discriminate" against women. PTI
Uniformity is not the guarantee for equality: CPI (M) on triple talaq
http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/uniformity-is-not-the-guarantee-for-equality-cpi-m-on-triple-talaq_1941150.html
Party using triple talaq issue to usher in UCC, browbeat minorities: CPI(M)’s Brinda Karat
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/bjp-govt-is-no-champion-of-womens-rights/article9231190.ece
BJP may keep Uniform Civil Code issue alive till 2019:CPI
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/bjp-may-keep-uniform-civil-code-issue-alive-till-2019-says-cpi-3089475/
Rally in Bidar against move to amend Muslim law
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/rally-in-bidar-against-move-to-amend-muslim-marriage-laws/article9232683.ece
Don't impose Uniform Civil Code: Nitish
http://twocircles.net/2016oct17/1476705532.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29#.WAXSTlR97IU
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cong-caught-between-muslim-votes-and-women-s-rights-over-triple-talaq/story-nvAidyBkAxtJCrkyUxEcpN.html
Equal status of Muslim woman is the issue; Practice of Triple Talaq Causing Harm to Women: Venkaiah Naidu
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Equal-status-of-Muslim-woman-is-the-issue-says-Venkaiah-Naidu/articleshow/54918907.cms
Kochi:Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said that the issue that was being discussed in the country was about ending gender discrimination, doing gender justice and equal rights to all. He said "the country was not discussing uniform civil code", and the equal status of Muslim woman was the issue. He said there was a discussion going on, and the Supreme Court asked for the opinion of the centre govt. Naidu said the triple talaq was not in the interest of women. Govt gave the opinion to end triple talaq saying it is un-Islamic.TOI
Let Govt present Uniform Civil Code draft: Muslim leaders
http://www.milligazette.com/news/14838-let-govt-present-uniform-civil-code-draft-indian-muslim-intellectuals-and-leaders
Mumbai: Noted Muslim intellectuals, political and social leaders of the Muslim community expressed their serious concern that the Union govt is trying to introduce a Uniform civil code (UCC) through the back door. They warned people of the country that the Law Commission’s questionnaire is a useless exercise. They said, if the govt is really serious, it should come out with a draft of the proposed UCC so that various segments of society may make up their mind about it.The community Muslim leaders cautioned that there are hundreds of personal laws in the country and as such a UCC is impossible and impractical.The meeting was chaired by Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan and attended by Abu Asim Azmi, Amin Patel (MLA), Waris Pathan (MLA) and other prominent personalities. Milli Gazette
Jamiat Ulama opposes Uniform Civil Code
http://www.ptinews.com/news/7984266_Jamiat-Ulama-opposes-Uniform-Civil-Code.html
Abrogating Muslim Personal Law part of RSS agenda: Jama’at-e-Islami J&K
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/abrogating-muslim-personal-law-part-of-rss-agenda-jama-at-e-islami/231137.html
Hyderabad: Muslim bodies support AIMPLB's decision to boycott UCC questionnaire
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Muslim-bodies-support-AIMPLBs-decision-to-boycott-UCC-questionnaire/articleshow/54908299.cms?
Triple talaq can't be a right in civil society:Yogi Adityanath
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Triple-talaq-cant-be-a-right-in-civil-society/articleshow/54910473.cms?
What's wrong with triple talaq and polygamy? Aakar Patel, Executive Director, Amnesty International, India
http://www.abplive.in/blog/whats-wrong-with-triple-talaq-and-polygamy
151 men with 2 wives, 2 with 3 in Indian city of over 5 lakh Muslims, says latest survey
http://ummid.com/news/2016/October/17.10.2016/ummid-dot-com-survey-on-polugamy-malegaon.html
Malegaon: Though they are allowed to marry more than one wife - 2, 3 or 4, as per the Islamic Shariah and also the Indian constitution which gives them right to practice their religion freely, just 151 men in Malegaon - a city of more than 5 lakh Muslims, have 2 wives, a latest survey showed.The quick survey conducted by ummid.com amidst the ongoing debate on the subject following pleas in the Supreme Court by the Modi govt and some women activists seeking a ban on polygamy also showed that there are just 02 men in this hugely Muslim populated city who have three wives.According to 2011 Census report, population of Malegaon is 471,312.Govt however extended the city limit later on by inducting 6 villages, taking the population of Malegaon to about 07 lakh people. Census report also says that Malegaon is a Muslim majority city with approximately 78.95% of city population following Islam as their religion.Team ummid.com went to each and every colony and ward of Malegaon, and spoke to men and women residing in the area about the men living there with 2, 3 or 4 wives to check the claim that the practice is widespread among Muslims and due to which rights of women and gender equality are at risk."ummid.com
KASHMIR & SUOTH ASIA
PM Modi likens army’s surgical strikes to Israel’s exploits
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/indian-army-is-not-less-than-any-one-pm-narendra-modi-3089282/
PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday likened the army’s anti-terror surgical strikes to Israel’s exploits and said the Indian forces have shown they are no less than anybody. “Our army’s valour is being discussed across the country these days. We used to hear earlier that Israel has done this. The nation has seen that Indian army is no less than anybody,” he said. Addressing a rally in Himachal Pradesh, Modi said, “These day, whole nation is talking about the bravery of our army. Our army is not less than anyone. We used to hear about similar feats of Israel but today, everyone knows Indian Army is no less.” Indian express
We knew about Israel Army’s feats, but now world knows about Indian army: PM Modi
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/indian-army-is-not-less-than-any-one-pm-narendra-modi-3089282/
Used to hear about Israeli Army's feats, now Indian Army is no less: PM Modi
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Used-to-hear-about-Israeli-Armys-feats-now-Indian-Army-is-no-less-PM-Narendra-Modi-says/articleshow/54913987.cms
Parrikar attributing success of surgical strike to RSS teachings degrades Indian Army: Mayawati
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mayawati-remarks-rss-indian-army-manohar-parrikar-surgical-strikes/1/789726.html
Lucknow:Taking strong exception to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar giving credit for the decision for cross-LOC surgical strikes to his "RSS teachings", BSP chief Mayawati alleged that it amounts to degrading the country's armed forces."Instead of giving credit for surgical strikes to army, Defence Minister first gave it to the PM and now to his RSS teachings which amounts to degrading the valour of the country's army and is condemnable," she, who had earlier accused BJP of doing politics over the issue with an eye on upcoming polls in UP and others states, said.PTI
‘It’s clear that it’s a political strike not surgical’: Kamaal R Khan’s review on Indian Army’s surgical strikes
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/its-clear-that-its-a-political-strike-not-surgical-kamaal-r-khans-review-on-indian-armys-surgical-strikes/422574/
Following Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar’s statement linking the surgical strikes with RSS teachings, controversial actor Kamaal R Khan today expressed disbelief on the action taken by the Indian Army.Actor tweeted a video ‘reviewing’ the surgical strikes by the Army on different terror launch pads along LoC in Pakistan, killing at least 38 terrorists.“After statement of defence minister, it’s clear that it’s a political strike not surgical,” Kamaal tweeted along with the video review. Khan, also known as KRK, is often in the news for making controversial comments and movie reviews. In his video, the actor questioned the Indian army’s stand to repeatedly claim the existence of the surgical strikes,even after the neighbouring country denying any such attack.“If Pakistan is denying of anyone being killed by the Indian Army, why is the govt constantly claiming the attack and welcoming the neighbour to counter-attack on us,” said KRK in the video reviewing the surgical strikes. Financial Express
Kamal Khan has actually done a review of surgical strikes
http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/what-kamal-r-khan-has-actually-done-a-review-of-the-surgical-strikes-and-its-predictably-ridiculous-3089522/
Release children jailed under PSA in Kashmir, say Amnesty, HRW, Commission of Jurists: Over 7000 arrested in 3 month
http://twocircles.net/2016oct17/1476716356.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29#.WAXSRVR97IU
Srinagar: Taking note of crackdown on protesters in Kashmir during the ongoing unrest, three global prominent watchdogs--Amnesty International India, HRW and International Commission of Jurists--have issued a joint statement in which it has asked the state and central govt to stop the wrongful detention of protesters in the state. Specifically asking for an end to the use of PSA, the law which has often been used to detain people on vague grounds for long periods ignoring regular criminal justice safeguards, human rights watchdogs have called for end to arbitrarily detaining of people, including children.PSA violates international due process standards and should be repealed, the groups said. Importantly, in last 3 months of unrest more than 7,000 people have been arrested whereas more than 450 people have been slapped with PSA. “Use of the PSA to detain people, particularly children, violates a range of human rights, and its increasing use in recent weeks undermines the rule of law and further entrenches impunity in Kashmir,” said Sam Zarifi, ICJ Asia Director.TCN
Day 102: Shutdown continues across Kashmir
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/day-102-shutdown-continues-across-kashmir/231194.html
Srinagar:The situation in unrest-hit Kashmir, which continued to be curfew-free for third day today, was by and large peaceful as forces foiled separatists' plans to hold protests in the city and elsewhere."The situation across Kashmir Valley is by and large peaceful."Forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order," they said.However, reports of clashes were reported from Rahmoo in Pulwama district of south Kashmir and Naugam in Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district after some people tried to stage demonstrations in response to the separatists' call. Over 400 persons have been booked under PSA while around 9000 have been arrested. PTI
OTHERS
Madras HC turns down PIL seeking SC status for Dalit converts to Islam: the hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/hc-turns-down-pil-seeking-sc-status-for-dalit-converts-to-islam/article9231988.ece
Madurai: Madras High Court Bench here has refused to entertain a PIL petition filed by the secretary of a Muslim jamath seeking a direction to the State Govt to declare the caste to which Dalit converts to Islam would belong and issue community certificates to them mentioning the appropriate caste.First Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice S. Nagamuthu said it could not entertain the petition since the same issue had been raised before the Supreme Court way back in 2004 and a 3 judge Bench of the apex court had referred the matter to a larger Bench on Jan.21, 2011 considering its importance. “Petitioner seeks to raise the issue of the status of persons who convert to Islam from the Scheduled Caste community and as to whether they are entitled to the benefit of reservation as Scheduled Caste...We see no purpose in entertaining the petition as the very question is under the consideration before the SC and the law laid down would be applicable to all,” it said.MK Muzibur Rahman, secretary, Umar Nagar Muslim Jamath at Kooriyur in Ramanathapuram District, had filed PIL petition on the ground that there was no clarity on the issue of declaring the caste status of Dalits who embrace Islam while it was not so in the case of Dalits converting to Buddhism or Sikhism, and hence, there was a necessity for State govt to take a decision.
Minority panel meets 2013 Shamli riot victims, finds many at risk of contracting diseases
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/minority-panel-meets-shamli-riot-victims-finds-many-at-risk-of-contracting-diseases-3088817/
Agra: Criticising both the state govt and the Centre for taking little action to rehabilitate families affected by the 2013 communal riots, a two-member team of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on Monday said the victims are forced to live in such woeful conditions that nearly eight out of 10 people are at risk of contracting diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.Team, comprising member-in-charge for UP Farida Abdullah Khan and NCM member Captain Pooran Davar, met many families in Shamli and Muzaffarnagar districts, in western UP, to find out how they were coping 3 years after the riots. The team’s observation comes weeks after a NHRC report held displaced riot-hit families responsible for the rise in crime in Shamli’s communally sensitive Kairana area. On the NHRC report, and tension in Kairana town following reports of alleged Hindu exodus, Khan and Davar said they did not find any material on ground to corroborate the NHRC’s assertion. They also ruled out any such exodus from Kairana.Khan, who visited Palda village in Muzaffarnagar, called the situation at the riot rehabilitation camp there “shocking”. “Nothing has been done for these people….All of them are at risk of contracting serious diseases,” she said. Davar, who went to Aayapuri and Hassan colony in Shamli, said, “villagers in Hassan colony do not have kerosene to cook. There is no power, no water, dirt all around.” Indian express
Kairana and the politics of exclusion:ZOYA HASAN
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/zoya-hasan-writes-on-the-kairana-exodus-and-the-politics-of-exclusion/article9226953.ece?homepage=true
Minority panel criticises NHRC report on Kairana migration
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/minority-panel-criticises-nhrc-report-on-kairana-migration-3089492/
VHP’s Yuva Sant Sammelan: Young sants pledge to stop religious conversions
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/vhps-yuva-sant-sammelan-young-sants-pledge-to-stop-religious-conversions-3088877/
Agra; At the VHP two-day ‘Yuva Sant Sammelan’ which kicked off in Kanpur on Monday, young sants from across the country took a pledge to open ashrams near Dalit slums to stop religious conversions. The sants also spoke up against triple talaq and supported the Centre’s uniform civil code.Sammelan, which was held in UP for the first time, was attended by around 175 young sants from across India except the southern states. The event, being held in Panki area of Kanpur, was inaugurated by Kamal Nayan Das Maharaj of Ayodhya. Sources said sants pledged to stop religious conversions, which according to them is happening due to illiteracy, greed, untouchability and fear. Indian express
Maharashtra: UK Dalits, South Asian groups protest anti-Dalit violence
http://caravandaily.com/portal/uk-dalits-south-asian-groups-protest-anti-dalit-violence-in-maharashtra/
London; Dalit, Ambedkarite and South Asian organizations in the UK have expressed their concern at the renewed wave of anti-Dalit violence in Nashik in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.In the over a week long violence Marathas are reported to have beaten and injured Dalits forcing them to flee for their lives. Dalits’ houses have been vandalized and vehicles have been burnt to ashes.In a joint letter addressed to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and PM Narendra Modi, representatives of 5 leading organisations have said that not only no arrest has been made by “by the Maratha dominated Police force till date, but we have strong evidence that the Nashik Police is actively beating up Dalit families in their own homes instead of protecting them from the Maratha mob.”The letter has been signed by Eugene Culas, Voice of Dalits International; Santosh Dass, Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organizations UK; Caravan Daily
Calling Arnab Goswami a ‘joker’, Katju questions his ‘Y’ category security cover
http://www.indiasamvad.co.in/special-stories/calling-arnab-a-%E2%80%98joker%E2%80%99-katju-questions-his-security-cover-17142
New Delhi: Justice Markandey Katju, the retired judge of the Supreme Court known for his unsparing remarks against people or things he does not like, targeted on Monday Arnab Goswami, the editor-in- chief of English news channel Times Now. Calling Arnab a ‘joker’ he asked why should he be provided ‘Y’ category of govt security.Katju wrote on his facebook page in his usual contemptuous tone about the media celebrity,” This joker who has nothing in his head except his arrogance will get 20 guards night and day by the Govt. for his security. Hari Om”“Why should Arnab Goswami be provided Govt. security, and that too of the Y category, which means 20 guards will be with him day and night. Who will pay the salaries of these guards ? It will be the govt , which really means the public because these salaries come from the taxes we pay. So we will have to pay for Arnab's security.”indiasamvad
9 questions about Arnab Goswami's 'Y' security cover that the nation should be asking
http://scroll.in/article/819270/questions-about-arnab-goswamis-y-security-cover-that-the-nation-should-be-asking
RSS worker's murder: Attacks aimed at creating communal tension in Karnataka?
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/181016/rss-worker-murder-attacks-aimed-at-creating-communal-tension-in-karnataka.html
Bengaluru: The broad daylight murder of Rudresh R., the 35-year-old mandal president of the Shivajinagar shakha of the RSS and secretary of the BJP from Shivajinagar unit, on Sunday in the city bears a “strong resemblance” with the murders of two other Right wing leaders in the state since 2015. K Raju, a VHP activist in Mysuru, was killed in March this year and the police have so far arrested 6 accused, including the two assailants. He was opposing the construction of a place of worship near his house. Last year, Prashanth Poojary of Bajrang Dal was hacked to death in Moodabidri in Dakshin Kannada for his alleged role in cow vigilantism. 9 accused were arrested in the case. In both cases, accused reportedly owe allegiance to a South India-based frontal organisation, which claims to work for social empowerment of marginalised and minorities.The police probing murder of RSS functionary Rudresh R. from all angles, including his financial and land disputes, as he was into real estate and finance business.Deccan Chronicle
Chaos in JNU Campus After Student Najeeb Goes Missing
http://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/chaos-in-jnu-campus-after-btech-student-najeeb-ahmed-goes-missing/958826
Chaos prevailed in JNU campus today with various student groups staging protests over the issue of a student missing from the varsity hostel under mysterious circumstances.A student of School of Biotechnology, Najeeb Ahmed, allegedly went missing on Saturday following a brawl on the campus the night before. An FIR for kidnapping and wrongfully confining a person was lodged at Vasant Kunj police station yesterday after the police received a complaint from the student's guardians.Najeeb's mother and local guardians also joined the protest today alleging that they were not informed by the administration about him going missing.Asserting prompt action, the JNU administration issued a statement saying, "JNU security has been instructed to immediately look for the missing student. Dean gave a written instruction to all wardens to search hostel rooms.""Police also visited the campus and investigated the matter.The left-affiliated groups on campus on the other hand accused the RSS student wing ABVP of making attempts to "terrorise" student community.PTI
'Something Bad Has Happened', Missing JNU Student Who Was Locked Up In Bathroom Told His Mother
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/10/17/something-bad-has-happened-missing-jnu-student-who-was-locked/
Student Disappearance Puts Spotlight on Communally-charged Atmosphere in JNU
http://www.news18.com/news/india/student-disappearance-puts-spotlight-on-communally-charged-atmosphere-in-jnu-1302590.html
Left, ABVP give it a communal hue
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Left-ABVP-give-it-a-communal-hue/articleshow/54906689.cms
Rising Anger in Assam Over Centre’s Decision To Grant Citizenship To Hindu Migrants From Bangladesh: thewire
http://thewire.in/73296/rising-anger-in-assam-over-centres-decision-to-grant-citizenship-to-hindu-migrants-from-bangladesh/
New Delhi: 5 months into its rule in Assam, BJP is beginning to feel the heat. The simmering anger against the Modi govt’s decision to revise the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1955, has reached its boiling point.BJP, which won a rousing victory in the state in May with promises of protection of “jati, mati, bheti” – community, land and existence – to its indigenous people, is increasingly attracting public ire and opposition from dozens of ethnic and political organisations. Those opposed to the amendment say that the BJP may as well be contributing to their marginalisation in their own land.If amended, the Act would enable the over 1.5 lakh undocumented Hindu Bangladeshis residing in the state to get Indian citizenship, which would be contradictory to the Assam Accord that deems any person – whether a Hindu or Muslim – as “illegal” if found entering the state from Bangladesh after March 24, 1971.Clause 6A, that specifies this, was inserted into the Act by Rajiv Gandhi govt in 1985 upon the signing of the accord between the state, centre and the All Assam Students Union (AASU) in order to put a lid on 6 years of students’ agitation against “illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.” ssamese public – that hugely supported the agitation – considers the accord as an official, legal instrument that ensures the protection of their land, language and culture, and therefore deem it “inviolable.
Suspected Naxalites Deny Planning Terror Attacks in NCR, Say They Were Into Extortion
http://www.news18.com/news/india/suspected-naxalites-deny-planning-terror-attacks-in-ncr-say-they-were-into-extortion-1302576.html
New Delhi: 10 suspected Naxalites arrested last week by the UP anti-terror squad have denied planning terror attacks in the national capital region, saying they just wanted to “threaten people to extort money”, said a senior police officer close to the investigation. But, IG of the ATS Asim Arun is not buying it. “We are not going to believe what they have said. A couple of arrests will happen soon. Our investigation is not yet complete,” he said.CNN-News18
500 booked for 'inflammatory songs' in Faizabad
http://www.ptinews.com/news/7980898_500-booked-for--inflammatory-songs--in-Faizabad.html
Faizabad(UP): Around 500 persons have been booked here for playing "inflammatory songs" and raising "objectionable slogans" in "Ram Baraat", the procession celebrating the return of Lord Ram from exile to Ayodhya.According to police sources, the procession led by prominent right-wing party leaders and its associate organisations on Oct.15 passed through Galla Mandi, a sensitive area inhabited by both communities in equal ratio, and started playing inflammatory songs from loudspeakers.Sources said police tried to stop the people in the procession for playing inflammatory songs but they didn't budge.The continuous playing of the songs led to the communal tension between the two communities in the area, they said. SP City Sankalp Sharma said cases have been registered against 500 unidentified persons who were in the procession for trying to "communalise the atmosphere" under various sections of IPC. PTI
NIA opposes Areeb Majeed’s bail
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/islamic-state-areeb-majeed-bail-plea-nia-oppose-terrorism-3088680/
Mumbai: NIA has opposed the bail application filed by Areeb Majeed, Kalyan resident arrested for his alleged links with the Islamic State (IS). NIA Monday submitted a detailed reply to Majeed’s bail application filed before a special court in August. Majeed had claimed in his plea that his return from Turkey to India was arranged and facilitated by high-ranking diplomatic officials in coordination with the NIA. indian express
My head hangs in shame over dalit atrocities: PM Modi
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/narendra-modi-dalit-atrocities-violence-untouchability-casteism-3089862/
Ludhiana:PM Narendra Modi has said his “head hangs in shame” over incidents of atrocities on dalits that take place even after 70 years of Independence and called for more focused efforts to correct social anomalies. Modi said: “We know that due to our societal anomalies, hearing out some incidents targeting our Dalit brothers even today, my head hangs in shame. After 70 years of Independence, we cannot wait longer”. At the launch of a National SC/ST Hub in Ludhiana, he said: “We will have to sharpen the focus of our direction. The aspirations of a Dalit or an Adivasi exceed those of other youth in the country. If they get an opportunity they will not lag behind in changing the fortunes of India.”PTI
Ram Museum A 'Lollipop', Need Ram Mandir:BJP's Katiyar
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/not-ram-politics-says-tourism-minister-as-he-heads-to-ayodhya-today-1475638
New Delhi: Announcing that "Lord Ram is an integral part of Indian life," Union Minister Mahesh Sharma said that a "Ramayana museum" being planned for the communally-sensitive town of Ayodhya "is not the political agenda" of the BJP ahead of elections in UP.Sharma said that Ayodhya's development will get a big push from 150 crores allotted to developing the museum. State govt has allotted it a plot 15 km from the site where the Babri Masjid was torn down in 1992, triggering deadly communal riots across the country.Right-wing organizations like the VHP say a temple must be built where the mosque once stood, because that is the exact spot where Lord Ram was born."A lollipop won't do," said Vinay Katiyar. "People want a Ram Mandir (temple)," said the MP.NDTV
Mahesh Sharma defends govt, says Ram Museum not a ‘political gimmick’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/mahesh-sharma-defends-govt-says-ram-museum-not-a-political-gimmick-3089868/
Digvijaya attacks Modi govt over Mandir politics, says wants Ram temple
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/digvijaya-singh-attacks-narendra-modi-govt -over-mandir-politics-says-wants-ram-temple/423108/
Gujarat riots accused Vinubhai Patel extradited from UK
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/576479/gujarat-riots-accused-extradited-uk.html
London: A 40-year-old man wanted in connection with the 2002 post-Godhra riots in Gujarat was today extradited from the UK to stand trial in India, becoming the first person to be sent back from Britain 24 years after the two countries signed an extradition treaty.Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel had been arrested by Scotland Yard in west London in August on a Red Corner Notice issued by Indian authorities.His extradition order was signed by UK home secretary Amber Rudd on Sept.22 and the "surrender arrangements" were finalised for his departure.PTI
President Mukherjee gives nod for probe to be launched against AMU VC Zameeruddin
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/president-mukherjee-gives-nod-for-probe-to-be-launched-against-amu-vc-zameeruddin-shah/422142/
President Pranab Mukherjee has given a nod for a probe to be conducted into allegations of financial and other improprieties against AMU V-C Zameeruddin Shah. Shah is the seventh central university V-C to come under the scanner even since the NDA govt took charge in 2014.
Irom Sharmila forms new party, to contest against CM
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/54918090.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
World
UNESCO adopts resolution affirming Muslims ties to Jerusalem
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/246059/World/Region/UNESCO-adopts-resolution-affirming-Muslims-ties-to.aspx
UN cultural agency on Tuesday adopted an Arab-sponsored resolution that affirms Muslim ties to the Old City of east Jerusalem by referring to it only by its Islamic names as "Al-Aqsa Compound" or "Al-Ḥaram Al-Sharif."A spokesman for Paris-based UNESCO said the resolution, which has caused Israel to suspend its cooperation with the agency, was adopted without a new vote after being approved at the committee stage last week.The resolution, which was passed Thursday at the committee level, is sponsored by Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan.Text, which also denounces Israel for restricting Muslim access to the holy site and for aggression by Israeli occupation forces and Jewish settler groups, has infuriated Israel leading to suspend cooperation with UNESCO Friday saying the resolution denies "historic Jewish connection to holy sites in Jerusalem."Palestine's deputy ambassador to UNESCO, Mounir Anastas, said resolution "reminds Israel that they are the occupying power in east Jerusalem and it asks them to stop all their violations," including archaeological excavations around religious sites. UNESCO's draft resolution, entitled "Occupied Palestine," strongly condemns "escalating Israeli aggressions and illegal measures against the freedom of worship and Muslims’ access to their Holy Site Al-Aqṣa Mosque, and requests Israel, the Occupying Power, to respect the historic status quo and to immediately stop these measures."AFP / Al Ahram
Morocco tipped off Israeli intelligence, ‘helped Israel win 1967 6-Day War’, claims Ex- Israeli Intelligence official
http://www.timesofisrael.com/morocco-tipped-off-israeli-intelligence-helped-israel-win-six-day-war/
In 1965, King Hassan ll passed recordings to Israel of a key meeting between Arab leaders held to discuss whether they were prepared for war against Israel.That meeting not only revealed that Arab ranks were split — heated arguments broke out, for example, between Egypt’s president Gamal Abdel-Nasser and Jordan’s king Hussein — but that the Arab nations were ill prepared for war, Maj. Gen. Shlomo Gazit told the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper over the weekend. On the basis of these recordings, as well as other intelligence information gathered in the years leading up to the war, Israel launched a preemptive strike on the morning of June 5, 1967, bombing Egyptian airfields and destroying nearly every Egyptian fighter plane. Times of israel
UN official: Israeli blockade delaying Gaza reconstruction
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161018-un-official-israeli-blockade-delaying-gaza-reconstruction/
A senior UN official warned of the deteriorating conditions in the Gaza Strip, and said the Israeli blockade was delaying reconstruction efforts.The director of operations for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip, Bo Schack, spoke at a news conference at UNRWA HQ. middleeastmonitor
Jewish settlers storm Al-Aqsa to mark ‘Sukkot’
http://aa.com.tr/en/politics/jewish-settlers-storm-al-aqsa-to-mark-sukkot-/667271
Jerusalem: Scores of Jewish settlers and Israeli forces on Tuesday forced their way into Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to mark the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, a Palestinian official said. "Around 206 settlers backed by Israeli police have stormed the Al-Aqsa compound through Al-Mugharbeh gate since morning," Sheikh Omar al-Qiswani, the director of Al-Aqsa Mosque, said. Anadolu Agency
US, Russia could 'start 3rd World War over Syria: Turkey
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/us-russia-third-world-war-syria-conflict-aleppo-turkey-deputy-prime-minister-numan-kurtulmus-a7366571.html?cmpid=facebook-post
US and Russia could drive the world into a global war if the conflict in Syria is not resolved, Turkey has warned. Tensions have become increasingly heightened between Washington and Moscow in recent weeks. Last week, US and UK warned Russia and its ally Syrian govt that new economic sanctions could be imposed if the bombing of Syria's besieged Aleppo continues. Anadolu Agency
Maqbul Ahmad elected Bangladesh Jamaat new Ameer
http://en.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/news/125587/Maqbul-Ahmad-elected-Jamaat%E2%80%99s-new-Ameer
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has elected Maqbul Ahmad as its ameer for the next three years, according to a press release of the party.He was acting as the ameer (chief) of the party since arrest of Jamaat chief Matiur Rahman Nizami, who was executed in May this year, on charge of crimes against humanity during the 1971 liberation war.“Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s elected ameer Maqbul Ahmad has taken his oath before the central executive committee today (Monday). Jamaat’s chief election commissioner ATM Masum has administered the oath,” read the press release.Maqbul Ahmad, now 70, has sought blessings from the party people as well as the people of the country, said the press release. prothom-alo
Battle for Mosul: Iraqi forces capture 20 villages
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/battle-mosul-iraqi-forces-capture-20-villages-161018084514656.html
Armed forces closing in on Mosul say they have secured about 20 villages on the outskirts of the city in the first 24 hours of an operation to retake what is ISIL's last major stronghold in Iraq. With air support from the US-led coalition, govt and Kurdish forces edged closer to the city on Monday as smoke darkened the blue sky above one ISIL position, apparently from oil fires ignited to hamper the incursion and make it harder to land air strikes. Aljazeera
'20 Daesh' killed in airstrikes in northern Syria:Anadolu Agency
http://aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/20-daesh-killed-in-airstrikes-in-northern-syria/667007
ANKARA: A total of 20 Daesh terrorists were killed in 11 airstrikes carried out by U.S.-led coalition forces in northern Syria Tuesday, according to a Turkish military source.In an emailed statement to Anadolu Agency, the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said the airstrikes targeted 88 Daesh positions in areas east of Azaz district of Aleppo, including al Jabriyah, al-Burhan, Vash and al-Ghuz neighborhoods.Azaz is located in Aleppo’s northern countryside, just 6 km from the Turkish border.
Syrian security chief makes public Cairo visit
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161018-syrian-security-chief-makes-public-cairo-visit/
Syria’s national security chief met a senior Egyptian intelligence official in Cairo, Egypt, Syria’s state news agency said yesterday, in the latest sign of a rift between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which backs Syrian opposition groups.zli Mamlouk met the deputy chief of the national security department in Egyptian General Intelligence, Khaled Fawzi, on a one-day visit following an invitation from Cairo, SANA reported.“2sides agreed to coordinate politically and on fighting the terrorism both countries now face,” SANA said.Egyptian security sources told Reuters this was Mamlouk’s third such visit this year but the first to be made public as a message to Saudi Arabia that Egypt would pursue an independent foreign policy. middleeastmonitor
UN's special envoy warns 'Aleppo will not be there anymore'
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/10/18/middleeast/aleppo-airstrikes/
United Nations Special Envoy for Syria has warned that "between now and December, if we cannot find a solution, Aleppo will not be there anymore."Staffan de Mistura was speaking after a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Monday where he said he "insisted on the fact that the issue of Aleppo is vital and crucial.""Any type of discussion that ignores Aleppo would be something that history will judge us for," he added. "Mosul should not be confusing the priority of Aleppo, in other words, if the world is watching Mosul, Aleppo should not be forgotten."CNN
Russian, Syrian planes halt Aleppo airstrikes ahead of truce
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/russian-syrian-planes-halt-aleppo-airstrikes-ahead-of-truce/article9234921.ece
MOSCOW: Russian and Syrian warplanes on Tuesday halted their airstrikes on Syria’s besieged city of Aleppo in preparation for a temporary truce that Moscow has announced for later in the week, the Russian defense minister said.According to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the halt in the strikes should help pave way for militants to leave the eastern rebel-held parts of the contested city.AP
China bans parents from 'luring children into religion' in Muslim province
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/islam-muslims-in-china-law-xinjiang-rules-education-children-parents-banned-luring-uighur-a7365351.html
Chinese govt is calling on people to report their neighbours, friends and relatives for “luring minors into religious activities” in a province home to the country’s largest Muslim population.New education rules coming into force in Xinjiang on 1 November threaten to remove children from their parents’ care and send them to “receive rectification” at specialist schools.The autonomous region, which borders Pakistan and Muslim-majority nations including Kazakhstan, is home to the greatest concentration of Muslims in China because of its significant ethnic Uighur population. independent
Ken Loach: BBC news manipulative and deeply political
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/oct/18/ken-loach-bbc-news-manipulative-and-deeply-political?CMP=share_btn_t
Director Ken Loach has taken aim at the BBC, describing its news coverage as “manipulative and deeply political” and saying it is a “rotten place for a director”.Prominent leftwinger Loach, who is promoting his Palme d’Or-winning film about a man’s struggle with the UK benefits system, I, Daniel Blake, said there was a need to “democratise” the corporation.“Diversify it so that different regions can make their own dramas. And its notion of news has got to be challenged,” he told the Radio Times.“BBC is very aware of its role in shaping people’s consciousness; this is the story you should hear about, these are the people worth listening to. It’s manipulative and deeply political.”In response to the comments, a BBC spokeswoman said: “BBC News is independent and adheres to clear published editorial guidelines including on impartiality. The BBC is consistently rated the most trusted and accurate news provider by the majority of people in the UK.” The Guardian
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