29 March 2017

Evening NEWS DIGEST
29 March. 2017: 29 JamadiulAkhir 1438:Vol:8, No:153
INDIA
Via telefilms, RSS to motivate Muslim women to support anti-triple talaq stand:TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/via-telefilms-rss-to-motivate-muslim-women-to-support-anti-triple-talaq-stand/articleshow/57879754.cms
Bijnor: With an aim to secure support of Muslim women for opposing the practice of triple talaq, the RSS plans to motivate the former by means of telefilms which will highlight the plight of those entangled in divorce battles. The decision comes a day after the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) told the Supreme Court that if triple talaq was declared illegal it would amount to disregarding Allah's directions and rewriting of the Holy Quran, thus forcing Muslims into committing sin."It is high time that Muslim women stand for justice against this oppression in the name of religion," said an RSS leader, who did not wish to be named.The right-wing organisation had earlier said that the Islamic law was an 'internal' matter for Muslims but made it clear that they were against gender bias. According to Sangh functionaries, the practice is a social evil in which women fall prey to social ostracism. Hundreds of Muslim women across the country have already signed a petition moved by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), a group affiliated to the RSS, against the practice.RSS functionaries said they were looking for victims of triple talaq who can come forward and speak about the hardships they have faced. "We are set to launch a nationwide movement to create awareness among Muslim women about the evils of this practice," said the RSS leader."Our plan is to make telefilms depicting evils of triple talaq. We will highlight the grievances, particularly financial and social difficulties, of the divorced women. For this, we also request educated Muslim women from across the country to come forward and help us in making the series," added the leader.Regional spokesperson for RSS, Ajay Mittal, said, "We have urged members of MRM to come forward in this venture. Indian Constitution gives equal rights to men and women. Women should be aware of their rights and our telefilms will create awareness about the evils of triple talaq.""The movement is a bid to unite all Muslim women," said Mayank Mayur, the body's vibhag pramukh. RSS members also said that their demand to abolish triple talaq should be seen as an attempt to free Muslim women from 'bondage'.
Triple talaq victim writes to PM  for abolition of instant divorce practice
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/video/triple-talaq-victim-prime-minister-instant-divorce-practice/1/915345.html
Shagufta Shah, a mother of two girls, has written to the PM  Narendra Modi, appealing for immediate abolishment of triple talaq.When the victim got pregnant with the third child, she was taken to abort the fetus, fearing it to be a girl. When she refused, she was thrashed, thrown out into the streets and also verbally divorced by her husband.Shagufta complained to the police but no action was taken against her husband or her in-laws. Failing to get any help, Shagufta wrote a letter to the PM, apprising him of her condition and requesting him to scrap triple talaq.The development came on the heels of the Supreme court last year initiating a historic exercise to examine if controversial practices such as instance divorce and polygamy allowed by Islamic personal law results in gender discrimination. indiatoday
Left to die on road, pregnant Lucknow woman writes to PM Modi to end 'triple talaq', says 'I voted for BJP'
http://zeenews.india.com/india/left-to-die-on-road-pregnant-lucknow-woman-writes-to-pm-narendra-modi-to-end-triple-talaq-says-i-voted-for-bjp-1990980.html
Draft law to imprison those who misuse triple talaq: Nida Khan
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/draft-law-to-imprison-those-who-misuse-triple-talaq/articleshow/57880459.cms
Bareilly: Seeking justice for women who are victims of triple talaq, Nida Khan, who was divorced from Sheeran Raza Khan, the nephew of Dargah Aala Hazrat head Subhan Raza Khan, on Tuesday tweeted CM Adityanath demanding imprisonment for those who misuse the provision.Nida demanded seven to eight years of imprisonment for those who give triple talaq. She said victims of triple talaq are waiting for justice. timesofindia
Meet the RSS-backed ‘nationalist’ Muslims campaigning for a Ram Temple in Ayodhya:TCN
http://twocircles.net/2017mar29/406942.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
‘What’s in a name?’ asked William Shakespeare centuries ago. Azam Khan will disagree. As journalists, we are used to making calls and taking notes. But the first sentence uttered by Azam Khan left me slightly baffled, but not enough to disrupt my professional duty.“Before you talk, I must say that my full name is Rashtrawadi (Nationalist) Azam Khan. I don’t use Mohammad anymore. When you write, please write my name as such.” Reason why TCN had called Rashtrawadi Azam Khan was to follow up on a poster installed in Lucknow and Faizabad districts of UP. In a country obsessed with installing giant posters over any and everything, Azam’s posters had managed to stand out. And there is a good reason for that.The saffron-coloured poster being circulated over various Whatsapp groups will surely catch the attention of almost everyone who sees it. The center of the poster has a striking message: Desh ke Musalmaanon ka yahi hai maan, Shri Ram Mandir ka ho Nirman (Muslims of India have only one belief, the Ram Temple must be constructed). Below the message is a one-liner:  Ek hi Lakshya (Only one target). On the top of the poster, Jai Shri Ram is written with one holy vase with Om in middle of two moons labeled with 786.He said, “Don’t confuse me with another Azam Khan who talks about breaking up the country into pieces. I am uniting the country.” With such views, however, it is unlikely that anyone would confuse with the Rampur leader from Samajwadi Party.Azam Khan is national president of an organisation called Muslim Karsevak Sangh, a one-year-old organisation which has been formed, as the name suggests, to mobilise Muslims in favour of construction of Ram Temple at the disputed site. This group was constituted under the patronage of Indresh Kumar and Muslim Rashtriya Manch(MRM), an outfit of RSS which works within Muslims and projects them as someone favoring and endorsing the Hinduism. twocircles
Muslim-born Salabeg, Jagannath devotee who brought Lord to the masses: indianexpress
http://indianexpress.com/article/research/salabeg-the-jagannath-devotee-who-brought-the-lord-to-the-masses-4590411/
The grandiose Puri temple, dedicated to Jagannath, his brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra, is of paramount importance to Hindus as one of the 4 abodes or chardham and hence a sacred pilgrimage site. This centuries-old temple and stories of its origination find mention in old Hindu texts such as Brahma Purana and Rig Veda. Over the years, the cult of Jagannath has expanded and transformed. There have been several devotees, stories of whose devotion became a part of the folklore associated with the temple. But one story stands out, that of Salabeg, a 17th-century poet who wrote paeans in praise of the lord.There are a number of folklores associated with Jagannath temple which throw light on Salabeg’s deep devotion for him. However, to ascertain his exact origins and identity, using literary proofs that exist beyond his creations, it can be assumed that Salabeg was born in early 17th century. “Some have worked on his date of birth as 1606 or 07. As his writings say, he was the son of a Muslim father and Brahmin mother,” says Pritish Acharya, professor of history at Regional Institute of Education in Bhubaneswar.Muhammad Yamin, the author of the book ‘Impact of Islam on Orissan culture’, in one of his articles, cites references from Baharistan-i-Ghalibi by Mirza Nathan and Dandyatabhakti Rasamruta of Ramdasa to corroborate these claims. Going by these accounts, it can be concluded that Salabeg’s father Jahangir Quli Khan or Lalbega served as Subedar of Bengal from 1607 to 1608. Salabeg’s father died just a year after he was born and hence he spent most of his time with his mother. indianexpress
Why did Gandhi, Ambedkar, Patel, Nehru oppose Hindu Raj? Why did they find Hindu Raj very different from liberty and justice for all, asks Rajmohan Gandhi
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/rajmohan-gandhi-responds-to-pm-modis-question-on-why-br-ambedkar-resigned-in-1951/articleshow/51563435.cms?from=mdr
In an email interview with Charmy Harikrishnan, the grandson and biographer of the Mahatma answers PM Narendra Modi’s question on why BR Ambedkar resigned in 1951.In his new book Understanding the Founding Fathers (Aleph), writer and historian Rajmohan Gandhi attempts to answer questions, such as: Would someone like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel have led India better than Jawaharlal Nehru did? Was Mohandas Gandhi a Hindu revivalist? In an email interview with Charmy Harikrishnan, the grandson and biographer of the Mahatma answers PM Narendra Modi's question on why BR Ambedkar resigned in 1951; comments on the Modi Govt's selective appropriation of Gandhi and other national heroes; and compares the present-day rhetoric on nationalism and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" with the founding fathers' views.Responding to PM Modi questions - 'Why was it that Dr Ambedkar had to resign from the ministry?’, Rajmohan said,” That resignation, which occurred in 1951, was indeed unfortunate. But why did Ambedkar resign? Because an obdurate Hindu Right (which had its presence in the Congress as well) was pressurising Nehru against Hindu Code Bill which was piloted by Ambedkar with Nehru's strong support. Even when mouthed for purely political reasons, expressions from the Hindu Right in support of Dalit rights, and for equality among Hindus, should be welcomed. Yet a key question must be asked. Will the Hindu Right also demand justice for Muslims? Or does it only long for an anti-Muslim 'consolidation' of Hindus? Hindu Right should ask itself: Why did Gandhi, and Ambedkar, and Patel, and Nehru, all four of them, oppose Hindu Raj? Why did they find Hindu Raj very different from liberty and justice for all?”ET
Telangana Govt firm on getting Aseemanand’s bail cancelled
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/telangana-Govt -firm-on-getting-swami-aseemanands-bail-cancelled-4589854/
 Telangana Govt  resolved to take steps to get the bail of 2007 Mecca Masjid bomb blast accused Swami Aseemanand “cancelled”, state’s Home Minister N Narasimha Reddy said. “We will definitely oppose (his bail) and make efforts in this regard. (MIM MLA) Akbaruddin Owaisi has already raised this matter in the Assembly,” he reporters. On March 23, Hyderabad court had granted bail to Aseemanand and Bharat Mohanlal Rateshwar alias Bharat Bhai, a co-accused in the case.Though, Bharat Bhai walked out of the jail, Aseemanand continues to remain in the prison in Hyderabad as he is yet to complete some legal formalities. A warrant has also been issued seeking his presence in a case in Ambala.PTI
SLAUGHTERHOUSES & POLITICS
Modi Govt's crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses causing unease among Muslims
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/03/29/modi-govts-crackdown-on-illegal-slaughterhouses-causing-unease_a_22016861/
New Delhi:A crackdown on unlicensed abattoirs in India's most populous state has spread to other states ruled by PM  Narendra Modi's party, as Hindu hardliners press a political agenda that risks alienating the country's Muslim minority.The latest crackdown started after Modi appointed Yogi Adityanath as CM  of UP  following the Bharatiya Janata Party's landslide victory in elections there earlier this month.The demands by right-wing Hindu groups to stop the slaughter of cows, considered holy in Hinduism, could stoke communal tensions with Muslims, who dominate the meat industry and make up 14 % of India's 1.3 billion people. Most of the beef produced in India comes from buffalo rather than cattle .Several other BJP-ruled states, including Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, have followed suit, ordering closures of abattoirs operating without licences, according to media reports and local officials."The order has been issued keeping overall issues of public health, hygiene, and safety in mind. We will not allow any illegal abattoirs to operate," K G Rahate, a senior Jharkhand Govt  official told Reuters.In Rajasthan, 16 illegal slaughterhouses were shut down last week, a Govt  official said.The closures have led to fears of meat shortages and disruption of exports of buffalo beef and other meat products.India is one of the largest exporters of buffalo meat, selling $4 billion worth of beef in the 2015/16 fiscal year. Its biggest buyers included Vietnam, Malaysia and Egypt. Huffingtonpost
Meat shop crackdown in UP hits Muslim traders
http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/meat-shop-crackdown-in-indian-state-hits-muslim-traders/782176
Adityanath's crackdown on slaughterhouses hits mass marriage festivities, only vegetable pulao available
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-watch-yogi-adityanath-s-crackdown-on-illegal-slaughterhouses-hits-up-s-mass-marriage-festivities-only-vegetable-pulao-in-this-feast-2373282
 A welfare organisation in UP ’s Moradabad, which conducts mass marriages for poor Muslim people, was hit by UP  CM  Yogi Adityanath who ordered the closure of slaughterhouses operating without licenses soon after taking over as CM  on March 18.Hit by low supply of meat, organisers of the mass marriage were forced to serve vegetable biryani to their guests on Tuesday. Guests at the function were served vegetable pulao, colloquially known as tahri. While Moradabad's non-vegetarian biryani is making itself famous abroad. A strike has been called by the meat sellers in UP . The slaughterhouse association on Tuesday said that they do not want to make it difficult for the people and have called on the state Govt  to think about the livelihood of the shop owners. dnaindia
No meat? Guests served vegetable biryani at a Muslim mass wedding in UP
http://www.oneindia.com/india/no-meat-guests-served-vegetable-biryani-at-muslim-mass-wedd-2387780.html
Double Standards: BJP Promises 'No Ban' On Beef If It Wins Polls In Northeast States
http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/no-ban-on-cattle-slaughter-if-we-come-to-power-bjp-assures-poll-bound-north-east-states-274412.html
Bajrang Dal won't listen and doctors won't lie: This top BJP 'gaurakshak' had a hard Sunday night
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rahul-thakur-meat-unit/1/914818.html?sr=fbia
New Delhi:The Meerut wing of the Bhartiya Janata Party found itself in a spot on Sunday, after a crackdown on a meat packaging unit ended up in its own 'gaurakshak' being thrashed.A group of Bajrang Dal workers descended upon a meat packaging unit on Sunday night as part of the saffron camp's statewide campaign to shut down illegal slaughterhouses. While the police was in the middle of raiding the unit and seizing red meat, top BJP leader and celebrated 'gaurakshak' Rahul Thakur tried to pacify authorities, according to a report in the Hindustan Times.It was then that the Bajrang Dal activists decided to thrash Thakur, assuming he was involved in the meat packaging business. When Thakur denied any involvement with the unit, police checked his phone only to find several missed calls from the unit's owners. indiatoday
Meat sellers, butchers meet UP minister to solve licence issue
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/yogi-adityanath-orders-on-slaughterhouses-meat-sellers-butchers-meet-up-minister-to-solve-licence-issue-4590192/
Lucknow:A delegation of meat sellers and butchers from UP  met state Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum, a week after the administration initiated crackdown on slaughterhouses operating without licence and failing to fulfill requisite norms. The decision has resulted in closure of many meat shops across the state. “We informed the minister about hardships we are facing. Thousands of people have become jobless. Many poor people are struggling for food,”Umar Chaudhary,general secretary of All-India Jamiatul Quresh (AIMQ), said. “We asked him to ensure that the civic bodies start renewing licences that have expired and urged him to identify places where animals can be slaughtered until modern slaughterhouses are developed. ”Calling Govt ’s action against illegal slaughterhouses “arbitrary”, meat sellers and butchers across the went on an indefinite strike over the weekend. Closure of mechanised and illegal slaughterhouses was one of the promises in BJP manifesto for the Assembly polls. AIMQ president Sirajuddin Qureshi led the delegation for the meeting, which comes a day after Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court asked the state Govt  to submit details of directions and orders issued for the drive against slaughterhouses and meat shops. “The minister said he will discuss our issues with officers and get back in two or three days. We will continue with our strike until a permanent solution is found,” said Shahabuddin Quraishi, general secretary of Lucknow-based Quraish Welfare Foundation.Iqbal Qureshi, president of Meat-Murga Vyapari Kalyan Samiti, an association of chicken sellers who have also gone on strike against the crackdown, said they are ready to comply with the orders of the state Govt , the court and the NGT. “But the Govt  should have given us notice for some time before initiating the closure,” he said. “If we were not able to comply, then the authorities could have closed our establishments.” indianexpress
How Adityanath’s crackdown on slaughterhouses could impact UP economy 
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/how-adityanath-s-crackdown-on-up-slaughterhouses-may-hit-jobs-allied-industries/story-QImvOiMs8Cao9SWde8eG2H.html
Muslim Doctor From Bhopal Arrested Over Facebook Photo Of Sadhu Buying Meat
https://www.scoopwhoop.com/muslim-doctor-from-bhopal-arrested-for-posting-photo-of-sadhu-buying-meat-on-facebook/#.wa8nd4ikg
Bhopal:Atik Afzal Khan, a practicing doctor in his 20s, posted a photo of a Hindu hermit buying meat from a meat shop on his Facebook page on Monday. He posted it with the caption 'Rahim Ki dukan se Ram hari sabjiya kharidate hue, ek durlabh tasvir' (Ram buying green vegetables from Rahim. Such a rare picture'.), as per a report in Indian Express.Khan was booked by the Kotwali Police under Section 505(2) of the IPC after a local resident lodged a complaint against him.Khan was first produced before a local court before being sent to judicial custody where he will be held till April 11. According to reports, in the complaint lodged against him, Khan was accused of hurting Hindu sentiments by using the word 'Ram'. scoopwhoop
Muslim Man Held in Bhopal For FB Photo Showing Sadhu Buying Meat
https://www.thequint.com/india/2017/03/29/muslim-arrested-in-jhabua-for-facebook-post
 Gurgaon: Sena shuts 500 shops selling meat products
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/shiv-sena-shuts-500-shops-selling-meat-products-in-gurgaon-4590239/
Gurgaon: Shiv Sena has claimed that more than 500 shops across Old Gurgaon, including a KFC in Sector 14, were closed down on account of Navratri.Party workers, in groups of about 50 people each, arrived at the shops and demanded that they shut the shops on account of Navratri and also asked them to remain shut on all Tuesdays.Confirming this, Ritu Raj, media coordinator of the Shiv Sena, said, “Usually the shopkeepers close their stores themselves during this season but, last year, we noticed a lot of them did not do so. So we ran this campaign.”Meat shop owners, however, expressed their dissent at the move.A meat shop owner, requesting anonymity, said, “We had no option but to close down because of the sheer strength of the opposite side. We will hold a meeting tomorrow and decide on the course of action. We may even file a police complaint regarding the matter.”Commissioner of Police, Sandeep Khirwar, meanwhile, said investigations will be conducted when a complaint is filed. indianexpress
Mamata Govt rolls out meat delivery vans
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-season-of-meat-ban-mamata-govt-rolls-out-meat-delivery-vans-yogi-adityanath-uttar-pradesh-slaughter-house-4590063/
Kolkata:AT A time when meat sellers have come under watch in UP , and now Jharkhand, the West Bengal Govt  is set to get non-vegetarian delicacies to Kolkata’s doorsteps through ‘Meat on Wheelz’.The initiative has been started by West Bengal Livestock Development Corporation Limited (WBLDCL)’s popular brand ‘Haringhata Meat’, which also deals in non-conventional meat such as that of quail, duck, turkey and emu. Officials said that apart from taking cooked non-veg delicacies to Kolkata and its suburbs, ‘Meat on Wheelz’ would also sell frozen packaged items of Haringhata.The scheme was launched by Animal Resources Development Department Minister Swapan Debnath on Monday at the department’s headquarters at Salt Lake. There would be three vans initially, spread out across Kolkata. “Depending on the success of the pilot project, a fewmore vehicles would be added, including in other district headquarters of the state,” an official said.
Mamata slams UP Govt  for meat crisis
http://www.asianage.com/metros/kolkata/290317/cm-mamata-banerjee-slams-up-Govt -for-meat-crisis.html
OTHERS
Opposition’s concerns over GST Bill, Moily calls it “technological nightmare”: HT
http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/opposition-s-concerns-over-gst-bill-moily-calls-it-technological-nightmare/story-KXoSqUPGTGaQfsFW3FgXOP.html
New Delhi:After 12 long meetings on the GST implementation for months, the parliament on Wednesday has entered into a seven-hour long discussion where parties raised concerns on the unified tax regime aimed at making “One nation, one tax”.It started when Congress MP, Veerappa Moily said that it was the BJP, which delayed the implementation of the GST during the Congress-led UPA regime. He said that the opposition of the GST then has caused an estimated loss of Rs 12 lakh crore to the people of the country.“Who is to make up for this loss?” Moily asked.He also pointed out various discrepancies in the Bill, which included too many rates – seven, including the cesses. “This is not a game-changer as it is made out to be,” Moily said, and added that “one tax one nation is a myth”.
India lost Rs 12 lakh crore due to BJP's opposition to GST, says Congress leader Veerappa Moily
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-lost-rs-12-lakh-crore-due-to-bjps-opposition-to-gst-says-congress-leader-veerappa-moily/articleshow/57894683.cms
GST debate LIVE : Finance Bill with amendment passed in Rajya Sabha
http://www.india.com/news/india/gst-debate-live-news-updates-1971828/
Shocking! At Rs 72,000 crore, Adani's firm owes banks 8 times more than Mallya
http://zeenews.india.com/business/news/companies/shocking-at-rs-72000-crore-gautam-adanis-firm-owes-banks-8-times-more-than-vijay-mallya_1882491.html
New Delhi: In an interesting turn of event, it appears that the Gautam Adani owned Adani Group owes more money to banks at Rs 72,000 crore than beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya.According to PTI, Pawan Verma, member of JD(U), raising issues about corporate houses owing money to PSU Banks in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday alleged that Adani Group got “unimaginable” favours and that its debt stands at Rs 72,000 crore.Corporate houses owe about Rs 5 lakh crore to PSU banks, the JD(U) member said, particularly referred to the Adani Group.Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Pawan Verma contended that PSU banks are influenced to give loan to the people who are not able to repay them, the PTI report said."PSU banks are owed about Rs 5 lakh crore by corporate houses and of this roughly Rs 1.4 lakh crore are owed by just five companies, which include Lanco, GVK, Suzlon Energy, Hindustan Construction Company and a certain company called the Adani Group and Adani Power," he said. The amount owed by this group "called the Adani Group" both in terms of its long term and short term debt today is around Rs 72,000 crore, he added quoting reports."Yesterday it was mentioned that the entire amount that the farmers need to pay as crop loans is Rs 72,000 crore. The Adani Group itself owes to the banks Rs 72,000 crore," he said. zeenews
Not in the presidential race;RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/not-in-the-presidential-race-says-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat/articleshow/57891766.cms
Nagpur: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday dismissed suggestions that he was in the presidential race, wryly calling such reports "entertainment news".He asserted that his name would not come up for the President's post and even if it is proposed, he "will not accept it"."The news about I being a nominee for the upcoming Presidential elections is not true. The report that the media is running is entertainment news," Bhagwat said at a felicitation programme in Rajwada Palace here.Clarifying on his rumoured presidential ambition, Bhagwat said that as a member of the Sangh Parivar, he is devoted to his organisation and the society."When we joined the Sangh, we closed doors for all other possibilities. We work only for the Sangh and the society, and my name would not come up for the President's post. And even if my name is proposed, I will not accept it," he said.PTI
Getting threats for criticising BJP, Modi: Guha
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/threats-ramachandra-guha/110925/
Writer-historian Ramachandra Guha today tweeted that he has been getting “identical” threat mails warning him not to be critical of PM  Narendra Modi and the BJP.Guha, 58, claimed that the mails also warned him against criticising BJP President Amit Shah.“Many people/ids sending identical mails warning me to “get ready to be punishment (sic) by Divine Mahakal” for being critical of BJP,” tweet read.“I am also warned not to criticize Narendra Modi and Amit Shah who ‘are blessed & divine chosen one by Divine Mahakal to change the world’,” he tweeted.PTI
Malappuram bypoll: Votes, that went to smaller parties in 2014, could decide the winner: indianexpress
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/malappuram-bypoll-kerala-iuml-kunhalikutty-e-ahamed-cpm-bjp-sdpi-welfare-party-4588890/
New Delhi:Kerala is on the cusp of a surprise by-election. More than ten months after the CPM-led LDF steamrolled its way into power winning 91 seats in the 140-member Assembly, it faces its first electoral challenge in the Lok Sabha constituency of Malappuram. The election in the northern district has been necessitated after the death of IUML war-horse E Ahamed, who served as a minister of state for external affairs in the UPA administration. Ahamed had suffered a cardiac arrest during President’s joint address to both Houses of Parliament on January 31 this year and was admitted to RML Hospital in New Delhi where he passed away the next day.Malappuram, where Muslims form close to 70%  of the population, is seen as the backyard of the IUML and analysts consider Kunhalikutty’s chances unassailable. CPM’s reluctance to field a heavyweight candidate could give Kunhalikutty a walkover. indianexpress
Abolishing no detention policy to have negative impact on Dalit, Muslim school children: RTE activists
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/abolishing-no-detention-policy-to-have-negative-impact-on-school-children-rte-activists/story-sYv7wtigjJKWM2aveMprCJ.html
New Delhi:RTE activists on Wednesday opined that rolling back of the no detention policy will have a “negative impact” on the financially deprived Dalit and Muslim school children in Govt  schools as their future would “hang in balance”.No detention policy to ensure universal education was introduced through Right To Education Act 2009 with an aim to bring down the drop out rate among school children specially those belonging to disadvantaged groups of Dalits and Muslims, said Prof Janki Rajan.“These children belonging to the disadvantaged Dalit Muslim families are clinging to the school system precariously and as such abolishing no detention will have negative impact on such children,” she said.In 2016, Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) decided to withdraw no detention policy.“CABE claimed that students from the marginalised community never came back to school when they were detained in the same class. Now that it is being abolished, the future of a large number of poor school children hangs in balance,” said Tausif Ahmad, director of Centre for Educational Research and Training.RTE experts including RTE Forum convener Ambrish Rai raised the issues of poor implementation of Right to Education Act provisions and “dilapidated” condition of Govt  school system in the country.  Govt  says that no detention led to poor quality of education while an analysis of RTE in the last two years shows that more emphasis was laid on implementing 25 %  free seats to economically weaker children in private schools and “least” focus was on infrastructure and teacher training, Ahmad said. Syed Azharuddin, member CERT, Abdul Wadood, secretary of Students Islamic Organisation of India, and Inamurrahman, coordinator of Federation of Muslim Educational Institution, also participated in the discussion. PTI
After Budgam encounter, Kashmir shuts down to protest killing of 3 civilians
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/restive-kashmir-shuts-down-to-protest-killing-of-3-civilians-by-security-forces/story-Gd8YN464i5vedxR3tOo4mO.html
Kashmir:A restive Kashmir shut down on Wednesday to protest the killing of three civilians by security forces during an encounter with militants in Budgam district, raising possibilities of another prolonged unrest in the militancy-hit valley.The civilians were killed in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir after security forces opened fire on protesters who were allegedly pelting stones during an encounter between militants and army. A local militant was also killed in the encounter whom the stone-pelters were allegedly trying to help escape.At least five civilians have been killed by security forces since March 10 when army chief General Bipin Rawat warned of “tough action” against people trying to disrupt operations by security forces. He said the such would face harsh action reserved for anti-nationals.Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik said the Chadoora killings were the outcome of army chief’s threat. hindustantimes
Ajmer dargah blast :File report on suspects by April 3, court to NIA
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/file-report-on-suspects-by-april-3-court-to-nia/articleshow/57881204.cms
Jaipur: NIA, which investigated Ajmer dargah blast case, seeks more time to file reports on the suspects and absconders in the case. The court gave April 3 for filing the report. NIA court while sentencing two of the accused, Devendra Gupta and Bhavesh Patel to life imprisonment, had asked the agency to either file closure report or charge-sheet those who were initially named as suspects but failed to file charges against them.While NIA had charge-sheeted 13 people in connection with the case, three persons are still absconding. timesofindia
China demands protection of its firms, nationals after flag row at Oppo factory
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/china-demands-protection-of-its-firms-nationals-after-flag-row-at-noida-oppo-mobile-factory/story-y4EgPD23xdGGrhkl0pnYpI.html
China said on Wednesday it hoped the rights of its companies and nationals working in India would be safeguarded, reacting to protests against a Chinese employee of a mobile phone company for allegedly tearing up an Indian flag.A large posse of police had to be deployed inside and outside the Noida Sector 63 office of Oppo, the rapidly-expanding Chinese phone company and the main sponsor of the Indian cricket team from next month.“We have seen the report. As far as we know, the company is in touch with the local police. We hope this issue can be resolved properly,” Lu Kang, foreign ministry spokesperson said, when asked to comment about the incident at the regular presser in Beijing.HT
Mewat Muslim mahapanchyat bans dowry, costly weddings, gives women rights over father’s property
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/mewat-muslim-mahapanchyat-bans-dowry-costly-weddings-gives-women-rights-over-fathers-property/articleshow/57881753.cms
Gurgaon: A mahapanchayat of Muslims organised in Punhana, Mewat, has announced several social reform decisions, including a complete ban on dowry and rights for women on their father's property, as per Islamic laws. Mahapanchayat was attended by thousands from over a hundred villages of Haryana and neighbouring Rajasthan and UP, who vowed to ostracise those who spend heavily on wedding ceremonies. Among the main decisions adopted by the congregation were compulsory Sharia compliance for weddings, returning dowry if already accepted, ban on 'bhaat' and ring ceremonies, making the groom's family responsible for taking the bride home, only 11 people allowed in a groom's wedding party, a maximum of 35gm silver to be allowed as 'mehar', ban on fireworks and DJ at weddings, instead of dowry the bride to be given a share in her father's property, financially stable villagers to aid in the wedding of a girl from a poor family, etc. It was also decided that committees would be formed in each village to ensure these resolutions are properly followed. TOI
Bengaluru:Urdu School files plaint against 'illegal' temple construction on its premises
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/603653/school-files-plaint-against-illegal.html
Bengaluru:Education department has filed a complaint with the police to prevent the construction of a Sai Baba temple on the premises of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Kannada and Urdu Primary and Secondary School in Hombegowdanagar. Earlier, there was an ‘Ashwathakatte’ on the premises. In the name of renovation of the structure, Ravichandra, husband of former corporator Vasanti, tried to build a temple, locals say. Some local residents complained to the Lokayukta about this. In spite of the Lokayukta issuing a notice, the construction work continued. The school principal lodged a complaint with the Wilson Garden police and BBMP Executive Engineer on Tuesday. According to the locals, the construction has been on for the past four months. deccanherald
ISIS suspects say they are remorseful, plead guilty
http://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/alleged-isis-operatives-say-they-are-remorseful-plead-guilty/967472
Two persons accused of criminal conspiracy to raise funds for ISIS and recruiting people for terror outfit today approached a special court pleading guilty, saying they are remorseful and want to join the mainstream.The accused - Azhar-ul-Islam (24) from J&K and Mohammed Farhan Shaikh (25) from Maharashtra did the U-turn more than a month after court had framed charges against them.District Judge Amar Nath issued notice to the NIA and sought a reply by April 10. Outlookindia
Demand for student union grows stronger in Jamia, protests force University to postpone Student Council elections
http://twocircles.net/2017mar28/406925.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
As BJP starts preparations for the Gujarat polls, is Pravin Togadia the new Yogi Adityanath? Ajaz Ashraf
https://scroll.in/article/833007/as-the-bjp-starts-preparations-for-the-gujarat-polls-is-pravin-togadia-the-new-yogi-adityanath
Yes, bring on Bharatiyata: Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Contributing Editor, Indian Express
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/mohan-bhagwat-rss-workshop-at-delhi-university-yes-bring-on-bharatiyata-4590003/
WORLD
Sisi Govt  seizes billions in assets of Brotherhood men
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170329-sisi-Govt -seizes-billions-in-assets-of-brotherhood-members/
Since 2014, Govt  of Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has seized property and assets belonging to Muslim Brotherhood members valued at 50 billion Egyptian pounds, Erem News Network reported on Tuesday.According to the UAE-based outlet, the head of the Egyptian Govt  panel set up in 2014 to confiscate the funds and property of Brotherhood members, Mohamed Abul-Fotouh, said that the items confiscated include moveable and unmoveable property.  Items belonging to 1,370 members of the Muslim Brotherhood, which was banned by Al-Sisi in 2014, has been confiscated, Erem News added. middleeastmonitor
Grand Mufti: Arrest of al-Aqsa guards 'unacceptable'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/grand-mufti-arrest-al-aqsa-guards-unacceptable-170328183425488.html
Jerusalem;Grand Mufti of Jerusalem says Israel's detention of Palestinian security guards working at the al-Aqsa compound is "unacceptable" and Israeli police are trying to change the status quo at the holy site. Israeli police detained several guards working at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem earlier this week after they prevented an Israeli archeologist from trying to remove a stone from the religious compound. "I believe the Israeli police are trying to impose a new reality and are trying to intimidate the al-Aqsa guards and to stop them from carrying out their duty," Mufti Muhammad Hussein told Al Jazeera."That is unacceptable." Aljazeera
US probably involved in mass Iraqi civilian deaths: top commander
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/involved-mass-iraqi-civilian-deaths-170328173303203.html
Top US commander in Iraq on Tuesday acknowledged the likelihood that the US-led coalition played a role in blasts in Mosul that killed many civilians this month, but said an investigation was under way and ISIL may also be to blame. "My initial assessment is that we probably had a role in these casualties... What I don't know is were they [the civilians] gathered there by the enemy?We still have some assessments to do," Lieutenant-General Steve Townsend told a Pentagon news briefing, speaking from Iraq."I would say this, that it sure looks like they were." aljazeera
Theresa May set to trigger Brexit Article 50
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/theresa-set-trigger-brexit-article-50-170329034925333.html
UK PM  Theresa May will on Wednesday trigger the formal, 2-year process of negotiations  that will lead to Britain leaving the European Union (EU). Late on Tuesday, a photograph was released of her signing a letter invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and officially notifying the EU of Britain's decision to withdraw from the bloc after more than 40 years in a process popularly known as Brexit.The letter is to be hand-delivered to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels by British Ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow at 1130 GMT and copies are to be sent to the other 27 EU member states.
Muslim cop in US files discrimination suit after co-workers allegedly call him 'ISIS leader'
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-muslim-cop-called-isis-leader-fired-for-complaininglawsuit-2372059
Iranian-origin ex-police officer in US has filed a discrimination lawsuit after being fired, alleging that his colleagues in the police department called him an "ISIS leader" and asked if he rode a goat to work.Ramtin Sabet, who was fired last month, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that he was fired after he complained that he was constantly harassed for practicing his Muslim faith. He alleged that he was repeatedly called a terrorist by his co-workers at North Chicago Police Dept, told he was an "ISIS leader working as a police officer" and asked if he rode a goat to work, according to the lawsuit.PTI
Official: Some 10,000 Russians are fighting in Middle East
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170329-official-some-10000-russians-are-fighting-in-the-middle-east/
As many as 10,000 militants from Russia and other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) members are fighting alongside terrorists in the Middle Eastern region, a senior Russia official said yesterday. middleeastmonitor

 Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 6:18 PM)


28 March 2017

Evening NEWS DIGEST
28 March. 2017: 28 JamadiulAkhir 1438:Vol:8, No:152
INDIA: SLAUGHTERHOUSES & POLITICS
Crackdown on slaughterhouses: Allahabad HC raps UP govt, asks why weren’t illegal meat shops regularised
http://www.india.com/news/india/yogi-adityanaths-crackdown-on-slaughterhouses-allahabad-hc-raps-up-govt-asks-why-wasnt-illegal-meat-regularised-1969457/
A Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on Tuesday sought a reply from UP govt  and Lucknow Nagar Nigam on closure of meat shops and non-renewal of license of meat shops. UP CM  Yogi Adityanath ordered to shut all illegal abattoirs across the UP . The Allahabad High Court has given time to UP govt  and Lucknow Nagar Nigam till April 3 for submitting explanation on closure of meat shops. Allahabad High Court asked the UP Govt and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation under which provision meat shops in the state capital were being forced to shut down. The court also rapped the Lucknow Municipal Corporation asking why the authorities concerned not take any initiative in time to renew the licences of meat shops. The court was hearing a petition filed by Shahbuddin and nine other meat traders, who had pleaded in 2015 in the court that they had the licence to run the shops. As their licences had expired two years ago, they applied for renewal but the LMC rejected their request citing the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines, which say that the slaughterhouses should be run by the municipal authorities.Meanwhile, thousands of meat sellers in UP  shut shops for an indefinite period from Monday against Adityanath’s decision to close down illegal slaughterhouses, causing concerns over Rs 15,000-crore industry that employs 25 lakh people in the state. India.com
HC seeks Adityanath govt reply on closure of meat shops
http://www.hindustantimes.com/allahabad-high-court-seeks-adityanath-govt-reply-on-closure-of-meat-shops/story-OxfHxg6ckWuwiKcihaZmPL.html
Bajrang Dal Activists Raid Meatpacking Unit In Meerut, Turns Out BJP Worker Involved In Running Operations
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/03/28/bajrang-dal-activists-raid-meatpacking-unit-turns-out-bjp-worke_a_22014651/?ncid=fcbklnkinhpmg00000001
When Bajrang Dal activists raided a meatpacking unit in Meerut's Jaibheemnagar locality, they found that a BJP worker was involved in running operations, The Hindustan Times has reported.This incident of vigilantism comes in the midst of a crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses being carried out by the newly elected BJP govt . BJP worker in question is one Rahul Thakur, who attempted to conceal his alleged involvement in running the meatpacking unit allegedly owned by Rahul Raghav and Anuj Choudhary. 2 owners, who claimed to be making cricket bats, were arrested.Bajrang Dal activists, who were acting on their own volition, also manhandled police personnel who were allegedly complicit in running the meatpacking unit. A senior police official told HT that a case could be filed against the vigilantes only if Thakur filed a complaint. BJP's city unit president Karunesh Nandan Garg told HT that he too will look into Thakur's alleged involvement in running the illegal slaughterhouse. huffingtonpost
Bajrang Dal activists raid meat packaging unit in Meerut, beat up BJP worker
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bajrang-dal-activists-raid-meat-packaging-unit-in-meerut-beat-up-bjp-worker/story-kpXrAGE2EJeG6Bmkkb4iCJ.html
Slaughterhouse crackdown: UP strike hits Delhi hard, meat supply down, prices soar
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/crackdown-on-illegal-slaughterhouses-up-strike-hits-delhi-hard-meat-supply-down-by-half-prices-soar/story-TfI4kaZWAoi3OHXhjHcIpI.html
New Delhi:Meat traders’ strike in neighbouring UP  has halved Delhi’s supply and sent the prices soaring, with mutton selling for Rs 500 a kilo in some areas on Monday.Traders at Ghazipur, Delhi’s only slaughter house and biggest wholesale meat market, said they were not getting cattle from UP , the biggest suppliers of animals, which had led to buffalo and goat meat costing at least 25% more.“Around 6,000 goats and 900 buffaloes were sold every day but in the last three days, not more than 2,500 goats and 400 buffaloes have been sold,” a trader said at Ghazipur, which borders UP. He didn’t wish to be named, fearing a backlash from vigilante groups. Delhi doesn’t have livestock farms and relies on neighbouring Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and UP. Bulk of buffalo supply to Ghazipur is from UP, which is country’s biggest meat producer.
Ripple effect of UP govt's crackdown on illegal slaughterhouse felt in Kolkata
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ripple-effect-of-up-govt-s-crackdown-on-illegal-slaughterhouse-felt-in-kolkata-2370972
UP govt 's crackdown on illegal slaughterhouse has had ripple effects in Kolkata. Mohammed Ali, head of Calcutta Beef Dealers' Association, said that export and transport of beef has taken one of its worseever hits.Ali said that there has been a multi-pronged effect on the industry because beef is not being sent to UP and no cows can be brought from there as well. “Since March 24, not a single buffalo has been slaughtered at the Tangra Slaughterhouse, one of the biggest in the state. Under normal circumstances, around 150 buffaloes are slaughtered here everyday. Not only has supply of beef to UP stopped but trucks which must pass UP to most of the other states where beef is supplied, are also being attacked now,” Ali said.He added that supply of cows and buffaloes from UP and Punjab has also stopped.Leather dealers too said that business has slumped owing to the UP govt 's move. Officials of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) said that exporters were forced to sell their products at a loss. DNA
Bengal beef dealers to meet Mamata Banerjee over UP crackdown
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bengal-beef-dealers-to-meet-mamata-banerjee-over-up-crackdown-4589118/
BJP doing politics of appeasement by banning slaughterhouses: Samajwadi Party leader Aggarwal
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-doing-politics-of-appeasement-by-banning-slaughterhouses-samajwadi-party-4588593/
New Delhi;Criticising BJP-led UP Govt  for banning slaughterhouses in the state, the Samajwadi Party on Tuesday alleged that the saffron party is doing this in order to please one community over the other despite the fact that Hindus are the largest consumers of meat. “During elections they promised that they will close down slaughter house, they never said that they will close down small meat shops and the way small meat shops are being closed upon the directions of the state govt , the meat owners are now facing difficulty in sustaining their life,” SP leader Naresh Aggarwal told ANI.ANI
Over half of UP’s licensed slaughterhouses ‘temporarily shut’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-half-of-uttar-pradeshs-licensed-slaughterhouses-temporarily-shut-for-not-following-norms-yogi-adityanath-4588396/
Lucknow;5 days after the state govt  began its crackdown on illegal and mechanised slaughterhouses in UP, more than half of its licensed slaughterhouses have also been “temporarily closed” for not following norms. While there are 44 licensed slaughterhouses in the state, 26 have been “temporarily shut” for not following basic rules and guidelines laid down for operation, transportation and processing of slaughtered animals. On March 22, three days after Yogi Adityanath took oath as CM, state govt  issued orders to all divisional commissioners, district magistrates, senior police officers and municipal corporations to inspect slaughterhouses.They were asked to report to the chief secretary within seven days about the action they had taken.“As many as 26 licensed slaughterhouses have been shut down during the last five days, as they were not following the set rules. It is not a permanent closure… they have been temporarily closed and would be allowed to function once they follow all norms,” Chief Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar said. Indian express
Now Jharkhand bans illegal abattoirs
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/now-jharkhand-bans-illegal-abattoirs/articleshow/57863659.cms
Ranchi: Days after Aditya Nath Yogi govt's crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses in UP, another BJP-ruled state, Jharkhand, decided to ban all illegal slaughterhouses in the state on Monday. The slaughterhouses were given 72 hours to shut their illegal businesses if they failed to obtain licence from relevant authorities.SKG Rahate, principal secretary, home, issued an order to all deputy commissioners and SPs along with authorities of municipal corporations, municipalities and notified area committees to ensure that the closure was effected immediately. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, that has issued licences to 62 abattoirs across the country, has not issued the same to even one unit in the state.
Cow protection group in Haryana vow to intensify movement to ban meat shops after UP  crackdown
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-4354746/Haryana-cow-protection-group-want-ban-slaughterhouses.html#ixzz4cbMPQZgl
After the crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses in UP, Haryana is in no mood to miss being featured in headlines related to the 'gauraksha' movement. One of the cow protection group leaders has declared it will intensify efforts in all districts, including the minority dominant Mewat district, to take the movement across the state. The state govt  has decided not to issue licenses to slaughterhouses anymore and a number of raids on butchers' shops have been carried out in recent weeks. Haryana Cow Protection andEnrichment Unit (HCPEU) president Bhani Ram Mangla said it will put evidence of cruelty in slaughterhouses before CM  Manohar Lal Khattar.It will also intensify the movement from the last week of April or the first week of May to stop the smuggling of cattle in the state, it said.'One of the major reasons behind banning illegal slaughterhouses in UP is the cruelty factor. We will put this point before the CM  and request him of ending the procedures of providing commercial licenses for slaughter houses,' Mangla said. He also pointed out that there are two existing slaughterhouses in the Mewat district and said that he will make sure that no more facilities like it open in Haryana.
Non-veg sellers: For them, no meat means no bread!
http://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/non-veg-sellers-for-them-no-meat-means-no-bread/story-qcB0IqJrYHQ0bjcXTXu47J.html
Lucknow: Meat shortage brings ‘veg twist’ to party menus
http://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/meat-shortage-brings-veg-twist-to-party-menus/story-oHhREIp49YDQG0oSG6XPOK.html
Whether in UP or North-East, BJP should not dictate people’s eating habits: HT Editorial
http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/whether-in-up-or-north-east-bjp-should-not-dictate-people-s-eating-habits/story-DBnZuOgc7HRgVxjjJBrRtK.html
UP Meat row: 25 lakh jobs, Rs 15,000 crore at stake
http://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-meat-row-25-lakh-jobs-rs-15000-crore-at-stake/1041852                
OTHERS
Babri Masjid csae:Both sides claim invitation by Yogi
http://www.india.com/news/india/ram-mandir-babri-masjid-dispute-both-sides-claim-invitation-by-chief-minister-yogi-adityanath-1968705/
New Delhi: In an attempt to solve the century-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, newly appointed UP  CM  Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday invited both parties to Lucknow for discussions, claims representatives of Hindu and Muslim sides Mahant Dharamdas, Haji Mehboob. According to the reports of IndiaTV, Hindu bigot has sent a message to Mahant Dharamdas, who later conveyed it to Muslim litigant Haji Mehboob. Dharamdas said that Haji Mehboob agreed to meet the CM  and discuss the matter in person.  “We will have to tell the CM that we are coming. We’ll just have to find a mutually agreed date. Whatever is decided, we will tell the Supreme Court,” the portal quoted him as saying.Asserting he has no issue in meeting Adityanath, Haji Mehboob said, “Dharamdas ji said that CM  wanted to meet me. He said that two sides meet and discuss the matter so I agreed. I said if the CM wants to meet me, I have no problem.”However, Zafaryab Jilani, Convenor of Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) had rejected the SC suggestion. Refuting Jilani’s comments Haji Mehboob said,”I do not know what Jilani sahab thinks. He asked me if I was ready to meet PM  Modi, I said he is the country’s leader. If they want to build a temple after leaving the land for a mosque, why would I object?” india
BJP’s Swamy says that unlike mosques, temples can never be demolished as God lives there
http://www.newsx.com/national/59659-bjps-swamy-says-that-unlike-mosques-temples-can-never-be-demolished-as-god-lives-there
Unlocking of Babri Masjid was a 'balancing act' by then govt, claims Arif Mohammed Khan
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/unlocking-of-babri-masjid-was-a-balancing-act-by-then-govt -arif-mohammed-khan/printarticle/57870668.cms
New Delhi: The unlocking of the Babri Masjid in 1986 that led to the "shilanyas" (groundbreaking) of Ram Janambhoomi temple in Ayodhya and three decades of turmoil, were part of a deal between Muslim leaders and the Congress govt , says Arif Mohammad Khan. With the Supreme Court now calling for resolving the issue through dialogue, Khan feels that the govt  should take the initiative on this. Khan said the unlocking of the Babri Masjid was a balancing act to satisfy the demands of the Hindu community after the Rajiv Gandhi govt  succumbed to the demands of the AIMPLB on the Shah Bano case in the Supreme Court on maintenance for divorced Muslim women. "The announcement to reverse the SC judgement (Shah Bano case) and the removal of the locks happened within a span of two weeks. This to most people appeared as a balancing act and they hoped that now both the agitating parties would feel satisfied," Khan, author of "Text and Context -- Quran and Contemporary Challenges" who broke ranks with Rajiv Gandhi in 1985 on govt's capitulation to the Muslim clergy on implementing the Shah Bano judgement that ruled in favour of alimony to divorced Muslim women, said in an interview. IANS
Islam gives equal rights to women, Muslim Law Board tells SC
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/603513/islam-gives-equal-rights-women.html
New Delhi: All India Muslim Personal Law Board submitted before the Supreme Court that Islam was one of the first religions to grant equal rights to women. It is a misconception that women were discriminated here with regard to marriage and divorce, the board said.“Talaq, Nikah Halala and polygamy are all integral part of the religion of Sunni Muslims following 4 schools of thought provided by the Holy Quran and thus being essential to the religion of Islam are protected by virtue of Articles 25, 26 and 29 of the Constitution,” it said in a written submission. “Pronouncement of triple talaq in one go is undesirable but (it is) irrevocably effective,” it said.
Muslim personal law board defends triple talaq, polygamy
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/muslim-personal-law-board-defends-triple-talaq-polygamy/383077.html
AIMPLB tells SC polygamy, triple talaq integral part of Islam
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/aimplb-tells-sc-polygamy-triple-talaq-integral-part-of-islam/605398/
If triple talaq termed illegal, then soon Islam would cease to exist: AIMPLB to Supreme Court
http://zeenews.india.com/india/if-triple-talaq-is-termed-illegal-then-soon-islam-would-cease-to-exist-aimplb-to-supreme-court-1990550.html
Triple Talaq: All India Muslim Personal Board urges Supreme Court not to change personal laws
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/triple-talaq-all-india-muslim-personal-board-supreme-court-narendra-modi-bjp/1/914375.html
Muzaffarnagar Riot accused surrenders in court in triple murder case
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/riot-accused-surrenders-in-court-in-triple-murder-case/1/914288.html
Muzaffarnagar: A man accused of rioting surrendered in court in connection with the Lank killing case here today.The accused, identified as Gulbir surrendered before the acting chief judicial magistrate Arun Kumar who sent him to judicial custody.According to senior prosecutor Divaker Sharma, 3 persons of a family including were burnt to death during riots in village Lank in the district in 2013. PTI
2002 riots convict wants release due to HIV infection
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/2002-riots-convict-wants-release-due-to-hiv-infection/articleshow/57862832.cms
Ahmedabad: Gujarat high court on Monday issued notice to the state govt  over a petition filed by a life term convict in the 2002 Sardarpura massacre case, who has been seeking remission in sentence on the ground that he suffers from HIV infection. One of 17 convicts in this case, whose punishment of life imprisonment was upheld by the high court in last October, has filed a petition in the high court seeking directions to the Sabarmati Central Jail authorities to follow a state govt  circular issued in 2013 to consider granting remission to a prisoner in cases of HIV/AIDS and cancer. timesofindia
Adityanath, BJP’s star campaigner? It’s prerogative of high command: Vaghani
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/adityanath-bjps-star-campaigner-its-prerogative-of-high-command-vaghani-4588569/
Ahmedabad;A day after his reported comment that UP  CM  Yogi Adityanath would be BJP’s star campaigner for the Gujarat Assembly polls, party’s state unit president Jitu Vaghani on Monday said a decision in this regard was a prerogative of the parliamentary board and the high command. “We wish that all BJP CM s come to Gujarat and talk about the development work under the leadership of Narendrabhai Modi. We will convey our feelings to the central leadership. But, the ultimate decision on who will campaign in Gujarat will be taken by our leadership, Narendrabhai andAmitbhai (Shah),” Vaghani said. indianexpress
For Delhi civic polls, it will be campaigner Yogi vs Kejriwal
http://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/for-delhi-civic-polls-it-will-be-campaigner-yogi-adityanath-versus-arvind-kejriwal-1674543
Muslim who became Adityanath's gurubhai:TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/the-muslim-who-became-aditya-naths-gurubhai/articleshow/57864320.cms
Ahmedabad: Aditya Nath Yogi, recently appointed CM of UP, has a close Gujarat connection apart from his ties with PM Narendra Modi. The erstwhile mahant of a math (ashram) of Nath sampradaya in Visnagar, Mahant Gulabnath Bapu, who was born as a Muslim with the name Gul Mohammad Pathan, was the 'gurubhai' of today's UP CM, considered a Hindu hardliner. Mahant Avaidyanath, the guru of Aditya Nath, was also the guru of Gulabnath Bapu. Their relation was so strong that when Gulabnath, 86, breathed his last, Aditya Nath came to Visnagar, Gujarat, to perform his last rites on Dec.6, 2016, and he also appointed the new mahant of math, Sankarnath. The math runs temples and annakshetra (place providing free meals) in Visnagar and Vadgam.Gulabnath had taken diksha at the age of 18 from Mahant Balaknath at Vadgam."Bapu was the sixth generation in guru-shishya lineage. His association with Mahant Avaidyanath of Gorakhpur math and guru of Aditya Nath Yogi was very old due to the dynamics of Nath sampradaya." said Sankarnath, the newly appointed mahant of the Visnagar math."Bapu also considered Avaidyanath his guru and thus he considered Aditya Nath as his gurubhai," Sankarnath said."Bapu was invited to Gorakhpur for every major event. When he went there last year, Aditya Nath had him felicitated by PM Modi," said Shankarnath.Aditya Nath visits the math at Visnagar at least 2-3 times annually, said Shankarnath, adding that any Gujarat visit by the yogi starts from Visnagar."Yogi used to phone regularly to get updates on Bapu's health. It is not just about Nath sampradaya connection as there are other places in Gujarat with presence of the sampradaya, but he feels connected to this place," Sankarnath added.Gulabnath Bapu was born in a Muslim family that traces its roots to Jhalod. timesofindia
Before the Rise of Hindutva, Gorakhnath Nurtured Muslim Yogis;BY MANOJ SINGH
https://thewire.in/119102/before-the-rise-of-hindutva-gorakhnath-nurtured-muslim-yogis/
Not scared of Adityanath, I stand by my words: Nizami
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/not-scared-of-yogi-adityanath-i-stand-by-my-words-salman-nizami/articleshow/57868493.cms
New Delhi: Kashmir's senior Congress leader Salman Nizami refused to retract his criticism of UP CM Aditya Nath Yogi.On Saturday, Supreme Court lawyer Dr Abhishek Atrey had served a defamation notice to Nizami for his tweets about the UP CM on March 19. timesofindia
Maharashtra: Jamaat-e-Islami film on water scarcity makes it to All India Children’s Educational Festival
http://twocircles.net/2017mar27/406876.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Mumbai: A short film “Boond Boond Zindagi” made by the  Jamaat-e-Islami chapter of Maharashtra has been selected for 21st All India Children’s Educational Audio Video Festival-2017.The festival will be held between April 5 and 7 at the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), NCERT, New Delhi.The short film revolves around the concept of scarcity of water in India and the importance of saving water for the present as well as the future generations.The film was shot in a Maharashtra village and all the characters are played by school children to convey the message of conserving the water.“If a child becomes the medium of delivery, then the message becomes more effective. Idea of making film came to my mind after seeing the worst water crisis faced by people in Latur and elsewhere in Maharashtra,” said Mohammed Sajid, Jamaat’s media production in charge and writer of the film.TCN
Police suspect BJP MP Nalin Kumar Kateel’s speech to have instigated madrasa teacher’s murder
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/mar/27/police-suspect-dakshina-kannada-bjp-mp-nalin-kumar-kateels-speech-to-have-instigated-madrasa-teache-1586620.html
Kasargod: The special police team investigating the murder of Riyas Moulavi, 34-year-old muezzin and madrasa teacher in Kasargod last week is suspecting that a speech delivered by Dakshina Kannada BJP MP Nalin Kumar Kateel at the inauguration of a kabadi tournament could have instigated the crime. Crime Branch superintendent of police A Srinivas, who is heading the special team, said police have called for recording of the event from the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), trade union of RSS, which organised the tournament. Kateel is in-charge of the BJP unit in Kerala. Kasargod MLA N A Nellikkunnu said Kateel's speech on March 18 called on the audience not to forget the killing of Suhas. "I have not heard the audio, but that's what he reportedly said at the event," he said. Police have arrested three persons, suspected to be BJP workers, in connection with the murder of Riyas.
RSS Holds Workshop at Delhi University to Make Education System More “Indian”
https://thewire.in/119147/rss-du-workshop-indian-values/
New Delhi: As many as 721 academics, including vice chancellors of 51 central and state universities, deliberated at a two-day closed-door seminar-cum-workshop, held at a Delhi University college by the RSS, on how to “Indianise” the educational system of the country.Titled ‘Gyan Sangam,’ the workshop held by RSS-affiliated Prajna Pravah at the Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology and Management on March 25 and 26 was apparently triggered by the need for a “real nationalist narrative” in higher education.At the end of the workshop, an invitation-only event, Prajna Pravah national convener J. Nand Kumar told reporters that the academics had “resolved to make an effort at their level” to develop a “Bharatiya” perspective in education.THE WIRE
RSS chief talks of social justice and inter-caste marriages
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rss-chief-talks-of-social-justice-and-inter-caste-marriages/story-ua6gswJCOJwPOSika8gtpL.html
New Delhi: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat seems to have lent his support to inter-caste marriages, saying swayamsevaks should stand in favour of such reformative measures in the country. Orthodox opinions about inter-faith marriages by Sangh and its hardline affiliates have stoked controversies, while that aspect remains unchanged, RSS chief said swayamsevaks are encouraged to marry outside their castes.“Generally, it happens and it should happen. If you take a survey, you will find more swayamsevaks with inter-caste marriages than anybody else. We observe that in our personal interactions,” he said while speaking to RSS mouthpiece Organiser.He also cited the message sent by MS Golwalkar, the second Sarsangachalak, to Dr BR Ambedkar on his wedding.“…In his congratulatory message, Guruji wrote that not because of physical attraction but to register a protest against the caste system, you are tying this knot through an inter-caste marriage, I support this marriage and convey my best wishes. This message was conveyed to the swayamsevaks also,” he said on the sidelines of annual meeting of Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, Sangh’s highest decision-making body, recently.HT
3 civilians killed in J-K as forces fire at protesters during encounter with militants
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/j-k-encounter-underway-between-security-forces-and-militants-in-budgam/story-ybRuzow4jj6G4xnllMfmBN.html
Srinagar: 3 men were killed and several others injured on Tuesday when security forces battling militants fired on stone-pelting protesters in Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, police said.Officials added that a militant was also killed during the gunbattle and arms recovered. Medical superintendent of Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital Nazir Choudhary said Zahid Rashid Bhat 22, who had a bullet injury in his neck, was declared brought dead to the SMHS Hospital. Another man, Saqib Ahmad, died after doctors failed to revive him even after surgery.By evening, another injured youth Ishaq Ahmad from Srinagar’s Rangreth area also died.Reports from the area suggested that more people were injured at the encounter site in fresh firing in the afternoon. Eyewitnesses said police fired at protesters when they tried to march towards the site, resulting in injuries to over a dozen more people.Security forces launched an early morning cordon-and-search operation in Chadoora following information about the presence of militants in the area. The operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, a police spokesperson said. Even as security forces were trying to flush out the militants, a large number of protesters started pelting stones at the law enforcing agencies, forcing them to retaliate. Initial reports suggested the presence of at least 2 militants in the area.HT
Budgam encounter: 1 militant, 3 civilians killed; CM Mehbooba urges restraint, Omar calls situation ‘alarming’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/budgam-encounter-one-civilian-killed-as-militants-security-forces-engage-in-gunbattle-4588926/
Athar Hussain Dehlavi wants Centre to declare PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan integral parts of India
https://scroll.in/latest/832917/an-islamic-body-wants-centre-to-declare-pok-and-gilgit-baltistan-integral-parts-of-india
An Islamic organisation that works to promote peace and communal harmony has asked the Centre to pass a resolution declaring Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan parts of India. “The govt  should bring in a resolution this Parliament session and unanimously pass it, reiterating its stand that J&K is an integral part of India, including PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan,” Anjuman Minhaj-e-Rasool chief Moulana Syed Athar Hussain Dehlavi told PTI on Sunday.Urging the govt  to reiterate its 1994 Parliament declaration, the cleric said the move would foil Pakistan’s plan of annexing these regions. On Feb 22, 1994, Parliament had declared J&K an integral part of India and asked Pakistan to vacate these regions.Dehalvi also accused Pakistan of instigating Kashmiri youth to take up arms, calling for India to declare its neighbouring country a terrorist state. “Pakistan, which is the biggest launchpad of terrorism, should be declared a terrorist state. There is no need to hold talks with Pakistan,” he said. scroll
Samjautha blasts: NIA to stick to bomb ka badla bomb theory, not to go after Lashkar: oneindia
 http://www.oneindia.com/india/nia-to-stick-to-bomb-ka-badla-bomb-theory-in-samjautha-blasts-case-2386722.html
NIA will continue to probe the bomb ka badla bomb theory in the Samjautha express blasts case. The NIA is likely to drop its request for more information on a Lashkar-e-Tayiba operative Arif Qasmani which it had sought from US. It may be recalled that in 2009, the US had named Qasmani as the financier of both the Samjautha express and Mumbai train blasts of 2006. However, now it appears as though the NIA will not pursue its request for information on Qasmani. US is yet to respond to it, but the NIA is unlikely to pursue that matter any further. This is an indication that the case would proceed as per the 2010 chargesheet in which the agency had named 8 persons including Swami Aseemanand as the accused in the case. It may be recalled that the NIA had stated that the blast was an act of revenge and it had quoted Aseemanand as saying, bomb ka badla bomb, or a bomb for a bomb. It may be recalled that Aseemanand was acquitted in Ajmer blast case recently.
Samjhauta blast case: NIA not to go after Lashkar
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/samjhauta-blast-case-nia-not-to-go-after-lashkar/article17692669.ece
19 cases related to ISIS activities registered by NIA: Govt
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-19-cases-related-to-isis-activities-registered-by-nia-govt-2371910
NIA has registered 19 cases related to ISIS activities in the country, the govt  on Tuesday informed Parliament.The central probe agency has filed charge sheets in eleven of these cases, Minister of State for Home Hansraj G Ahir told the Lok Sabha in a written reply."The NIA has registered 19 cases related to ISIS/IS and out of these, charge sheets have been filed in 11 cases. Two of these cases relate to missing of 22 persons from Kerala and their subsequent travel to ISIS controlled territory in Afghanistan," he said.PTI
Maur blasts just before Punjab polls were a ploy, spoiled AAP prospects: Party MLAs
http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/maur-blasts-just-before-punjab-polls-were-a-ploy-spoiled-aap-prospects-party-mlas/story-K4QXAA9MhVFrpso9yMuFQJ.html
Chandigarh:For the first time, two MLAs of AAP on Tuesday accepted that the bomb blasts in Maur 6 days before the February 4 assembly polls in Punjab spoiled party’s election fortunes.“A pro-AAP wave turned into an anti-wave after the blasts,” said Maur MLA Jagdev Singh Kamalu, whose views were seconded by party’s Dirba MLA Harpal Singh Cheema. Blaming Congress and SAD for the blasts, the MLAs alleged that a probe into the matter was heading nowhere. They demanded a  probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation to expose the perpetrators.Cheema and Kamalu said people were apprehensive that the AAP may not be able to handle the situation in case trouble-makers start sticking their neck out, so the people voted for the Congress. “However, people’s worry was without a basis,” said Cheema. hindustantimes
Najeeb case: Court to pass JNU students’ polygraph test order on Mar 30
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/najeeb-case-court-to-pass-jnu-students-polygraph-test-order-on-mar-30-4588281/
A Delhi court said it will decide on March 30 whether nine JNU students can be asked by Delhi Police to give their consent for lie detector test in a case relating to the varsity’s missing student Najeeb Ahmed. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass, who was scheduled to pass the order on Monday, deferred the matter saying that the order was not ready.The court had on March 15 reserved its order after the counsel appearing for the students submitted that the “lie detector test is unconstitutional and illegal unless it is voluntary.”PTI
Nigerian students assault in UP: Incident deplorable, committed to ensure foreigners’ safety, says MEA
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/nigerians-assaulted-greater-noida-uttar-pradesh-mea-4589630/
New Delhi; Ministry of External Affairs condemned the assault on Nigerian students at a Greater Noida mall even as five people were arrested by UP  Police in the case. The MEA issued a statement on Tuesday saying: “MJ Akbar spoke to the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria, apprised him of steps being taken by local authorities for safety of Nigerian nationals,” adding that the incident is deplorable.Four Nigerian students were attacked by a mob during a candle-light march for a teenager who had died on Saturday last week. Earlier in the day, UP ADG Law and Order Daljit Chaudhary was quoted as saying by ANI, “Police have arrested five persons. FIR registered and action will be taken accordingly.”
Attacks on African students may hurt India’s image as educational destination
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/web-edits/attacks-on-african-students-may-hurt-indias-image-as-educational-destination-4589543/
Jawan suicide case: Journalist who shot sting video booked for ‘spying’, abetment of suicide
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/jawan-suicide-case-journalist-who-shot-sting-video-booked-for-spying-abetment-of-suicide-4589736/
Nashik';Nashik Police has booked a woman journalist of a news portal for allegedly doing a sting on the abuse of the “buddy” system in the Army by videographing a jawan from Kerala, who was found dead here earlier this month. The case was registered at Deolali camp police station last night against Poonam Agrawal.She was booked for violating Army rules by entering prohibited areas and conducting a shoot there, Vinayak Lokare, the station in-charge told PTI today.PTI
Gujarat clash: '5,000-Strong Crowd Came With Pistols, Weapons attacked Muslim Village'
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/day-before-riot-gujarat-village-split-sarpanchs-term-for-muslim-hindu-1674486
Ahmedabad: The stream of mourners at the home of Ibrahim Belim has not thinned since the weekend, when a crowd of about 5,000 people attacked the main Muslim neighbourhood in the village of Vadavali in north Gujarat. Belim, 50, was stabbed and killed. 14 others, all Muslims, were injured in the riot. Dozens of homes and vehicles were set on fire; their hollowed out, burnt cores on the streets today are a terrifying coda to the violence that lasted nearly 2 hours. Belim's nephew, Babubhai, was an eyewitness to his murder. He said the attackers came from a neighbouring majority-dominated Sunsar village."They were armed with country-made revolvers, sharp-edged weapons, and they started attacking my uncle. After killing him, they ran after me, but I ran for my life," hesaid. "Members of Muslim community retaliated by throwing stones and police used teargas and fired seven rounds to disperse the crowd and control the violence," said KK Nirala, the district's top administrative official, to Reuters.When Ashrafbhai Sheikh spotted the raucous mob approaching on Saturday, he grabbed his family and left his house, which was burnt and looted. He claims the police did not intervene."The police vehicles were followed by the murderous mob and no attempt was made to stop them and all that, while they shouted slogans such as kill them," alleged Ashrafbhai.But the police said that was not true, adding 14 people have been arrested so far on charges including arson and murder. There are another 50 odd suspects that the police wants to arrest, said officials. The day before the violence, the 2,000 families of Vadavali gathered to choose their Panchayat, or local council, by consensus and without an election under the Samras Scheme, championed by PM  Narendra Modi while he was Gujarat CM , which entitles recipient villages to special financial schemes. 300 Muslim families in the village were part of the selection process which decided to divide the sarpanch or council head's term between a Hindu and Muslim."Villagers live here cordially. Salim-bhai was chosen sarpanch for two and half years, and for the next period, it will be a member from the majority community,'' said outgoing sarpanch Minesh Patel.
Air India nixes Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad's plan to fly from Mumbai to Delhi
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-nixes-shiv-sena-mp-ravindra-gaikwads-plan-to-fly-from-mumbai-to-delhi/articleshow/57872994.cms
Rajya Sabha disrupted over minority, other panel vacancies
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajya-sabha-minority-affairs-minister-mukhtar-abbas-naqvi-bjp-cpm-sitaram-yechury-4588450/
ARTICLES & EDITORIALS
Gandhi’s Last Message: ‘Raze the Sacred Sites of Others and You Too Will Be Obliterated’: BY SUDHIR CHANDRA
https://thewire.in/118963/gandhi-message-mosque-temple/
Surprising: How religions are now taught at Jamia Millia Islamia? Shamim Parachi, ummid.com
http://www.ummid.com/news/2017/March/28.03.2017/how-religions-are-taught-at-jamia-millia-islamia.html
Finance bill: Modi’s alarming power grab in unleashing ‘tax terror’: Mihir Sharma
http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/EgZgxB1AoUJ3RsSal2As5I/Narendra-Modis-alarming-power-grab-in-unleashing-tax-terro.html
The anti-Muslim pitch:Prof.Apoorvanand
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/the-anti-muslim-pitch/382700.html
BJP affidavit on triple talaq is part of saffron agenda - even Muslim women are jittery:Moin Qazi
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/triple-talaq-indian-muslims-discrimination-bjp-bmma/story/1/16412.html
Why Aurangzeb's reputation as a tyrant and bigot doesn't stand the test of history: Somak Ghoshal Editor, HuffPost
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/03/28/why-aurangzebs-reputation-as-a-tyrant-and-bigot-doesnt-stand-t_a_22013910/
WORLD
Trump backs off Brotherhood’s designation as terror body
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170328-trump-backs-off-muslim-brotherhoods-designation-as-terror-organisation/
Sources in the White House say the Trump administration has backed down on the plan to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation, the Washington Times has reported. The report suggests that senior diplomats from Jordon – a close US ally – are believed to have weighed in heavily against the idea because the movement currently holds 16 seats in the Jordanian parliament.A small group of Republicans on Capitol Hill are behind the legislation which would direct the State Dept to either designate the Brotherhood a terror group, alongside the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, or explain the decision to hold back.The legislation was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz who claimed that listing the movement would “codify needed reforms in America’s war against radical Islamic terrorism”.Republican Senator blamed former President Barack Obama of ignoring what he called “the potent threat to our civilisation due to politically correct policies that hamper our safety and security”.Online publications claimed last week that the Muslim Brotherhood was spending millions of dollars to lobby Washington to avoid being designated a terror organisation. The reports, backed by the MEMR), claim that the Brotherhood had signed contracts for $4.8 million with American lobbying firms “to help it establish ties with Trump administration officials”. middleeastmonitor
Egypt takes Qatar to court on ‘terrorism’, supporting Muslim Brotherhood charges
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170328-egypt-takes-qatar-to-court-on-terrorism-charges/
Court of Alexandria for Urgent Matters has referred a lawsuit filed by the lawyer of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Tarek Mahmoud, in which he demanded Qatar be considered a state sponsor of terrorism.The lawsuit states that “after the June 30 revolution, the Emirate of Qatar continued to intervene in the internal affairs of Egypt and to provide the Muslim Brotherhood with material and logistical support and to provide a safe haven for its terrorist leaders who had been sentenced for committing crimes and massacres against the Egyptian people.”“Through its Emir, Tamim Bin Hamad, the country supports the Jerusalem Battalions which is linked to the Daesh terrorist group which carried out despicable terrorist operations against the Egyptian state, which led to the fall of hundreds of martyrs,” it added.According to the lawsuit, ousted Egyptian President, Mohamed Morsi, leaked documents affecting national security Qatar while Doha used its media outlets to spread false news and provoke sectarian strife in Egypt. middleeastmonitor
Anti-apartheid, pro-BDS activist Ahmed Kathrada dies
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170328-anti-apartheid-pro-bds-activist-ahmed-kathrada-dies/
South African anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada died in Johannesburg yesterday aged 87. Kathrada spent 26 years in jail for protesting against the white apartheid govt in South Africa. He was tried and jailed alongside Nelson Mandela in the 1964 Rivonia trial – which drew worldwide attention to the horrors of apartheid – where he was sentenced to life imprisonment. Kathrada was one of Mandela’s closest colleagues and served as parliamentary counsellor to him between 1994 and 1999 in first African National Congress (ANC) parliament.Up until his death he campaigned for human rights, anti-racism, freedom of speech and supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. In 2013, after a trip to occupied Palestinian territories, Kathrada said:
Indian-origin anti-apartheid icon dies
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/other-news/indian-origin-anti-apartheid-icon-dies/articleshow/57875151.cms
Anti-apartheid icon Ahmed Kathrada dies
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/anti-apartheid-icon-ahmed-kathrada-dies-170328051849926.html
US: Legal spat over parents wanting to make ‘Allah’ surname of their child
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-legal-spat-over-parents-wanting-to-name-child-allah-4589578/
Washington:A civil rights group is suing the US state of Georgia because it will not let a couple give their toddler daughter “Allah” as her last name.Parents Elizabeth Handy and Bilal Walk want to name their 22-month-old daughter ZalyKha Graceful Lorraina Allah.But state officials at the Dept of Public Health said that under Georgia law, the child’s last name should either be Handy, Walk or a combination of the two, according to the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper.The Georgia branch of the American Civil Liberties Union filed suit against the state on March 23.“Govt  has no business telling parents what they can and cannot name their children,” said ACLU of Georgia Executive Director, Andrea Young.The parents said they gave the child the name Allah because it was “noble” and it had nothing to do with religion.The parents said that because of the state’s actions, they cannot get a birth certificate for the child and therefore they cannot obtain a social security number either.They also fear they will have problems with access to health care, schools and travel, the paper reported.“It is just plainly unfair and a violation of our rights,” Walk said.AFP
Petition calls for ‘removal’ of Archbishop over his views on teaching Islam
http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2017-03-28/local-news/Petition-calls-for-removal-of-Archbishop-over-his-views-on-teaching-Islam-6736172180
Archbishop Charles Scicluna’s recent comments on the issue of Islamic lessons at Church schools have not gone down well at all with some individuals, and the issue has escalated to the point of a petition calling for his removal.The ‘Petition to remove Charles Scicluna from our bishop’ was created in response to a statement the Archbishop made last week, when he spoke about being open to the idea of non-catholic students receiving education in their own religion. Mgr Scicluna said Church schools cannot deny religious freedom and stressed that the Church is not afraid of inclusivity. That being said, he also insisted that even if lessons in Islam and other religions are introduced, Church schools in Malta will remain Catholic, where students will still be exposed to “Catholic devotions” and the “crucifix will still be hanging on the wall”.
Facebook blocks 85% 'blasphemous' content in Pakistan, Islamabad high court still unhappy
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/facebook-blocks-85-blasphemous-content-in-pakistan-islamabad-high-court-still-unhappy/articleshow/57872857.cms
New Delhi: Facebook has removed 85 % of content considered insulting to Islam, but the high court in Pakistan's capital is unhappy because there's still "carpet bombing and drone attacks going on at our ideological boundaries", The News reported."(The) ideology of Pakistan, Sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and the common binding force for all Muslims in the shape of love and respect for the Prophet (PBUH) regardless of color, creed and sect are the boundaries under attack", said justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad high court (IHC) yesterday. timesofindia
US committed ‘flagrant violation of international law’ in Mosul:Amnesty International
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170328-us-committed-flagrant-violation-of-international-law-in-mosul/
Amnesty International has accused the US-led coalition in Iraq of committing “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law” following bombings in Mosul which are reported to have killed over 200 people.The rights group stated that there are serious questions about the lawfulness of these attacks following the high casualty numbers resulting from US-led coalition airstrikes and ground fighting between the Iraqi military and Daesh fighters in recent months.Donatella Rovera, senior crisis response adviser at Amnesty International, said:
30,000 Egyptians encouraged to leave Saudi
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170328-30000-egyptians-encouraged-to-leave-saudi/
Some 30,000 Egyptians who have overstaying their visas in Saudi Arabia have been encouraged to “swiftly” leave the kingdom during the 90-day amnesty that exempts them from punitive measures, Al-Ahram Online reported yesterday.The pardon, which was issued on 20 March 2017 and comes into effect tomorrow, exempts those who are in  the country illegally from deportation, a ten-year ban from entering Saudi and taking away financial, educational and work privileges if they leave the country during the amnesty. middleeastmonitor
Around 1,400 Afghan Defense Ministry staff dismissed
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/around-1-400-afghan-defense-ministry-staff-dismissed/781599
Kabul: Defense Ministry has sacked 1,394 employees, including 946 officers as part of an anti-corruption drive since September 2016, the head of a govt  commission announced in the capital Kabul Tuesday.The country’s security institutions, including the ministries of defense and interior are notorious for hosting ghost soldiers and employees apart from an appalling culture of nepotism, and political and ethnic patronage.AA
22 million children could die without urgent aid
http://aa.com.tr/en/africa/22-million-children-could-die-without-urgent-aid/781120
 Nigeria:At least 22 million children across 4 conflict-ridden countries are at risk of death as a result of sickness and famine unless urgent action is taken to address the problem, UNICEF said on Tuesday, urging a 50 % aid budget boost for those countries. UNs Children's Fund said 1.4 million of this figure -- spread across Nigeria’s northeast, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen -- may die of malnutrition this year alone as a result of drought and armed conflict which continue to devastate lives there.
UK Parliament attack: No evidence suggesting attacker had Islamic State ties, say police
https://scroll.in/latest/833004/uk-parliament-attack-no-evidence-suggesting-attacker-had-islamic-state-ties-say-police
The British police on Monday said there had been no evidence suggesting a link between the UK Parliament attacker Khalid Masood and the Islamic State, or al-Qaeda, BBC reported. However, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said Masood was interested in jihad. The incident on March 22 left four people dead.“His methods appear to be based on low sophistication, low tech, low cost techniques copied from other attacks, and echo the rhetoric of IS leaders in terms of methodology,” Basu said, adding that there was no evidence that Masood had discussed his plan with anyone. Basu said it was “pure speculation” that Masood was radicalised in prison in 2003 as there had been no evidence suggesting that.
London attacker Khalid Masood not linked to Islamic State or Al Qaeda, says Police
http://www.newsheads.in/world/news/london-attacker-khalid-masood-linked-islamic-state-al-qaeda-police/article/3751.html
Trump’s son-in-law Kushner to be questioned over ties to Russia
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/jared-kushner-russia-170327225204704.html
White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, one his most senior advisers, will testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee.The committee is investigating alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, and looking into possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russian officials.On Monday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters that Kushner is willing to testify to the Senate Intelligence Committee chaired by Republican Senator Richard Burr.
Wrong, shameful and unconstitutional move: Muslim ban represents US’ darkest era:Frank  Islam
http://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/wrong-shameful-and-unconstitutional-move-muslim-ban-represents-us-darkest-era/604090/
New Delhi:As a teenager when Fakhrul Islam, now Frank F. Islam, crossed the Atlantic in 1970 to realise his American dream, the “shining city upon a hill” opened all its doors for him, helping him become one of the most-celebrated Indian-American businessmen in the US. But today Islam, 53, fears that the country may be heading to its “darkest” era with President Donald Trump’s alleged discriminatory ban on immigrants and travellers from 6 Muslim-majority countries to protect the US from terrorist attacks. He  still feels that America continues to be an inclusive society despite President Trump’s efforts to stop immigrants from entering the US.“Muslim ban was a wrong, shameful and unconstitutional move. This is not who we are. These are not the values of America. And this kind of ban represents (the) darkest and ugliest past of America. We don’t want to go back to that past. We have entered into a dark chapter of America,” Islam told IANS in a wide-ranging interview during a recent visit to India. He said Trump has to realise that “35 per cent of the business in America, especially in the Silicon Valley, is from immigrants” who not only create wealth and also generate jobs for others.“I still look at the brighter horizon. I have the sense of optimism and hope. We have to make sure that we can still create hopes, inspirations, and dreams in people, not anxiety, anger, and fear,” the businessman-turned-philanthropist said, quoting English Puritan lawyer John Winthrop, who described the America he imagined as a “shining city upon a hill” when he founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony in New England. Notwithstanding the efforts of Trump, “who doesn’t represent what America stands for”, Islam said India needed to learn from the US how to give “opportunity to all to succeed”.IANS
 Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:18 PM)

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