Evening NEWS DIGEST
29 April 2017: 02 Shaban 1438: Vol: 8, No:177
INDIA: PERSONAL LAW RELATED ISSUES
Don't view triple talaq through prism of politics, PM Modi appeals to Muslims
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dont-allow-triple-talaq-to-be-politicised-pm-to-muslims/1/941496.html
Batting for equality for Muslim women, PM Narendra Modi today appealed to the 'enlightened' members of the community to not see the triple talaq issue from the prism of politics. He was hopeful that such members could spearhead efforts to end the infamous practice. Modi was speaking at a function to mark the Basava Jayanti celebrations in the honour of Kannada philosopher Basaveswara. He referred to the triple talaq issue while referring to the 12th century reformers movement to end regressive practices."I urge you (Muslims) not to view the triple talaq matter from a political perspective. Come out and find a solution to end this regressive ritual. Such a solution will have its own majesty and generations will remember you," he said.The PM said he was hopeful that powerful people would emerge from society and help "eradicate outdated practices and evolve modern systems".Modi called upon Indian Muslims to lead not just those from the community in the country, but to show the "path of modernity" to Muslims across the globe. "That is the kind of power and energy this land gives to all of us", he said to a thunderous applause. Referring to triple talaq, Modi said, "I am sure enlightened people will also emerge from among Muslims and come forward to end this practice, liberating our Muslim daughters and mothers from this scourge. I am sure enlightened Muslims will take this responsibility upon themselves."IndiaToday
Don’t politicise triple talaq, Modi tells Muslims
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/triple-talaq-should-not-be-seen-from-political-prism-modi/article18300825.ece?homepage=true
BJP minister who linked triple talaq to lust once dissed Hindus
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/triple-talaq-used-to-satisfy-lust-says-up-minister-swami-prasad-maurya-sparks-controversy-1687517
Lucknow: A Cabinet Minister in the BJP's UP Govt triggered a row on Saturday with his views about triple talaq. Swami Prasad Maurya said that Muslim men use the exploitative practice to "satisfy their lust by changing wives" and the BJP was hard at work to get these women justice."These talaqs have no basis... if someone only for satisfying his lust keeps changing his wives and forces his own wife and children on the streets to beg... no one will call this as right... BJP stands with Muslim women who have been given talaq unreasonably, and arbitrarily," Maurya said late on Friday night in Basti district, 200 km from state capital Lucknow.The 63-year-old BJP leader's comment, which was slammed not just by political parties but the harshest critics of triple talaq as well, come around the time that PM Narendra Modi called upon the community leaders to take the lead to save their daughters and cautioned them against letting the issue get politicised.
Muslims choose triple talaq to satisfy lust: Swami Prasad Maurya
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/muslims-choose-triple-talaq-to-satisfy-lust-swami-prasad-maurya-4633087/
Subramanian Swamy backs Maurya, says Islam permits men to commit atrocities against women
http://www.india.com/news/india/subramanian-swamy-backs-swami-prasad-maurya-says-islam-religion-permits-men-to-commit-atrocities-against-women-2081964/
New Delhi: Backing UP Cabinet minister Swami Prasad Maurya’ controversial comment on triple talaq, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Saturday said that in Islam there is no gender equality and women have third class status. Talking to ANI, Swamy said,”There is no doubt that in Islamic practice and preaching women have been given second or third class status. Triple talaq, marrying four wives tradition are examples of that.”“Islam religion permits men to commit atrocities against women. Maulana’s may disguise the fact but this is the reality of Muslim religion,” he further added. india
Shaista Amber Threatens To Move SC against UP minister Swamy Prasad Maurya
https://www.siasat.com/news/aimwplb-threatens-move-sc-min-swamy-prasad-maurya-1177000/
Lucknow : All India Muslim Women’s Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) on Saturday demanded Yogi Adityanath’s cabinet minister Swamy Prasad Maurya’s resignation a day after he made a controversial statement saying, “Muslim men resort to triple talaq to quench their ‘lust’ by changing wives”. AIMWPLB President, Shaista Amber told ANI, “Where on the one hand, Muslim women are fighting for their injustice, Cabinet Ministers like Swamy Prasad Maurya are making such obnoxious statements. He should be given strict punishment and should be sacked from his post. I would appeal to Yogi ji to sent Maurya to a mental asylum.”siasat
Extend triple talaq to all communities, demands men’s rights group
http://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/extend-triple-talaq-to-all-communities-demands-men-s-rights-group/story-7J3nEX5UxQeUgyLL7hO48L.html
Kolkata: The most ardent supporter of All India Muslim Personal Law Board perhaps could not have seen this coming -- Hridaya, a platform of tortured males based in the city have come out with the demand that triple talaq should be extended to all communities in the country to save men, and women, from harassment.They held a ‘satyagrah’ on Rani Rashmoni Road in central Kolkata on Saturday morning to press for their demand.Incidentally, Hridaya has about 5,000 members in West Bengal and just about 20% of them are Muslims, its convener said.“Hridaya, through this satyagrah, demands equal divorce law for all communities.Triple Talaq is one of the most simplistic separation marital procedure and the same needs to be extended to all communities. Hridaya is strongly against abolishing of triple talaq as the same would bring disharmony in the society,” read a statement issued by the body.“Our decision has nothing to do with our Muslim members. We view triple talaq as a convenient, hassle-free way of ending troublesome relationships where the breakdown in irreversible,” convener of the satyagrah, Suprotim Ghosh, told HT, admitting that the demand for extending the benefits of triple talaq to all communities will be considered a bit outlandish.Braving heat and humidity of end-April, Ghosh and members of his organisation assembled on Rani Rashmoni Road from 11 on Saturday morning. They held aloft placards pleading for quick end to troublesome husband-wife relations.Incidentally, as the day of final hearing of triple talaq by the supreme court -- May 11 -- draws near, the camps on both sides of the divide are conducting their last minute campaign. A satyagraha was also carried out in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. “In the absence of simplistic separation law, the warring couples have to run from pillar to post in court rooms for separation and thus the most productive life of women and men are wasted,” argued Hridaya members. “While a quick end to the agony allows both to start a new life.”They have also claimed that banning triple talaq will also increase domestic violence. “In many cases children are the worst sufferers of estranged couples living under same roof,”said another member.HT
Modi govt, not Muslims, is politicising Triple Talaq, says Muslim Personal Law Board
http://www.ummid.com/news/2017/April/29.04.2017/all-india-muslim-board-sp-congress-on-modi-triple-talaq.html
Mumbai: Hitting out at PM Narendra Modi's suggestion that the Muslims should ensure the issue of Triple Talaq was not politicised, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and opposition parties on Saturday said that he himself was politicising the issue of TripleTalaq for electoral gains."The entire Triple Talaq debate has been started by PM Modi himself, his Govt , and his own men and party. They are politicising the issue for electoral gain and to defame the Muslims."Instead of worrying about Muslim women, the PM should do something for hundreds of thousands of women who have been divorced and left abandoned by Hindus", Asma Zahra, Chief of Muslim panel's women's wing said."Cases of crimes against women are rising day by day. PM should announce some immediate measures so that women of the countrt feel safe and secure", she added.ummid.com
PM himself politicizing Triple Talaq: Mushawarat chief
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/pm-himself-politicizing-triple-talaq-muslim-umbrella-body-chief
New Delhi: Responding to the statement of PM Narendra Modi that Muslims should not politicize the issue of Triple Talaq, All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat (AIMMM), the umbrella body of major Indian Muslim organizations, said that PM himself is politicizing the issue."PM himself is doing politics when he again and again mentions the issue of Triple Talaq," said Navaid Hamid, national president of AIMMM.Hamid alleged that PM's remarks on triple talaq do not show his true concerns for Muslim women."It has more taunting connotations than the concerns of the plight of the Muslim women," said Hamid."PM , please stop politicizing and stop creating kind of hatred for the Muslim community in the country..." he added.He, however, hailed the PM for publicly admitting that it is an internal issue of the Muslim community and they themselves resolve it.IndiaTomorrow
PM himself indulging in politicisation of 'Triple Talaq' issue: Cong
http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20170429/3100940.html
New Delhi: Reacting to the statement by PM Narendra Modi that there should not be a politicisation of the 'triple talaq' issue, the Congress today said that the PM himself had been indulging in the politicisation of the issue.Talking to reporters here, AICC senior spokepseson and leader of the opposiiton in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said,''the PM himself is the champion of the politicisation of the triple talaq issue. His statement today itself is an example of a politicisation of the issue.''Asserting that none of the Opposition parties, be it JD-U, the RJD, the SP or the DMK had ever said anything on the issue, Azad said,''it is the BJP leaders and the RSS pracharaks who have been raising the issue in their electoral campaign. The statement by the Opposition parties have come only in response to the statements by the BJP leaders. PM should put a control on his partymen.''Asked about the party's stand on the issue, Azad said there was a proper procedure laid down in the Quran wherein no one could give divorce by simply sating 'talaq' to a woman thrice.''I do not think any Muslim conversant of the tenets of the Quran would endorse the way of talaq being referred to by the BJP leaders. A detailed procedure has been laid down in the Quran in this regard,''he said.Accusing BJP of raking up the issue to 'create a new vote bank', Azad said,''when the matter is subjudice, the BJP should not try to create a new vote bank.''UNI
Can PM Modi speak on gau rakshaks widowing Muslim women, asks Azam Khan: ANI
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/can-pm-modi-speak-on-gau-rakshaks-widowing-muslim-women-asks-azam-khan-4633192/
Rampur: Hours after PM Narendra Modi appealed to the Muslim community to find a proper solution for triple talaq, Samajwadi Party criticized saying that he should also speak up on other issues which are being faced by the Muslim women.“PM Modi should also focus on other problems of Muslim women. Muslim women are losing their husbands and son due to violence by Gau Rakshaks,” Samajwadi Party leader told ANI.Earlier, Congress dubbed PM ’s assertion as insignificant adding that he made the statement eyeing upcoming elections in Karnataka.“PM Modi made the statement eyeing upcoming elections in Karnataka. He has been doing this and will also continue to do in future. He is following the ideology of RSS. His speech does hold any significance,” Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said. ANI
Not just Triple Talaq, PM Modi should speak about Muslim women losing husbands to Gau Rakshaks: Azam Khan
http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/National/2017-04-29/Not-just-Triple-Talaq-PM-Modi-should-speak-about-Muslim-women-losing-husbands-to-Gau-Rakshaks-Azam-Khan/296745
Sadhvi Prachi wants triple-talaq victims to slap Muslim clerics, adopt Hinduism: hindustantimes
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sadhvi-prachi-wants-triple-talaq-victims-to-slap-muslim-clerics-adopt-hinduism/story-bfgcVnQ07RaoDmUV7Jlx7J.html
Bareilly: The ongoing debate over triple talaq plunged to a new low with controversial VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi on Saturday suggesting Muslim women who have been divorced by uttering the Arabic word thrice should adopt Hinduism after “slapping” Islamic clerics.Triple talaq – under which a Muslim man can divorce his wife by uttering “talaq” thrice – has been thrust under the national spotlight after a number of women approached the Supreme Court to ban the practice.
Positive about SC ruling on triple talaq : Justice Asok Ganguly
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/positive-about-supreme-court-ruling-on-triple-talaq-justice-asok-kumar-ganguly/articleshow/58434143.cms
Kolkata: Former Supreme Court judge Asok Kumar Ganguly today said that he was positive about the outcome of the apex court's ruling on constitutional validity of 'triple talaq', hearing of which will begin on May 11. "I think none is above the Supreme Court. The justice which will be delivered after hearing will be final. I am positive about the outcome," Justice Ganguly told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar on triple talaq. He had been asked about the Muslim Personal Law Board's stand on the issue. "I have full confidence in the constitutional accountability of the Supreme Court," he added. "I wonder for how long women would be considered as commodity in this society. I think the Muslim women don't feel free under the present triple talaq system," Justice Ganguly said. Justice Ganguly referred to the outcry when Rammohan Roy had spearheaded the 'Satidaho Birodhi' (anti-bride burning) movement and Iswarchandra Vidyasagar called for widow remarriage in Hindu society in the 19th century. Economictimes
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind launches Muslim law awareness campaign
http://www.thestatesman.com/india/jamaat-launches-muslim-law-awareness-campaign-1493397986.html
New Delhi; In the wake of recent media debates and political intervention on matters of Islamic Shariah, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has launched what it calls an awareness campaign for Muslim Personal Law. Through the 14-day campaign from 21 April, the organisation will reach out to Muslim masses and people from other communities to remove their "misconception" on Muslim law and teachings of Islam on family issues like marriage and divorce.Jamaat said it is mostly the ignorance of the Muslim masses about Islamic family laws and their consequent faulty conduct while dealing with domestic disputes that have created a distorted image of Muslims and Islam.Talking to the Statesman, Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, president of Jamaat-e- Islami Hind and also vice-president of All India Muslim personal Law Board, said, “It must be recognised that the primary reason for violation of Shariat is large-scale ignorance of Muslim masses and lack of sincere commitment to Islamic norms. A large section of Muslim society does not even know basics of Islam. Many Muslims do not know the rules and instructions which would guide them in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance and the like. Hence, there is an imperative need to educate, uplift and morally reform the Muslim society.”He said the current debate on triple talaq in the media and elsewhere is to divert attention from real issues of the community. Talking about the contradictions in Muslim Personal Law and Indian laws under the Constitution, Salim Engineer, general secretary of the Jamaat, said Muslims in India have constitutional right to practice Muslim Personal Law. “Indian constitution has given us right to practice our religious laws. It is our constitutional right,” he said During this campaign, the organisation plans to reach out 4-5 crore people, according to Mohammad Jafar, convener of the campaign and also a member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board. He told the Statesman, “For this 700 public meetings and 8000 Friday sermons will be used. The campaign will also cover 2000 villages."Statesman
Husband divorced after 3 hours, shaved as punishment after bride declares him ‘greedy’, she marries another man same day
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4455370/Bride-divorces-greedy-husband-just-THREE-HOURS.html#ixzz4feR795t6
A husband was divorced after 3 hours and had his head shaved as a punishment after his wife said he was 'greedy' and married another man on the same day.Rubana Parveen, 18, married Muntaj Ansari, 26, on Wednesday morning, in Chandwa village, in eastern India. But after the traditional Muslim nuptials the auto rickshaw driver started demanding a huge dowry and insisted on buying an expensive motorbike. The bride’s father, Bashir-ud-din Ansari, 58, who owns a hotel, had already bought him a motorbike but Muntaz wasn’t satisfied and demanded a better model.A witness said: ‘Everyone kept telling the groom to calm down and tried convincing him to accept what he was given. 'But he kept threatening to go home without his new bride. The groom and bride’s father were arguing a lot. It was a crazy scene.’ Bride Rubana decided to call a local ‘Qazi’, also known as a Muslim judge or adjudicator, and with her family’s support she declared an open ‘Talaaq’, which is a Muslim divorce.Bashir-ud-din said he made sure Muntaj’s family return all gifts and dowry money already paid. Muntaj’s family were so ashamed they wrote a letter of apology promising to return everything.Local residents were outraged with Muntaz’s behavior and as a punishment they made him wear a garland of shoes with a placard reading: ‘I am greedy for dowry’. They even shaved a strip of hair off his head, along with his brother.But later that evening Bashir-ud-din, who is a father of four, arranged for another local man to marry his daughter.He contacted the family of Mohammed Elias, 25, who lived 25kms from Rubana, and arranged for the pair to marry that same evening. That night wedding celebrations continued as planned.Bashir-ud-din said: ‘I’ve no regrets for what has happened. I’m just happy that my daughter doesn’t have to spend the rest of her life with that greedy man. 'She’s now thankfully very happy she’s married and I bless them for life.’DailyMail
OHERS
India, Pakistan must discuss Kashmir: President Erdogan
https://in.news.yahoo.com/india-pakistan-must-discuss-kashmir-president-erdogan-143405957.html
Ankara; In what appears to be a departure from Turkey's traditional stand on Kashmir, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Pakistan and India must discuss their festering dispute.In an interview ahead of his visit to India, Erdogan also said that the obvious similarity between separatist Kurds and Kashmiris was one between "apples and oranges"."If we compare apples to oranges, we will make a mistake, a big mistake," the President told news portal WION."We have no problems with the Kurdish people, Kurdish citizens in Turkey. We have a problem with terrorist organisations."With regard to the Kashmir question, there is no similarity whatsoever. The nature of the two disputes is different."There is a territorial dispute in J&K . Pakistan, as a state, is pursuing its own theory and arguments. And they are right."But India as a state is also pursuing her own agenda, her own arguments and she is right too." Erdogan added that in J&K , "there is a state of India, and there is one of Pakistan, who are both in need of settling this dispute once and for all".Erdogan said Turkey would never use the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) against India."We would never release statements against India... All we want to see is open the channels for dialogue in order to bring India and Pakistan closer to one another, in order to hopefully settle the dispute on Kashmir once and for all."This is what is troubling us, this is what we are working on."Asked why Turkey blocked New Delhi's admission to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Erdogan said Ankara had "always been supportive of India's entry into NSG and also that of Pakistan in a similar way".He said both countries "have nuclear capabilities and both are right".The President denied linking India with Pakistan. "We are not linking the two. That is why I said India's right and Pakistan's right too."They have both nuclear capabilities. We are trying to act very fairly and are supportive of India. And India's PM has thanked me for that support."Similarly we have been supportive of Pakistan too."Erdogan said there should be no permanent or non-permanent seats in the UN. Instead, he suggested that 20 member countries should rotate every two years in the Security Council."India is a very important power in that regard and India should be represented at the Security Council... The Security Council has never been reformed, it needs to be updated."IANS
Turkey may use FETO as bargaining chip for India's NSG bid
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/turkey-may-use-feto-as-bargaining-chip-for-india-s-nsg-bid-117042900259_1.html
New Delhi:Amid speculations that FETO in India could cause friction during talks between visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Indian PM Narendra Modi, analysts have suggested that Turkey could use the issue of Fethullah Gulen-linked educational institutions as a bargaining chip with India, in return of supporting New Delhi's entry into the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) group.According to senior Syrian journalist Dr. Waiel Awwad, Erdogan who now enjoys extended executive powers post the referendum, will call the shots in Turkey as his goal is to fight the Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) across the world."This is one of the main (aim of) Erdogan, to fight the Fethullah organisation and institutions around the world and he has to show the world that he is the man who pulls the shot. There may be some kind of evidence presented by the Turkish President to the Indian side (on presence of FETO in India). The Turkish President could start using it as a barraging chip to India. He has his own interests in having good relations with India," Dr. Awwad told ANI.ANI
Economic windfall eyed from Erdogan's India visit
http://aa.com.tr/en/economy/economic-windfall-eyed-from-erdogans-india-visit/808064
New Delhi; Turkish business world is expecting stronger economic ties, more direct investments, and solutions to existing problems from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to India on Sunday and Monday, according to analysts and Turkish officials.Canan Celebioglu, head of the Turkey-India Business Council of Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), told Anadolu Agency on Saturday that the trade balance between the two countries, which favors India, must become sustainable for Turkey’s benefit as well.“The share of bilateral trade is around 2 % of Turkey’s $350 billion foreign trade volume. This figure is below 1% of India’s total trade volume, which is almost $700 billion. It shows that we are quite below the current potential,” she said.Celebioglu noted that India, which is on the way to becoming the largest market in Asia, stands among the world’s top 10 economies in terms of both GDP and purchasing power parity rankings with its young 1.3 billion population, rapid growing middle class, fast urbanization, and economic transformation. Anadolu agency
Turkey and India set to rediscover a lost friendship
https://www.dailysabah.com/columns/ilnur-cevik/2017/04/29/turkey-and-india-set-to-rediscover-a-lost-friendship
Turkey seeks defence ties with India
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/turkey-seeks-defence-tieswith-india/article18279467.ece
New Delhi;Looking beyond traditional military ties with Pakistan and the NATO member countries, Turkey is eager to build a defence partnership with India.A senior Turkish official said that apart from defence, Ankara wants to explore nuclear and space opportunities with India and intends to join hands with it for a more just world order.“India is one of the biggest importers of defence material in the world and has an excellent defence industry. That is why we are keen to build partnership with India’s defence industry,” said H. Ilnur Cevik, Senior Adviser to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey.Turkey and Pakistan have been traditional friends since the 1950s when both joined the Western Bloc. But Cevik maintained that Turkey has decided to create space for cooperation with India. thehindu
SC advice to Centre, Valley protesters: Take 2 steps back, talk
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-advice-to-centre-valley-protesters-take-two-steps-back-talk-kashmir-unrest-4632576/
New Delhi:The Supreme Court Friday observed that peace will perhaps remain elusive in the Kashmir Valley if issues of “secession” are raised while stones are pelted, and schools and colleges remain shut. A bench led by Chief Justice of India J S Khehar also remarked that it would be appropriate if “both sides take two steps back” and “address core issues”.“If you keep throwing stones, and close schools and colleges, how will talks happen? You first talk. But if you are suggesting secession, nothing will happen. Talks have to be within the framework of the Constitution,” remarked the bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul.The bench said that “one cannot clap without both hands” and that it could issue some orders, including suspension of use of pellet guns by the armed forces, if the J&K Bar Association could make sure there would not be any violent protests nor would harm be caused to anyone through stone-pelting.The court asked the Bar Association to take “one positive step” to defuse the crisis. “The students must return to schools and colleges as education can empower them,” observed the bench.Meanwhile, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi ruled out any dialogue between the central Govt and separatists raising issues of “Azadi” and “accession” in the Valley.He submitted that the Govt was firm that it would speak only to legally recognised stakeholders and not those who call elections as state terrorism.On being asked by the bench as to what could bring peace in the Valley, the AG said that it was not possible to withdraw security forces or tie their hands since national security was at stake in the border state. indianexpress
'Stone-pelting must STOP': SC orders Kashmiri students to go back to school in bid to bring peace to J&K
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-4456812/SC-says-pellet-guns-J-K-stone-pelting-ends.html#ixzz4feQfz9EH
Won’t talk to separatists: Centre tells SC on Kashmir crisis
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/wont-talk-to-separatists-centre-tells-supreme-court-on-kashmir-crisis-4631718/
Govt told the Supreme Court it was ready to talk to recognised political parties in J&K to resolve the crisis there but not with the separatists. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi made it clear that the Govt would come to the negotiating table only if the recognised parties participate in the dialogue and not the separatist elements. He made the submissions before a bench, comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul, while rubbishing the claim of the J&K High Court Bar Association that the Centre was not coming forward for discussion and dialogue to resolve the crisis.PTI
Go meet people in Kashmir Valley, Ladakh, address their concerns, Amit Shah tells BJP state ministers
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/amit-shah-jammu-visit-bjp-ministers-go-meet-people-in-kashmir-valley-ladakh-and-address-their-concerns-4633182/
Jammu: Giving a clarion call to leaders and workers for expanding the party base not only in Jammu but all the three regions of the state, Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Saturday asked BJP ministers in Mehbooba Mufti led coalition Govt to visit Kashmir Valley and meet cross section of people there.Quoting Shah, BJP MLA from Nowshera Ravinder Raina said that the party president asked BJP ministers that they shall not remain confined to their own assembly constituencies, but they shall go to remote areas of Kashmir Valley and also Ladakh region, meet common people and address to their problems. Addressing a meeting of party leaders and workers including ministers, legislators and office bearers at the Convention Centre here, he reminded participants that for BJP, nation always comes first and it has been the priority of both the Central and the state Govt to restore peace and normalcy in the Valley, Raina added. indianexpress
Noise over Kupwara attack aimed to spread hate against Muslims: Farooq Abdullah
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/noise-over-kupwara-attack-aimed-to-spread-hate-against-muslims-farooq-abdullah/articleshow/58434555.cms
New Delhi: National Conference chief Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday claimed that the "beating drums" on the death of three army soldiers in north Kashmir's Kupwara district was aimed at spreading hatred against Muslims."The noise is not so much about 25 CRPF jawans getting killed in Chhattisgarh, rather, the noise is about three army men killed in Kupwara. They are beating the drum to increase hatred towards Muslims, please keep this in mind," Farooq said."Now a days, new tricks are being played, be careful. This is not an attack on particular sect of people, but on all of us," he added. timesofindia
WhatsApp Modi? Kashmir social media blackout fails to stop youth from logging on and posting discontent
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-4450564/Telecom-struggles-block-22-social-media-banned-Kashmir.html#ixzz4feQn7Emd
Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir banned 22 social media sites in an effort to calm tensions in the disputed region after videos depicting the alleged abuse of Kashmiris by Indian forces fuelled protests. But the sites remained online Thursday as the local telecom company struggled to block them and defiant Kashmiri citizens continued to post their discontent with the climate in the region.The Govt said Wednesday that the one-month ban was necessary for public safety because social media were being 'misused by anti-national and anti-social elements.' dailymail
Kashmir: Mobile internet services restored after 2 weeks
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kashmir-mobile-internet-services-restored-after-2-weeks-4633233/
Mobile internet services were today restored in Kashmir, two weeks after they were suspended in view of widespread student protests in the Valley against alleged highhandedness of security forces at a college in Pulwama on April 15. Restrictions placed on accessing internet on mobile phones on April 17 have been lifted four days after the state Govt directed the internet service providers not to allow access to 22 websites and applications, observing they were being misused by anti-national elements to disturb peace in Kashmir.PTI
Election Commission to soon call all-party meet to assure them EVMs are tamper-proof
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/eci-to-soon-call-all-party-meeting-on-evm-issue-naism-zaidi/1/941527.html
New Delhi:In the wake of the growing chorus of demands from political parties questioning the authenticity of EVMs in ensuring free and transparent polling, the Election Commission has said that it will call an all-party meet soon to assure that the machines were tamper-proof and secure.Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi made an announcement to this effect today.Zaidi added that the poll panel intended to use Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in all the upcoming elections to bring in more transparency and help boost the confidence of voters in the electoral process."We will soon hold an all-party meeting in which they will be told how our EVMs are non-tamperable and secured as per our administrative and technical safeguard system," the Chief Election Commissioner told reporters in Delhi. He was replying to questions about charges levelled by several political parties against the transparency of EVMs. Recently, 16 opposition parties had appealed to the Election Commission of India to revert to the ballot system of voting, claiming that the faith of the people in EVMs had been "eroded".IndiaToday
Delhi civic polls have shown that EVM is ‘Every Vote Modi’: Yogi
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/politics/290417/delhi-civic-polls-have-shown-that-evm-is-every-vote-modi-yogi.html
Gorakhpur: Showering praises on PM Narendra Modi, UP CM said that the recent Delhi civic polls results have shown that ‘EVM’ stands for ‘Every Vote Modi’, referring to the recent charges against the polling machines. Adityanath also vowed that law-breakers will be reprimanded strictly in the state.“We had urged earlier too. People who do not respect the law can leave UP and who don't will be dealt strictly with,” he stated. “There has been a transformation in law and order situation in UP and this will continue in the future too (sic),” he added. The comments come in the wake of a recent crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses in the state and increasing cow vigilantism across the country.Deccan Chronicle
Akhilesh again questions credibility of EVMs
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/akhilesh-yadav-again-questions-credibility-of-evms/article18300685.ece?homepage=true
Lucknow: Ex-UP CM Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday again questioned the credibility of EVMs after the state police found a chip-like device used in stealing petrol.“When petrol can be stolen with the help of a remote through a chip without any internet connection then EVMs too. Need to stop the wrong use of technology,” the Samajwadi Party president tweeted.Mr. Yadav’s remarks came two days after the STF in Lucknow raided several petrol pumps and found them using a chip board like device inside the dispensing machines for petrol theft.IANS
Malegaon blast accused Purohit moves SC for bail
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-malegaon-blast-accused-purohit-moves-sc-for-bail-2421234
New Delhi; Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, the prime accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast, moved the Supreme Court on Friday, barely days after the Bombay High Court rejected his bail application. Purohit's advocate Neela Gokhale mentioned the matter before the bench led by the Chief Justice of India JS Khehar and sought a date for Monday. The bench, however, advised Gokhale to go through the process and the matter would be taken up in due course of time.On April 25, the Bombay High Court denied Purohit bail while granting it to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur for the lack of "incriminating or objectionable material" against her. Referring to a NIA report, the HC had said, "Purohit was the one who prepared a separate 'Constitution' for 'Hindu Rashtra' with a separate saffron colour flag. He also discussed taking revenge for the atrocities committed by the Muslims on Hindus."DNA
Malegaon blasts: HC seeks NIA stand on Sadhvi Pragya’s plea
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/malegaon-blasts-bombay-hc-seeks-nia-stand-on-sadhvi-pragyas-plea-4632234/
Mumbai:The Bombay High Court today sought the NIA’s stand on a plea by the Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur against the trial court’s permission to a blast victim’s father to assist the prosecution in the case.A bench of justices V K Tahilramani and M S Karnik issued the notice also to the victim’s father, Nisar Bilal, seeking his stand on Sadhvi’s plea and posted the matter for further hearing in June.Facing trial in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has moved the high court against the special NIA court order permitting the victim’s family to assist the prosecution in the trial. The anti-terror court had in February this year permitted Bilal, the father of a victim who had died in the September 29, 2008 blasts, to intervene in the case and assist the prosecution in the trial against Sadhvi and 10 others.PTI
7 kids hurt in crude bomb blast at Urdu school in Patna
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/seven-kids-hurt-in-crude-bomb-blast-at-urdu-school-in-patna/story-osOsMLykpVdp9vgbYGisMP.html
Patna: 7 students of a state Govt -run Urdu middle school in Patna City suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious, on Saturday morning, when a low intensity bomb blast was triggered off on the school premises, 500 metres from Khajekalan police station in eastern Patna.The explosion occurred on the roof of an under construction building of the Urdu School around 11 am, when a boy, in a group of seven, hit a ball type object they had found in the building. The boys suffered splinter injuries from what is suspected to be an improvised ‘desi’ bomb.Police said injuries to four students, identified as Mohammad Faizan 10, Mohammad Arman 9, Mohammad Adil, 7, and Mohammad Jishan, 8, were serious. Three others sustained minor injuries. All the injured were rushed to nearby Guru Govind Singh hospital for treatment. hindustantimes
Man ‘cooked-up’ story of IS threat, attack: Police
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/man-cooked-up-story-of-is-threat-attack-police-4632543/
Ahmedabad/surendranagar: Cyber Cell of Ahmedabad Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) and Surendranagar police on Friday said a man who had recently claimed threats to his life by members of Islamic State as they were behind his research papers on a drug formula for treating HIV/AIDS and other diseases, including Malaria, had cooked-up the story. Surendranagar-based Mukesh Shukla, who uses prefix such as ‘Doctor’ and ‘Scientist’ before his name, had also made up a story of a chemical attack on him April 21. He had told police that he was attacked by three unidentified men when he was returning home, and robbed of Rs 24,000 cash, a 54 GB pen-drive containing his research on HIV, and his Aadhaar card. Following the FIR, local police sought help from the DCB, Ahmedabad, considering a IS “threat letter” and the chemical attack. Shukla was also provided police protection, which continued till Thursday, sources said.A few days ago, Surendranagar SP Deepak Meghani had said: “We don’t want to take any chance. We are probing the case from all angles… We are also probing if there could be any locals involved in the alleged attack on him on April 21.” DCB dispatched a team to Surendranagar and started investigation. In the meanwhile, an expert of Arabic language told the DCB officials that language used in the letter was not proper. The expert found that sentence formation was abrupt and random. Officials said that after several attempts they decoded the letter and came to conclusion that it was written using Google translator. “We checked the computer system of Shukla and extracted all the data. We examined the data and found a letter written in English got translated exactly as the threat letter through the Google application,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police, DCB, Rajdeepsinh Jhala. indianexpress
Pak national held at Delhi airport after he claims he's an ISI agent
http://www.timesnow.tv/india/video/pakistan-national-apprehended-at-delhi-airport-after-he-claims-hes-an-isi-agent/60138?google_editors_picks=true
New Delhi: A 38-year-old Pakistani national was detained at Terminal 3 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport after he claimed to be a part of the Pakistan’s ISI.Around 4.15 pm, a passenger approached the information desk in the international retail area and informed one of the staff that he wanted to share information about the ISI. The staffer alerted the security and the CISF then took the 38-year-old Pakistani national into custody. The Intelligence Bureau was also informed, who reached the spot to question the Pakistani national.The passenger has been identified as 38-year-old Muhammad Ahmad Sheikh, who arrived in Delhi from Dubai and was bound for Kathmandu. During questioning, Sheikh revealed that he is connected with the ISI but has claimed that he wants to quit ISI and remain in India. He has further claimed that his family is under the control of the organisation and he wants to stay in India. timesnow
These are all rumours…Bhai is fit and fine: Chhota Shakeel on reports that Dawood Ibrahim critical after heart attack
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/these-are-all-rumours-bhai-is-fit-and-fine-chhota-shakeel-on-reports-that-dawood-ibrahim-critical-after-heart-attack/
New Delhi: With unverified news reports, late Friday evening, stating that India’s most wanted criminal Dawood Ibrahim is in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack, his close aide Chhota Shakeel has dismissed them as baseless, saying Dawood is ‘fit and fine’.Speaking to Times of India, Shakeel also refuted reports, some in the Pakistani media, that Dawood had passed away following the attack. “Listening to my voice, do you think any such thing has happened? These are all rumours,” he told TOI over a telephone conversation from Karachi. “Bhai is fit and fine.”Unverified news reports began surfacing last evening that Dawood, who is reportedly residing in Pakistan, suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Karachi’s Aga Khan Hospital. Some reports claimed he was in a critical condition while others said he had passed away. indianexpress
Dawood Ibrahim is 2nd richest gangster of all time; 10 things about most wanted global terrorist
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dawood-ibrahim-pakistan-karachi/1/941579.html
New Delhil:The reports of Dawood Ibrahim being seriously ill have led to speculations about the successor of his business empire.Some reports suggest that his brother Anees would inherit the trans-continental business of the most wanted international terrorist while others hint at a more equitable sharing of Dawaood Ibrahim's assets among his family members and trusted aides.According to Forbes, Dawood Ibrahim is one of the richest gangsters of all time. In 2015, Forbes estimated Ibrahim's net asset at USD 6.7 billion.IndiaToday
Dawood Ibrahim ‘aide’ gets bail, to walk out of jail after 13 years
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/dawood-ibrahim-aide-gets-bail-to-walk-out-of-jail-after-13-years-4632529/
Ahmedabad: Gujarat High Court on Friday granted bail to Umar Ismail Bukhari alias Mamumiya Panjumiya — alleged aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim — in connection with an arms haul case lodged in Ahmedabad in 1993. With this Mamumiya Panjumiya will be out of jail for the first time after he was arrested in 2004, and subsequently in various others cases, including the Gosabara arms landing case in Porbandar in which he was later acquitted. indianexpress
School in Meerut gives veg tiffin order, wants ‘military’ haircut for boys: indianexpress
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/school-in-meerut-gives-veg-tiffin-order-wants-military-haircut-for-boys-4632447/
Meerut: A private school in Meerut has ordered its students not to bring non-vegetarian tiffin and also allegedly verbally conveyed to the boys that they must sport a “military” haircut. The instructions, issued via a notice on April 2, had barred students from bringing omelette or other non-vegetarian food in their lunch boxes. It had added that offenders would be dealt with sternly. The diktat has upset a section of parents of the 2,850-odd students who study at Rishabh Academy. Run by a trust of Jains, the school has a temple on its premises. Its students come from varied castes and religious backgrounds. Following notice, some parents held a demonstration outside the school on Thursday. They also met District Magistrate Sameer Verma while alleging that the school was trying to impose the “RSS agenda” on their wards.
Upper caste members pour kerosene in Dalits’ well in revenge in MP village
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/upper-caste-members-pour-kerosene-in-dalits-well-in-revenge-in-mp-village/story-ILLinVN74ubSSr4OIhYquJ.html
Bhpoal/Agar Malwa: A Dalit villager’s decision to hire a band party to welcome the bridegroom at his daughter’s wedding in a village in Madhya Pradesh drew a cruel retribution from upper caste villagers who allegedly poured kerosene into a well used by so-called low castes.The incident in Mana village in Agar Malwa district, about 200 km from the state capital, last week once again underlined caste fault lines in the country.As the Dalits could not drink the contaminated water they dug a hole on the banks of the Kalisindh river for an alternate source of water. Simultaneously, they also used a pump to suck out the contaminated water in the well. hindustantimes
BJP to field 10% Muslim candidates in W. Bengal municipal polls
http://economictimes.Indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bjp-to-field-10-muslim-candidates-in-west-bengal-municipal-elections/articleshow/58424588.cms
Kolkata: In a major policy shift, the BJP has decided to field at least 10% Muslim candidates in the upcoming municipality elections in West Bengal even as party president Amit Shah has instructed the party leadership in the state to involve educated and indigenous Muslims in the party's affairs. economictimes
Zakia Jafri plea against clean chit to PM Modi: No scope for further probe, SIT tells Gujarat HC
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/zakia-jafri-plea-against-clean-chit-to-pm-modi-no-scope-for-further-probe-sit-tells-gujarat-hc-4632531/
Ahmedabad: Defending its closure report giving clean chit to the then CM Narendra Modi and 60 others in the 2002 riots, the Supreme Court-appointed SIT on Friday told the Gujarat High Court that there was no scope for any further investigation into the allegations of Zakia Jafri, wife of former Congress MP Ahsan Jafri who was killed in the Gulberg Society massacre. Zakia has challenged the SIT clean chit to Modi and the others, including several police officials and politicians. She had alleged that Modi along with the others were responsible for the widespread riots, which were part of a “larger conspiracy”.A day after lawyers representing Zakia concluded their submissions before the High Court, SIT counsel C S Vaidyanathan argued that Zakia’s complaint was “investigated, reinvestigated and further investigated” under the supervision of the apex court till the closure report was filed before the magisterial court in 2012 in Ahmedabad. And therefore, there was nothing left in the allegations which require further probe, the SIT counsel said. Vaidyanathan argued that the SC ordered the report be placed before the magisterial court as per the provision since the investigation was done under Section 173 (8) and directed the lower court decide the matter in accordance with the law.“ indianexpress
BJP MP asked Police to ‘Fire on these Pigs’ referrring to Muslims: Samajwadi Party report on Saharanpur violence: twocircles
http://twocircles.net/2017apr28/408607.html
A 5-member Samajwadi Party delegation that visited Saharanpur to investigate the violence happened in the city on April 20 has alleged that Saharanpur MP Ram Lakhanpal Sharma asked the police to fire on the Muslims.According to the delegation, Sharma said, “Fire on these pigs (Muslims). I am the captain here and I am ordering you. I have the Govt in the state now.”This allegation was confirmed by some of our police sources, while other sources were unable to recall the exact words of MP as it was chaotic all around.SP delegation also alleged that when the police force did not follow the orders of Ram Lakhanpal Sharma, his younger brother Rahul Lakhanpal Sharma grabbed the collar of some officers on the spot and threatened them.That was the moment when MP, his brother, and their supporters started violence against Police officials.On April 20, MP Ram Lakhanpal Sharma and his supporters carried out a procession in ‘respect’ of B R Ambedkar in Saharanpur, even after the administration denied them giving the permission to carry out the procession.When the procession march entered the Dudhali village which has over 85 % populations of Muslims and 15 % of Schedule Castes, BJP members started passing derogatory comments against the Muslim community.
SC to hear Babri Masjid demolition case on Thursday: A look at the case history
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/apr/29/sc-to-hear-babri-masjid-demolition-case-on-thursday-a-look-at-the-case-history-1599075.html
The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing, related to the Babri Masjid demolition case involving senior BJP leaders, to Thursday. A bench headed by Justice PC Ghose stated it will take up the matter on Thursday when Justice RF Nariman, who was present during the last hearing, will be back. Two sets of cases were filed in regard to the Babri Masjid demolition. One is FIR No. 197/1992 which was filed against unknown karsevaks involved in the demolition of the structure. The second is FIR No. 198/1992 which was filed against top leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti, Vinay Katiyar, and others. newindianexpress
Kerala: Moulavi murder: Spl prosecutor sought
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/moulavi-murder-spl-prosecutor-sought/articleshow/58424044.cms
Kozhikode: The state Govt may consider the request from the officer-bearers of the Choori mosque committee in Kasaragod that a special prosecutor of their choice may be appointed in the case related to the murder of Riyaz Moulavi, who was killed inside the mosque allegedly by Sangh Parivar workers on March 21.The office-bearers are learnt to have contacted the CM 's office and conveyed their preferences. "They want Adv M Ashokan as the special prosecutor and me as his assistant. The Govt may heed to the demand," said Adv C Shukkur, former Govt pleader from Kasaragod. timesofindia
Assam’s 2-child norm in draft policy ‘unnecessary’, ‘anti-women’
http://twocircles.net/2017apr28/408597.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Kolkata: Assam’s suggestion of implementing a two-child policy is not only “unnecessary” but is also “anti-women” and “anti-poor”, says an expert.“Assam’s total fertility rate (TFR) at 2.2 is not too far from India’s replacement level fertility, which is 2.1. Therefore, the suggestion of implementing a two-child policy would not only be unnecessary but also grossly severe,” Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, Population Foundation of India, told IANS over email.“In the past, in UP , Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh when the law in these states debarred women with more than two children from contesting panchayat elections, we saw an increase in sex-selective abortions, women being deserted, and women giving their children up for adoption,” she said.Muttreja said the policy is “a violation of a couple’s prerogative to a rights-based approach to family planning, and indicates that numbers matter more than people do”.IANS
WORLD
Pak Army 'Rejects' Nawaz Sharif's Decision To Sack Aide Tariq Fatemi After News Leak
http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pak-army-rejects-nawaz-sharifs-decision-to-sack-aide-tariq-fatemi-calls-it-incomplete-action-1687601
Islamabad: PM Nawaz Sharif today faced a crisis when Pakistan's powerful army rejected his move to sack top aide Tariq Fatemi and demanded full implementation of recommendations by a committee which probed a story on a rift between the army and the Govt . Sharif Govt was quick to go in damage control mode after confrontation with the army over a "notification" and announced that "real notification" to implement the recommendation of probe was yet to be issued. Difference came to fore between army and Govt after the military, in an unusual move, rejected the "notification" by the Govt to sack special foreign affairs assistant Mr Fatemi by Mr Sharif following the findings of a probe committee."Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected," army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said in terse statement on Twitter.Minutes later, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in veiled criticism of the hasty reaction by the army said, "Twitter reactions were highly dangerous for the country.""There are several issues of great importance and it's unfortunate that they are being dealt with through tweets. State institutions don't communicate with each other through tweets," Khan said.PTI
'Old friend' of PM Nawaz Sharif triggers new row in Pakistan
http://www.ibtimes.co.in/old-friend-pm-nawaz-sharif-triggers-new-row-pakistan-724879
When an "old friend" from a country meets the PM of a hostile neighbour, it is bound to raise eyebrows.The "old friend" is none other than the man in the picture above, Indian industrialist and chairman of the JSW Steel Sajjan Jindal, and the PM is Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif. However, in the context of the estranged neighbours coming to a near diplomatic face-off over Pakistan alleging a captured former Naval officer as an "Indian spy" and sentencing him to death, the visit has triggered a row in Pakistan.Jindal, believed to be a common friend of Indian PM Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif, met the Pakistani PM at Murree on Wednesday.Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, who led the FO team at the Muree meeting, did not respond to the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee on Friday, reported the Dawn, a Pakistani daily.Jindal's visit coincided with the Indian envoy Gautam Bambawale's appeal filed with the Pakistan foreign office against the death sentence given to Kulbhushan Jadhav on the basis of questionable court hearing that concluded he was an "Indian spy". Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Sharif tried to play down Jindal's visit, amid the controversy. ibtimes
Dawn leaks: Nawaz Sharif's top aide likely to be sacked
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nawaz-sharif-pakistan-prime-minister-tariq-fatemi-news-leak-scam-panama-case-verdict/1/941564.html
Tensions rise between Pakistan Govt , military
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/nawaz-sharif-sacks-trusted-aide-over-news-leak-of-Govt -military-rift/article18305088.ece?homepage=true
Anger after Iran soldiers killed by Baluchi fighters from Pakistan
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170429-anger-after-iran-soldiers-killed-by-baluchi-fighters-from-pakistan/
Iran’s foreign ministry has summoned Pakistan’s ambassador in Tehran to protest against the killing of nine Iranian soldiers by Baluchi fighters attacking from neighbouring Pakistan, Iran’s IRNA reported yesterday.The Sunni Baluchi group called Jaish Al-Adl, or the Army of Justice, has claimed responsibility for the attack on Wednesday in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan Province, where the Baluchi Sunni Muslims have long been repressed by the Shia theocracy in Tehran on ethnic and religious grounds.“Iran expects Pakistan to take serious and essential measures to arrest and punish those terrorists responsible for the killing of our nine guards,” IRNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying. middleeastmonitor
Hezb-i-Islami's Hekmatyar to Taliban: Lay down arms
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/hezb-islami-hekmatyar-taliban-lay-arms-170429082441681.html
Laghman; Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of Afghanistan's Hezb-i-Islami, has called on the Taliban to come to the negotiating table in his first public appearance in 20 years.At least 200 people welcomed Hekmatyar on Saturday in Afghanistan's eastern Laghman province, where he was conducting meetings with members of his team for the past two days."Ask the militants who are they fighting with? The Govt ? The people - the innocent people of Afghanistan?" Hekmatyar said at the public gathering."If you lay down your guns and come forward, I will be the first one to call you my brother. To the Taliban, [I say] come forward, let's talk about peace and prosperity, and join us in this peace process in Afghanistan."Hekmatyar is expected to make a speech in the coming days in Kabul, where many Afghans have mixed feelings about his return.Large posters of Hekmatyar and his group members were seen lying torn on streets."Dwelling on the past events will bring nothing to this country. If we hold on to what he did in the past, we will never move forward," Zakariya Safari, who was present at the gathering said."But at the same time, we cannot be sure whether Hekmatyar's return will bring any peace to the country because it is not as easy as it sounds."It will require many groups and individuals who have different ideologies and beliefs to come to one solution. It does not seem that easy to me." aljazeera
Former Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar ‘wants peace’
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/former-afghan-warlord-gulbuddin-hekmatyar-wants-peace/article18307670.ece
-US marines return to Taliban stronghold of Helmand
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/marines-return-taliban-stronghold-helmand-170429090406248.html
Israel to build 25,000 new settlement units in Jerusalem
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170429-israel-to-build-25000-new-settlement-units-in-jerusalem/
For 2 years, the Israeli Govt has been planning to build 25,000 new settlement units in Jerusalem, an Israeli minister with knowledge of the plans revealed on Thursday.Israeli Housing Minister Yoav Galant told the Israeli television Channel 2 on Thursday that his ministry had been discussing the plan with Jerusalem’s Jewish municipality for two years.He stated that 10,000 settlement units of the 25,000 are to be built in West Jerusalem, the part of the holy city occupied in 1948, and 15,000 were to be built in East Jerusalem, the part of the holy city which was occupied in 1967 and which the Palestinian Authority hopes will be the capital of its future state.Yesterday,middleeastmonitor
Palestinian 'day of rage' in support of prisoners
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/palestinian-day-rage-support-prisoners-170428085918175.html
Ramallah, West Bank - At least 50 Palestinian protesters were injured in clashes with Israeli forces on a "day of rage" held across the occupied Palestinian territories to show solidarity with more than 1,500 prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli prisons.The majority of injuries resulted from tear gas inhalation, while some protesters were shot with live or rubber bullets, a ministry spokesperson told Al Jazeera. Director of Ramallah Hospital Ahmad Bitawi said more than 20 people were injured. He said most were leg injuries and not life threatening.The "day of rage" was called for by Fatah, the political party of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and the national committee to support the prisoners' hunger strike. aljazeera
Israel raids Beit Ummar, sprays houses with sewage
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170429-israel-raids-beit-ummar-sprays-houses-with-sewage/
Brotherhood leader Akef’s health to be assessed to allow for his release
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170428-brotherhood-leader-akefs-health-to-be-assessed-to-allow-for-his-release/
An Egyptian court ordered that a medical committee be formed to examine former Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mahdi Akef after he was diagnosed with cancer while serving a life sentence in prison, the Anadolu Agency reported.The Turkish news agency quoted a source who spoke on condition of anonymity as saying that the Cairo Criminal Court yesterday adjourned its ruling on a number of defendants who suffered ill health until 3 May and ordered that a medical committee be formed to examine them as a prelude to their possible release.Akef and other defendants, including the Brotherhood’s Deputy Supreme Guide Khairat Al-Shater, had been sentenced to life for the role they allegedly played in protests held on 30 June 2013 against the Muslim Brotherhood in Cairo’s Mokattam neighbourhood where demonstrators called for then President, Morsi to step down. middleeastmonitor
Turkey: Over 1,600 suspects held in nation-wide operations
http://www.worldbulletin.net/turkey-1600-suspects-held-in-nation-wide-operations/188730/turkey-1600-suspects-held-in-nation-wide-operations
A massive public security operation has seen almost 1,628 people detained across Turkey, the police department said early Saturday.The operation named ‘Huzur Turkiye - 5' (Peace Turkey) was conducted late Friday simultaneously in strategic areas and public places across 81 provinces, according to Security General Directorate.World Bulletin
Daesh attacks kill 14 Iraqi policemen in Mosul
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/daesh-attacks-kill-14-iraqi-policemen-in-mosul/808052
Nineveh, Iraq; At least 14 Iraqi policemen were killed in a spate of suicide bombings in western Mosul on Saturday, according to a local police officer. Six Daesh bombers blew up themselves in Bab al-Toub district in Mosul's Old City with Daesh militants seizing control of two buildings in the area where federal police personnel were stationed, First Lieutenant Harith Kazim told Anadolu Agency. "Fourteen police personnel were killed and 20 others injured in the attacks," he said.
Syrians recall life under siege in Al-Zabadani
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/syrians-recall-life-under-siege-in-al-zabadani/808037
Idlib; Syrians evacuated from Al-Zabadani district under a March 30 agreement between the Syrian regime and opposition groups have recounted their suffering in the besieged area. On April 19, Some 3,700 people were evacuated from five besieged districts -- Madaya, Al-Zabadani, Al-Jabal al-Sharqi, Ain al-Fijah and Baqin -- northwest of Damascus. The evacuees from Al-Zabadani were transferred to the opposition-controlled Idlib city. Anadolu agency
Myanmar: Mob forces closure of 2 Muslim schools
http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/myanmar-mob-forces-closure-of-2-muslim-schools/808048
Yangon:Fearing violence, two Muslim religious schools in Myanmar’s largest city were closed after an anti-Muslim mob claimed they were being operated as mosques, a police source said Saturday.More than 100 people led by ultra-nationalist Buddhist monks gathered Friday evening in Yangon’s Tharkayta Township, forcing authorities to shut down two Muslim madrasahs in the area immediately. Anadolu
FLASH: NEWS & VIEWS
Unseeing the people: Policies of India, Pakistan on Kashmir appear to help each other’s case while keeping Kashmiris in limbo: Salman Anees Soz
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/unseeing-the-people-4632373/
Hindutva mobs flex muscles against Muslims.Sikhs, Christians should speak up before it’s too late: Sunny Hundal
http://www.hindustantimes.com/columns/hindutva-mobs-flex-muscles-against-muslims-sikhs-christians-should-speak-up-before-it-s-too-late/story-G0GFlaPerjyYzR8L5YftpK.html
What Indians should know about war before demanding a military crackdown in Kashmir, Chhattisgarh; Sushil Aaron
http://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/what-indians-should-know-before-demanding-military-crackdown-in-kashmir-chhattisgarh/story-l65D1BM3Z4IVMJ2dtQ802O.html
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:58 PM)
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