Evening NEWS DIGEST
14 Sept. 2017: 22 Zilhajja 1438:Vol:8, No:277
INDIA
Alwar lynching?: Rajasthan police close probe against 6 Hindu right-wing men named by Pehlu Khan
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/no-one-killed-pehlu-khan-probe-against-hindu-right-wing-men-named-by-dying-cattle-farmer-closed/story-SDghUwo8QQJRAArn2Gy2rK.html
Rajasthan Police have closed investigations into 6 people named by dairy farmer Pehlu Khan before his death in a mob attack in April, HT has found, sparking allegations that authorities are under pressure to protect cow vigilante suspects. The police have cleared the 6 men – 3 of whom are linked to Hindu right-wing outfits – based on the statements by the staff of a cow shelter as well as mobile phone records, according to the investigation report that Hindustan Times has read. The staff of the cow shelter, Rath Gaushala, has maintained that 6 -- Om Yadav (45), Hukum Chand Yadav (44), Sudhir Yadav (45), Jagmal Yadav (73), Naveen Sharma (48) and Rahul Saini (24) – were present on their premises, which was about four-km from the attack site. Rath Gaushala is patronised by Jagmal Yadav.“The statements of witnesses in the case including policemen and the employees of the Rath Gaushala indicate that none of the accused was present at the time of the attack. Call record details of the 6 people along with BTS location of mobiles further support this,” reads the report. “Based on the findings of the investigating officer, it is hereby recommended that the names of the 6 accused be removed from the case as they have been found not guilty,” the report said. The investigation named 9 other accused – two of them minors. The development angered Khan’s family members, who said they heard the accused call out each other by their names during the attack.“These 6 men started the attack and were present there. As we were being thrashed, I heard them call each other’s name. One was saying Hukum, drag the men down here and break the pickup truck,” Irshad, Khan’s son who was injured in the assaul said. He said he heard the names of Om, Hukum, Sudhir and Rahul during the lynching. “The police are saying this under pressure… Our quest for justice doesn’t end here. We will continue to fight until those 6 men are proven guilty.”Khan’s statement was recorded in front of a police officer – and not a judicial magistrate – but lawyers said even this could be considered a “dying declaration” and admissible in court.“At the stage of investigation, dying declaration can’t be disbelieved by the police. It is a settled law that dying declaration is the best evidence and in the past, courts have convicted accused on the basis of dying declaration recorded by police,” Vinay Pal Yadav, an advocate at the Rajasthan high court, said.The case will continue against 9 other people identified from the video of the attack that circulated on social media. 7 of them have been arrested and 2 are absconding.HT
Alwar lynching: Pehlu Khan's family to move SC after Rajasthan Police gives clean chit to six accused
http://www.firstpost.com/india/alwar-lynching-pehlu-khans-family-to-move-supreme-court-after-rajasthan-police-gives-clean-chit-to-six-accused-4043905.html
With Rajasthan Police giving a clean chit to all the 6 accused named by Pehlu Khan in his dying declaration, the family of the dairy farmer from Haryana's Nuh district who was brutally beaten by cow vigilantes said they will fight to get justice for him. Khan's son, Irshad, told the media in his village Jaisinghpur, near Nuh town, that they will ensure that those behind his murder get punished. He said they will move the Supreme Court to seek justice for Khan."These 6 accused were the main people who stopped our vehicle and started beating us up. They were joined by 15-20 others. We tried to show them papers that we were dairy farmers who were bringing the cows for dairy farming from a govt fair (mela) but they tore up the papers and attacked us," Irshad said.
Civil Leaders Slam Rajasthan Govt. For Clean Chit to 6 Accused in Pehlu Khan's Killing
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/civil-leaders-slam-rajasthan-govt-for-clean-chit-to-6-accused-in-pehlu-khans-killing
New Delhi:The closure by Rajasthan Police of the probe against 6 main accused in the killing of Pehlu Khan has sparked anger among civil rights leaders. Terming the move of Rajasthan police as unjust and undemocratic, they accused Rajasthan's BJP Govt of protecting the cow vigilantes who lynched Khan in Alwar.Kavita Srivastava, state president of PUCL alleged that the case was transferred to Crime Branch of CID-CB to close the case by govt."We completely disagree and don't think any enquiry has happened by the CID. First, the case was investigated by local police then it came to the additional Superintendent of Police under the IG supervision and then this case was transferred by the home minister to the CID. It was brought to CID for closure," alleged Kavita.When asked about what possible reason could be behind this move of Police, Kavita said, "Police has been protecting Gau Rakshaks since the beginning. They allowed Rabbani (closure of Hotel over false beef rumours) to happen; they allowed Zafar Khan (social activist killed in Pratapgarh) and Adul Qureshi to happen. BJP and RSS are responsible for this." State president of WPI Rashid Husain also alleged that the administration wants to save the culprits as they are directly connected to right wing.Mohammad Nazimuddin, state head of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, said that investigative agencies are being misused to weaken the Pehlu Khan's case. "It seems police is trying to protect the culprits. Some other accused are already out on bail in the case. Investigative agencies and police are being used to weaken the case. If the agencies leave culprits under any pressure, no justice will be delivered. All those 6 were named as accused on the statements of victims. So, Govt should look at the case rightly so such incident may not take place again," he said. IndiaTomorrow
No one killed Pehlu Khan? Probe against 6 accused in Alwar lynching closed
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pehlu-khan-alwar-lynching-investigation-shut-down-cow-vigilante/1/1047564.html
Outrage over closure report in Pehlu Khan case
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rights-groups-outraged-over-probe-closure-in-pehlu-khan-case/article19681978.ece?homepage=true
‘No one killed Pehlu Khan’: widespread outrage over closure report
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/no-one-killed-pehlu-khan-widespread-outrage-over-closure-report
Govt Protecting Perpetrators of Lynching: Khan’s Family
https://thewire.in/177606/rajasthan-Govt -protecting-perpetrators-pehlu-khan-lynching-says-family/
Govt institute calls seminar on lynching, attacks
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/govt-institute-calls-seminar-on-lynching-attacks-under-the-alwar-and-jharkhand-home-ministry-calls-seminar-on-lynching-attacks-4842343/
New Delhi:In the backdrop of lynching incidents and mob attacks at Dadri, Una, Alwar and Jharkhand, Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science, under the MHA, has called for a national debate on rising cases of group violence.Delhi-based institute, headed by ex-UP DGP Javeed Ahmad, is inviting judges, prison authorities, police officers and prosecutors to a two-day seminar starting Oct.31. It has asked state Govt s and Union Territories to send their nominations. indianexpress
‘ETHNIC CLEANSING’ OF ROHINGYA MUSLIMS
After saying 'No' to Rohingyas, India grants citizenship to 1 lakh Buddhist Chakma , Hindu Hajong refugees
http://www.indiasamvad.co.in/states-metros/india-to-grant-citizenship-to-chakma-hajong-refugees-24467
New Delhi: Amid the ongoing row over the Centre’s plans to deport Rohingya Muslims, the Modi-led Govt has decided to grant citizenship to around 1 lakh Chakma and Hajong refugees living in Arunachal Pradesh since last five decades. The decision has been taken after a high-level meeting among Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of Home for State Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal’s CM Pema Khandu and the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday.In 2015, Supreme Court had directed the Govt to grant citizenship to the Chakma and Hajong refugees.However, the local population is against the citizenship to the refugees saying it would change the demography of the state.Seeing the opposition as well as the SC’s direction, the Centre is likely to not give rights, including land ownership, enjoyed by Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh to the refugees, but give them Inner Line permits required for non-locals in Aruna chal Pradesh to travel and work.Minister of Home for State Kiren Rijiju told reporters, “ST status and indigenous people’s rights won’t be diluted”.Chakmas and Hajongs were originally residents of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in erstwhile East Pakistan.They had left their homeland when it was submerged by the Kaptai dam project in 1960s and entered India through Mizoram (then Lushai Hills district of Assam). The Chakmas are Buddhists and Hajongs are Hindus.India Samvad
Rohingya Muslims threat to national security, can't stay in India as refugees: Govt to Supreme Court
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rohingyas-threat-to-national-security-cannot-stay-in-india-Govt -tells-supreme-court/1/1047816.html
New Delhi:The Govt today told the Supreme Court it cannot allow Rohingya Muslims to stay in India as refugees since they pose a threat to national security and could be used by domestic and foreign terror groups to create trouble in the country.In an affidavit filed in the apex court, Ministry of Home Affairs has said that intelligence inputs have suggested that Rohingyas are linked with terror groups. The Centre claimed Rohingya militant groups are active in Jammu, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mewat, and could be used by the Islamic State."National interest warrants their deportation. No illegal immigrant has the right to stay in India," the affidavit says. Noting India's obligations under international law, he said: "India cannot carry out collective expulsions, or return people to a place where they risk torture or other serious violations. " But Indian Govt has maintained that it sees Rohingyas as a threat to security. Next week, SC will hear a plea filed by two Rohingya immigrants, Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir, challenging Govt's decision to deport illegal Rohingya Muslim immigrants back to Myanmar.indiatoday
Indian intelligence officials discuss possible links between Rohingya Muslims and Pak-based terror outfits
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-indian-intelligence-officials-establish-link-between-rohingyas-and-pak-based-terror-outfits-that-orchestrated-2611-attacks-2545305
Top officials have met in PMO following international criticism of India’s plans to deport Rohingya Muslims, who have escaped from the Myanmar violence.As per NDTV reports, meeting was called by Nripendra Misra, the top aide to PM Narendra Modi. Those in the meeting included NSA Ajit Doval and the heads of intelligence agencies including R&AW. The report said that those in the meeting discussed the possible links between the Rohingya Muslims and terror groups in Pakistan. The group concluded in their assessment the penetration of Pakistan-based terrorist outfits among Rohingya Muslims community is a serious emerging threat, as the same would ultimately be used for targeting India. Dnaindia
We’re not terrorists: Rohingyas tell SC
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/were-not-terrorists-say-rohingya/article19677239.ece
New Delhi: The Supreme Court petition, filed through Mohammad Yunus, describes the life of an average Rohingya in Jammu. Nearly 7,000 Rohingya living in 23 settlements across Jammu have moved the Supreme Court, saying there is not a single terrorist among them and they deserve to be treated with dignity by the Govt .Applications have been filed in the Supreme Court alleging that Rohingya were a national security threat, and they should be deported.The court is scheduled to hear the issue on Sept.18.“All 7,000 Rohingya have nothing to do with terrorism,” the community, represented by counsel Colin Gonsalves, said.It said there had not been a single allegation of terrorism against any Rohingya ever since the community began living in Jammu. “Not a single one of them has ever engaged in any terrorist activity,” the petition said. “Local police have for over a year conducted interrogation of all the Rohingya and have taken full details of each family. The local police have inspected the settlements several times every month. All the Rohingya cooperate with the police and give them all the required information,” it said. Saying that branding Rohingya as terrorists was both unfair and discriminatory, it asked the court to direct the Govt to treat the community with some dignity, not to displace the community, which had undergone years of persecution in their own native land of Myanmar.It said all 7,000 Rohingya were “interrogated” extensively by UNHCR, their statements verified before declaring them as refugees. thehindu
Massive protest for expressing solidarity with Rohingyas held in New Delhi
http://caravandaily.com/portal/massive-protest-for-expressing-solidarity-with-rohingyas-held-near-myanmar-embassy-in-new-delhi/
New Delhi:Under the banner ‘Solidarity with Rohingya’, many civil society groups on Wednesday organized a massive protest near the Myanmar embassy here to express solidarity with hapless and persecuted Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar. While coming down heavily on the BJP-led Govt’s “communal attitude” towards the Rohingya refugee issue, the groups demanded that the Govt of India must change its stand on deporting them and offer them humanitarian assistance. All the speakers at the protest underlined that the Rohingya Muslims are the most persecuted and ignored community on the earth. They have been even persecuted after Myanmar got an elected Govt under the Noble peace laureate and “champion” of democracy Aung San Suu Kyi. They also criticized PM Narendra Modi demanding the Govt of India to abandon its deportation plan of Rohingya refugees and use its influence over Myanmar to stop genocide and persecution of Rohingyas.They pointed out that India has been hosting more than 3,78,600 refugees from 8 different countries. They deplored some ministers and BJP-RSS leaders’ “provocative and communal” statements portraying Rohingya refugees as a “security threat to Hindus”.Prof Apoorvanand alleged that the ruling party and its affiliates are trying to milk the issue for their political gains. “This is an old tactic of communal forces to create fear-psychosis among Hindus by portraying Rohingya refugees as a threat to them,” he added.All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawart president, Naved Hamid criticized the PM for not uttering a single word during his recent visit to Myanmar. “It is unfortunate that a head of democratic Govt sees a humanitarian problem with a communal angle,” he said. Echoing his, RJD national spokesperson and Delhi university teacher, Prof Manoj Jha said it was India’s traditional policy that it has always welcomed the people who were in distress or were persecuted in their native countries.A large number of people from all walks of life gathered to show solidarity with Rohingya Muslims on Wednesday in New Delhi.“The message of this protest is very loud and clear. We want India to remain committed to the stated position we had on refugees and asylum seekers,” he added. Human rights campaigner Ravi Nair said since this Govt came to power the Indian political and diplomatic leadership has been giving the Goebbelsian spin to human rights, tolerance, democratic norms, and standards. Among those who addressed the gathering were Janata Dal (secular) general secretary Kunwar Dansih Ali, Jamaat Islami Hind’s secretary general Mohammad Salim Engineer and its Vice President Nusrat Ali, Welfare party President SQR Ilyas, Father M D Thomas, student leaders Shehla Rashid, Umar Khalid, Mohit Pandey and others.Caravan Daily
Hundreds Protest at Myanmar Embassy in Delhi:indiatomorrow
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/rohingyas-hundreds-protest-at-myanmar-embassy-in-delhi
Rohingya Muslims protest outside Myanmar embassy in Delhi: New Indian Express
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2017/sep/13/rohingya-muslims-protest-outside-myanmar-embassy-in-delhi-1656763.html
Protest outside Myanmar embassy: PTI
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/protest-outside-myanmar-embassy/1/1047186.html
Hundreds march to Myanmar Embassy over Rohingya refugees: ANI
http://www.aninews.in/videosMg/NzgxMDE/hundreds-march-to-myanmar-embassy-over-rohingya-refugees.html
Protest For Rohingya Muslims In New Delhi: newsx
http://newsx.tv/video/144429/protest-for-rohingya-muslims-in-new-delhi
Civil society organizes protest to show ‘Solidarity with Rohingya’: theindianawaaz
http://theindianawaaz.com/civil-society-organize-protest-to-show-solidarity-with-rohingya/
Thousands protest in Delhi for Rohingya: telegraphindia
https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170914/jsp/nation/story_173122.jsp
Muslims express solidarity with Rohingya people:ucanews
http://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-muslims-express-solidarity-with-rohingya-people/80256
Hundreds gather at Myanmar embassy to seek positive action on Rohingya Muslims in India: indiatoday
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/video/rohingya-muslim-protest-illegal-migrants/1/1047026.html
undreds in India protest against Myanmar: dailymail
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-4879378/The-Latest-Dubais-ruler-sending-plane-loaded-tents.html
Rohingya: Delhiites out on streets, leading march
http://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/myanmar-rohingya-delhi-rohingya-muslim-rohingya-news-rohingya-2017-congress-bharatiya-janata-party/90189
Hundreds in India protest against Myanmar:AP
http://gazette.com/the-latest-hundreds-in-india-protest-against-myanmar/article/feed/492364
Thousands in Agartala protest atrocities against Rohingya
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/thousands-in-agartala-protest-atrocities-against-rohingya/article19684867.ece
Agartala:Thousands of Muslims took to the streets of Agartala on Thursday to protest the alleged atrocities on Rohingya in Myanmar. The protestors slammed the State Counselor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi for allowing oppression and persecution against the religious minority. “Hang Suu Kyi for ongoing genocide, mass rape and forceful eviction of Rohingyas”, they shouted. They held placards with pictures on the plight of the evacuees.Traffic came to a grinding halt in the city for an hour due to the huge rally organised by the Tripura State unit of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. Protestors from across the State joined in. thehindu
Ludhiana: Thousands protest killings of Rohingyas
http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/ludhiana-thousands-protest-killings-of-rohingyas-in-myanmar/story-BzwV4nDFFNs4pbBMmp2lrO.html
Ludhiana: Thousands of people from Muslim community in Ludhiana protested against the killings of Rohingya Muslims in the Myanmar. Protestors gathered near Jama Masjid at Field Ganj area and started marching towards the mini secretariat, raising slogans against Govt of Myanmar for not taking requisite action to stop killings of Rohingyas in the country. More than 8,000 protestors from the Muslim community raised slogans while marching towards deputy commissioner’s (DC) office and occupied more than 1 km of area resulting in traffic snarls. Protestors also carried Tricolour and Ahrar-e-Islam flags.Muhammad Mustkeem, general secretary of Shahi Imam said,“We have submitted a memorandum to the DC of Ludhiana and also shot a letter to the UN to intervene and take necessary action. We have also requested the Indian Govt to help the Rohingya community in Myanmar.” hindustantimes
Top Catholic Official in Myanmar Speaks Out on Treatment of Rohingya Muslims and the Risks of a Military Coup
http://time.com/4939946/myanmar-rohingya-muslims-pope-francis-envoy/
As tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims flee violence in Myanmar and global criticism mounts over the civilian Govt ’s silence on the crisis, the country’s top Catholic leader says that Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi should have spoken out.” Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Catholic archbishop of Yangon, says the people in Rakhine State face “immense” suffering, exacerbated by decades of neglect and mistreatment, for which there is no quick fix.“The world looks at Aung San Suu Kyi with the same lens with which it looked at her during her struggle for democracy,” Bo told TIME in an email. “Now she is part of the Govt, she is a political leader. Surely she should have spoken out.”TIME .com
400000 Rohingyas enter Bangladesh since Aug 25:UNICEF
http://www.thedailystar.net/world/rohingya-crisis/400000-rohingyas-myanmar-arrive-bangladesh-august-25-unicef-1462066
Up to 400,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since August 25, with thousands more arriving every day, the Unicef said on Thursday.Around 60 % are children, according to preliminary estimates.The sheer number of refugees has overwhelmed pre-existing refugee camps, with new arrivals seeking shelter anywhere they can find space.
UN fears 1 million Rohingya influx into Bangladesh
http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/09/14/un-fears-1-million-rohingya-influx-into-bangladesh
40% of Rohingya villages targeted by army now empty
https://www.dailysabah.com/asia/2017/09/14/40-percent-of-rohingya-villages-targeted-by-myanmar-army-now-empty
A significant number of villages, previously inhabited by Rohingya Muslims, which were targeted by the Myanmar army are now empty, Govt said late Wednesday.According to the Govt spokesperson Zaw Htay, out of a total of 471 villages in three townships targeted by the army crackdown on Rohingya since August 25, 176 were completely abandoned by their residents while 34 were partially emptied.Daily Sabah
Rohingya's ARSA group denies links with al-Qaeda, ISIL, others ?Al Jazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/myanmar-arakan-rohingya-salvation-army-170912060700394.html
Over 300,000 Rohingya have been forced to flee their ancestral homeland in Myanmar's western region of Rakhine amid a campaign of murder, torture, arson and mass rape by Myanmar security forces and allied Buddhist mobs.The latest mass exodus, which began on August 25, comes after a small group of Rohingya men attacked around 30 police and army posts in Rakhine State, killing 12 officers, according to the Govt .Residents and witnesses have told Al Jazeera that the army retaliated with disproportionate force, burning down scores of Rohingya homes and villages as they tried to hunt down the attackers.The Myanmar army has put the death toll at around 400, saying most of those killed were rebels. Residents, however, say it is more than 1,000 people. Arakan Rohingya Solidarity Army (ARSA), formerly known as Harakatul Yakeen, first emerged in Oct.2016 when it attacked 3 police outposts in the Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships, killing 9 police officers.Despite facing decades of oppression, the predominantly Muslim Rohingya had largely refrained from violence. Rohingya living in Maungdaw township told Al Jazeera that the men, numbering only a few dozen, stormed the outposts with sticks and knives, and after killing the officers, they fled with light weaponry.In an 18-minute video statement released last Oct. Ataullah Abu Amar Jununi, the group's leader, defended the assault, blaming the Myanmar army for inciting the violence."For over 75 years there have been various crimes and atrocities committed against the Rohingya ... that's why we carried out the Oct.9, 2016, attack - to send a message that if the violence is not stopped, we have the right to defend ourselves," he said.Maung Zarni, a non-resident fellow at the European Centre for Study of Extremism, told Al Jazeera that the group's actions were borne out of "systematic abuses of genocidal proportions" by the Myanmar military. "This is not a terrorist group aimed at striking at the heart of Myanmar society as Govtclaims it is," Zarni said. "They're a group of hopeless men who decided to form some kind of self-defence group and protect their people who are living in conditions akin to a Nazi concentration camp," he added."ARSA's actions resemble Jewish inmates at Auschwitz who rose up against Nazis in Oct.1944.Anagha Neelakantan, Asia Programme Director at the International Crisis Group, told Al Jazeera that there was "no evidence that ARSA has any links to local or international Jihadist groups, or that their aims are aligned"."The media has latched onto the Govt 's statement that these men are 'terrorists,' this is a lie, [Aung San] Suu Kyi is lying, so are the army, there is no al-Qaeda in Rakhine,"Aziz Khan, a Rohingya living in Maungdaw township, said. "These men are not well equipped. All they have are sticks, swords and guns they seized from military outposts. No bombs."
Rohingya militants say have ‘no links’ with global terror
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyi-migrants-rohingya-militants-say-they-have-no-links-with-global-terror-4843579/
UNSC urges Myanmar to end military action against Rohingya
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/urges-rohingya-violence-170913174112622.html
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council called on Myanmar's Govt to end its military campaign against the Rohingya. 15-member Security Council met behind closed doors on Wednesday, at the request of Sweden and Britain, to discuss the crisis for the second time since it began and agreed to publicly condemn the situation.Speaking before the meeting, Antonio Guterres called situation for the Rohingya refugees "catastrophic" and "completely unacceptable", acknowledging that the minority group was being ethnically cleansed in the Buddhist-majority nation."I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military action, end the violence, uphold the rule of law and recognise the right of return of all those who have had to leave the country," the UN chief said. aljazeera
Suu Kyi cancels trip to UN General Assembly: aljazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/aung-sung-suu-kyi-cancels-trip-general-assembly-170913040938389.html
Myanmar's national leader Aung San Suu Kyi will not attend the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York. A spokesperson for her party said that Nobel Peace Prize winner had withdrawn from the meeting in New York on Sept.20.
European MPs condemn violence against Rohingya
http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/world/european-mps-condemn-violence-against-rohingya-in-myanmar/article/502429#ixzz4sf4tKzI3
India sends 53 tonnes of relief materials for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-sends-relief-materials-for-rohingya-refugees-in-bangladesh/story-0UE9PjX8UMtd6tat3EjF2H.html
Dhaka: India on Thursday sent 53 tonnes of relief materials to Bangladesh for Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, who poured into this country following the ethnic violence in the neighbouring Buddhist-majority nation.The first consignment of India’s assistance comes days after Dhaka briefed New Delhi about the problems faced by it due to the influx of these refugees.“In response to the humanitarian crisis being faced on account of the large influx of refugees into Bangladesh, Govt of India has decided to extend assistance to Bangladesh,” External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said.India will provide 7,000 tonnes of relief materials to Bangladesh.PTI
Union ministers discuss eviction of Rohingya refugees fleeing to India
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/union-ministers-discuss-eviction-of-rohingya-refugees-fleeing-to-india/story-cGRoV7IkPRH5eGHmmwcFvK.html
Islamic countries should step forward and absorb Rohngiyas' migration : RSS' Indresh Kumar
http://www.firstpost.com/world/rohingya-crisis-islamic-countries-should-step-forward-and-absorb-migration-says-rss-indresh-kumar-4040877.html
Rohingya Muslims crisis: ‘Guru ka langar’ begins at Bangladesh-Myanmar border, target 35,000 meals per day
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rohingya-muslims-crisis-guru-ka-langar-begins-at-bangladesh-myanmar-border-target-35000-meals-per-day-4842965/
INDIA: OTHERS
Amnesty International calls for ban on use of pellet guns in Kashmir
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/amnesty-international-calls-for-ban-on-use-of-pellet-guns-in-kashmir-4842456/
Srinagar:Amnesty International India Wednesday sought an immediate ban on the use of pellet guns as a crowd-control measure in Kashmir, asserting that violence in any form, including stone-pelting, was not acceptable. The rights body released a report, “Losing Sight in Kashmir – The Impact of Pellet-Firing Shotguns”, here and urged the J&K Govt to initiate a prompt, independent and impartial probe into incidents, where the use of pellet guns led to deaths or injuries.The report named 88 people, who were injured by pellets fired by security forces to quell protests in the Valley between 2014 and 2017. Of them, 31 suffered injuries to both the eyes, with two of them losing their vision completely, the report said. Speaking on the occasion, the executive director of Amnesty International India, Aakar Patel, demanded that the central and state Govts ensure “weapons are used in line with international human rights standards”. “Pellet guns are only used in J&K and not anywhere else in India. We have raised the issue with the Govt and it has assured us that they will be used only in extreme situations. We were told that Govt understands that the damage caused by pellets is disproportionate,” he said. Patel said PM Narendra Modi, during his Independence Day speech last month, had conceded that change in Kashmir will not come from guns or abuses. “If the Govt truly meant what it said, it must end the use of pellet-guns,” he said. The executive director condemned stone-pelting too. “We are against any form of violence, but that does not mean that if people resort to stone-pelting, they should be blinded,” Patel told reporters, adding that if investigation suggest use of arbitrary force, the suspects should be tried in civil courts.PTI
Deliberate denial of justice happens only in J&K : Amnesty
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/deliberate-denial-of-justice-happens-only-in-jammu-and-kashmir-amnesty-india-chief/story-zWpnuAOazV3wwG5Qv0YnfO.html
Days are not far when Kashmiri Pandits would return to their homes with dignity: JK BJP
http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/days-are-not-far-when-kashmiri-pandits-would-return-to-their-homes-with-dignity-jk-bjp-4842449/
J&K BJP unit chief Sat Sharma has said the days were not far when Kashmiri Pandits would return to their homes with dignity and honour. Speaking at a function organised by BJP to pay homage to Pandit Tika Lal Taploo, first Kashmiri Pandit who fell to the bullets of terrorists in 1989, Sharma assured that his party would help the displaced in mitigating their miseries.PTI
In Leh, 2 Muslims got married but Buddhist Association calls it ‘Love Jihad’, tensions high
http://twocircles.net/2017sep12/416467.html
The district of Leh has been in the news, but for all the wrong reasons. Over the past few weeks, this district has been simmering in tension after a local Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) issued an ultimatum to Muslims from Kargil district to vacate the region within seven following the marriage of a Buddhist girl with a Muslim boy. LBA on Thursday Sept.7 took out a protest rally in Leh town against the marriage and warned the Govt of a full-fledged agitation if the girl was not returned. The association has ‘given’ the Govt a week’s time. The protesters also submitted a memorandum addressed to CM Mehbooba Mufti at the office of Deputy Commissioner, alleging Muslims of luring Buddhist girls into their fold. The association also made a direct threat in the memorandum, saying that the situation could turn ugly if the girl is not returned back to Leh. Later, the leaders of LBA while addressing the protesters issued an ultimatum to local Muslims, who are in minority, to vacate the town within 7 days.However, among all these allegations, it seems LBA has missed a small but rather important detail. Girl in question, whose earlier name was Stanzin Saldon, had converted to Islam way back in April 2015. In an affidavit signed by Stanzin now Shifah in April 2016 in Bangalore, Karnataka reads, “I have embraced Islam, giving up my former Buddhist faith on 22nd April 2015.Therefore I hereby confirm adopt and reaffirm faith in Islam.” Allegations of LBA of marrying and converting a Buddhist girl fall flat as the girl in question converted to Islam way back in 2015. TwoCircles
Ladakh Muslims write to CM about ‘threat’ from Budhists
http://kashmirreader.com/2017/09/14/ladakh-muslims-write-cm-threat-budhists/
Aligarh: Dalit teacher suspended for congratulating Pak win, anti Modi, anti-Yogi Facebook posts
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/aligarh-school-teacher-suspended-over-anti-national-facebook-posts-4842889/
Lucknow: The state education dept on Wednesday suspended a Govt primary school teacher based in Aligarh district for allegedly posting “anti-national and anti-Govt comments” on his Facebook account. Dharmendra Kumar, 35, a Dalit, is posted at a primary school in Alipur locality, Bijauli block. “In the posts, Dharmendra is allegedly congratulating the Pakistani cricket team for winning cricket match. In another post, he writes that J&K is not part of India as GST was not applicable there. The complaint letter forwarded has 10 screenshots of his Facebook posts attached,” Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA)of Aligarh Dhirendra Singh Yadav, who has been tasked with conducting an inquiry into the matter said.“Other posts include objectionable comments made against PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath.Prima facie, Dharmendra was found guilty and has been suspended today on charges of making anti-national and anti-Govt remarks. We will also be seeking help of police in the inquiry. On the basis of the detailed inquiry report, the decision over lodging of FIR will be taken,” he added.Yadav said he has handed over the inquiry to Block Education Officer, Bijauli, Kailash Pandey, asking him to submit a report soon. “I have yet to meet Dharmendra Kumar to get his statement recorded. I have not yet gone through his Facebook account. Local intelligence unit of the Aligarh police are also trying to contact Dharmendra,” said Pandey.The action was taken following directives from UP Minister of State for Primary, Secondary and Higher Education Sandeep Singh,who had allegedly received a complaint from another Govt school teacher. When contacted, Kumar said, “I myself am a cricket player, and so congratulated the Pakistan cricket team when they won a match on June 18. I did not make any anti-national comment. As regards to my post on J&K , I merely questioned why GST is not charged there. I had only shared a post which had a picture of the PM standing next to a mahila sainik. I don’t remember what I had written on that post.”Indian Express.
Home Ministry cancels foreign funding licence of JNU, DU, IIT Delhi, ICMR
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/home-ministry-cancels-foreign-funding-licence-of-jnu-du-iit-delhi-and-icmr-4842627/
MANY prominent higher education institutions, including JNU, Delhi University (DU), IIT-Delhi and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), are among several hundred organisations which have been barred by the Centre from receiving foreign funds. Union Home Ministry has cancelled their registration under FCRA act 2010 as they have reportedly failed to file their annual returns for the last five years.No organisation or institution is allowed to receive funds from abroad unless it is registered under FCRA. It is mandatory for such organisations to submit their annual income and expenditure statements to Govt. An educational institution, for instance, needs its FCRA registration number to receive donations from its alumni based abroad.Among the other organisations whose FCRA licences have been revoked are: the Supreme Court Bar Association, ICMR, IGNOU, Panjab University, Gargi College (Delhi), Lady Irwin College (Delhi), Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, Gandhi Peace Foundation, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, School Of Planning & Architecture (Delhi) and FICCI Socio Economic Development Foundation. Doon School Old Boys Association, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College (Delhi), Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia International Trust, Co-ordinating Voluntary Adoption Resource Agency, Bombay Diocesan Society, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (Karnataka),Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (Bengaluru), Shri Mahatma Gandhi Charitable Trust (Gujarat) and Sri Satya Sai Trust have also been barred from receiving donations from abroad.indianexpress
DUSU election 2017: NSUI deals ABVP a blow, wins top posts
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/dusu-election-2017-nsui-returns-on-the-scene-leading-on-three-posts/story-0YUegtzkAmnqKRei1wmv4I.html?li_source=LI&li_medium=recommended-for-you
Delhi: It is 2-2 for Delhi University’s campus rivals in the student union elections but Congress-backed NSUI wrested the advantage winning the posts of president and vice president on Wednesday. ABVP won the posts of secretary and joint secretary in the hotly contested polls. RSS-affiliated association had three posts in the outgoing panel.The results signalled a comeback for the NSUI, which held the president’s position in the DUSU 5 years ago. Congress’s student wing had bagged three in 2012 and swept all four posts in 2007.The results, declared a day after the vote, were marred by controversy as officials announced initially that NSUI won three seats but corrected later that ABVP took the joint secretary’s post.NSUI vowed to challenge the outcome for this position in the Delhi high court.Chief election officer SB Babbar said the NSUI complaint will be forward to the grievance cell. HT
Forced to shut business, meat sellers struggling for livelihood
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/forced-to-shut-business-meat-sellers-struggling-for-livelihood-117091201619_1.html
/Noida: Small-scale meat businesses, including fish sellers, tempo drivers who transport meat, small dairies, farmers and dhaba owners, on Tuesday came together at a public hearing and expressed their deep sorrow about the attacks on their livelihood with constant botheration by the police. The hearing was organised in national capital by Save Environment and Human Rights (SEHR), a voluntary group of university teachers, lawyers,students and activists.The purpose of the hearing was to highlight the pressing problems faced by these people due to the arbitrary closing down of slaughter houses, attacks by the 'gau rakshaks' and the unannounced ban on the sale of raw meat or cooked meat dishes in dhabas and hotels in the states of Haryana, UP and Rajasthan.It was presided over by a jury which consisted of retired judge of Delhi High Court A.P. Shah,CPI(M) Politburo member Subhashini Ali and journalist Saba Naqvi while lawyer Suroor Mander moderated the public hearing.Meat sellers and farmers spoke in detail about the attacks on their livelihood and the lack of any other source of income.Mohammad Salman, a hotel owner from Loni border here, said:"I started the hotel around one-and-half years back. There was no hassle initially.But since the time the Yogi-led BJP Govt has come to power in UP, police has been troubling us every now and then.""They come asking for the licence to sell meat, which I haven't been able to get since the licences are not being issued by the Govt any longer," he said.Zubaid from Noida has been running a Biryani thela (stall) for the past 15 years. He had the same complaint that since the election of BJP Govt in the state, there have been major troubles for those engaged in business relating to sale of any sort of meat."There are others who put up stalls of 'chaat' and other vegetarian items but they don't have to face any problems. Police let them work peacefully but we are hounded for the licence," he said.Rtd Judge A.P. Shah wondered whether there was lack of legal awareness among these people and that was why they were facing these issues.IANS
UP govt stops grants to 46 madrasas for violating ‘teaching standards’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/up-govt-stops-grants-to-46-madrasas-for-violating-teaching-standards/
Lucknow:After an almost 3-month-long physical verification of around 560 aided madrasas in UP, the state Govt has stopped grants to 46 of them on grounds that they were “violating the basic standards of infrastructure and teaching”. The process of verifying aided madrasas, which get grants in the form of teachers’ salaries, was ordered in July by the state Govt . During this exercise, the district inspector of schools as well as district minority welfare officers were asked to inspect each madrasa, look into its infrastructure and strength of teachers and also to check their qualification. Later, the Govt had also asked all recognised madrasas to submit their details, including the number of teachers and their qualifications, online.“We stopped grant to these madrasas as they failed on basic norms like building, infrastructure, teachers etc. Despite what people might say, the fact is that the minority welfare department was so far running as a correctional welfare department, where there were no records of any madrasa in the state,” said UP Minority Welfare Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary.indianexpress
Mughal rulers were not our ancestors but looters: UP Deputy CM
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/mughal-rulers-were-not-our-ancestors-but-looters-up-deputy-chief-minister-dinesh-sharma-4842388/
Jaunpur:Mughal emperors were not our ancestors but looters and UP Govt would change the syllabus accordingly to reflect this, Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma said.The minister, however, made an exception for the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar who he said was a “good ruler” as he had supported Mangal Pandey, the hero of India’s first war of independence. “Mughal rulers were not our ancestors but looters. We consider Mughal rulers who did wrong acts as looters. Those who have done good work, we praise. Babar and Aurangzeb were looters. We do not oppose Bahadur Shah Zafar as he extended support to Mangal Pandey,” Sharma said. He said PM Narendra Modi had visited his mausoleum in Yangon because he was a “good ruler”. Sharma added, “We honour all religions. Apart from worshipping gods and goddesses, I also visit mazaars, gurudwaras and churches.”PTI
Muslim clerics flay attempts to 're-write' history
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/632986/muslim-clerics-flay-attempts-re.html
Muslim clerics have sharply criticised, what they alleged, ''attempts to re-write'' the history of the country. While reacting to the remarks by UP deputy CM that Mughal emperors were ''plunderers'' and that the state Govt would effect changes in the history text books being taught to the children in the schools.''If Mughal emperors were plunderers then what about the Britishers?...were they not plunderers?,'' said AIMPLB member Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangimahali here.The cleric said that such remarks were uncalled for and were only aimed at inciting communal tension.Another senior sunni cleric also echoed the similar sentiment. ''History is based on facts...we cannot distort the facts as per our whims and fancies,'' the cleric said. ''Such an attempt will send a wrong message to the society and create a divide,'' he added. Deccan Herald
Modi Abe visit to Ahmedabad’s iconic Masjid:indianexpress
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/modi-abe-meet-before-dinner-visit-to-old-citys-iconic-jaaliwali-masjid/
Ahmedabad: Before the Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and wife Akie arrived at Sidi Saeed Mosque, in the predominantly Muslim area of Lal Darwaza in the heart of old Ahmedabad, PM Narendra Modi had already reached. It was said to be Modi’s first visit to the iconic mosque, known for its window latticework depicting the ‘Tree of Life’, and popularly called the Jaaliwali Masjid. Farooq, a local in his early 20s said, “Our Jaaliwali Masjid is famous all over the world. If such dignitaries come here, it will become even more famous. I am very happy.”The dignitaries spent around 10 minutes at the 1572-built mosque before proceeding for a bilateral meeting and dinner at Agashiye, the restaurant of the House of MG — venue for most of diplomatic engagements between Modi and Abe.While there was a mini-chaos when people wanted to get in for after prayers, overall, timing of the Modi-Abe visit was adjusted to ensure it does not clash with regular prayer timings. The mosque management is controlled by Sunni Muslim Waqf Committee. The committee’s president, Rizwan Qadri, said,“PM Modi himself helped advance the visit time…so that the timing did not clash with prayers.”According to a plaque inside, “The mosque of Sidi Saeed was built in 1572 AD…by an Abyssinian known as Sidi Saeed. He came from Ethiopia via Yemen to Gujarat and later served Sultan Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud III…He built this magnificent monument during the reign of Sultan Muzaffar Shah III, the last ruler of Gujarat….”
After Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, Modi takes Shinzo Abe to Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/60504235.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Modi, Shinzo Abe vow to fight terrorism, strengthen strategic cooperation; bullet train by 2022
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/shinzo-abe-narendra-modi-india-japan-relations-deals-signed-terrorism-strategic-cooperation-bullet-train-project-4843431/
New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Thursday held talks on wide-ranging subjects including bilateral ties, regional and international issues and chiefly on terrorism. At the annual India-Japan summit held in Gandhinagar in Gujarat, the two countries vowed to strengthen cooperation in order to tackle terrorist groups such as the al-Qaida, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. India and Japan have agreed to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region as well with an eye on China, which has been displaying assertiveness in recent times.A total of 15 MoUs across various sectors such as connectivity, investment, civil aviation, science and technology, sports and skill development were inked between the two sides.A total of 15 MoUs across various sectors such as connectivity, investment, civil aviation, science and technology, sports and skill development were inked between the two sides.The bullet train project, costing Rs 1.10 lakh crore and funded partially by a loan from Japan, is expected to be completed by 2022. indianexpress
Bullet Train Venture a Cruel Joke on Poor of India: Sachar
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/modis-bullet-train-venture-a-cruel-joke-on-the-poor-of-india-sachar?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi: Ex-chief justice of Delhi High Court Justice Rajindar Sachar has strongly condemned the idea of bullet train at a time when over 200 million people are living below poverty line in the country."According to World Bank report, India has 224 million living below the international poverty line of around Rs. 120 a day. Modi's bullet train venture is a cruel joke and ridicules on the poor of India," said Justice Sachar, who is also former president of PUCL, on Wednesday.IndiaTomorrow
2 terror suspects arrested from cyber café at Gaya, 2 others escape: HT report
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/two-terror-suspects-arrested-from-cyber-cafe-at-gaya-2-others-escape/story-pvQf0aeYYa2Bq9Q51lNHHJ.html
Gaya: 2 HUJI suspects, were arrested in southcentral Bihar’s Gaya district on Wednesday. 2 others however, managed to evade the police.Police picked up Mohammad Tauseef Khan alias Mohammad Atik and Shane Khan near Rajendra Ashram in Civil Lines locality of Gaya, on Wednesday. The photograph of one of the arrested persons matched with the one released by police in paper advertisements, wanted in connection with terror activities.Police said 4 persons had visited Vishnu Cyber Café near Rajendra Ashram but did not produce copies of Aadhaar, which cyber café owner Anurag Basu demanded before allowing them to access internet. Suspecting something was wrong, Basu, who also edits vernacular monthly ‘Saf Swar’, informed the police. Meanwhile, all the suspects walked out of cyber café and boarded cycle-rickshaws from Shahid Chowk. Basu, however, followed the suspects, caught Tauseef Khan as well as Shane Khan and handed them over to a police team, headed by Civil Lines police station SHO Hari Ojha, when it reached there. 2 other suspects managed to give them the slip.Gaya SSP Garima Mallick confirmed the arrests and said the cyber café owner would be felicitated by police. Police said Tauseef Khan, who hailed from Ahmadabad in Gujarat, had been hiding at Sahdeo Khap village in Bodh Gaya police station area, 16 km south of Gaya, since July 2008 with the help of Sarwar Khan of the same village. A computer engineer, well versed in mathematics, Tauseef Khan had joined a private school in the village as a teacher. However, he was also giving lessons in jehad to many Class 12 students who came to him for private tuitions, the police said. HT
Shortage of teachers behind 30 Haryana govt schools showing 0% results
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/shortage-of-teachers-behind-30-haryana-govt-schools-showing-0-results/story-7Z8Avo5K2kZXRLEBLXaomO.html
Rohtak:As many as 30 Govt schools in Haryana witnessed 0% results in the state board exams that were conducted in March 2017.Not even a single student from these schools could clear the examination, raising concerns on quality of education being given to students in these Govt -run schools.A report prepared by Board of Secondary Education Haryana (BSEH) says that while 28 schools witnessed 0% results in Class 10, two schools had this dubious distinction in Class 12. 4 schools each in Mewat, Jind, Bhiwani and Palwal districts, and 2 schools each in Ambala, Hisar, Karnal and Yamunanagar failed to produce even a single successful candidate.The authorities blamed an acute shortage of teachers behind the poor results. “It would be wrong to compare Mewat with cities such as Gurgaon and Faridabad where they have teachers in surplus. In Mewat, one teacher has to teach in 3 schools to beat the shortage,” said Dinesh Kumar Sharma, DEO of Mewat. HT
CPI (Maoist) denies role, says ‘Brahminical fascist goons’ behind Gauri Lankesh murder
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/gauri-lankesh-murder-maoists-deny-role-say-brahminical-fascist-goons-4843213/
CPI(Maoist) has denied any role in the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, saying the claim was nothing but “propaganda by Hindu fascist forces when they themselves have killed her to muzzle the voice of pro-people forces”.A release issued by Abhay, spokesman of the Central Committee of CPI (Maoist), recently, says: “The party strongly condemns the murder of Leftist, pro-people, progressive and democratic journalist Gauri Lankesh by Brahminical fascist goons of Sangh parivar protected by the BJP Govt at the Centre. The party appeals to all like-minded forces to pour out into the streets for a determined fight against the forces that killed Lankesh.”Saying that Lankesh fearlessly campaigned for the downtrodden and the marginalised, against atrocities on minorities by Hindutva forces and corrupt Govt s, the party has stated, “Lankesh had become an eyesore for the Hindutva forces ever since she translated the book Gujarat Files by Gujarat journalist Rana Ayyub, exposing the involvement of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah in the Muslim carnage in 2002.”
Gun used to kill Gauri Lankesh is the same one that killed Kalburgi, says forensics analysis: indianexpress
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/gun-used-to-kill-gauri-lankesh-is-the-same-one-that-killed-m-m-kalburgi-forensics-4842625/
CPM MP expelled for controversial ‘anti-Bengali leadership’, ‘Muslim quota’ remarks
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/sep/13/cpm-mp-expelled-for-controversial-anti-bengali-leadership-muslim-quota-remarks-1656813.html
Kolkata: Controversial CPM Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee was expelled from the party Wednesday after he claimed that the politburo has a quota for Muslims and accused the central leadership of being ‘anti-Bengali’.After a meeting at the party headquarters, the West Bengal state committee sent a letter to the central committee seeking approval to expel Banerjee. Central committee’s approval is needed as Banerjee is a sitting Rajya Sabha MP of the party. New indian express
Ram Temple-Babri Masjid case: RSS Chief says organisation bound by Supreme Court verdict
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/ram-temple-babri-masjid-case-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-says-organisation-bound-by-supreme-court-verdict/853275/
New Delhi;Ram Temple-Babri Masjid case: As the final verdict on the Ayodhya case is slated to take place on Dec.5, a day before the 25th anniversary of Babri masjid demolition, RSS chief said that his organisation would be bound by the orders of the Supreme Court on Ram Temple-Babri Masjid issue. This statement by RSS chief was made in a meeting where he also said that he had “good contact” with PM Modi and had “independent discussions” on a range of issues.Indian Express
New stone blocks pile up in Ayodhya, single artisan still works on old lot
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/new-stone-blocks-pile-up-in-ayodhya-single-artisan-still-works-on-old-lot-ram-janam-bhoomi-babri-construction-vhp-bjp-up-4842442/
Ayodhya;Since BJP came to power in UP, Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas has been stockpiling stone blocks for the proposed Ram temple in Ayodhya. As far as carving the stones is concerned, however, only one artisan is engaged in that work at present, and the stones being carved are from earlier stocks.In the last four months, 42 blocks of pink sandstone have reached Ayodhya in 4 consignments at Ramsevakpuram, a property of Nyas, which is an organisation of VHP leaders and religious personalities to promote and oversee the development of the temple. The VHP, which has been highlighting its effort to build the temple, plans to take out a tableau in Agra Saturday, and local leaders say it will showcase the proposed design of the temple.On the ground, however, artisan Rajnikant is the only one currently engaged in carving stones at the Nyas workshop, around 500 m from Ramsevakpuram. And two large stone-cutting machines have lain unused for more than a decade.
HC restrains Governor, TN Assembly Speaker from holding floor test till Sept.20
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/madras-hc-restrains-governor-tn-assembly-speaker-from-holding-floor-test-till-wednesday/article19683012.ece?homepage=true
Chennai: Madras High Court has restrained Speaker of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from holding a floor test till Wednesday since Advocate General Vijay Narayan sought time till then to obtain instructions from the Governor on DMK’s plea to hold the test at the earliest.Justice M. Duraiswamy passed the interim order after Senior Counsel Kapil Sibal, representing MK Stalin, apprehended that in the meantime the “minority Govt could be converted into a majority” by disqualifying 19 dissident AIADMK MLAs and holding the trust vote immediately. Thehindu
Now, DMs can’t order shutdown of internet services
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/now-dms-cant-order-shutdown-of-internet-services/articleshow/60483595.cms
Patna: Now, the district magistrates are no more authorized to clamp down on the internet services even in case of law & order problem or communal tension in their respective areas. Union ministry of information technology has frames fresh rules and regulations in this regard and communicated to the states.
WORLD
More arrests in apparent Saudi campaign against critics: activists
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/more-arrests-in-apparent-saudi-campaign-against-critics-activists/articleshow/60487383.cms
Saudi Arabia has detained more clerics and intellectuals, activists said on social media on Tuesday, widening an apparent crackdown on potential opponents of the conservative kingdom's absolute rulers.The crackdown comes amid widespread speculation, denied by officials, that King Salman intends to abdicate in favour of his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who already dominates economic, diplomatic and domestic policy.It also comes amid a deepening rift between Saudi Arabia and its allies on one side and Qatar on the other.Exiled Saudi opposition activists have called for protests on Friday to galvanise resistance to the royal family. Prominent Islamist clerics Salman al-Awdah, Awad al-Qarni and Ali al-Omary were detained over the weekend, according to Saudi sources.On Tuesday, activists dedicated to monitoring and documenting what they describe as "prisoners of conscience" reported that at least eight other prominent figures, including clerics, academics, television anchors and a poet, had been "confirmed" detained since Monday.ALQST, a London-based Saudi rights group, also reported more arrests, including several of the same people, although it gave no specific figure."Al-Awdah, al-Qarni, Farhan al-Malki and Mostafa Hassan (are confirmed)," said Yahya al-Assiri, the centre's head, referring to 4 of those reported to have been arrested. "The rest are also correct, but I don't have any specific information," he added. State agency SPA said earlier on Tuesday that authorities had uncovered "intelligence activities for the benefit of foreign parties" by a group of people it did not identify. Activists also suggested that poet Ziad bin Neheet may have been detained for posting a video in which he chastised journalists who had exploited the row with Qatar to heap abuse on each other.Reuters
Morocco group calls on Saudi to release detained scholars
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170914-morocco-islamist-group-calls-on-saudi-to-release-detained-scholars/
Moroccan Al-Tawhid Reform Movement has called on Saudi authorities to immediately release scholars, preachers and intellectuals as well as peaceful reform advocates who have been detained for their opinion. The movement described in a statement yesterday the arrest of the scholars and advocates in Saudi Arabia as “injustice, aggression and abuse”.The statement said, “the detainees are known for their moderation, wisdom and intellect”. Middleeastmonitor
Controversial Saudi Prince detained
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170914-controversial-saudi-prince-detained/
Saudi Prince Abdulaziz Bin Fahd has been placed under house arrested by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman at the behest of his mother, informed sources told MEMO. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Saudi royal told MEMO that the mother of the outspoken prince feared for his safety and requested Prince Mohammed detain him.The son of the late King Fahd has repeatedly tweeted strong criticism of the UAE and Saudi while calling on the authorities to allow Muslims to go and fight for Al-Aqsa Mosque during Israel’s latest aggression against the holy site. middleeastmonitor
Qatar's emir to meet Erdogan
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/qatar-emir-meet-turkey-president-erdogan-170913203945925.html
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will visit Turkey on Thursday to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his first trip abroad since the start of the Gulf diplomatic crisis. Sheikh Tamim will hold talks on "bilateral ties and regional issues as well as international developments", Turkey's presidential office said in a statement.
Iraq parliament votes to oust Kirkuk governor
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/iraq-parliament-votes-oust-kirkuk-governor-170914120319883.html
Iraq's parliament has voted to remove the governor of Kurdish-controlled Kirkuk from office, according to legislators present at the vote.Thursday's decision to remove Najm Eddine Karim followed parliamentarians' rejection of Kurdish plans to hold an independence referendum on Tuesday.Haider al-Abadi, Iraq’s PM , requested the removal of Karim as leader of the oil-rich province, said Hussein al-Maliki, member of parliament.All Kurdish legislators boycotted Thursday's session, while Arab parliamentarians voted in favour of Karim's deposition, he said.
Israeli PM states support for independent Kurdish state
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170914-israeli-pm-states-support-for-independent-kurdish-state/
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his country’s support for an independent Kurdish state ahead of a regional referendum in northern Iraq.Israel “supports the legitimate efforts of the Kurdish people to achieve their own state,” Netantahu said. Iraqi Govt also believes that holding the poll would violate the terms of the country’s national charter. Turkey, too, rejects the planned referendum, saying the region’s stability depends on the unity of Iraq and the maintenance of its territorial integrity.
US, Israeli security officials in conflict over Iran,Hezbollah
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170914-us-and-israeli-security-officials-in-conflict-over-iran-and-hezbollah/
Senior US officials have brushed off Israeli concerns over Iran and denied Hezbollah is a terrorist group. These were some of the surprising details to appear from a meeting between US and Israeli officials last month at the White House which was convened to discuss the threat posed by Iran and Hezbollah to Israel’s security. Israeli delegation is said to have locked horns with their US counterparts over Iran and Hezbollah according to a number of sources including PJ Media, several administration sources, by members of NGOs involved in national security and by a source within the Israeli Govt .Israel sent its team to Washington on 27 August to discuss what it believes is the looming threat posed by Iran and its proxies in the region. They had hoped that members of the Trump administration would fall in line and be on the same page.
Syria talks in Astana aim for lasting ceasefires: aljazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/video/news/2017/09/astana-6-syrian-peace-talks-kick-kazakhstan-170914064805888.html
Representatives of the Syrian Govt and opposition groups are meeting once again in the capital of Kazakhstan.Thursday's sixth round of talks in Astana - brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran - is aimed at implementing lasting ceasefires in so-called de-escalation zones in Syria.Sergey Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, told Russian media that delegations from Russia, Iran, and Turkey with the attendance of experts from US, Jordan and UN will discuss "establishment of a de-escalation zone in Idlib"."Astana is exactly additional tool which helped groups to reach some technical agreement on the ground which basically lay ground to further negotiations," Alexey Khlebnikov, of Russian International Affairs Council, said.
'Millions of dollars missing' in school aid for Syrians
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/millions-dollars-missing-school-aid-syrians-170914053752245.html
Govt s and aid agencies have been unable to account for millions of dollars in school aid for Syrian refugees, frustrating efforts to meet schooling needs for children in Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey, according to a rights group.More than 500,000 school-age Syrian refugees in the three countries were out of school last year, in part because of severe funding gaps, says the report released by HRW on Thursday. There are at least 1.6 million Syrian children refugees in the region.In Lebanon, classes for Syrian refugee children are packed, and students attend school in half-day shifts to free up classroom space for more enrolment. aljazeera
‘Increasing risks’ for Palestinian children under occupation, say Save the Children, UNICEF
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170914-increasing-risks-for-palestinian-children-under-occupation-say-save-the-children-unicef/
At least 56 Palestinian schools in the West Bank currently have pending demolition or stop-work orders from the Israeli occupation authorities, children’s rights groups have claimed.In a joint statement released this week, Save the Children, UNICEF and UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) warn of “increasing protection risks” for Palestinian children under Israeli military occupation. As students returned to school for the new year, “scores” of Palestinian children “continue to struggle to realise their right to education”, the statement notes.“School demolitions, confiscation of equipment, double shifts, inability to prioritise education and underfunding have complicated children’s access to education,” it adds. middleeastmonitor
180,000 Palestinians in Nablus suffering acute water shortage since June
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170914-180000-palestinians-in-nablus-suffering-acute-water-shortage-since-june/
Residents of Nablus in the occupied West Bank are suffering from increasing water shortages, according to a new report by B’Tselem. The rights group reported: “Israel prevents the Palestinians from digging new wells and refuses to sell them more water to ease the suffering.” Consequently, “in summer residents must purchase water privately, at high costs, and use it for essential needs only.” Middleeastmonitor
Hamas opens office in Cairo
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170914-hamas-opens-office-in-cairo/
Egyptian Govt agreed to allow Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, to open an office in Cairo and appoint a permanent representative there.Egyptian sources stated that the Hamas delegation currently visiting Cairo agreed with the Egyptian intelligence agency to appoint a representative for the movement in the Egyptian capital, who will act as a coordinator to discuss and deal with various issues.The agreement between the two sides stipulates that there will be permanent representation for the movement in Cairo in order to follow up on the movement’s affairs, as well as the affairs of Gazans in Egypt. middleeastmonitor
Fatah: It is impossible to talk to Hamas
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170914-fatah-it-is-impossible-to-talk-to-hamas/
Fatah spokesman Nasser Al-Qudwa said yesterday that it is impossible to talk with Hamas about the Palestinian National Council (PNC), Quds Net News reported.In a press conference held in Ramallah, Al-Qudwa said that the PNC must be held in order to “reactivate the PLO, which is the sole representative of the Palestinian people”.He stressed that Fatah is interested in discussing this issue with all Palestinians factions, but questioned whether Hamas was “serious” about its plan to achieve reconciliation.Al-Qudwa hailed Cairo’s efforts to push forward Palestinian unity, stressing that Gaza is “an important and basic part of the Palestinian national project”.middleeastmonitor
Fire kills at least 25 at religious school in Malaysia
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/fire-kills-25-religious-school-malaysia-170914012716752.html
At least 25 people, mostly students, were killed after a blaze broke out early on Thursday at a religious school in Kuala Lumpur - the deadliest fire in decades in Malaysia.The fire at Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah - a "tahfiz" boarding school where students learn to memorise the Quran - was reported at 5:40am, according to a statement from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department.Khirudin Drahman, director of Kuala Lumpur's fire and rescue department, told AFP the number of confirmed dead are 23 students and two teachers."It really does not make sense for so many to die in the fire," he said. "I think it is one of the country's worst fire disasters in the past 20 years. We are now investigating the cause of the fire."7 people were taken to a nearby hospital for injuries, while 11 others were rescued.Firefighters rushed to the scene and the blaze was out within an hour, but not before it wreaked terrible devastation - pictures in local media showed ash-covered, fire-blackened beds.Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Amar Singh told reporters the boys who died were aged 13-17, and they probably suffocated due to smoke inhalation. aljazeera
Deaths, displacement as battle for CAR continues
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/deaths-displacement-battle-car-continues-170913105057602.html
At least 25 people have been killed in a series of clashes between armed groups over one week in escalating violence in the Central African Republic (CAR).The UN said on Tuesday that thousands of people continue to be uprooted and forced to flee for their lives in resurgent fighting between rival factions in various parts of the country.In its weekly report released on Tuesday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that preliminary estimates indicate at least 10 people were killed and 50 others wounded in fighting between rival factions in the central town of Bria between Sept.7-8. In Yokapi, a village in the country's east, around 15 people were killed and some 80 houses torched in a violent confrontation between 2 communities, OCHA added.aljazeera
it's not our job to satisfy the US: Pakistan
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/we-dont-need-to-satisfy-us-we-are-reassessing-ties-pakistan-defence-minister/articleshow/60511420.cms
New Delhi:Pakistan's defence minister said it is not Islamabad's job to satisfy the US, and added that his Govt is currently "reassessing" ties with Washington, Pak media reported. "We are here to give our point of view logically and with evidence. We will explain our position. But it's not for us to satisfy them," said Khurram Dastgir Khan, the defence minister of Pakistan.The "reassessment" of ties with the US is a result of the US President last month roundly criticising Pakistan for "hosting terror safe havens".TOI
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
UK must stop training the Burmese Army while they continue to persecute Rohingya Muslims
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/letters/rohingya-muslims-myanmar-boris-johnson-police-pay-cap-a7945201.html
A Saudi prince in Israel? An alliance born of failure: Richard Silverstein
http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/what-secret-saudi-visit-israel-means-2054508645
BJP is starting to lose the social media game and it's scaring Amit Shah: RANJAN CRASTA
http://www.catchnews.com/india-news/the-bjp-s-starting-to-lose-the-social-media-game-and-it-s-scaring-amit-shah-81146.html
Why Modi wants Japanese PM to visit a 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad:Angshukanta Chakraborty
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/narendra-modi-shinzo-abe-mosque-sidi-saiyyed-ki-jaali-hindu-muslim-ties-communal-politics/story/1/19479.html
Stand by Gauri Lankesh: This isn’t the time for journalists to remain silent, divided, writes Rajdeep Sardesai
http://www.hindustantimes.com/columns/this-is-not-the-time-for-journalists-to-remain-silent-divided/story-XdrUcShbaw0MU5IP5TzFxH.html
On Rohingya, Aung San Suu Kyi lets political expediency dominate principles: Karan Thapar
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/an-unbecoming-compromise-aung-san-suu-kyi-rohingya-community-burmese-population-myanmar/
Rohingya Muslims in J&K Part I: Refugees tell harrowing tales of abuse and mayhem
http://www.firstpost.com/india/rohingya-muslims-in-jammu-and-kashmir-part-i-refugees-tell-harrowing-tales-of-rape-murder-and-mayhem-4038423.html
Here is how various refugee communities have fared in India:Kanishka Singh
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rohingya-muslims-refugee-myanmar-india-bangladesh-4843379/
Gandhi's granddaughter pens open letter to Aung San Suu Kyi:ELA GANDHI
https://www.iol.co.za/news/opinion/gandhis-granddaughter-pens-open-letter-to-aung-san-suu-kyi-11203894
GDP to remain below 6% in 2nd quarter of 2017-18: SBI
http://indianexpress.com/article/business/gdp-to-remain-below-6-per-cent-in-second-quarter-of-2017-18-sbi-report-4843646/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:16 PM)
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