Evening NEWS DIGEST
05 Oct.2017: 14 Muharram 1439:Vol:9, No:13
INDIA
Gujarat HC allows Zakia Jafri to appeal for new probe in Modi’s role in 2002 riots but rejects her plea challenging lower court order upholding clean chit
https://thewire.in/184802/gujarat-hc-allows-zakia-jafri-appeal-new-probe-modis-role-2002-riots-reopening-debate-sit-report/
New Delhi: In what appears to be a silver lining in an otherwise adverse judgment for Zakia Jafri, wife of Congress politician Ehsan Jafri, who was killed by a rioting mob in the Gulberg Society massacre during the 2002 anti-Muslim riots, the Gujarat high court on Thursday allowed her to move the courts to request a fresh investigation on the alleged criminal role of the then CM Narendra Modi and 61 others.Zakia had moved the high court in 2014 against the closure report filed by the Supreme Court-appointed SIT. Zakia had also alleged in her petition that the riots were a part of a larger conspiracy involving Modi and others.The closure report, which was submitted by SIT in 2012 at a trial court hearing Zakia’s pleas had stated that the SIT could not find any “prosecutable” evidence against the accused persons, as a result of which it could not press any charges against Modi and others. Protesting this,Zakia had appealed to a metropolitan magistrate’s court demanding a fresh probe, but her appeal was dismissed in 2013.The magistrate, B.G. Ganatra, had ruled that since the SIT was monitored by the Supreme Court, it did not have the power to order a fresh investigation.This had forced Zakia to file her petition at the high court, which started final hearings in the case in 2015. On Thursday, the HC upheld the validity of the closure report and dismissed Jafri’s allegation. However, the HC allowed Zakia to demand a fresh investigation in the case – as sought by her in the petition – and overturned the trial court’s observations, which had ruled out another probe as it thought the SIT was monitored by the Supreme Court.“The trial court has self-limited itself in saying that further investigation, in this case, can’t be ordered. This order of lower court deserves interference. So, the petitioner can raise the issue before the concerned court that is the same magisterial court, the division bench of the high court or the SC,” Justice Sonia Gokani told the Indian Express.Effectively, the HC judgement has created an opening for Zakia to seek redressal at a lower court instead of the Supreme Court, which would have been her last stop for appeal. Activist Teesta Setalvad of Citizens for Justice and Peace, which is also co-petitioner in the case, said, “HC has partly allowed the criminal revision application filed by Zakia Jafri challenging magistrate B.G.Ganatra’s order of Dec.26, 2013,which had refused further investigation. Justice Sonia Gokhani also made it clear that the lower court was wrong in holding that the magistrate had no power under law to order further investigation.”The Wire
Gujarat HC rejects Zakia Jafri’s plea challenging lower court order upholding clean chit to Modi
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gujarat-high-court-rejects-zakia-jafris-plea-against-clean-chit-to-modi/article19801181.ece?homepage=true
Aurangabad spl court acquits four Muslims booked on terror charges
http://twocircles.net/2017oct04/417374.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Aurangabad special sessions court has acquitted four Muslim youth from terror charges in a judgement on Oct 3.Accused Shaker Khilji, Abrar Shaikh, Zafar Qureshi and Anwar Khatri were arrested in relation to Himayat Baugh encounter case, which happened on March 26, 2012, in which Maharashtra ATS gunned down Azhar Khatri on the spot.The accused were tried under UAPA, Sections 307, 353 and 34 of IPC, and sections 3, 25 of Arms act in Aurangabad special sessions court.Judge of the case VV Patil put the case on timed and fast proceedings by calling the witnesses and accused to appear on regular basis on September 11 this year.The judgment which came yesterday has acquitted all the 4 accused from UAPA but has convicted Shaker Khilji and Abrar Shaikh in the IPC section 307 only.Jamiat Ulama-e-Maharashtra has expressed happiness over the verdict and has said that it is hoping that the remaining charges will be dropped from the remaining ones very soon.Hafiz Nadeem Siddiqui, President Jamiat said, “This is a big success for the community where all the accused have been acquitted of terrorism charges. It has once again proved that our organization is fighting for the innocents.”The accused have been facing charges in relation to Ahmedabad bomb blast case 2008. Based on the input, Maharashtra ATS conducted a raid in Himayat Baugh locality of Aurangabad in 2012, in which one accused was killed. The investigation of this case was led by the CID.TwoCircles
2 sentenced to 10-year rigorous imprisonment in Himayat Baugh firing case:TOI
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/2-sentenced-to-10-year-rigorous-imprisonment-in-himayat-baugh-firing-case/articleshow/60930615.cms?
SC refers to constitution bench issues related to freedom of speech:PTI
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-refers-to-constitution-bench-issues-related-to-freedom-of-speech/story-ivcA6qQj0vlmgZFRMUlaMJ.html
New Delhi:The Supreme Court has referred to a 5-judge constitution bench questions such as whether a public functionary or a minister can claim freedom of speech while airing views in a sensitive matter which is under investigation.A bench headed by CJI Dipak Misra said the questions raised by senior advocates Harish Salve and Fali S Nariman were required to be dealt by a larger bench.The bench, which also comprised Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, said it was concerned over the misuse of social media platforms and said people disseminated wrong information even about the court proceedings.Nariman, who is assisting the bench as an amicus curiae, concurred with the observation of the bench and said that a lot of misinformation and abuses are there on social media platforms and he has stopped looking at them.“I have deleted my Twitter account,” Salve said, adding that once when he was appearing in a case related to a Christian medical college and the subsequent happenings on his Twitter handle forced him to delete it.He said now private players were more into infringing the privacy rights and such things are no more restricted to the state only. The court was hearing a plea filed by a man whose wife and daughter were allegedly gangraped in July last year on a highway near Bulandshahr, seeking transfer of the case to Delhi and lodging of an FIR against ex-UP minister Azam Khan for his controversial statement that the gangrape case was a “political conspiracy”.
J-K lawyers’ stand on Kashmir’s accession to India irks SC
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/j-k-lawyers-stand-on-kashmir-s-accession-to-india-irks-sc/story-4WmQbitL0AZlhhqCbpGEoI.html
New Delhi:Chief Justice Dipak Misra’s bench took strong exception on Wednesday to J&K high court bar association’s affidavit questioning the state’s accession to India and said it’s a mistake that the Supreme Court had asked reasons for protests in Kashmir.“If this court really wanted to know that (reasons for stone-pelting and protests), then it’s a mistake,” Justice Misra said when the association justified the contents of its affidavit. Justices DY Chandrachud and AM Khanwilkar were the other members.“We are slightly shocked at the affidavit. How is it relevant to your appeal here?” the court asked from the association, which has challenged the state high court’s order refusing to ban use of pellet guns. Extensive use of pellets on agitators led to scores of youngsters losing eyesight permanently, the association has placed before the SC.Association president advocate Abdul Qayoom said the affidavit was filed “in response to the court’s keenness to know why the people were protesting”. “Therefore, we pointed out the historical facts,” the lawyer said.
Kashmiris ready to shed last drop of blood if Article 35 A is tinkered with: Valley-based advocacy group
http://twocircles.net/2017oct04/417391.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Srinagar:Kashmir Centre for Social and Developmental Studies (KCSDS), an advocacy Centre and the largest civil society formation in J&K, has ridiculed the statement made by RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwat and said that Kashmiris will shed the last drop of blood if any tinkering is done with article 35-A.“He (Mohan Bhagwat) should know that it is not India which has given Kashmir any special status rather she has taken powers by force from the state by forcing the reluctant king Maharaja Hari Singh into signing the instrument of accession whose legitimacy Kashmiris have been questioning ever since,” KCSDS said while ridiculing the Bhagwat statement.“Even then the conditional clause inserted in the document by Governor-General makes the connection with India only tentative and tenuous subject to ratification by the people of the state. The article 35-A was inserted as a bulwark against the further erosion of the sovereignty of the state by the predatory union,” KCSDS said.“Seeing the gradual onslaught of New Delhi on the residual sovereignty of the state by way of extension of the fundamental rights and Indian citizenship to natives of the state in 1954, the then state Govt sought protection to the exclusive rights of the natives of the state of permanent residency and settling or owning or buying land as well as jobs and scholarships in the state. Further, that state alone can decide on these matters,” it added.TwoCircles
Chinese troops still present in Doklam: Air Chief
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/possibility-of-two-front-war-low-but-iaf-capability-adequate-says-air-chief/article19801489.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi:In a first formal statement from the military leadership after the disengagement at Doklam, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa on Thursday said Chinese troops were still present in the area. “Their [China] forces in Chumbi Valley are still deployed and I expect that they will withdraw when their summer exercise gets over,” he said at the annual press conference ahead of the Air Force Day on October 8. China, he said, held military exercises every year in summer and so their forces were closeby when the Doklam standoff happened.Air Chief said the possibility of a 2-front war remains low but the Indian Air Force has adequate capability to tackle threats despite a shortage of fighter jets. “Possibility of a 2-front war in the current geopolitical situation is low. Our response should be based on enemy's capability because intentions can change overnight,” he said. thehindu
India ready to take on the challenge of a 2-front war: Air Force Chief
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iaf-has-the-capability-to-locate-fix-and-strike-across-the-border-air-chief-marshal-bs-dhanoa/story-Y6IikH9slGYfwrOBPxq6fO.html
Corruption Culture rampant in Culture Ministry : PMO fails to act
http://twocircles.net/2017oct04/417394.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
New Delhi: Amidst lofty claims by PM Narendra Modi for ending the corruption ‘culture’ in country but the Dept of Culture is scripting new stories of corruption.Even PMO is aware about their misdeeds but have turned a Nelson’s eye towards the development. Infact, there are allegations that an effort is being done to bury the corruption charges under the carpet by concerned minister and officials.The saga of corruption is related to Centre for Cultural Resources and Training in New Delhi.Corruption allegations against the Director of CCRT for financial embezzlement for crores of rupees came to light but there has been no action from govt.Established in 1979, CCRT is situated in Dwarka, New Delhi, is an autonomous body but is under administrative control of Ministry of Culture.Information procured through RTI indicate that Director, CCRT, GC Joshi is involved in serious administrative and financial anomalies.These charges are evident from the special audit report of the internal audit wing under Ministry of HRD.As per the audit report,CCRT incurred a loss of Rs 1.56 crore during 2011-12 to 2015-16 for recommendation of using its auditorium.All these recommendations were done by its Director, GC Joshi. This loss has been calculated from the revenue earned during 2010-11 from the auditorium.Not only this, report also indicates towards anomalies for reinstatement of its staff without any prior information and advertisement.The report also mentions that the going by deeds of the Director,CCRT, he should be immediately suspended or sent on leave till the probe is completed. The report also categorically states that all the directives of Director for reinstatement of staff, purchasing and sacking of employees should be considered null and void.Despite such serious noting, Director, GC Joshi continues to enjoy his post. This is when several complaints regarding him have been sent to PMO.Meanwhile several letters have been sent to PM Narendra Modi for taking action in this issue. PMO, on its part has forwarded these letters to Secretary, Culture Ministry, which is sitting idle on them.Meanwhile several employees of CCRT who have brought this to the notice are being threatened by Director and few Deputy Directors to remain silent. twocircles
Indian Govt advised to ‘discredit’ slavery research:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/05/indian-Govt -advised-to-discredit-slavery-research
Govt of India has been advised to launch a campaign to “discredit” research into the country’s modern slavery problem because it has the “potential to substantially harm India’s image and exports”, according to an Indian news report.The Walk Free Foundation, an anti-slavery organisation established by Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest, was specifically singled out in a memo reportedly prepared by the IB, an Indian security agency, and obtained by the Indian Express.It was produced days after the release of a report last month by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Forrest’s Walk Free Foundation that estimated the global population of modern slaves at 40.3m in 2016.India was not specifically mentioned but successive research has estimated the number of modern slaves in the country to be between 14m and 18m people –the most in the world.Modern slavery refers to people involved in forced labour, people trafficking, debt bondage, child labour and a range of other exploitative practices affecting vulnerable populations. theguardian
BJP worker spills beans on plans to spread communal terror in WB; says arms, bombs being stored:report
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/investigation/bjp-worker-spills-beans-on-plans-to-spread-communal-terror-in-wb-says-arms-bombs-being-stored
Tracing the person addressed in the internal messages leaked by members of Hindu Samhati on which National Herald had carried a story earlier,NH investigative team contacted Santosh Kumar whose Facebook profile describes him as Convenor, BJP Trade Cell,South 24 Paraganas (W) and Observer at BJP, West Bengal, through the help of a right wing source.He confessed to his involvement in planning and executing terror activities in written correspondence with this source and accepted that there were indeed plans to create communal disturbances after Shastra Puja on Vijayadashami. This year, a team consisting of some senior leaders has been formed which will be carrying out violent activities in different parts of Bengal, he said. Earlier, members of this group were responsible for attacking Tiljala mosque after which the Muslims were forced to stop their daily prayers for two days, he added. Though a shadowy group, he claimed it has the support of many members of the party.Most of the people named in the list hold prominent positions in the party. From general secretary of district BJP units to leader of its Mahila Morcha, leaders from almost every wing of BJP found a place on this list disclosed by Santosh Kumar.The pictures of some of these people named by Santosh reveal a strange relationship between them and the BJP leadership in the state and the Centre. One or more of them are seen in photographs with BJP’s national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, Union Minister Smriti Irani and Roopa Ganguly, BJP MP from West Bengal. Why are these prominent national faces of the BJP clicking pictures with people who are named by their fellow party colleague of trying to foment communal trouble in state?In the conversation, Santosh claimed Dilip Ghosh, West Bengal state head of the BJP, is well aware of these attacks on the mosques. He also claimed that he had personally handed over proposals to Dilip Ghosh to start arms factories in the state and on his plans to foment communal trouble by throwing beef into Hindu temples. Santosh seemed agitated that Dilip Ghosh, “in spite of having so much to capitalise on,” was not doing enough and instead just asked him to be in touch with the district president of the party.He also said that when he approached district president Abhijit Das with his plans, he dissuaded him by saying, “Why do you do these things? These are the tasks of RSS people.”A dejected Santosh then wrote to one “Rajnathji” as can be seen from the screenshot of the conversation. One wonders if he was referring to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. It is up to the Union Minister to clarify whether he had ever been approached by Santosh Kumar and what that correspondence, if any, was about.The team has recruited members from different parts of the state. Logistic support is provided by BJP’s allied organisations like the RSS and Bajrang Dal. According to Santosh, 8 to 10 members of the present group have been trained by these groups to use weapons and carry out action during Durga Puja. The team consists of nearly 400 members from the South 24 Paraganas, including some prominent members of BJP’s Bengal unit. nationalheraldindia
Cops probe conspiracy angle to cow slaughter in Gonda
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/uttar-pradesh-cops-probe-conspiracy-angle-to-cow-slaughter-in-gonda-4874933/
Lucknow:Gonda police, who arrested a historysheeter caught slaughtering a cow in Bhatpura village Sunday, are probing the possibility that it was a planned act meant to incite communal tension a day before a Muharram procession was to be taken out in the Hindu-dominated area.The accused is a Hindu Brahmin, said sources.Ram Sevak Dikshit, who has 18 criminal cases against him, including those of murder and dacoity, was arrested while he was allegedly slaughtering a cow in Katra Bazar police station area.Mangal Dikshit,who was also involved in the act and is an accused in three criminal cases, escaped, said police. Both belong to Bhatpura village.SGO of Katra Bazar police station DP Singh said, “Around 7 pm Sunday, a 12-year-old boy spotted Ram Sevak and Mangal slaughtering a cow in a field. The boy alerted locals who ran to the spot and also informed police. People caught hold of Ram Sevak, who was drunk, while Mangal managed to escape”. Ram Sevak and Mangal were booked under IPC sections 153 A, 295 A, 379 and UP Prevention Of Cow Slaughter Act.During probe,Ram Sevak told police that they had stolen the cow from their neighbour Ganesh Prasad Dixit, said Singh.indianexpress
India struggles to rein in border flows of cattle, Rohingya:Reuters
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-struggles-to-rein-in-border-flows-of-cattle-and-rohingya/articleshow/60955451.cms
New Delhi: Stopping Rohingya refugees from crossing India's porous eastern border with Bangladesh is straining the resources of guards battling to halt a flow of smuggled cattle in the opposite direction, security officials say.More than half a million Muslim Rohingya, a stateless ethnic minority, have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since violence erupted on Aug. 25, but it is not clear how many then sought to travel on to India.Last month India ordered its border guards to use "rude and crude" methods, such as "chilli and stun grenades", to block their entry.But that directive clashes with another task India's Govt has set its border guards - to keep cows, seen by many Hindus as sacred, from being smuggled into Bangladesh for slaughter, in a trade worth $600 million a year."It's hard to stop cows and human beings at the same time," a senior official of BSF, which has about 30,000 troops patrolling the frontier with Bangladesh, said in New Delhi.
File status of 16,096 cows ‘exported’ to other states: HC tells Haryana govt
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/cow-slaughter-file-status-of-16096-cows-exported-to-other-states-hc-tells-haryana-govt-4874979/
Chandigarh:Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the Haryana Govt to verify whether the 16, 096 cows that were exported to other states, since the enactment of the Anti-cow Slaughter Act in 2015, are still alive and provide the list of states where they have been exported.The HC direction came after the Govt failed to respond to an order asking it to file a detailed affidavit on the status of the exported cows since the enactment of Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act, 2015 —law which prohibits cow slaughter in the state. Though the Govt told the Division Bench of Justice Ajay Kumar Mittal and Justice Amit Rawal that 565 permits had been issued since 2015 for the export of cows, it also said “the question of giving particulars of the states where they have been taken and whether they are alive or not does not arise”. The govt official added that no cow had been exported for the purpose of slaughter since the promulgation of the Act.indianexpress
Cracks appear in BJP-JD(U) alliance in Bihar
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/cracks-appear-in-bjp-jdu-alliance-in-bihar
Speculations of rift within JD(U)-BJP alliance gained currency after BJP leader and former Union minister C.P.Thakur publicly questioned Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's much hyped campaign against child marriage and dowry,and JD(U) hit back by saying that no one can question the decisions of Nitish Kumar.Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s lack of presence at a programme in Ara which saw RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in attendance is also being cited as a testimony of the differences between BJP and JD(U) in Bihar.On Wednesday, Kumar attended a separate programme organised to mark 1,000th birth anniversary of Swami Ramanujacharya while Bhagwat was in town to participate in a similar programme.On the top of that,BJP leader Nawal Kishore Yadav advised Kumar not to avoid Bhagwat. It did not go well with JD(U), according to a Patna watcher.“JD(U) is an alliance partner of BJP, part of NDA, then it should have no problems with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat,” Yadav was quoted by the media.JD(U) spokesperson KC Tyagi, who is considered close to Nitish Kumar, however, downplayed the rift. Nationalheraldindia
Muzaffaranagar:4 yrs after riots,Muslims back with BKU
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/four-yrs-after-2013-riots-muslims-back-with-bku-in-muzaffaranagar/articleshow/60945318.cms
Muzaffarnagar: During the peak of the communal tension at the time of the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, Bharatiya Kisan Union had faced a split on communal lines as many of its Jat leaders openly called for all “Hindus to unite”. Soon after that many Muslim leaders in BKU had quit organisation. But 4 years down the line, there are visible signs that the minority community is coming back to the BKU.A Muslim leader who recently joined BKU said,“There is no denying the fact that Muslims have lost political representation across UP after UP polls. Samajwadi Party is busy mending its own house; BSP and RLD are routed and rudderless; Cong doesn't have much of a voice. It is only BKU which is left as an anchor for Muslims. Plus, it is also the only organistaion that primarily speaks on issue of farmers.”During a recent agitation, a large number of Muslims were seen in BKU gatherings, where activists even demanded removal of liquor vends near mosques.The newly appointed adviser to BKU,Zaheer Farooqui, said,“After the Muzaffarnagar riots and later BKU president Naresh Tikait’s remark against Muslims in a panchayat held in June 2014 had completely alienated the community from BKU. But that’s a thing of the past.”National spokesperson of BKU, Rakesh Tikait, said,“2013 riots is a closed chapter now. No one wants to remember that time. BKU, too, has moved on and has evolved in a better way. Ours is an organisation dedicated to raise farmers’ issues, irrespective of their religion.When unfavourable Govt policies hit people, the repercussion is felt by everyone. Today all communities within our organisation are standing together in our fight against the Govt ’s anti-farmer policies.” timesofindia
Gauri murder: 1 month on, SIT fails to make headway
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gauri-lankesh-murder-one-month-on-sit-fails-to-make-headway/story-OLRg8QcTXNKY6j4238PVuJ.html
Bengaluru:A month after the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh who was gunned down outside her house in Bengaluru on Sept.5, investigation into the incident is yet to make any significant inroad. Karnataka Govt is under pressure as protests have been planned in Delhi and Bengaluru on Thursday to ensure that the probe does not go the same way as that into the murder of academic MM Kalburgi,who was similarly gunned down at his house in August 2015.A senior officer in the SIT, which is probing the murder, said they were going through a pile of evidence gathered and methodically trying to look at various angles. indian Express
One Month of Lankesh Murder: Thousands protest in Delhi
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/one-month-of-lankesh-murder-thousands-protest-in-delhi
New Delhi:Exactly one month ago, Karnataka's veteran journalist Gauri Lankesh was murdered outside her home in the state's capital. Hundreds of social and human rights activists, journalists and students held a protest demonstration in the national capital today to reiterate their demand for arrest of the assailants and to reclaim their right to dissent."We have gathered here to speak against violence, for love and harmony. We are here to tell the killers that killing of one Gauri is not going to silence us," eminent author and social scientist Kamla Bhasin said.Several eminent activists including Teesta Setelvad, Anni Raja, Prof Apoorvanand, Nandita Narayan, Harsh Mander, Prashant Bhushan and Prabhat Patnayak were among several hundred protesters.The protest was called by various organizations including Swaraj Abhiyan, Central Indian Trade Union, Pragatishrel Mahila Sangarhan, Jan Sangharsh Manch Haryana, SIO, AIDWA, KYS, DYFI, PDSU, Forum Against Assassination of Gauri Lankesh, AISA, AIUF, AIMSS, JNUSU, India Writers Forum, IFTU, AIMSS and various other groups. IndiaTomorrow
Dalit youths post pictures flaunting moustaches after some were beaten up for sporting the same
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/social-watch/novel-online-protest-dalit-youths-post-pictures-flaunting-their-moustaches
After a 21-year-old Dalit man was allegedly beaten to death for watching a Garba event on Saturday and some Dalit youths were attacked by the members of upper castes in 2 different recent incidents for wearing moustaches in Gujarat, Dalit youths have discovered a novel way to protest against atrocities against the community.To assert their identity, Dalit youths in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar have been posting selfies and pictures on social media which show them sporting moustaches.“Dalits in Gandhinagar Gujarat are being killed for sporting a moustache, really! To protest the attacks over a moustache, Dalits near Sanand have adopted a twirled moustache logo as their WhatsApp display picture. Let us support them,” Pratik Damodaran posted on Facebook along with the logo to lodge his protest against beating up of the Dalit men. Many others posted their pictures sporting twirled moustaches with hashtags like #jaatiwaadmurdawaad and RightToMoustache on Facebook and Twitter and evoked strong support and solidarity.“We have had over 1000 people from the Dalit community posting pictures of themselves with moustaches on Facebook alone in the past three days. The number will keep increasing,” Gautam Makwana, who posted his selfie showing off his moustache, was quoted by News18.Gautam added that his campaign will gain momentum, and it was high time the plight of Dalits was brought to everybody's notice. nationalheraldindia
Increasing incidents of atrocities: Mevani detained ahead of protest, Dalit women join ‘mooch’ campaign
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/increasing-incidents-of-atrocities-jignesh-mevani-detained-ahead-of-protest-dalit-women-join-mooch-campaign-4874993/
Ahmedabad:Amid incidents of attack on Dalits in Gujarat, activists from the community on Wednesday held a protest outside the state secretariat in Gandhinagar during which some of them were detained. Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani was also detained from his residence in Ahmedabad in the morning to prevent him from taking part in the protest.While a 17-year-old Dalit, who was attacked Tuesday by unidentified men in a Gandhinagar village allegedly for sporting a moustache, made slow recovery at a civil hospital in the district, the “moocho toh rakhvani (will keep a moustache)” campaign gained strength, with several members of the community in Gandhinagar and Sanand (Ahmedabad) changing their display photographs on social media sites to “Mr Dalit” — a logo of a twirled moustache with a crown and Mr Dalit written on it. Dalits have also started to print stickers of “Mr Dalit” logo to paste it on their cars and motorcycles. indianexpress
EC ready to hold simultaneous assembly, Lok Sabha polls after Sept 2018
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/can-hold-assembly-lok-sabha-elections-simultaneously-after-sept-2018-ec/story-YoxlvmP9ypqM28sJHy9LLK.html
Bhopal: Election Commission would be ready to hold assembly and Lok Sabha elections simultaneously after September next year, election commissioner OP Rawat said on Wednesday, a move that could cut poll costs by hundreds of crores. BJP-led Govt at the Centre has been aggressively pushing for the system of simultaneous parliamentary and assembly polls that was prevalent in India till 1967.While parliamentary polls are scheduled for 2019, assembly elections will be due in eight states September 2018. Polls in Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan are slated for the end of 2018 and early 2019. Polls for the remaining four states are slated to be held with the general elections.“We told Govt what we have and what we need. We told Govt about EVMs and other related things that we need and how much money will be required for the same,” Rawat said.Rawat said the panel would require 40 lakh election-related equipment. “We required Rs 3,400 crore for VVPAT and Rs 12,000 crore for EVMs,” he said.HT
Amit Shah abruptly leaves Kerala Yatra amid talk of poor crowd response
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amit-shah-skips-kerala-janraksha-yatra-amid-talk-of-poor-crowd-response/story-fJDP5vpI7Tzu8SFcQN4nDN.html
Thiruvananthapuram: BJP head Amit Shah skipped a scheduled event in Kerala on Thursday, triggering speculation that the last-minute decision to withdraw from a high-profile two-week campaign was prompted by poor crowd response.As part of the Janraksha Yatra, Shah was supposed to lead party workers into Pinarayi, the home village of CM Pinarayi Vijayan but BJP announced that he cancelled the trip due to compelling reasons. “PM has asked him to stay in Delhi for some important consultations. He will join the yatra once his busy schedule is over,”said BJP state head Kummanam Rajasekhran.CPI(M), however, said paltry crowds had forced Shah to skip the rally. “The party has made a mountain out of a molehill. Poor response forced the party president to call it a day. It shows people have rejected the much-publicised exercise of the saffron party,” said CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.Others indicated that intense infighting in the state unit might also have been a factor. hindustantimes
Won't keep quiet when economy faces 'cheer haran':Sinha
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/wont-keep-quiet-when-faced-with-economys-cheer-haran-says-yashwant-sinha/articleshow/60953288.cms
New Delhi: Senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha on Thursday hit out at the Centre saying that he will not keep quiet when the Indian economy faces "cheer haran" or 'disrobement.'"I am no Shalya, but I will not keep quiet when the economy is facing 'cheer haran'," Sinha said.Sinha's statement was in response to PM Narendra Modi's comment that his detractors suffer from " Shalya-vrutti " or pessimism."These people suffer from Shalya-vrutti (pessimism).They sleep well only after they spread a feeling of pessimism all around. We need to recognize such people," PM Modi had said in his address at the golden jubilee celebrations of the ICSI on Wednesday.TOI
Akhilesh re-elected SP chief for 5 yrs
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/samajwadi-party-national-convention-live-akhilesh-yadav-re-elected-party-chief-for-5-years/story-weONFeeXQveqt3ZGybtYeJ.html
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was unanimously re-elected as the party’s national president for a 5-year term on Thursday at the party’s national convention in Agra.The party’s constitution was amended to extend the tenure of the party chief to five years from the existing 3 years.Mulayam and Shivpal gave the SP event a miss just as they had stayed away from the state executive meeting of the party in Lucknow on September 23. Akhilesh had personally invited his father for the national convention. Akhilesh will remain at the helm for five years, the 2019 Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections in 2022 will be held under his presidentship. hindustantimes
Alcohol will ruin our youth, society in next 25 yrs:PM Modi
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-expresses-concern-over-growing-problem-of-alcoholism/story-QAhmZP9PzyM3xe3YDyzypI.html
New Delhi:PM Narendra Modi voiced on Thursday concern over the growing problem of alcoholism among youth and said society will be “ruined” in the next 25 years if the menace was not checked.Modi was addressing people associated with the Umiya Sansthan, in Haridwar through video conference on the inauguration of Ma Umiya Dham Ashram.Praising the Sansthan for according priority to social causes, he spoke of the crucial role it could play in fighting alcoholism among the younger generation and creating awareness about cleanliness and environment conservation.“I am sharing this concern with you as someone who has grown among your midst and not as the PM . Don’t you hear news about the younger generation especially our boys falling victim to alcoholism and things our ancestors hated. If we let this tendency grow in 20-25 years our society will be ruined. hindustantimes
Problem of growing drug addiction among Kashmiri youths missing focus in years of Valley’s conflict: HT
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/downside-of-kashmir-valley-s-war-through-bombs-guns-youth-high-on-drugs/story-J0yj8K48xnDDpNUfZXjisM.html
Srinagar: Rahim Ahmad was just 12 years old when he fell in love with a girl from his neighbourhood. But the affair did not last and a heartbroken Rahim, then a Class 7 student, took to cannabis.His school grades started falling and he dropped out in Class 10; his parents brought him to a de-addiction centre recently.“I was a bit depressed after the failed relationship and friends introduced me to it (cannabis)...but soon I became addicted and used to spend Rs120-Rs 400 daily,” he told HT, a cocky youngster with haggard looks.Years of conflict, marked by bomb blasts and gun battles, have shrouded one of Kashmir’s biggest problems: rising drug abuse among the Valley’s youth.Data from Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital — one of the biggest in the state —show an 85% increase in the number of drug and substance abuse cases, from 410 in 2014 to 759 in 2016.Combined cases of drug abuse and related psychological issues also went up from more than 14,500 cases in 2014 to 33,222 in 2016, a staggering 130% increase in two years. This year till April alone, this number is 13,352. A UN International Drug Control Programme survey in 2008 estimated 70,000 drug addicts in Kashmir, out of which 4,000 were women.
Stop all dharnas, public speeches at Jantar Mantar immediately: NGT to Delhi govt
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/stop-all-dharna-agitations-public-speeches-at-jantar-mantar-immediately-ngt/story-SV3ofbkdgSz7LR53axjh7K.html
New Delhi:National Green Tribunal on Thursday directed the Delhi Govt to immediately stop all protests and assembly of people at the Jantar Mantar area in the heart of the capital city.A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice R S Rathore also directed the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to remove all make-shift and temporary structures, loud speakers and public address systems from the stretch of the road situated near Connaught Place.PTI
Secret chapters of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination hidden in MP?TOI
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/secret-chapters-of-mahatma-gandhis-assassination-hidden-in-madhya-pradesh/articleshow/60949675.cms
Bhopal:On Mahatma Gandhi's 148th birth anniversary, conspiracy theorists are digging up 'unsolved mysteries' of the assassination - which pistol was used to kill him, how many shots were really fired, was there a second shooter?The weapon riddle leads to Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. TOI has copies of a 1948 police document, which show that Dr Dattatraya Parchure of Gwalior - who allegedly provided the Beretta with which Godse fired three shots at the Mahatma - owned a second Beretta whose registration number 719791 was strangely the same as a pistol owned by another Gwalior resident, Uday Chand, at the same time.The pistol with which Gandhi was shot has the registration number 606824. While Dr Parchure had given this one to Godse, he had refused to give him the second Berretta. Both pistols were seized in the aftermath of the assassination - one from the scene of the shooting and the other from Dr Parchure's home. timesofindia
Last wish fulfilled: 82 yr-old Hindu man laid to rest with Muslim rites in Jhansi
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-last-wish-fulfilled-82-year-old-hindu-man-laid-to-rest-with-muslim-rites-in-jhansi-2550661
In the rarest incident, a Hindu man's last rites in Jhansi were performed as per Muslim customs, to fulfil his last wish.Madan Mohan Yadav who was famous for samosas of his iconic shop 'Dau Samose Wala', was buried on Monday and not cremated, reported Times of India.Yadav had been telling his family and friends about his desire to be buried. As per his wish, without any objection, his mortal remains were taken to Jewanshah burial ground for burial."My father always had a lot of respect for both the religions and he regularly visited a 'dargah' apart from temples," said his son Ashok Yadav.Healso used to send 'samosas' to the nearby mosque during the holy month of Ramzan. dnaindia
WORLD
Row over Pak paramilitary unit fuels speculation of rift in govt-army ties:Reuters
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/row-over-pakistani-paramilitary-unit-fuels-political-confusion/articleshow/60957405.cms
Islamabad: An unexplained dispute between Pakistan's interior minister and an elite paramilitary unit under his command is adding to political confusion in Islamabad, prompting questions about a rift in ties between civilian leaders and the powerful military.The spat comes at a moment of heightened concern over the feverish political climate in nuclear-armed Pakistan, which the United States seeks to include in its new strategy for South Asia. Interior Minister Ashan Iqbal was taken by surprise when the elite Rangers unit, which provides security around parliament, withdrew its guards without explanation on Wednesday."I was told the Rangers have unilaterally withdrawn from the important installations where they were on duty, which, for us, was shocking," Iqbal told domestic television channel DawnNews."This was a gross violation."Outside parliament on Thursday, country's Frontier Constabulary was on guard instead. A police official on duty confirmed the Rangers were no longer stationed there."The order for them to leave did not come from the interior ministry, it must have come from somewhere else," said the official, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the topic. Rangers' officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Iqbal did not immediately respond to Reuters' telephone calls to seek comment.
Balochistan shrine blast: At least 12 killed, several injured
http://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/balochistan-shrine-blast-live-many-killed-several-injured/
At least 12 people were killed and several injured in a suicide blast at a shrine in Balochistan’s Jhal Magsi, Pakistani media reported on Thursday. According to Dawn, the explosion took place at the shrine at a time when scores of people had gathered to pay their respects. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.Attendance at shrines is usually large on Thursday. The death toll is expected to increase.indianexpress
Bangladesh destroys over 20 boats carrying refugees from Myanmar
https://scroll.in/latest/852949/bangladesh-razes-over-20-boats-carrying-refugees-from-myanmar
Bangladeshi border guards have destroyed around 20 boats that were used to ferry Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar, Reuters reported on Thursday.Lieutenant Colonel Ariful Islam, the local commander of the border guards said they were cracking down on human trafficking and the smuggling of the drug called methamphetamine. “The boats are trying to carry passengers they are not supposed to,” he was quoted as saying.Some refugees claimed the border guards also beat up and arrested passengers who disembarked in Bangladesh’s southern area of Shah Porir Dwip, before destroying the boats.Refugees like Ibrahim Holil and Farous Ahmad from Myanmar said that they were beaten despite there being nothing prohibited in their boats. Ahmad said that his sons, who had worked as crew on the boats, were also arrested. “People told me the border guards would shelter us in Bangladesh but yet they arrested them [my sons] and we had to spend the whole night sitting,” Ahmad said. scroll
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind condemns Las Vegas shooting
http://jamaateislamihind.org/eng/jamaat-condemns-las-vegas-shooting/
New Delhi: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has condemned the shooting at Las Vegas, USA. JIH President Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari mourned the death of 58 people in the shooting and said that: ‘’we condemn the cowardly shooting and stand with the people of America in their hour of grief.’’The Jamaat chief added: ‘’We are alarmed at the rise of cases of domestic terrorism and gun violence in America. There is no place in our world for indiscriminate violence of this magnitude. Our prayers and sympathies are with the victims of this cowardly attack. We hope the American people will address the rising tide of this senseless gun violence with common sense gun laws’’. Maulana Umari said: “Islam lays great importance to the sanctity of life and teaches love and compassion to fellow human beings. People must reflect on the ill-effects of the contemporary atheist, materialistic culture that glorifies violence and is insensitive to human suffering. It is time for the world to return to Divine Guidance and follow the path shown by God’s prophets that guarantees peace and prosperity both in this world and the Hereafter”.
Was IS's claim for Las Vegas attack 'fake news'?AFP
http://zeenews.india.com/world/was-islamic-states-claim-for-las-vegas-attack-fake-news-2047583.html
Claims of responsibility for terror attacks by the Islamic State group were once seen as credible, but in the wake of the Las Vegas atrocity, experts stress that the retreating jihadists are increasingly spreading fake news.Via its propaganda news agency Amaq, IS has twice said that Las Vegas shooter, a 64-year-old retired accountant, was a "soldier" of the group. On Monday, it put out a second statement claiming serial gambler Stephen Paddock had recently converted to Islam and was known by the nom de guerre Abu Abdel Bar al-Amriki. American investigators are scrambling to understand the motive for the worst shooting in living memory on US soil, but IS experts are sceptical that Paddock was linked to the terror group.FBI said on Monday it had so far found "no connection" between him and any international terrorist group."ISIS in recent months has made a number of demonstrably false claims for attacks and incidents that had no jihadi terror nexus," Paul Cruickshank from US-based Combating Terrorism Center said.French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb made the same point on Tuesday, saying the group "tended to claim every attack" in order to "maintain a presence in the media space."Discerning who is ultimately responsible for attacks is an inexact science.The problem, like all fake news, is that once a story spreads on social media or elsewhere on the internet it is very difficult to correct it.
In Mosul's fall, informers played vital role against IS:Reuters
http://in.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-iraq-mosul-special-rep/special-report-in-mosuls-fall-informers-played-vital-role-against-islamic-state-idINKCN1C916H
Mosul:One informer said he hid the sim card from his mobile phone in a water filter to avoid detection by Islamic State. Another concealed his in a sack of rice and made calls to his Iraqi handlers from a basement.They were among several hundred Mosul residents who provided information on Islamic State targets during the victorious nine-month battle for Iraq's second biggest city, Iraqi military and Kurdish intelligence officials said. They included taxi drivers, Iraqi soldiers and defectors from Islamic State. Without their help, officials say, the fighting would have dragged on longer, snared in Mosul’s narrow alleys.“I was really afraid the whole time. Because you paid with blood, you paid with your life if you were caught,” said one of the informers, 30-year-old former army sergeant Alaa Abdullah, who remained in Mosul after its capture by Islamic State in 2014.“My mother used to say, you’re still young. But I’d tell her, every time I see a Daesh fighter, I get a grey hair,” he said. “And you can see all my greys now. From all that hatred and fear.”In interviews with Reuters,9 Iraqi and Kurdish military officials, informers and their relatives detailed how their battle for Mosul unfolded.As Iraqi army commanders and US advisers were preparing the ground offensive,intelligence officers were recruiting informers, building alliances with the region’s Sunni tribes and infiltrating Baghdadi’s inner circle. Iraqi intelligence had tested using informers in the successful operation to retake another IS stronghold, Falluja, in June 2016.Now it was time to apply the tactic on a bigger scale in Mosul.
Syria violence at worst level since Aleppo: ICRC
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/syria-violence-worst-level-aleppo-icrc-171005104329409.html
The worst fighting since the battle for eastern Aleppo last year is raging in several regions of Syria, causing hundreds of civilian casualties, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said.Up to 10 hospitals have been reportedly damaged in the past 10 days, cutting off hundreds of thousands of people from access to health care, the aid agency said in a statement on Thursday, voicing alarm at the situation from Raqqa to Idlib and eastern Ghouta."For the past two weeks, we have seen an increasingly worrying spike in military operations that correlates with high levels of civilian casualties," Marianne Gasser, head of the ICRC's delegation in Syria, said."My colleagues report harrowing stories, like a family of 13 who fled Deir Az Zor only to lose 10 of its members to air strikes and explosive devices along the way."In a separate development on Thursday, two Russian submarines fired 10 "Kalibr" cruise missiles from the Mediterranean Sea at rebel targets in Deir Az Zor province to support the Syrian army, Russian news agencies cited the defence ministry in Moscow.ICRC reported that some camps around Raqqa and Deir Az Zor are receiving more than 1,000 people, including many women and children, every day, adding that humanitarian organisations are struggling to provide water, food and basic hygiene to the new arrivals.
Syrian opposition says Russian jets kill civilians fleeing across Euphrates
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171005-syrian-opposition-says-russian-jets-kill-civilians-fleeing-across-euphrates/
Military jets believed to be Russian killed at least 60 civilians trying to flee heavy fighting in the oil rich Deir al Zor province of Syria when their small boats were targeted as they sought to cross the Euphrates River, opposition activists, former residents and a war monitor said late on Wednesday.They said the jets targeted makeshift rubber dinghies and boats carrying dozens of families fleeing the town of al Ashara along the western banks of the Euphrates that lies south of Deir al Zor city, the provincial capital.Daesh’s last major stronghold, the cities, towns and farms in the fertile strip along the Euphrates bordering Iraq are fast becoming the focus of Syria’s six-year-long civil war. middleeastmonitor
Iraqi Kurds deadlocked over elections
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/iraqi-kurds-deadlocked-elections-171004141225312.html
Kurdish Regional Govt has announced new parliamentary and presidential elections on the first of November.According to the Iraqi Kurdish region's Higher Election Commission, political parties have already registered their names for parliamentary elections, with the election campaign due to start on October 15.However, officials are in contention about whether the elections will be actually held at the announced date.Sadi Pire, a senior official and member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan politburo, told Al Jazeera that it is likely the parliamentary elections will be held next year."It is possible that the current Govt's mandate will be extended for another year," Pire said. He cited the chaotic conditions present in the semi-autonomous region in northern Iraq."We have more than 400,000 people that need to be repatriated after the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group occupied their villages, in addition to 1.2 million Syrian refugees and IDP from south of Iraq," Pire said. "It is very difficult now to have a clean election under these elections." aljazeera
Erdogan, Rouhani united in opposition to Kurdish state
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/erdogan-rouhani-united-opposition-kurdish-state-171004124507138.html
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has called for "more decisive action" in response to the Kurdish Regional Govt (KRG)'s attempt to split from Iraq, as he joined his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani in renewing their opposition to the redrawing of the Iraqi borders."From this moment forward, more decisive steps will be taken," Erdogan said on Wednesday during a joint media appearance with Rouhani in Tehran.He did not say what specific steps Ankara would take, although Ankara had earlier threatened to shut down its border with the KRG. "It was an illegitimate referendum, and we don't accept it," he said. "What referendum were they carrying out? No one has recognised them apart from Israel."Rouhani also declared his opposition to an independent Kurdish state, even as he said that his country "does not mean any harm" to the Kurdish population. aljazeera
French PM offers mediation between Baghdad and Kurds
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/macron-offers-mediation-baghdad-kurds-171005112921233.html
Turkey sentences 40 to life for trying to kill Erdogan
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/turkey-sentences-40-life-kill-erdogan-171004173656249.html
A Turkish court has handed life sentences to 40 people convicted of plotting to assassinate President Tayyip Erdogan during last year's failed coup attempt.Thirty-one defendants, including senior military officers,were each given four life sentences at Wednesday's trial in the southwestern city of Mugla, the private Dogan news agency reported.Mugla is near the luxury resort where Erdogan and his family narrowly escaped a team of rogue soldiers who stormed his hotel during the night of the coup on July 15, 2016. They include Gokhan Sahin Sonmezates, a former brigadier general who was accused of directing the plot. Former elite commando Zekeriya Kuzu, who was famously found hiding in a cave four days after the failed coup, also received a life term.A further nine defendants each received a single life sentence, Dogan added.
Saudi King, Putin eye energy, arms deals on landmark Russia visit
http://www.news18.com/news/world/iraqi-territorial-integrity-must-be-preserved-saudi-king-tells-vladimir-putin-1537457.html
Moscow: On a landmark visit to Russia, Saudi Arabia's King Salman and President Vladimir Putin were set today to clinch a host of multi-billion-dollar energy and defence deals despite discord over the Syrian war.The first official trip to Russia by a Saudi monarch will also see the leaders of the world's largest energy exporters discuss an extension of an OPEC agreement to cap oil output.Citing Russia's energy minister Alexander Novak, the Financial Times reported that Russia and Saudi Arabia were expected to sign deals worth over USD 3 billion, including a USD 1 billion energy investment fund and a USD 1.1 billion agreement for Russia's petrochemicals giant Sibur to build a plant in Saudi Arabia.AFP
Saudi arrests 22 for spreading online videos
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/saudi-arabia-arrests-22-spreading-online-videos-171005084136674.html
Saudi Arabia has arrested 22 people, including a Qatari national, for "inciting against public order" on social media, authorities said, following a crackdown on dissent.Those detained had posted video clips online, the official Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday, adding that authorities were investigating their motives and connections."The presidency managed to identify the people behind the clips and arrested them. Their number is 22 people, one of them Qatari, and the rest are Saudis. Their motives and links are being verified," SPA said. They were arrested for circulating "video clips on social networking sites inciting against public order and stirring up feelings", SPA added without any further details.Saudi Arabia recently launched a crackdown on dissenters, detaining prominent clerics and activists before a Govt decision to allow women to drive.In September, up to 20 influential Saudi religious scholars were arrested, including some of the kingdom's most influential preachers. aljazeera
Sexual violence used as weapon of war in CAR: HRW
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/sexual-violence-weapon-war-car-hrw-171005073242133.html
Armed fighters in the Central African Republic (CAR) have used sexual violence to "terrorise women and children" as a tactic of war during the nearly five-year conflict, HRW has claimed. Fighters beat women, burned them and left them with broken bones, smashed teeth and head wounds, the New York-based rights group said in a report on Thursday, citing testimony.Survivors said they were raped by up to 10 or more men during a single incident. According to the report, there have been 305 cases of rape and sexual slavery against 296 women and girls by members of armed groups between early 2013 and mid-2017.Members of the mainly Muslim Seleka and Christian anti-Balaka forces - the two main parties involved in the conflict - have used sexual violence as revenge for perceived support of rivals, HRW said."Armed groups are using rape in a brutal, calculated way to punish and terrorise women and girls," said Hillary Margolis, HRW's women's rights researcher, in a statement. aljazeera
Tension flares as Israelis escalate break-ins at Aqsa
https://english.palinfo.com/news/2017/10/5/Tension-flares-as-Israelis-escalate-break-ins-at-Aqsa-Mosque
O.Jerusalem(PIC) Tension has been running high in Occupied Jerusalem as extremist Israeli settlers stepped up break-ins at al-Aqsa Mosque—the third holiest site in Islam.Reporting from the city, PIC news correspondent said hordes of Israeli settlers broke into al-Aqsa on Thursday and performed sacrilegious rituals near al-Rahma Gate. Presentations on the counterfeit history of the alleged temple mount were also delivered during the break-in.At the same time, Israeli police have tightened the noose around the neck of Muslim worshipers as they tried to enter the site to perform their daily prayers.
Israel seals off West Bank and Gaza as Sukkot begins
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/israel-seals-west-bank-gaza-sukkot-begins-171004115622869.html
Israeli authorities have sealed off the occupied West Bank and the already besieged Gaza Strip for 11 days, as Jewish celebrations for the Sukkot holiday commence.At midnight on Tuesday, all crossings to the West Bank and Gaza Strip were closed off to some four million Palestinians in the territories. Many of those affected by the move hold Israeli work permits and cross over to go to their jobs daily.Banned from entering Israel, they now stand to lose their livelihood for the next 10 days.But Kamal Haddad, a local official in Beit Iksa, a village northwest of Jerusalem, told Al Jazeera that workers in the area have already been denied entry into Israel and settlement construction sites for several days. aljazeera
EU MPs regret not condemning human rights abuses in Egypt
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171005-eu-mps-regret-not-condemning-human-rights-abuses-in-egypt/
Lawmakers in the European Parliament have regretted what they called the lack of “a resolution condemning the continuing violations against human rights in Egypt”.Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party (ALDE Party), the third largest political group in the European Parliament made the statement on Tuesday during a plenary session to discuss relations between EU and Egypt.The group said it regrets that “human rights violations continue despite Cairo’s commitment to intensify efforts to promote democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights”.Group leader, Guy Verhofstadt, called on EU Commissioner for Security and Foreign Policy Federica Mogherini to “press Egypt to fulfil its obligations”, noting that the Egyptian authorities are taking “terrible measures against their citizens, whether they are human rights defenders, journalists or political opponents”. European Parliament urged Mogherini to “use all available means, including financial assistance and trade measures, to urge Egyptian authorities to respect their obligations in this regard”. middleeastmonitor
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
The lynching that changed India: Abhimanyu Kumar
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/09/lynching-changed-india-170927084018325.html
“India leads the world in the rate of growth in inequality” – P Sainath in Boston
http://twocircles.net/2017oct04/417381.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
In Kerala, conversion to Islam is monitored and transparent: But can we say the same about Hinduism? Shafeeq Hudawi, TCN
http://twocircles.net/2017oct04/417387.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Extreme rainfall events have killed over 69,000 across India since 1950: PTI
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/extreme-rainfall-events-have-killed-over-69-000-across-india-since-1950/story-3vsNb07AYK4TYKzzA6ykzH.html
How will Iran,Turkey deal with Kurdish state bid?Aljazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2017/10/iran-turkey-deal-kurdish-state-bid-171004204328179.html
Field marshal Cariappa's military philosophy is a useful guide at this critical juncture in the Valley:Saifuddin Soz
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/indian-army-field-marshal-km-cariappa-for-jammu-and-kashmir-4874657/
Muslims must open their minds to stay politically relevant; Mehmood ur Rashid , opinion editor, Greater Kashmir
http://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/muslims-must-open-their-minds-to-stay-politically-relevant/story-UGH4vwkWzInQtsDmztKS9J.html
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:02 PM)
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