Evening NEWS DIGEST
16 Nov.2017: 26 Safar 1439:Vol:9, No:49
INDIA
Ayodhya case: Muslim Personal Law Board to take action against members meeting Sri Sri; Muslim bodies brush aside mediation bid
http://www.thestatesman.com/india/muslim-bodies-brush-aside-sri-sris-mediation-bid-on-ayodhya-dispute-1502529014.html
New Delhi: Several leading Muslim organisations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), have brushed aside the Art of Living (AoL) founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s mediation bid to ensure out-of-court settlement of Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoommi dispute through negotiations.They have also maintained that the Ayodhya case has been pending in the Supreme Court and that they will abide by its judgment in the decades-long dispute. The SC is set to hear the case from 5 Dec.which will mark the eve of the 25th anniversary of the demolition of Babri Masjid.AIMPLB has even decided to take action against a couple of its members who have reportedly held talks with Ravi Shankar.AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Wali Rahmani told The Statesman that he learnt about the involvement of some of its members in the dialogue process initiated by Ravi Shankar. He maintained that that their talks “hold little significance in the face of our stated position” on the issue. Rahmani said, “When AIMPLB has clearly said that the Supreme Court judgment will be acceptable to us, there is no significance as to who met whom”. He added that the Board would however take action against its members for taking part in such meetings. An AIMPLB member Ejaz Arshad Qasmi had recently held talks with Ravi Shankar in Bengaluru on the Ayodhya issue while another Board member Kamal Farooqui had met the AoL founder in the national capital on 13 Novr.Most of the Muslim organisations are of the view that the Ayodhya issue should better be left to the apex court for a final decision.Maulana Jalaluddin Umri, who is Jamaat-e-Islami Hind president and AIMPLB vice-president, pointed out taht there are several litigants in the Ayodhya case, so the position of any individual would have little bearing on it. He said, “Out-of-court settlement is a vague idea. In the past, several rounds of dialogues to resolve the Ayodhya dispute have failed, so there is no need to hold any further talks now.”Zafaryab Jilani, convener of Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) which had been a party to the Ayodhya dispute in the Allahabad High Court brushed aside Ravi Shankar’s mediation bid as a “futile exercise”.“The case is pending in the Supreme Court and the Muslims will accept its decision even if it goes against them. But we are sure truth will come out,” Jilani said. Amid allegations levelled by some quarters that BJP-led central government might be behind Ravi Shankar’s mediation move, he charged that “Such attempts would favour the Narendra Modi government by deflecting public attention from its failures”. All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM), an umbrella body of nearly a dozen Muslim organisations, said that any Ayodhya talk without the involvement of litigants concerned was “meaningless”. AIMMM president Navaid Hamid asked, “Some Muslim leaders might be engaged in this regard as their PR exercise. But, are they party to the dispute?” Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind also dismissed any “out-of-court” bid, saying such efforts in the past had failed despite involvement of all the stakeholders. JUH president Maulana Arshad Madani said some “self-proclaimed Muslim leaders” engaged in Sri Sri-initiated dialogue process should first establish their mandate from the community on the Ayodhya issue. thestatesman
Ayodhya issue: All India Muslim Personal Law Board to take action against members meeting Sri Sri
http://www.indiasamvad.co.in/states-metros/aimplb-to-take-against-members-meeting-sri-sri-ravi-shankar--26187
By and large, Muslims not opposed to Ram Temple: Sri Sri in Ayodhya
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-in-ayodhya-live-updates-ram-temple-dispute-4939841/
New Delhi: Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar arrived in Ayodhya, UP, on Thursday in a bid to mediate Ram temple-Babri Masjid dispute.He is expected to meet Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas chairman Nritya Gopal Das, among others. Ravi Shankar, who offered to resolve issues “of his own will”, had earlier denied visiting the city with an agenda and said he will listen to everybody.“Environment is positive, people want to come out of this conflict. I know it is not easy, let me talk to everyone, it is too early to reach a conclusion,” Ravi Shankar said in Ayodhya, reported ANI.Sri Sri also claimed that Muslims are not opposing Ram Temple. “I know some may not agree with this, but Muslims by and large are not opposing the Ram temple. A solution may sometimes seem impossible but our people, youth and leaders of both communities can make it possible,” said Ravi Shankar. Adityanth, who has welcomed Sri Sri’s role in talks, said, “Since the govt isn’t party to the case, I had already told the stakeholders that if they can come to a final decision on the matter through dialogue, then the govt is committed to fully back it. But if they can’t come to such a decision… if they can’t talk it out… then it is in the court… and we will obey whatever is the court’s decision.” indianexpress
Ayodhya row: Even if SC provides a solution, the dispute will reappear, says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
https://scroll.in/latest/858087/ayodhya-row-even-if-sc-provides-a-solution-the-dispute-will-reappear-says-sri-sri-ravi-shankar
Sri Sri amassed wealth, wants to avoid probe: Ex-BJP MP
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-has-amassed-wealth-wants-to-avoid-probe-ex-bjp-mp-on-ayodhya-issue-4939778/
New Delhi: Former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti on Thursday questioned Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s offer to mediate in the Ayodhya dispute, adding that he has intervened in the issue to “avoid” being probed for his amassed wealth. His comments come on the same day Ravi Shankar is scheduled to visit Ayodhya to meet all stakeholders involved in the dispute.“Who is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to mediate? He should continue running his NGO and hoarding foreign funds. I believe he has amassed a lot of wealth and to avoid a probe he has jumped into Ram Temple issue,” Vedanti was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Vedanti, who has been associated with the Ram Temple movement, has in the past too rejected Ravi Shankar’s offer to mediate in the dispute. indianexpress
Hand over Badrinath shrine to Muslims as it’s religious place of community: Darul Uloom’s Abdul Latif Qasmi
http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-hand-over-badrinath-shrine-to-muslims-as-it-s-a-religious-place-of-the-community-demands-darul-ulum-s-maulana-abdul-latif-qasmi-412201
At a time when efforts are underway to resolve the decades old Ayodhya dispute, a Mufti of Darul Uloom has triggered a fresh row with his remark that the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a religious place of Muslims.Deoband's Maulana Abdul Latif Qasmi even said that Hindus should handover the ninth century shrine to Muslims. Abdul Latif, who is also the vice president of Darul Uloom Niswan, said this after he was told that activists of Uttarakhand Raksha Abhiyan Dal were running a campaign, allegedly asking Muslims living in the nearby areas of the shrine to drink Gangajal and Gomutra if they want to keep themselves alive.Abdul Latif, instead of verifying the authenticity of report, lashed out at the Uttarakhand Raksha Abhiyan Dal and termed the outfit’s activists illiterate and claimed that Badrinath is a religious place of Muslims.“They don’t have knowledge of the history…. Badrinath is a sacred place of Muslims, it is Badruddin Shah. Just by adding ‘nath’ at the end of the name, the place will not be converted as a religious site of Hindus,” he said.indiatvnews
Hindu Mahasabha sets up Godse temple in MP’s Gwalior, sparks political controversy
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hindu-mahasabha-sets-up-godse-temple-in-mp-s-gwalior-sparks-political-controversy/story-M0ReLD49Ov5FsfdrT31J0L.html
Bhopal: 69 years after Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, a “shrine” dedicated to his killer Nathuram Godse was set up in Guwalior by Hindu Mahasabha on Wednesday, kicking off a controversy. Mahasabha installed a bust of Godse inside its office premises amid Vedic chants to mark the anniversary of the latter’s execution.Leaders of the Mahasabha said every Tuesday they will perform “akhand bharat aarti in the temple” to apprise the younger generation about Godse’s life and vision.Taking strong exception to the development, opposition Congress has threatened to move the court to remove the shrine.“We are discussing future course of action with our lawyers. We are planning to file a petition in the court to press a sedition case against those involved in setting up the Godse temple,” said state Congress chief spokesperson KK Mishra.“How can the BJP-led state govt allow a temple dedicated to killer of Mahatma Gandhi? This shows the party’s mindset,” he added. hindustantimes
Mahasabha builds Godse temple, Congress cries sedition
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hindu-mahasabha-builds-godse-temple-congress-cries-sedition/articleshow/61666372.cms
TISS woman denied job in Delhi orphanage. Reason: She is a Muslim with hijab
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/tiss-woman-denied-job-in-delhi-orphanage-reason-she-is-a-muslim-with-hijab-4939034/
Islamophobia persists globally and in our country as well. And its latest victim is a 27-year-old woman from Patna who is in the national capital on a job hunt. One of the reasons why Nedal Zoya, MSW from Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS), Mumbai, did not make the cut for the post of a social worker at one of the orphanages in Delhi is because she wears hijab – a headscarf to be precise. Something her recruiters said “will make her look like a Muslim from even a distance of a km”. After the Orphanage for Girls in Kotla Mubarakpur floated the vacancy on a website in October, Zoya mailed across her job application. She was then asked to write an online test the same day and also send her photographs.Later, a mail, while commenting on her test, stated that their institution is “religion-free” for both staff and students. The mail, signed by Harish Varma, President and CEO, Delhi Orphanage, went on to say that “I am sorry to inform that from even a distance of one kilometer you look like a Muslim lady due to your external Muslim gears”.Zoya, who has faced similar exclusion owing to her hijab earlier, wrote back saying she is a Muslim woman who covers her head and that it was a “priority” for her.On Varma’s claim that he wanted his institution to be religion-free, she had a poser: “Would you be performing pooja during festivals? Or would you allow girls in the orphan to offer namaz or do pooja”.In the following mail that came on Tuesday, Varma, in an angry tone, wrote he was “shocked” to know that “conservative Islam was Zoya’s priority not humanity” and that “her higher education has gone down the drain”.He reiterated that he wanted to keep his orphanage “religion-free”, “even free from Hinduism”, and “will not allow any kind of religious activities inside his orphanage”.He underlined he believed religion to be a private activity.indianexpress
Rajasthan can’t cross 50% quota till HC decides: SC on Gujjar quota
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-cant-cross-50-quota-till-hc-decides-supreme-court/
New Delhi: The Vasundhara Raje govt’s plan for a Gujjar quota has suffered setback in the Supreme Court as a 3-judge bench has asked the state not to violate 50% ceiling for reservation till the high court decides the matter.“… taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case and various decisions of this court, we are inclined to restrain the state govt from taking any action or decision on the administrative side or in any manner conferring the benefit of reservation, which will have the result of crossing the total reservation beyond 50% ,” a bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said on Monday, while disposing of a special leave petition filed by Rajasthan govt. In the wake of protests by the Gujjar community, the Rajasthan Assembly had in Oct.passed a Bill raising reservation for OBCs from 21% to 26% to accommodate a 5% quota for Gujjars under the Rajasthan Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions in State and of Appointment and Posts in Services under the State) Bill, 2017.The SC, however, accepted the state govt’s stand that the high court should not have stayed the legislative process on Nov. 9. Accordingly it set aside that part of the order. indianexpress
Quota in promotions: 5-judge bench to decide whether 2006 order needs to be revisited
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/quota-in-promotions-reservations-sc-five-judge-bench-to-decide-whether-2006-order-needs-to-be-revisited-4939095/
New Delhi:A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will examine whether its 2006 judgment on the reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in promotions needs to be revisited.The matter was referred to the Constitution Bench Wednesday by a 3-judge bench comprising CJI Dipak Misra and Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan. The Constitution Bench has to decide on the limited issue whether the order in M Nagaraj vs Union of India needs to be looked at afresh. The Constitution Bench will not go into the merit of the matter.In 2006, a 5-judge Constitution Bench had ruled that the state was not bound to provide reservation for SCs/STs in promotions. But in case any state wished to make such a provision, it was required to collect quantifiable data showing backwardness of class as well as its inadequate representation in public employment. Additionally, the state was required to ensure that reservation does not breach the 50% ceiling, adversely affect the creamy layer or extend it indefinitely.Acting on a 2015 petition filed by Tripura govt which challenged an order of the Tripura High Court, a 2-judge bench of Justices Kurian Joseph and R Banumathi referred the matter Tuesday to a Constitution Bench. indianexpress
SC/ST quota:Constitution bench to revisit 11 yr-old order
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/constitution-bench-to-revisit-11-year-old-verdict-on-sc-st-quota-4938985/
Boards: Kerala govt announces 10 % reservation for economically weaker among Hindu forward communities
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/reservation-kerala-govt -pinarayi-vijayan-reservation-for-economically-weaker-in-kerala-493891/
Kochi:Among a slew of decisions taken by the Kerala govt on Wednesday was the politically-significant move to grant 10 % reservation for the economically backward among Hindu forward castes in recruitment to all the 5 Devaswom boards and the Kerala Davaswom Recruitment Boards in the state. The Devaswom boards manage over 3000 Hindu temples, schools and colleges in Kerala and wield massive influence.In a tweet, CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, “It is for the first time in the country that the economically backward among forward castes are being given reservations.” CM also announced increasing reservation for people from SC/ST communities, Ezhavas and other backward communities. While reservation for Ezhava community was increased from 14% to 17%, for SC/ST community, it was hiked from 10% to 12% . Additionally, reservation for Hindu OBC communities excluding Ezhavas will be hiked from 3% to 6% . Rules of the recruitment board will be amended to enforce these changes, CM said. indianexpress
Minorities have right to administer their educational institutions: Madras HC
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/minorities-have-right-to-administer-their-educational-institutions-hc/article20463467.ece
Madurai: Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Tuesday dismissed the govt ’s appeal in connection with a case pertaining to whether an aided minority educational institution was required to get prior approval from educational authorities concerned for conversion of a secondary grade post to a B.T. assistant post.The division bench of Justices M.Venugopal and Abdul Quddhose, while upholding the earlier order of a single bench, observed that under Article 30 (1) of the Constitution, linguistic and religious minorities have a fundamental right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.It observed that under Rule 6 (2) of the Tamil Nadu Minority Schools (Recognition and Payment of Grant) Rules, 1977 did not stipulate that appointments can be made only after getting prior approval from the educational authorities.The govt pleader argued that a prior permission was needed to make such appointments and regulations were issued in the interest of efficiency, discipline, health, sanitation, morality and public order, which do not violate Article 30 (1) affecting the right of minority institutions. The State has the right to provide regulatory provisions for ensuring educational excellence, he said. Under Rule 6 (2) of the Tamil Nadu Minority Schools (Recognition and Payment of Grant) Rules, 1977, payment of monthly staff grant can be made only in the case of appointment approved by authorities, he said. Thehindu
Telangana CM to send 1000 officers on junket trip to Israel
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kcr-telangana-govt -proposes-junket-trip-1000-agricultural-department-officials-israel/1/1090883.html
Telangana govt has decided to send 1000 Telangana officers to visit Israel for a junket trip and has attracted strong criticism from opposition. The opposition parties, Congress and BJP have alleged that proposed junket trip is a wastage of public exchequer.CM K Chandrasekar Rao has made statement in assembly and announced the decision that 1000 officers from agriculture department will be going on a junket trip in batches of 100. Officers will go to Israel for training in various farming techniques that can be replicated in state.The officers will study micro-irrigation techniques and will receive training regarding crops that will benefit the state and ensure high productivity. The govt will also later send farmers to the foreign country in order to learn farming.Meanwhile, opposition has called the move by govt as wastage of money, saying the state farmers need farm loan waiver, better MSP, etc and not this. indiatoday
Protest against ‘rule of mob’ in Rajasthan
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/protest-against-rule-of-mob-in-rajasthan/article20462766.ece
New Delhi:Several student groups and progressive organisations assembled near India Gate on Wednesday to protest against the killing of Umar Mohammed in Alwar and the attacks on 2 others — Tahir and Jabba — on Nov.10 in Bharatpur, questioning “the rule of mob in Rajasthan”.The protesters demanded justice for Umar Mohammed, who was allegedly shot dead and later thrown on rail tracks by cow vigilantes in Bharatpur. They also demanded the resignation of Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje over her “incapability to address the situation”. They said that she must apologise for her “insensitive” remark on Umar’s murder that the govt did not have enough police personnel to prevent such murders.“I was incharge of Rajasthan for two years but these kinds of incidents have never happened before. As part of the Muslim Women’s Forum, I stand here for every victim of barbarism and autocracy,” said Sayeda Hameed, former member of the Planning Commission of India. She stressed that the youth were the future of the country and called for a united struggle against hatred and violence.“Rajasthan Police closed the investigation into Pehlu Khan’s murder. Will they do the same with Umar? These attacks are not on Muslims but on humanity. We must unite against the communal agenda of RSS and BJP,” said Vimal Bhai, convenor, Matu Jan Sangathan.Activist Kavita Krishnan called the killings “a carefully planned propaganda” that was meant to give a message to the minority community of the country. “If some Muslim is a dairy farmer, does that become a license for his murder? Umar being posed as a thief is propaganda. Where was the police when the supposed gang war was taking place which led to the death of Umar? It is time to speak up against hate politics,” Ms. Krishnan said.“Lynching has become an omnipresent calamity. The minorities are the most vulnerable. The job of the State has been transferred to the rakshaks . They’re the courts who give verdicts. These terrorists enjoy political impunity in the name of cow vigilantism,” said Amir Malik, member, Bhagat Singh Ambedkar Students’ Organisation (BASO). Protest was organised and addressed by members of various groups, including Democratic Women’s Association, All India Students’ Association, Aman Biradari, ANHAD, BASO, Centre of Trade Unions,Jamia Students Forum,Muslim Women Forum, National Alliance for People’s Movement and Pehchan. thehindu
Police ultimatum raises tensions in Rajasthan village
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/police-ultimatum-raises-tensions-in-rajasthan-village/article20462449.ece
Gujarat polls: RSS on active mode, to ‘unite Hindus against caste politics’
http://indianexpress.com/elections/gujarat-assembly-elections-2017/gujarat-elections-rss-on-active-mode-to-unite-hindus-against-caste-politics-4939469/
Vadodara: With rise of caste leaders like Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mevani and Alpesh Thakor posing a challenge to BJP in Assembly polls in Gujarat, RSS has activated its 12 vibhaags (units) in the state with an aim “to unite the Hindu community”, which, they say, has been “bearing the brunt of divisive politics”.A series of meetings of various RSS vibhaags will soon take place with a specific goal of reaching out to Hindus to “allay influence of caste leaders” like Alpesh Thakor (OBC), Jignesh Mevani (Dalit), Hardik Patel (Patidar) as well as Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, whose roadshows and carefully chosen temple visits could lead to party’s resurrection in the state, where it has been out of power for over two decades.While Hardik, who has been spearheading the Patidar quota agitation for the last 2 years, has been asking people to vote against BJP, Mevani, who led a movement against Dalit atrocities after the Una flogging incident, had recently met Rahul Gandhi. Thakor, on the other hand, has joined the Congress, and has been actively campaigning for the party. According to sources in Sangh Parivar, RSS members will reach out to voters, especially youths, through one-on-one meetings as well as through social media. indianexpress
Hardik Patel: Sex video fake… even if I was in it, can’t a 23-year-old have girlfriends?
http://indianexpress.com/elections/gujarat-assembly-elections-2017/hardik-patel-video-sex-video-fake-even-if-i-was-in-it-cant-a-23-yr-old-have-girlfriends-amit-shah-patidar-bjp-congress-rahul-gandhi-narendra-modi-4939250/
Lack Of Representation In Gujarat Polls Will Lead To Backlash, Surat Muslims Tell Congress
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/gujarat-assembly-election-2017-lack-of-representation-will-lead-to-backlash-surat-muslims-tell-congr-1776033
Surat: Banners warning Congress that it will not get Muslim votes if the community was ignored during ticket allocation in poll-bound Gujarat, have been put up in Surat.A local Congress leader said youth workers of the party put up the banners in the backdrop of media reports that the Gujarat Congress was likely to ignore Muslims in ticket allocation from an assembly segment in the city. Banners surfaced on Wednesday at several places of the old city, which falls in the assembly segment of Surat-East, currently held by BJP MLA Ranjit Gilitwala. Mr Gilitwala had defeated senior Congress leader Kadir Pirzada by a margin of around 15,700 votes in 2012 elections.The banners warn the opposition party, which is out of power in Gujarat for over 2 decades, not to ignore the minority community during candidate selection.According to local Congress leader Firoz Malek, who is said to be one of the strong contenders for the seat, Muslim youths feel that despite their dedication and commitment to the party, Congress might not give the ticket to a Muslim nominee from Surat-East."Some news reports suggested Muslims may be sidelined this time by the Congress in ticket allocation. This has alarmed youth workers, who then made a representation to us about it. Though they have put up banners out of this fear and anger, we have convinced them to remove them," state Congress secretary said.According to him, Congress has a "golden chance" this time to defeat BJP in Surat-East with a combination of Muslim, Vohra and Dalit votes.Of the total 2.4 lakh votes in the segment, Muslims comprise around 84,000, while Vohras and Dalits number about 3,500 and 14,000, respectively, he said, adding all of them are with Congress.PTI
Leaders of minority-dominated areaMuslims threaten to boycott polls in Surat east
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/leaders-of-minority-dominated-areamuslims-threaten-to-boycott-polls-in-surat-east/articleshow/61664867.cms
‘I have heard shocking stories in Gujarat’:Sam Pitroda
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/i-have-heard-shocking-stories-in-gujarat-sam-pitroda/article20460745.ece?homepage=true
Mahesh Langa Mahesh Langa , NOV. 15, 2017 21:29 IST
A long-time associate of the Gandhi family, Sam Pitroda, had ushered in the telecom revolution in India working closely with the then PM, Rajiv Gandhi, in the late 1980s. In his home State of Gujarat to help the Congress in the Assembly polls,. Pitroda questions BJP’s development model for the State. Pitroda said, “To be very frank, shocking stories I have heard. There is complete negligence of the informal sector; marginalised sections are hardly under focus of any scheme or initiative. If someone files [an] RTI [application] seeking some information, harassment starts immediately. We heard people complaining that lands given by govt some 30 to 40 years back are getting repossessed by the govt for industrial development. These are the topics we want to incorporate in the manifesto.” Thehindu
Majoritarian project in Gujarat only serves the rich, says political scientist Ghanshyam Shah
https://scroll.in/article/857070/the-majoritarian-project-in-gujarat-only-serves-the-rich-says-political-scientist-ghanshyam-shah
In the run-up to Assembly elections in Dec., Gujarat is in the throes of powerful forces. On the one hand, some of its principal economic pillars, such as small manufacturing and agriculture, are in trouble. At the same time, the state is seeing a curious fissuring. What was once a separation between Hindus and Muslims has spread further. It is visible not just in the case of Una – where Dalits rose in protest after four tanners from the community were accused of cow slaughter and attacked in July 2016 – or the Patidar agitation for reservations in jobs and education, but also within the Patel community. It is getting increasingly difficult for Kadva Patels to get a house in a Leuva Patel colony and vice-versa, this reporter was told in Rajkot. Look closer at the state and you will see other shifts. Public displays of devotion during festivals are on the rise, for instance. Trying to make sense of such changes, Scroll.in spoke with Ghanshyam Shah, a leading political scientist on Gujarat and the author of Social Movements in India. As we learnt, some of these patterns are visible elsewhere in India – like Punjab turning to gurus and deras or religious organisations as economic insecurity deepens. Other changes, however, are fruit from a very different tree. Gujarat has been under majoritarian govts for the last 20 years. Come here and you see what happens to a society once majoritarian politics wins. How its rulers use the power they accumulate. How society – the minority and majority communities alike – changes. scroll
GST rate cut: Cabinet clears setting up of anti-profiteering authority
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/gst-rate-cut-cabinet-clears-setting-up-of-anti-profiteering-authority/article20489030.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi:Union Cabinet on Thursday approved setting up of a National Anti-profiteering Authority under the GST, seeking to ensure consumers get the benefit of reduced prices under the new indirect tax regime.Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said currently there were only 50 items that attracted the highest tax of 28% under the GST regime and rates on many items have been cut to 5% as well.“National Anti-Profiteering Authority is an assurance to consumers of India. If any consumer feels that the benefit of tax rate cut is not being passed on, then he can complaint to the authority,” Mr. Prasad told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.the hindu
Gujarat HC notice to SP, Home Secretary over Sufi shrine
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/bharuch-gujarat-hc-notice-to-sp-home-secretary-over-sufi-shrine-4939470/
Ahmedabad: Gujarat High Court issued a notice to Bharuch SP and state Home Secretary on a petition against management of a Sufi shrine of Syed Abdul Rahman Shah Chisti in the district.The petitioner has said that the shrine management, for the past three years, has not been allowing entry to a set of disciples. The next hearing is on Nov. 23. indianexpress
Gujarat: Former Congress MP Irshad Mirza dies at 68
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/former-congress-mp-irshad-mirza-dies-at-68-4939460/
Ahmedabad: Ex-Congress Rajya Sabha MP Irshad Mirza died on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 68. According to state Congress leaders, Baig, who was AICC secretary in-charge of Chhattisgarh, had been operated upon for heart ailments over a month ago. After the operation, he was doing well, but his condition deterioated again a fortnight ago.He was an RS member from April 1984 to April 1990, and served as RS vice-chairman from 1989 to 1990. He was also general secretary of Gujarat Congress Committee. indianexpress
Human shield row: Amnesty condemns J-K’s refusal to compensate victim
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/human-shield-row-amnesty-condemns-j-k-s-refusal-to-compensate-victim/story-69EVG2xbBn05xfC0gGueNJ.html
Srinagar:Amnesty International India on Thursday condemned the J&K govt for refusing to pay compensation to a youth who was strapped to an Army vehicle and paraded in the Kashmir Valley.Amnesty said: “J&K govt ’s refusal to pay compensation to a man who was strapped to a jeep and paraded by Army is a callous attempt at evading its human rights obligations.”On Oct.27, J&K Home Dept rejected a recommendation from the State Human Rights Commission to give Farooq Dar Rs 1,000,000 as compensation for “humiliation, physical (and) psychological torture, stress, wrongful restraint and confinement”. Govt said it could not accept recommendation because “there were no accusation of human rights violations levelled against govt ” and there was “no scheme or policy” under which the compensation could be paid.IANS
No one can stop India if it tries to take back PoK: Mos home Hansraj Ahir
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/no-one-can-stop-india-if-it-tries-to-take-back-pok-says-junior-home-minister-hansraj-ahir/story-4C71b5hW1qdjSj3Dyyp6YI.html
New Delhi:No one can stop India if it wanted to wrest Pakistan-occupied Kashmir from the neighbouring country, Union minister of state for home affairs Hansraj Ahir said on Thursday, stressing that the territory was a part of India.Ahir said PoK was under Islamabad because of the “mistakes” of previous govt s.“I say Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir is a part of India and due to the mistakes of the previous govt s it has been with Pakistan. If we try to get PoK back, no one can stop us because it is our right,” PTI quoted Ahir as saying on the sidelines of an event in New Delhi.
Pakistan awaits Indian response on dialogue on Kashmir, says Pak’s Foreign Office
http://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistan-awaits-indian-response-on-dialogue-on-kashmir-says-paks-foreign-office-4940629/
Pakistan has offered to resume dialogue with India on Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and other pending issues and was awaiting a response, Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said on Thursday.The border between Pakistan and India has been the scene of bloody clashes between the armies of the two countries in the recent years. The current year has been the worst in terms of ceasefire violations as well as civilian casualties. “Pakistan is committed to its policy of peaceful neighbourhood but India’s posture including its claims of surgical strikes and unprecedented escalation on Line of Control and Working Boundary are threat to peace,” Faisal said at the weekly press briefing in Islamabad.PTI
China’s strict conditions force Pakistan to drop PoK dam project in CPEC
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-s-strict-conditions-force-pakistan-to-drop-pok-dam-project-in-cpec/story-lyxlYPR07vZBrU976n2TjK.html
Islamabad:Pakistan has withdrawn its bid to include the USD 14 billion Diamer-Bhasha Dam in PoK in CPEC framework after China placed strict conditions, including ownership of the mega project, according to senior officials.Pakistan has been struggling to raise money from international institutions like the World Bank in the face of Indian opposition to the project on the Indus River in PoK.China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), runs through PoK and India has raised objection to the project.Neither the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) nor China would finance the dam, therefore, the govt decided to construct the reservoir from its own resources, the Express Tribune today quoted Water Resources Secretary Shumail Khawaja as saying.Pakistan decided to take the dam project off the table just days before the 7th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting with China, which is scheduled for Nov. 21 in Islamabad, it said.PTI
In a jolt to OBOR, Pakistan rejects China dam aid
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-walks-out-of-chinese-project-for-pok-dam/articleshow/61662966.cms
Security forces' new appeal to Kashmir militants: Surrender and you will be safe, rehabilitated
http://www.firstpost.com/india/security-forces-new-appeal-to-kashmir-militants-surrender-and-you-will-be-safe-rehabilitated-4212819.html
For a long time, security forces in Kashmir have been implementing a "take no prisoners" policy. But as the militants' death toll mounts after security forces launched a massive offensive to end the renewed face of insurgency in the Valley, that seems to be changing.To motivate militants to rejoin their families, the police is promising safety and a comprehensive rehabilitation policy. 3 militants were arrested by security force on Wednesday and produced before the media in Srinagar on Thursday morning.Flanked by officers of Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force, Kashmir Police Chief Munir Khan said that one militant was severely injured in the fight, but the police took him to the hospital and saved his life.The police expect this to have an impact on other militants and will reassure their families of the police's commitment towards rehabilitating militants who choose to surrender. “We are for saving lives,” Khan said. firstpost
Tipu Sultan would have enjoyed status of Shivaji if he was a Hindu: Girish Karnad
http://www.firstpost.com/india/tipu-sultan-would-have-enjoyed-status-of-shivaji-if-he-was-a-hindu-girish-karnad-2502936.html
Bengaluru: Jnanpith awardee Girish Karnad has said 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan would have enjoyed the same status as of Maratha king Chhatrapathi Shivaji, if he was a Hindu and not a Muslim.In another remark that stoked a controversy, Karnad said it would have been "apt" had the Bengaluru International Airport at Devanahalli near here been named after Tipu Sultan rather than Kempegowda, a feudatory ruler under the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire which founded Bengaluru in 1537.The remarks by noted Kannada playwright and actor came at a state govt organised function to mark the birth anniversary of Tipu held amid tight security at the state Secretariat in the presence of CM Siddaramaiah."I feel that if Tipu Sultan was a Hindu and not Muslim he would have attained the position in Karnataka that Shivaji Maharaj enjoys in Maharashtra," Karnad said.Maintaining that Tipu is deprived of such a status owing to his religious persuasion, he said, "Because what has happened is today our scholars and politicians look at one's religion and caste first....""Injustice has happened to Tipu Sultan because of this type of evaluation..." he added.Taking potshots at those calling Tipu "anti-Kannada and anti-Hindu", Karnad said, "Today, when we are celebrating this day as Deepawali and Tipu day, we can also celebrate it as Bihar day."His Bihar day remark was an apparent jibe at BJP, which was routed in the Assembly polls. Karnad has always made known his ideological opposition to BJP. firstpost
Delhi smog 50 % students suffering from breathing problems lung function impairment: India Samvad
http://www.indiasamvad.co.in/health/50-percent-students-suffering-from-breathing-problems-26175
New Delhi: A study by a top hospital among over a thousand college students has found that more than half of youngsters in Delhi have been hit by respiratory ailments in just five days of smog-pocalypse mayhem.Forties Healthcare carried out the survey to assess damage caused by high levels of air pollution between Nov.6 and 11 at 5 different colleges at Delhi University, Dwarka, Rohini and Greater Noida.A total of 1,044 students took part in the review done by a questionnaire method. Of the total students, 72 % were male and 28% female. They were in the 18 to 24 age group.The findings revealed that about 53 % of the students suffered respiratory health issues while 51 % complained of aggravated symptoms during this period due to which they are now receiving extensive treatment.Also, 42 % students showed lung function impairment during tests and 11% were already on inhalers.
Rajasthan conversion Bill returned by Centre: thehindu
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rajasthan-conversion-bill-returned-by-centre/article20461261.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi : Religious Freedom Bill passed by the Rajasthan Assembly in 2008, aimed at banning forcible religious conversions, was returned by Union govt as it deviated from the national policy. Rajasthan govt informed the High Court on Tuesday that the Bill was pending with the Centre.According to the Union Home Ministry, Bill was sent back for “further clarifications.”State govt has said that it reminded the Centre in June to clear the pending Bill. Bill defined “conversion” as “renouncing one’s own religion and adopting another” through “fraudulent means” or any other “fraudulent contrivance.”
Communal clashes break out in Belagavi, ACP injured
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/643033/communal-clashes-break-belagavi-acp.html
Belagavi: ACP Shankar Marihal suffered injuries in the stone pelting during the communal riots that took place in Belagavi on Wednesday night. Incident took place in Belagavi market station limits of Kadakgalli, Jaalgargalli, Badkalgalli and Kanjargalli.District admn. immediately took the necessary steps to control the mob by using the additional police force that had come for the security of winter session. Police Commissioner Krishna Bhat said,"Regular police patrolling is being done in the sensitive areas. The situation is under control."Groups belonging to 2 different communities threw stones, damaged houses and set vehicles on fire. Shop owners downed their shutters as soon as the trouble broke out. What triggered the clashes remains unclear though rumours kept doing the rounds. Unconfirmed reports said gunshots were heard, but it is unclear whether police had fired them. deccanherald
Optimistic about introduction of Islamic banking in India: MD Bombay Mercantile Bank
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/business/optimistic-about-introduction-of-islamic-banking-in-india-md-bombay-mercantile-bank/266134.html
Srinagar: Managing Director of Bombay Mercantile Bank - a cooperative bank for the minority, Wednesday expressed optimism about the introduction of Islamic banking in India, despite Reserve Bank of India categorically denying permission for it recently.“BMB has constituted a committee of experts who are going to submit their report on the implementation of the Sharia banking in India,” said MD, BMB, ShahAlam Khan who was speaking at the inauguration of BMB branch at LalChowk.The bank has shifted its branch from MA Road to LalChowk after it was damaged during 2014 floods.“Although recently RBI has denied permission to Islamic banking, but we are optimistic that in one way or the other we would get approval to start Sharia banking,” he said. “Bombay mercantile bank is bank of minorities and we have deep connection with Kashmir.”“When turmoil started here all other banks shifted from Valley. But despite one of our employees was killed, we didn’t shift. Even though RBI also suggested us to do so,” he said adding that “people of Kashmir are honest and they won’t cheat you. It is our experience”.“Despite such a situation, all our advances were repaid barring few, that too were defaulted by some influential people not common man or small trader,” he said adding that during 2017 floods the local staff saved Riyals worth Rs 7 crore from getting soiled.“It shows about the character of Kashmiris. Had it been any other place they would have taken the money home and said it was damaged by floods,” he said adding that bank would increase its activities in the Valley.Chairman, BMB, Zeeshan Mehdi while speaking on the occasion said “Bombay Mercantile Bank is for the Muslim community and we will do whatever is in our capacity to help our people.”“Bombay Mercantile Bank, a cooperative bank, has been established for the minority in the country. The bank has two branches in the Valley. BMB branch at MA Road was inaugurated in Kashmir in 1980 by the two political stalwarts of that time, Sheikh Abdullah and Mirwaiz Muhammad Farooq.” greaterkashmir
Bareilly:Clerics threaten ‘strong opposition’ in case govt interferes with Shariat
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/clerics-threaten-strong-opposition-in-case-govt-interferes-with-shariat/articleshow/61664267.cms
Bareilly: Addressing a large crowd on the last day of Urs-e-Razvi, clerics at Dargah Aala Hazrat said that if the govt tries to interfere in Shariat, Indian Muslims will not sit silently but will raise strong opposition against it. "When ex-PM Indira Gandhi made sterilization compulsory, Mufti Mohammed Mustafa Raza issued a fatwa against it, forcing the then govt to revoke the order. We will raise similar opposition if govt intervenes into Shariat," said Maulana Tousheef Raza Khan while addressing the crowd.Spokesperson of Dargah Aala Hazrat, Mufti Mohammed Salim Noori said, "There have been reports that the govt is planning to form a UP Muslim Waqf Board by merging the separate Shia and Sunni Waqf boards. Also, there is a proposal to allow women aged over 45 years to make the Haj pilgrimage without their male relatives.This is against the Sharia law. There has been an increase in the interference of govt in functioning of madrassas in UP and if govt tries to impose any such proposal, we will take up the matter."Urs-e-Razvi, the death anniversary of Mujadid Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Qadri, who is popularly known as Aala Hazrat and who propagated Sunni Barelvi school of Islam, is attended by lakhs of followers. According to clerics, Mufti Mohammed Mustafa Raza, son of Aala Hazrat, had passed a fatwa against sterilization during the years of Emergency. Due to the pressure created by opposition from Muslims, the govt had to revoke its decision, said clerics.TOI
Maharashtra charity commission to crack whip on unregistered religious trusts
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/state-charity-commission-to-crack-whip-on-unregistered-religious-trusts/articleshow/61665577.cms
Mumbai: Charity commissioner Shivkumar Dige has decided to regulate all unregistered religious institutions in Maharashtra. A circular he issued on Tuesday directs all branch offices of the commission to take the help of local govt bodies to create a list of temples, churches, mosques, gurdwaras, among others, and register them under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 to ensure financial accountability.Curently, the state has more than 65,000 registered religious trusts, but it is believed that there is a sizeable number functioning under the radar."Every nook and corner of a city or village is dotted with a religious institution that accepts money in the name of donation. Since many of them are unregistered, we are clueless about where the money goes or who benefits from it," Dige told TOI.He added that the idea is to register even the tiniest of religious places, even those functioning in villages from a single room, and bring them under the Act. "In many cases, those in charge of running these places are the direct beneficiaries and often act as trustees, whereas the Act states that a priest, for instance, cannot be a trustee as he is a direct beneficiary. Many of these institutions own lands and other assets that have been purchased with the donation money but there is no accountability," he said.Registered trusts have to submit their financial reports to the charity commission's scrutiny every year. They also have to seek the commission's permission to sell any trust property. Dige said that in case of mosques, if there is a conflict on whether it falls under the Wakf board or Trust Act, it would be resolved. Timesofindia
SP youth leader Shahzad Barni shot at, injured in Aligarh
http://www.ptinews.com/news/9241973_SP-youth-wing-leader-shot-at--injured.html
Aligarh: A leader of the youth wing of the Samajwadi Party was allegedly shot at and injured while he was sitting in his office at Paanwali Kothi complex here, police said.Shahzad Ahmad Barni is a former president of AMU Students' Union (AMUSU) and presently the state secretary of the Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha, they said.Barni told the police that yesterday a masked man entered his office and fired several rounds from his pistol, two of which pierced his body.PTI
WORLD
US House panel OKs bill to sanction financial backers of Hamas
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/house-panel-oks-bill-to-sanction-financial-backers-of-hamas/articleshow/61664296.cms
Washington: Republican-led House panel delivered a blunt bipartisan warning to Qatar on Wednesday, backing legislation that would slap sanctions on any countries or individuals providing financial and material support to the Islamic militant group Hamas.The Foreign Affairs Committee passed the bill by voice vote, setting the stage for the full House to consider the measure. The bill specifically criticizes Qatar for supplying Hamas with significant financial backing and for hosting members of the militant group's leadership. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain broke ties with Qatar earlier this year over allegations the Persian Gulf country funds terrorism. President Donald Trump echoed the accusation. AP
Israel behind 2016 Tunisia assassination: Hamas
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israel-behind-2016-tunisia-assassination-hamas/967248
Beirut:Hamas on Thursday officially blamed Israel for last year’s assassination in Tunisia of Mohamed al-Zawari, a Tunisian aviation engineer and a member of the group’s armed wing.The accusation was leveled by Mohamed Nazzal, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, at a press conference convened in Beirut to announce the results of the group’s ongoing probe into al-Zawari’s murder.According to Nazzal, Israel’s Mossad intelligence service killed al-Zawari in collaboration with “other parties”, which, Nazzal said, had provided logistical support for the operation.He did not specify as to what “other parties” he was referring.Anadolu agency
Barghouti: Israeli settlement activity doubled after Trump
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171116-barghouti-israeli-settlement-activity-doubled-after-election-of-trump/
According to Mustafa Barghouti MP, and Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, Israeli “settlement expansion” has increased by more than 100% while Donald Trump has been president. Barghouti stressed that the current Israeli govt , headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, has no desire to “allow the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.”e added: “We are facing a dangerous Israeli project, we must confront this with a strong and effective Palestinian unity.” Barghouti continued by clarifying that the situation in the West Bank has worsened. middleeastmonitor
Israel legalises confiscating private Palestinian land for settlement use
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171116-israel-legalises-confiscating-private-palestinian-land-for-settlement-use/
Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced that confiscating private Palestinian land to be used for settlement projects is legal, Israeli media reported.Israeli TV Channel 7 said that the private lands are to be confiscated for building infrastructure projects, including paving roads for the illegal settlements.Mandelblit’s opinion came after demands from the Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked during a discussion on an access road project, which is currently being paved, for the illegal settlement of Harsha.In a statement reported by the Israeli Ynet News, Shaked said:“Justice minister welcomes this decision that constitutes another stage in the implementation of the rights of hundreds of thousands of residents of Judea and Samaria [occupied West Bank].” middleeastmonitor
Israel fines buses transferring worshippers to Al-Aqsa
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171116-israel-fines-buses-transferring-worshippers-to-al-aqsa/
Israeli occupation municipality in Jerusalem yesterday fined a number of bus drivers who carried Palestinian worshippers from Israel to the holy city, Quds Press reported.Ghazi Issa, the director of the Al-Aqsa Association, said that five of the organisation’s buses carried worshippers from within Israel to perform prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque.He told Quds Press that three were fined under the pretext that they had been parked in a no-parking area in the neighbourhood of Wadi Al-Juz. Drivers however said there were no signs to indicate parking was not permitted in the area.He noted that the tickets for the fines were stuck on the buses while the drivers and commuters were praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Middleeastmonitor
‘Israel will not allow Iranian bases in Syria, insists’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171116-israel-will-not-allow-iranian-bases-in-syria-insists-lieberman/
Israel’s Defence Minister has insisted that his country will not allow any reinforcement of Iran’s presence in Syria, local media reported on Wednesday. Avigdor Lieberman made his comments in response to a remark by Russian Foreign Minister that Iran is in Syria “legitimately”.After a 2-day tour along the nominal Israeli border with Syria — unlike every other member of UN, Israel has never declared where its borders are — Lieberman said that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are “ready and well prepared” for any scenario. Chief of Staff of IDF, Gadi Eisenkot, and his Deputy Aviv Kochavi, as well as other commanders, accompanied Lieberman during his tour.“We maintain complete freedom of operations,” the far-right Lieberman explained. “We will not allow Iranian entrenchment in Syria, nor will we allow Syria to become a front line against the State of Israel.” Middleeastmonitor
UN to vote on rival US, Russia bids to renew Syria inquiry
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171116-un-to-vote-on-rival-us-russia-bids-to-renew-syria-inquiry/
UNSC is due to vote on Thursday on rival US and Russian bids to renew an international inquiry into chemical weapons attacks in Syria, diplomats said, a move that could trigger Russia’s 10th veto to block action on Syria.The mandate for the joint inquiry by the UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which found Syrian govt used the banned nerve agent sarin in an April 4 attack, expires at midnight Thursday.The United States was first to ask for a vote on its draft resolution, followed quickly by Russia. A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the United States, France, Russia, Britain or China to be adopted.Diplomats say there is little support among the 15-member council for the Russian draft, which Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia has said aims to correct “systemic errors” of inquiry, known as Joint Investigative Mechanism. Middleeastmonitor
Syria: UNICEF warns of dangers facing war orphans
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/syria-unicef-warns-dangers-facing-war-orphans-171115165757024.html
As many as a million children have been orphaned by more than six years of war in Syria, with either one or both parents killed. UN has warned against the dangers facing children without parents - such as lack of education, trafficking and being indoctrinated by armed groups.Many children are living in orphanages being run by local charities both inside Syria and abroad. aljazeera
Egypt upholds life term for Brotherhood chief Badie
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171116-egypt-upholds-life-term-for-brotherhood-leader-badie/
The Egyptian Court of Cassation upheld a life sentence passed in 2016 against Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie over his participation in deadly clashes in the city of Ismailiya in 2013. According to the sources, court upheld the life sentence against Badie and seven others in addition to upholding prison terms ranges between three to 15 years against 48 others on the same charges.The clashes took place following the military removal of the first democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi and three people were killed.This is the second life sentence that the court has upheld against Badie. He is being tried in 48 cases which took place in 8 Egyptian governorates.
MB leader loses plea against life sentence: Reuters
http://www.firstpost.com/world/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-leader-loses-appeal-against-life-sentence-reuters-4211927.html
New UAE law to ban unauthorised religious activities
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171115-new-uae-law-to-ban-unauthorised-religious-activities/
UAE has passed a new draft law imposing fines and a jail term on anyone holding religious lectures or teaching the memorisation of the Quran without prior govt approval, according to the Khaleej Times.Passed by Federal National Council (FNC) yesterday, the law could see offenders fined 5,000 dirhams ($1,360) and tougher punishments could be handed out to mosque officials who are accused of being connected to “illegal organisations” or engaging in “prohibited political activities”.Presided by FNC speaker Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, the session also focused heavily on the rules and regulations for UAE mosques. If the bill is passed, anyone who attempts to interfere with the weekly sermon delivered by the imam of a mosque could face three months in jail. UAE has sought to control Islamic discourse for many years and has listed several religious organisations as terrorist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood. middleeastmonitor
US official: Crown Prince Salman 'behaving recklessly'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/official-crown-prince-salman-behaving-recklessly-171115151033817.html
US officials have expressed "growing alarm" at the moves made recently by Saudi Arabia's crown prince saying they could "damage US interests", NYT reported. US diplomats along with officials from the Pentagon and Central Intelligence Agency say Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "is behaving recklessly without sufficient consideration to the likely consequences of his behaviour", Times quoted an unidentified StateDept.official as saying on Tuesday.Crown Prince Salman, 32, also known by his initials MBS, has quickly consolidated power after being named next in line for the thrown by his father, King Salman, last June.Dozens of senior Saudi officials were rounded up and detained - allegedly in a corruption crackdown - on Nov.4, including 11 cabinet ministers and some of kingdom's most powerful businessmen. Aljazeera
London conference to discuss 'crisis in Saudi Arabia'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/london-conference-discuss-crisis-saudi-arabia-171116111007130.html
A conference in the UK aims to assess the recent political tensions in Saudi Arabia in the wake of a major anti-corruption crackdown.The full-day event is being organised by the Middle East Monitor, a non-profit press monitoring organisation, and will take place on Saturday in London, bringing together academics, journalists and politicians.Keynote speakers include former leader of the UK's Liberal Democrats party Paddy Ashdown and Jack Straw, who has served as Britain's foreign secretary as well as home secretary. Aljazeera
France makes diplomatic push to solve Lebanon crisis
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/france-diplomatic-push-solve-lebanon-crisis-171115153835222.html
France is making a diplomatic push to solve the political crisis caused by the snap resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri earlier this month, as the country's foreign minister is expected to meet Hariri in Riyadh on Thursday.According to at least one analyst, however, Paris may have made a "risky bet" by getting involved in the ongoing diplomatic turmoil over Hariri's fate, which has pit Saudi Arabia against its regional rival, Iran, and Tehran's ally in Lebanon, Hezbollah."As no compromise in Lebanon will pass without an agreement between Riyadh and Tehran, Paris is looking to deal with both," said Stephane Malsagne, a historian and professor at Sciences-Po in Paris. Aljazeera
Myanmar forces committed 'widespread rape' of Rohingya
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/myanmar-forces-committed-widespread-rape-rohingya-171116061021161.html
Myanmar's security forces committed "widespread rape" against Rohingya women and girls as part of a campaign of ethnic cleansing in the country's Rakhine State, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said in a report.A 15-year-old Rohingya girl told HRW that soldiers stripped her naked and dragged her from her home to a nearby tree where about 10 men raped her."They left me where I was. When my brother and sister came to get me, I was lying there on the ground, they thought I was dead," said the girl from Hathi Para village in Maungdaw district.She was one of 52 female refugees that the New York-based rights body interviewed for the report that was published on Thursday.Pramila Patten, UN special envoy on sexual violence in conflict, said sexual violence was "being commanded, orchestrated and perpetrated by the Armed Forces of Myanmar". aljazeera
Tillerson calls for probe into Myanmar's Rohingya crisis
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/tillerson-calls-credible-probe-myanmars-rohingya-crisis-171115145427995.html
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called for a "credible and impartial" investigation into the Rohingya refugee crisis. He described what happened to the Rohingya at the hands of Myanmar's security forces as "horrific".All this was said as he stood next to Myanmar's de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who called for a peaceful solution. aljazeera
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Muslim Population Bomb: Fertility gap between Muslims, Hindus narrowing fast
http://ummid.com/news/2017/Novembr/15.11.2017/fertility-gap-between-muslims-hindus-narrowing-fast.html
Question ahead of Gujarat polls: Isn’t Hardik Patel entitled to privacy?Shailaja Bajpai
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/hardik-patel-bjp-gujarat-elections-narendra-modi-swachch-bharat-padmavati-row-karni-sena-4939192/
Muslim Panic Over House Markings in Ahmedabad is Painful Legacy of 2002 Violence:Damayantee Dhar
https://thewire.in/197394/muslim-panic-house-markings-ahmedabad-painful-legacy-2002-violence/
What if Nehru had behaved like Modi.. What if Nehru had behaved like Modi..:Mridula Mukherjee
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/what-if-nehru-had-behaved-like-modi
When Muslims are killed in hate crimes, BJP govts always side with the accused:Afroz Alam Sahil
http://twocircles.net/2017nov15/418350.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Fact check: Are Gujarat development figures 3 times better than those of Congress-ruled states?Aarefa Johari
https://scroll.in/article/858009/fact-check-are-gujarat-development-statistics-really-three-times-better-than-congress-ruled-states
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:22 PM)
Posts
0 comments:
Post a comment