Evening NEWS DIGEST
05 Dec.2017: 15 Rabial Awwal 1439:Vol:9, No:65
INDIA
Babri title case: SC fixes Feb. 8, 2018 for next hearing, refusing Sunni Board lawyers’ plea to defer it till after 2019 polls, citing political ramifications
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ayodhya-title-dispute-sc-refuses-plea-to-defer-hearing-till-after-2019-elections/article21267595.ece
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused requests made by Sunni Waqf Board and other appellants belonging to the minority community to defer hearing in Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute till after July 15, 2019 — that is, post the next general polls.On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the demolition of Babri Masjid by kar sevaks, a 3-judge Bench led by CJI Dipak Misra remained undeterred by submissions that every day of Ayodhya title dispute hearing in the SC would invite serious repercussions across the country. Bench, also comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and S. Abdul Nazeer, fixed the date for final hearing on Feb. 8, 2018.The appellants, represented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Rajeev Dhawan and Dushyant Dave, said the dispute was not just any other civil suit but probably the most important case in the history of India and would “decide the future of the polity”. “Appeals will have My Lords decide whether this is a country where a mosque can be destroyed. This is not just another title suit. These appeals go to the very heart of our secular and democratic fabric,” Dhawan argued.“Govt is keen to have the court hear these appeals. Don’t fall into the trap,” Dave joined in.Sibal said the Govt was using the judiciary to realise its agenda for a Ram Mandir assured in ruling BJP’s 2014 election manifesto. A hearing now fits the Sangh Parivar assurances to realise their promise of a temple through legal means, he said. Sibal also dissuaded the SC from hearing the appeals now, saying a “decision in the case will invite serious ramifications. Now is not the right time to hear it. It will have repercussions. It is already happening. Post it after July 15, 2019, when everything is over. We will not ask for an adjournment then”. UP Govt said it was ready to argue and reminded the court that it had refused — in the previous hearing in Aug — to entertain any adjournments when it posted for opening statements today. Sibal protested, saying there were 190,00 documents involved in the case and it would only be fair on the part of the court to allow the lawyers more time to prepare.“This case will be the most important case in India’s history. This will decide the future of India,”Sibal submitted. Justice Ashok Bhushan, on the Bench with Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, reminded Mr. Sibal that it was the appellants who had wanted an early hearing in Dec/Jan of 2017. “Your submissions are non-serious,”Justice Bhushan observed.At one point, Sibal, Dhawan and Dave made as if to leave the courtroom when the Bench refused their pleas and turned to hear senior advocate CS Vaidyanathan, for the deity Ram Lalla, who offered to kick-off hearing by making the opening statement.In his counter, senior advocate Harish Salve for the respondents said the court need not be bothered by any repercussions outside. That is not the lookout of the court. As far as the court is concerned, Ayodhya title dispute is just “a case” like any other before it,Salve submitted.“I’m not for a cause but for a client here... the strongest statement this court can make is to treat this case like any other and get on with the hearing,” Salve submitted. But Sibal countered Salve by pointing to how a 5-judge Bench led by then CJI MN Venkatachaliah had refused a Presidential reference in 1994 on the question whether Ram Mandir should be built in the disputed land and on the question of acquisition of land on Jan. 7, 1993. Bench had also pronounced a token punishment to ex-UP CM Kalyan Singh, under whose watch the monument was demolished.“It was a rare occasion when the SC refused a Presidential reference... so this is not just an ordinary suit,” Sibal said. Dhawan objected to Salve, saying the case covers religion and faith and dates back to the era of King Vikramaditya.The senior counsel said the question of whether a mosque was an essential part of Islam had to be decided. The senior counsel referred to 1994 3-judge Bench judgment of the SC in the Dr. M. Ismail Faruqui case, which had held that “the right to practice, profess and propagate religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution does not necessarily include the right to acquire or own or possess property. Similarly this right does not extend to the right of worship at any and every place of worship”.“So is the mosque not an essential part of Islam? Muslims cannot go to the garden and pray,” Dhawan submitted. He said the appeals should be referred to a five-judge Bench as it dealt with an important constitutional issue.Salve however countered that a reference to a larger Bench need to be made only as and when such an “occasion or context” arose, and not now. Consequently, the court did not entertain, for now, the plea to refer the 13 appeals to a 5-judge Constitution Bench. thehindu
Babri Case: Sunni Wakf Board, Babri Action Council wanted hearing deferred post-july 2019 citing political ramifications; SC keeps it for Feb 8,2018
http://www.livelaw.in/ayodhya-case-sunni-wakf-board-sc-keeps-it-for-feb-82018/
Sunni Board lawyers question SC's urgency in hearing Babri Case, say should be taken up only after 2019 polls
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/shia-waqf-board-lawyers-question-scs-urgency-in-hearing-babri-case-say-should-be/305206
Ayodhya case: BJP’s Amit Shah seeks early SC verdict, reiterates demand for Ram Mandir
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/5PXFaN7t1m0TZ2hprjjPBJ/Supreme-Court-Ayodhya-case-hearing-LIVE-Final-hearing-to-be.html
Babri case: It’s now or never for temple soldiers
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ayodhya-babri-masjid-case-it-s-now-or-never-for-temple-soldiers/story-l8u94TSl0wjaHmlMwjsxaJ.html
New Delhi/Lucknow:The newly elected mayor of Ayodhya, CM of UP, and PM are all from BJP, which enjoys comfortable majorities in the state assembly and the lower House of Parliament. And it is all coming together on 25th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri mosque, an event that left a deep, indelible impression on India’s sociopolitical landscape. “After so many years’ efforts, after so many sacrifices, today it feels like it is near,” RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Nov.24, giving voice to swelling hopes in Sangh Parivar, a family of Hindu nationalist organisations helmed by RSS, ideological fount of BJP.“If not now, then when? BJP is in power both at the Centre and in the state, and the commitment of both PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath to the cause is indisputable. They will facilitate construction of the temple,”said Ram Vilas Vedanti, member of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, a party in the case before the Supreme Court. VHP, RSS affiliate, has declared that the construction will start from Oct. 18, 2018 — a date that will fall in the middle of the assembly poll campaigns in BJP ruled MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and about 6 months ahead of scheduled parliamentary elections. Muchhyped mediation efforts by individuals such as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have also contributed to heightened anticipation.Sanjay Kumar, director of Delhi-based think tank Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, agrees the “momentum” to build the temple has picked up. “But my sense is BJP is trying to be neutral. When you are in power, you have to play a responsible role,” says Kumar, adding that it’s the UP CM who looks more aggressive.HT
Ram temple will be built even if SC ruling not in our favour: Mahant Nritya Gopal Das
http://www.abplive.in/india-news/ram-temple-will-be-built-even-if-sc-ruling-not-in-our-favour-mahant-nritya-gopal-das-612923
New Delhi: Giving a strong statement about the construction of the Ram temple, Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das on Tuesday said that, in case, if order of Supreme court is not pronounced in their favour, the temple will still be built via Parliament in Modi and Yogi Adityanath Govt."If temple isn't built during Modi, Yogi Govt then when it will be built," said Mahant Nritya Gopal Das."Entire population wants construction of Ram temple and I believe that court will also pronounce the same judgement," he said and added that "Entire land belongs to Lord Ram."If the decision isn't declared in their favour then the temple will be constructed with the help of Parliament via majority support of the Govt, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das stressed. ABP News
Babri Masjid Action Committee calls for observing anniversary peacefully
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/dec/04/babri-masjid-action-committee-calls-for-observing-anniversary-peacefully-1718408.html
Lucknow: Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) today called on people to observe the 25th anniversary of the demolition of the 16th-century mosque peacefully and hold special prayers for early resolution of the dispute.BMAC convener Zafaryab Jilani said the anniversary should be observed peacefully like previous years and all memorandums addressed to the Govt be handed over to the district magistrate.Jilani, asked Muslims to hold special prayers for early resolution of the issue, with all court cases being taken up on priority so that Muslims get the possession of the land.Prayers should also be held for peace and harmony in the country, Jilani said in a statement.PTI
Assam citizenship: SC set aside HC order invalidating gram panchayat certificates as citizenship proof, says it can be used as identity document
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/assam-citizenship-issue-supreme-court-allows-gram-panchayat-certificates-to-be-u/305198
The Supreme Court has allowed certificates issued by Gram panchayat (GP)or executive magistrate to be used as identity document for claiming citizenship if issued after conducting proper enquiries.The SC set aside the order of Gauhati High Court by which it had invalidated these certificates for claiming citizenship.The move is likely to bring relief to lakhs of women in the state who use the document to establish linkage with fathers and husbands. GP certificate is used to validate residence of a person. It used to open bank accounts, apply for mobile numbers and so forth.The lead petition was filed by Monowara Bewa (40), a resident of Dhubri district in Assam. She had been marked as a doubtful or ‘D-voter’ by the local election authority. Her family claims that she had switched addresses and not de-registered from her prior constituency. A foreigner tribunal had discarded most of her documents as unable to prove that she was a citizen. The GP certificate was an important document to establish her citizenship and her linkage with her parental family since becoming a widow. The foreigner tribunal, and later Gauhati High Court, did not accept GP certificate and referred to it as a “private document”. The SC has now restored the applicability of the document in establishing linkage to other documents that prove citizenship. However, Monowara’s counsel said that her appeal against her being detected as a ‘foreigner’ by the foreigner tribunal has not yet been decided.According to the provisions of a clause of Schedule of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003,"names of persons who are originally inhabitants of the state of Assam and their children and descendants, who are citizens of India, shall be included in the consolidated list if citizenship of such persons is ascertained beyond reasonable doubt and to the satisfaction of the registering authority".The SC on Nov 20 had pulled up the Assam Govt for making a "sweeping statement" that 15% of state population were tribals who have not participated in modernisation and were away from the mainstream. The top court said it was a "dangerous statement" on the state's behalf and was neither good for the health of the people, nor the govt as 15%population was a huge chunk. The court's observation came after Assam's counsel referred to this issue and said Govt was trying to make them come forward in the ongoing process of updation and publication of draft National Register of Citizens in the state. The SC was earlier told that as on Nov.22, a total of 3.29 crore claims have been made for inclusion in the NRC, which is being prepared to identify illegal migrants. According to news18report the draft NRC is required to be published on or before Dec.31.Outlook / news18
Certificates Issued by Panchayat Secy Can be Used for Claiming Citizenship: SC
http://www.news18.com/news/india/certificates-issued-by-panchayat-secy-can-be-used-for-claiming-citizenship-supreme-court-1595327.html
SC to hear pleas on deportation of Rohingyas in January
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sc-to-hear-pleas-on-deportation-of-rohingyas-in-january/1/1103706.html
New Delhi: The Supreme Court today said it would hear on Jan. 31 a batch of pleas, including that of 2 Rohingya refugees who have approached it against the Centres decision to deport Rohinigya Muslims to Myanmar.A bench of CJI Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said it would also hear on the next date the interim applications seeking to be impleaded as parties in the ongoing case."We are not rejecting any of the impleadment application before us in this matter. We will hear it on the next date," the bench said. On Nov. 21, the SC had agreed to defer the matter for hearing it today.Two Rohingya immigrants, Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir, had approached the apex court opposing the Centres decision to deport over 40,000 refugees who came to India after escaping from Myanmar due to widespread discrimination, violence and bloodshed against the community there.Various other petitions, including those by former RSS ideologue and Rashtriya Swabhiman Andolan leader K N Govindacharya, the CPI(M) youth wing Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the West Bengal child rights body and BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, have been filed in the apex court on the matter.PTI
Delhi HC seeks Centre’s stand on PIL for changing Muslim inheritance law
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/delhi-hc-seeks-govt-stand-on-pil-for-changing-muslim-inheritance-law-4969301/
New Delhi: Delhi High Court today sought Centre’s response on a PIL to amend the Muslim personal law on inheritance, alleging that Muslim women were discriminated on issues relating to sharing of property.A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar asked the Ministry of Law and Justice to examine the issue of alleged discriminatory practice in the Muslim law on inheritance.It directed the Govt to submit its stand positively before the next date of hearing on April 9 next year.Central Govt standing counsel Monika Arora told the bench that the Law Commission was examining the issue.The court was hearing a plea by a social organisation –Sahara Kalyan Samiti– which has sought equal inheritance rights for Muslim women.The petition, filed by advocate Raghav Awasthi alleged that Muslim women in India have been discriminated as far their rights of inheritance were concerned in comparison to their male counterparts.It said the discrimination based on customary law as well the statutory law was violative of their fundamental right to equality enshrined under Articles 14,19,21 and other relevant provisions of the Constitution.The plea contended that Article 13 of the Constitution included personal laws including Muslim personal laws. “It is erroneous to assume that personal laws are excluded from the ambit of judicial examination,” it said. It claimed that a bare perusal of the law shows that a wife shall receive 1/8th of the property of her husband on his death if they have children. In case there are no children borne out of marriage, she is entitled to 1/4th of the property. A daughter shall receive half of the share of a son.In stark contrast, the men shall receive 1/4th of the property of his wife on her death if they have children. In case there are no children borne out of the marriage, he is entitled to half the property. A son shall receive double the share of the daughter, the plea alleged.PTI
Junaid lynching: HC stays trial court proceedings, issues notice to Haryana govt on seeking CBI probe
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/junaid-khan-lynching-punjab-hc-stays-order-issues-notice-to-haryana-Govt-manohar-lal-khattar-for-cbi-probe/
Chnadigarh: Punjab and Haryana High Court Tuesday stayed the trial court proceedings in the Junaid Khan lynching case and issued a notice to the Haryana Govt on his family’s plea seeking a CBI probe into the matter.The plea for a CBI probe into the killing of Junaid Khan came up for hearing before a division bench of Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday after his family challenged the recent judgment of a single bench in the case.A single bench of the high court on Nov.27 had dismissed plea filed by Junaid’s father Jalaluddin saying there was “nothing to show that the incident has any national or international ramifications” and the claim made by Junaid’s family that there had been a deliberate attempt to subvert or derail the probe “lacks substance”. “Judgement under appeal has been passed while absolutely excluding the consideration that the transaction resulting into the death of an innocent 16 years old boy belonging to the minority community and serious injuries to others was a totally one-sided affair,” the letters patent appeal filed through advocate Arshdeep Singh Cheema has said. The proceedings in the Faridabad Sessions Court have been stayed until Jan.11, Cheema said. Jalaluddin’s counsel, in the fresh plea, has also said it is “disturbing” that the “worst humiliation on the ground of religion by way of hate abuse” in the case did not “enter the judicial adjudication” in the judgement passed by the single bench and despite vehement submissions it “refused to look at the total picture.”On the single bench declining to comment on the police claim of the family seeking two crore rupees and three acres of land to reach a compromise in the matter, Junaid’s family in the fresh plea has said the judgement “evades to answer the material issues”and the “false assertions (of the state) had to be rejected out rightly”. ”Appellant also brought it to the notice of the Hon’ble Single Judge that as to how the senior officer from the office of Advocate General, Haryana has been found taking interest in the trial from the side of the accused and how the Ld.Trial Judge has taken strict judicial notice of the event,” the plea further reads, adding such events were bound to shake the confidence of the family because of which the trial requires close monitoring of the HC.indianexpress
Junaid lynching case: Father goes to HC, seeks CBI probe
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/junaid-father-goes-to-high-court-seeks-cbi-probe/articleshow/61921544.cms
UP family that took up Islam 5 years ago re-converts, says VHP helped: Indian Express
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/up-family-that-took-up-islam-five-years-ago-re-converts-says-vhp-helped-4968285/
Lucknow: 5 years after embracing Islam, a family from Saharanpur supposedly re-converted to Hinduism at an Arya Samaj temple, helped by local VHP and RSS. Family alleged that they were being harassed by a Muslim man. Dharamveer, 55-year-old businessman from Kotla in Saharanpur and Jat by caste, had changed his name to Mohammad Saad after converting in 2012.His family supposedly followed suit — wife Mamta became Mariyam, daughter Shivani was rechristened Jainab, and sons Saurabh and Rahul became Shoaib and Rashid, respectively.On Sunday, at a local Arya Samaj temple, Dharamveer, his wife and daughter resumed their earlier identities. The sons were away at the time and will re-convert once they were back too, Dharamveer said.He said he took the help of VHP and RSS, who “organised a reconversion ritual”. VHP’s Saharanpur district president Mangeram said:“A few days ago, Dharamveer approached me and requested to organise a conversion ritual for his family. VHP, along with RSS workers, arranged for it at the Arya Samaj temple in Sukedi village Sunday.”Dharamveer also claimed that he had lodged a complaint with the Gagoh police, which was not taken cognizance of. Police, however, denied this. SHO, Gangoh, Sanjeev Kumar said, “Dharamveer never approached the police with any complaint of harassment.”Dharamveer, who runs an automobile spare-parts shop, said: “I had decided to embrace Islam along with my family in 2012 following differences with my father (late) Vijay Pal. We used to offer namaaz since then.”He said: “Over a year ago, a man named Asif started harassing my 19-year-old daughter whenever she left the house. I complained about it to his parents, but it did not work. I even approached other people in the community, but they also did not help. Irked by their attitude, my wife and daughter stopped offering namaaz 6 months back.”“2 month ago, Asif started a rumour that I had borrowed Rs 2.5 lakh from him. That was not true but he began asking me to return the money,” he claimed. “Last week, I decided to re-convert and approached local VHP and RSS workers. They organised the re-conversion ritual.” indianexpress
Yashwant Sinha continues to lead farmer's protest in Maharashtra, Mamata, Kejriwal tweet support
https://www.indiablooms.com/news-details/N/36269/yashwant-sinha-continues-to-lead-farmer-s-protest-in-maharashtra-two-opposition-cms-tweet-support.html
New Delhi: 2 opposition CM s came out to support BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, who was detained after he joined a farmers protest in Maharashtra, on Monday. Since his detention, Sinha has been sitting on a dharna, media reports said.Accusing the Maharashtra Govt of apathy towards farmers of the Vidarbha region, Sinha told media that he is not going to end the protest till all the demands of the farmers are met. Sinha said, “I am determined to stay here till all demands are met. The excuse about NAFED purchase is not valid as BJP-ruled states like MP and Gujarat have been procuring the produce through their own procurement systems. Why can’t the Maharashtra Govt then do it?”Meanwhile, opposition leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee have come out in support of Sinha.Kejriwal, tweeted: "Why has Sh Yashwant Sinhaji been arrested? Insane. He shud be released immediately." Mamata said :"I am concerned about @YashwantSinha Ji former Union Finance Minister in jail. I am sending our MP Dinesh Trivedi to meet him. @YashwantSinha is fighting for the cause of farmers. He has our full support." indiablooms
Venkaiah Naidu's decision to disqualify Sharad Yadav, Anwar from Rajya Sabha 'casts a shadow': Yechury
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-venkaiah-naidu-s-decision-to-disqualify-sharad-yadav-ali-anwar-from-rajya-sabha-casts-a-shadow-sitaram-yechury-2565163
Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu's decision to disqualify rebel JD(U) leaders Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar from the upper house "casts a shadow", CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said today.Yechury also questioned the "mind-boggling" speed with which the decision was taken."Like Ceasar's wife, the Rajya Sabha Chairman's decision must be above questioning, but the disqualification of Rajya Sabha MPs Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar casts a shadow," Yechury tweeted.He also questioned the urgency shown by the chairman."The petition was filed on September 2 and the decision is out on December 4. The speed is mind-boggling. Similar cases are pending in Lok Sabha for over a year. So political affiliation is the only thing that matters?" the Left leader asked.Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar were disqualified from the Rajya Sabha on Monday night.Naidu said in his communication that both leaders ceased to be Rajya Sabha members with immediate effect. dnaindia
Venkaiah Naidu disqualifies rebel JDU MPs Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar from Rajya Sabha
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/venkaiah-naidu-disqualifies-sharad-yadav-ali-anwar/162995/
JK govt may withdraw cases against 1st-time stone pelters
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/j-k-govt-likely-to-withdraw-cases-against-first-time-stone-pelters-in-kashmir/story-Bl7cbTwpu9zIjSI4xRYdjI.html
New Delhi:Mehbooba Mufti’s Govt in J&K is likely to extend its amnesty for first-time stone pelters by withdrawing cases against even those involved in last year’s violence triggered by Burhan Wani’s death.Officials said that cases registered against stone pelters between 2015 and 2017 were being currently reviewed for the purpose of drawing up a list of first-time offenders. CM Mehbooba had last month announced the withdrawal of cases against 4,000 youth involved in some 744 incidents of stone pelting between 2008 and 2014.“Cases reviewed up to now were from 2008 to 2014.We are now reviewing cases from 2015 and 2017 and we will soon come up with a second list,” DGP SP Vaid said.
In J-K, 29 people died in lathicharge,15 in firing;NCRB data
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-jk-29-people-died-in-lathicharge-15-in-firing-points-ncrb-data-4968302/
New Delhi:Almost twice as many people died of injuries inflicted by non-lethal weapons used by police and paramilitary forces in J&K in 2016 than by bullets, according to the latest data released by NCRB for 2016.The data shows that 29 civilians died in lathicharges ordered by J&K Police, while only 15 died due to firing by police and forces, during the protests following the killing of Burhan Wani on July 8 last year. Data also shows that 375 civilians were injured in 1,959 lathicharges ordered in the state in 2016 — and 189 in firing. Overall, 2016 saw a far higher number of people (35) dying during lathicharges across the country than in 2015(7). Indianexpress
Countries don’t talk about Kashmir due to strategic India alliance: PoK prez
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/countries-don-t-talk-about-kashmir-due-to-strategic-alliance-with-india-pok-prez/story-ZAhKPT13Qyw5VYPRM2Gv2H.html
Washington: A former top Pakistani diplomat has said that because of India’s influence and economic power, countries are unwilling to raise the issue of Kashmir at international level, including UN.Masood Khan, former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN who is now president of PoK, rued that India had veto on the talks between the two South Asian neighbours.Khan is currently in Washington for what he described is part of his effort to apprise the international community about the current situation in Kashmir.“India has strategic alliances with certain countries. Because of the lucrative deals that it offers to powerful countries in the West, it has practically imposed a gag order on Kashmir,” Khan said on Monday in response to a question at the Atlantic Council, top American think-tank.Khan said that because of increasing Indian influence, “people here (in Washington DC), in Brussels, in London or other world capitals don’t talk about Kashmir, because this would have consequences– for these countries, like in terms of economic transactions, and strategic costs”.Responding to questions at the thinly-attended Atlantic Council event, Khan alleged that the UN was not acting on its own resolution because of India.“UN is not acting because of real politics,” he said.PTI
SC stays execution of death sentence of 1993 Mumbai blast convict
http://twocircles.net/2017dec04/418765.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has stayed the execution of death sentence of 1993 Mumbai bomb blast convict Taher Mohammed Merchant who was found guilty on different counts including hatching conspiracy and waging war against the nation.Merchant, along with Feroze Abdul Rashid Khan, was given the death sentence after being convicted along with underworld don Abu Salem. However, the latter escaped the capital punishment because of conditions surrounding his extradition from Portugal.“There shall be stay of the execution of death sentence,” said a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice Mohan M. Shantanagoudar, directing the supply of the order’s copy to the CBI and listing the matter for hearing on March 14 next year. The court also directed its registry to call for the lower court records and ordered Maharashtra to “compile the evidence in entirety and file the compilation in convenient volumes” and also serve a copy thereof to Merchant’s counsel.On Sept.7 this year, a special TADA court had sentenced Merchant and Feroze Abdul Rashid Khan to death.Besides Abu Salem, TADA court had sent Karimullah Khan to jail for life and Riyaz Siddiqui to 10 years rigorous imprisonment.IANS
NIA court frames charges against 3 in Mysuru court blast
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/nia-court-frames-charges-against-three-in-mysuru-court-blast-4968033/
Bengaluru:A special NIA court in Bengaluru today framed charges against 3 accused in the last year’s Mysuru court blast case. NIA in May filed a charge sheet in the special NIA court here against Nainar Abbas Ali alias Appas Ali alias Library Abbas (28), M Samsun Karim Raja alias Karim alias Abdul Karim (23) and S Dawood Sulaiman (23).PTI
Cuttack: Hussein Grilled By NIA Over Terror Links
http://odishatv.in/odisha/body-slider/hussein-grilled-by-nia-over-terror-links-258245
Cuttack: NIA quizzed Akhtar Hussein Khan, a resident of Samantarapur under Kissan Nagar police limits of Cuttack over his suspected terror links.The central agency quizzed Hussein in New Delhi today over his bank transactions and has asked him to appear again tomorrow.“Whatever was asked by the authorities, I have stated what is the truth. All my bank details are already with the officers,” said Hussein.Sources said NIA had raided Hussein’s house following inputs after arrest of Abdul Nayeem from Lucknow.odishatv
Punjab RSS leader killing: 3 held for attack on police, NIA teams in Ghaziabad
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/punjab-rss-leader-killing-3-held-for-attack-on-police-nia-teams-in-ghaziabad/story-RO4DWOP0BdUnWXwZnzxHqM.html
Ghaziabad:Ghaziabad police on Monday arrested 2 more persons in connection with the incident at Nahali village where teams of UP Police and NIA were allegedly obstructed and also fired upon by local villagers on Sunday morning.UP Police and NIA teams were at Nahali to pick up a suspect who allegedly supplied the arms in the case related to killing of RSS leader Ravinder Gosain at Ludhiana. However, the suspect gave teams a slip after he was nabbed, but locals allegedly led an attack on police teams.The officials said that they arrested two more men — Khalid and Yusuf Ali — in connection with Sunday morning incident where villagers allegedly clashed with police during the raid at Nahali.During the area domination exercise on Sunday afternoon, the police had already picked up another local Nazim who allegedly placed a cart to obstruct police vehicles. He was also arrested and produced before a Ghaziabad court on Monday.Nazim said that he works as labourer in Delhi and has denied any role in obstructing the police teams on Sunday morning. He added that had come back to the village to see his infant son born 6 days ago.HT
Prohibitory orders in Bihar’s Bhabua town after WhatsApp message sparks tension, 5 arrested
http://www.hindustantimes.com/patna/whatsapp-message-sparks-tension-in-bihar-town-five-arrested/story-fVlWgFVBVFwr89zoOUcxZM.html
Bhabua: Police in Bhabua town in southwest Bihar are on high alert after an objectionable WhatsApp message sparked communal tension on the eve of Babri Masjid demolition anniversary.Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC, that bans assembly of more than four people, has been imposed in the town till further orders by the Kaimur district administration as a precautionary measure.The trouble started when a group of people, hurt by the WhatsApp message, blocked the main road at Ekta Chowk and attacked a house at Purana Chowk in the town on Monday.The mob forcibly entered the house of Shambhu Halwai, allegedly assaulted men and women, damaged utensils, furniture and belongings and looted valuables. Family members said a boy of the family was married on the Sunday night and the newlywed bride had just arrived at the house with gifts and valuables when the attackers ransacked the house.A police team, led by SP Harpreet Kaur, rushed to the locality and dispersed the mob after using mild force. Kaur later visited Halwai’s attacked house, met the family and assured them security and action against attackers.5 alleged attackers had been arrested and the minor boy, who allegedly posted the objectionable matter, detained for interrogation, Kaur said, adding that the arrested men were being sent to jail. hindustantimes
Karnataka: Cleric’s remark triggers backlash from Hindu outfits in Hubballi
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/moulvis-pak-remark-triggers-backlash-from-hindu-outfits-in-hubballi/articleshow/61921515.cms
Hubballi:Sub-Urban police station area here turned into a fortress on Monday evening with deployment of security personnel in and around station following Hindu organizations' threat to picket the place, seeking action against Moulvi Abdul Hameed Khairati and ACP Dawood Khan. Khairati, mutavli of Badi Masjid Jamath, Ganesh Peth, apologized for Saturday's controversial statement at an Eid Milad function during which he allegedly likened Ganesh Peth to Pakistan. In a statement, he said: "I wanted to say that the Muslim community in Ganesh Peth celebrates Eid Milad more enthusiastically than Pakistan, but wrongly made the statement likening Ganesh Peth to Pakistan. I have realized my mistake only after viewing the video footage and I immediately tendered an apology for giving such statement. Due to my age factor, I have committed this mistake. I apologize for this mistake." Tension prevailed when activists from the BJP, VHP and Bajrang Dal protested in front of the station, shouting slogans against the Moulvi and ACP, accusing them of trying to disturb the communal fabric of the society.The protesters alleged that Khairati's statement was anti-national, provocative, provoked communal feelings and an act of sedition.ACP Khan, who shared the dais with him, applauded this statement, they alleged. He should have condemned it and taken him into custody, they said. Hindu organizations filed a complaint with police commissioner M N Nagaraj demanding the arrest of Khairati and Khan under Section 153 A. "We should be allowed to file a complaint under IPC Sections 153 (B) and 120 B treating it as an act of sedition and they should be arrested immediately," they said.TOI
MP Dalwai lodges complaint against minorities dept principal secretary
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/mp-lodges-complaint-against-minorities-dept-principal-secy/articleshow/61921800.cms
Aurangabad: MP Hussain Dalwai has alleged that minorities development department principal secretary Shyam Tagade's failure to respond to his letter was a violation of a Parliamentarian's privilege. Dalwai has sent a letter to the Maharashtra chief secretary, expressing his stand.Former MLC MM Shaikh had in Aug.2016 formally taken charge as chairman of the Waqf before resigning from the post on Nov.8 this year. This pave the way for a fresh election to the post. Since his resignation, members have been seeking a meeting and election for the chairman's post. MP's letter refers to the delay in conducting the elections for the post of the Maharashtra State Board of Waqf chairman. timesofindia
Cyclone Ockhi: At least 39 people killed in Tamil Nadu, Kerala while 167 still missing, says MHA
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/cyclone-ockhi-live-updates-mumbai-rains-weather-gujarat-landfall-gulf-of-kambhat-4968474/
After wrecking havoc in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep, the Cyclone Ockhi which was expected to make landfall in Maharashtra has now moved away from state’s coast and is now expected to make landfall in the Gulf of Khambhat and Surat on December 6. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, at least 39 poeple have been killed so far while 167 are still missing. Maharashtra Govt has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in four districts, as a precautionary measure. Parts of the state are expected to receive light to heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. The severe cyclonic storm ‘Ockhi’ over east-central Arabian Sea moved further north-northeastwards with a speed of 25 kmph during the past 6 hours. It has weakened into a cyclonic storm. indianexpress
Congress president election: All 89 nominations filed propose Rahul Gandhi as next party chief: firstpost
http://www.firstpost.com/politics/congress-president-election-all-89-nominations-filed-propose-rahul-gandhi-as-next-party-chief-4243445.html
All 89 Congress presidential election nominations filed proposed party vice-president Rahul Gandhi as the next party president paving the way for the Gandhi scion's undisputed elevation. There is now only one validly nominated candidate that is Rahul Gandhi left in the fray for Congress president election, AICC elections returning officer M Ramachandran said.
Undercover sting unmasks 'fake' madarsas in UP- & some have even had govt Funding, claims India Today report
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-5145119/Undercover-sting-unmasks-fake-madarsas-UP.html#ixzz50OKVD9K1
UP Govt has stepped up the heat against fake madarsas. Physical verification of such institutions registered online with the Govt reveals that either schools or other businesses are being run from the premises of 17 allegedly illegal seminaries in Saharanpur alone. Saharanpur has 750 madarsas, but a lot of them have allegedly stayed away from registering online. District officials told India Today TV that several of these received Govt funds and an investigation was on to identify those suspected of siphoning of the welfare grants fraudulently. Saharanpur district magistrate PK Pandey confirmed this and said that no madarsa exists at 17 surveyed sites. He said schools were being run from some properties registered as madarsas. India Today TV has exclusive access to the list of these apparently 'fake' madarsas. 'We will register FIR against those found guilty. The investigation into such fake madarsas is still underway. A recovery process will also be initiated against those who have received any sort of financial aid from the Govt fraudulently,' Pandey said. Dailymail/ india today
WORLD
Turkey, Saudi warn Trump against recognising Jerusalem as Israeli capital
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/turkey-saudi-arabia-warn-trump-against-recognising-jerusalem-as-israeli-capital/story-Ve3n07hp5oLuBZjDvW1SEN.html
The status of Jerusalem is a “red line” for Muslims, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned US counterpart Donald Trump on Tuesday even as Saudi Arabia voiced “grave and deep concern” over possible US plans to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.“Mr Trump! Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims,”Erdogan said in a televised speech to his ruling party, warning that if such a move was taken, Turkey would call a summit of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and could even “go as far as” cutting its ties with the Jewish state.Saudi conveyed its “grave and deep concern” over the possible US plan, saying the move could have serious implications for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.“Saudi (expresses) grave and deep concern over reports that the US administration intends to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem,” the official Saudi Press Agency said, citing a foreign ministry source.“This step will have serious implications and will further complicate the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It will also obstruct the ongoing efforts to revive the peace process.” hindustantimes
OIC calls for summit if Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/muslim-nations-call-for-summit-if-trump-recognises-jerusalem-as-israel-s-capital/story-Ty5M0XR7sRY7mpIW2x17DK.html
UAE and Saudis form new partnership separate from Gulf Cooperation Council
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/uae-saudi-arabia-form-political-partnership-171205075923016.html
UAE and Saudi Arabia have formed a new military and trade partnership separate from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), according to a statement issued by UAE.The development on Tuesday comes amid heightened tensions within the GCC, a political and economic alliance of 6 countries that includes Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Oman. According to the statement from UAE foreign ministry, the new committee "is assigned to cooperate and coordinate between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in all military, political, economic, trade and cultural fields, as well as others, in the interest of the two countries".There has been no confirmation of the new partnership from the Saudis so far. GCC has faced an unprecedented crisis over the past six months amid a Saudi-led blockade of Qatar.Representatives of the six countries were meeting in Kuwait on Tuesday for the council's annual summit. Al Jazeera’s Jamal Elshayyal, reporting from Kuwait City, said the UAE/Saudi partnership "would be seen as very antagonising towards the GCC as an organisation, an organisation that has been under threat very much because of the actions of Saudi Arabia and the UAE in terms of imposing a blockade which has gone on for six months now". aljazeera
GCC summit cut short by a day amid diplomatic rift
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/key-gcc-summit-overshadowed-diplomatic-rift-171205075523042.html
A key regional summit of the 6-nation GCC countries has been cut short and will conclude on Tuesday instead of Wednesday, with all the delegates leaving Kuwait after a closed session.The Kuwait summit takes place exactly six months after three of the member states severed diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar.The move comes as UAE announced that it had formed a new economic and military partnership with Saudi Arabia separate from the GCC.Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has arrived in Kuwait City for the summit, but heads of states from the three blockading countries - Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain - will not make it to the summit.Oman said that a high ranking official would represent Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, while Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir will lead the Saudi delegation at the 38th annual summit. aljazeera
CIA: Saudi Arabia working with Israel to fight terror
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171204-cia-saudi-arabia-working-with-israel-to-fight-terror/
Israel is working directly with Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations in the fight against terrorism,CIA Director Mike Pompeo said, according to the Jerusalem Post. The comments were made at Reagan National Defence Forum in California, where Pompeo cited the danger Iran posed not just to the US, but to other states in the region, as a unifying factor. “We’ve seen them [Saudi] work with the Israelis to push back against terrorism throughout Middle East, to the extent we can continue to develop those relationships and work alongside them – the Gulf states and broader Middle East will likely be more secure,” Pompeo told the audience.Ex-CIA Director and ex- Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta was also a speaker at the event and took his speech as an opportunity to call on Arab countries to form a coalition with Israel, the US and Turkey, and even to run a joint military operations centre.middleeastmonitor
New US, Saudi deal snubs Palestinian rights, world law
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171204-new-us-saudi-deal-snubs-palestinian-rights-and-international-law/
Donald Trump is reported to be working on a deal that does not even guarantee the minimum rights of the Palestinians. The deal,which is yet to be announced, presented to the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, falls way short of the guarantees granted to Palestinians under international law and underpins the basic framework of a two-state solution.According to the New York Times, Palestinian, Arab and European officials who have heard Abbas’ version of last month’s conversation with Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman reported that he was offered a plan more tilted toward the Israelis than any ever; one that no Palestinian leader could ever accept. Abbas revealed details of the meeting with Bin Salman, who had summoned Abbas to Riyadh last month. While it was widely reported that the de-facto Saudi King had offered the PLO leader an ultimatum, facts around the peace plan devised by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, had been sketchy.Many suspected that plan by Trump administration,which includes sympathisers with right wing Israeli groups and setter organisations, would attempt to force a deal on the Palestinians. middleeastmonitor
Israel envoy to US: Saudi Crown Prince bold, impressive
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171205-israel-ambassador-to-us-saudi-crown-prince-bold-impressive/
Israeli Ambassador to US, Ron Dermer, has described Saudi Crown Prince,Mohammed Bin Salman,as bold and courageous in carrying out domestic reforms.“The Crown Prince spoke about taking it back to a different type of Islam, a moderate Islam that existed before. That’s a very important statement coming from the Crown Prince of Saudi,” Dermer said during an interview with Politico’s Susan B. Glasser.“To me looking back from the outside, it’s quite impressive what he’s trying to do. And I hope that he wants. In the struggle between modernity and medievalism, it’s clear to me that the Crown Prince is on the side of modernity,” he added.Dermer explained that Israel is now facing a window of opportunity to expand relations with Arabs, especially with Bin Salman. Middleeastmonitor
Kushner hid his leadership of foundation that funds settlements
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171205-kushner-hid-his-leadership-of-foundation-that-funds-settlements/
US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner failed to disclose on Govt records his position as co-director of a foundation that funds illegal Israeli settlements in occupied West Bank,Jerusalem Post reported. Kushner headed family-run Charles and Seryl Kushner Foundation from 2006 to 2015, during which the organisation donated at least $38,000 to building of a Jewish seminary in the West Bank settlement of Beit El and an additional $20,000 to Jewish and educational institutions in other settlements. However, he did not reveal his history with the foundation to the Office of Govt Ethics in March, despite having amended his financial records with the office several times and made three revisions to his security clearance application.middleeastmonitor
Somali president refusing to meet Israel’s Netanyahu
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171205-somali-president-refusing-to-meet-israels-netanyahu/
Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmajo” Mohamed has refused to meet Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Kenya.Farmajo was in Kenya to attend an African Heads of State meeting in Nairobi.Hamas praised the leader’s move in standing in the face of the oppressor and refusing to meet him. Senior Hamas member, Mousa Abu Marzouq, said: “With the example of these leaders, attitudes have value and meaning, and their country has respect and appreciation, and their people have dignity.”Hamas’ Izzat Al-Rishq also thanked the Somali president’s position which he said “reflects the authenticity of the brotherly Republic of Somalia in standing with Palestine and rejecting any normalisation with an entity which occupies land and holy places.” middleeastmonitor
Infant mortality rate among Palestinians in Israel 3 times higher than Jewish citizens: middleeastmonitor
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171205-infant-mortality-rate-among-palestinians-in-israel-three-times-higher-than-jewish-citizens/
The infant mortality rate among Palestinian citizens of Israel is nearly three times higher than among Jewish citizens, official figures have revealed.A Health Ministry report, “National Challenge of Reducing Inequality in the Health System”, states that while Israel’s overall infant mortality rate in 2016 stood at 3.1 deaths per 1,000 births, “the rate among Arabs was nearly three times higher than among Jews— 6.2 to 2.2, respectively”. In Tel Aviv municipality, for example, which includes Jaffa, “the infant mortality rate among Arabs averaged 8.2 deaths per 1,000 births, more than four times higher than the two deaths per 1,000 births among Jewish babies in the city.”
China to issue multiple entry visas to Palestinian businessmen
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171205-china-to-issue-multiple-entry-visas-to-palestinian-businessmen/
Chinese Ambassador to the PA, Chen Xingzhong, stated that the Chinese embassy will soon issue multiple entry visas to Palestinian businessmen.Visa applications must be accompanied by a special letter from the Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, the official explained. During his meeting with the chairman of the Hebron Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohammad Herbawi, yesterday evening, the ambassador said that a visa official would work once or twice a month to serve the municipalities in the southern part of the West Bank. middleeastmonitor
Young American Evangelical Christians shift away from support for Israel: middleeastmonitor
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171205-young-american-evangelical-christians-shift-away-from-support-for-israel/
A major new survey of American Evangelical Christians has found stark generational differences over support for Israel, Haaretz reported.According to survey, American evangelicals under 35 are “less likely than their older counterparts to offer unquestionable support for Israel, and are more likely to hold positive views of the Palestinians”.While 76 % of evangelicals over the age of 65 have a “positive” view of Israel, among evangelicals under the age of 35, the number was only 58 % .Meanwhile, 66% of evangelicals under 35 believe that “Christians should do more to love and care for the Palestinian people”, compared to 54 % of those over 65 who share this view. Again, 41% of evangelicals under 35 stated that they have “no strong views about the State of Israel”, while only 22 % of those over the age of 65 responded the same way.
US SC allows Trump's latest travel ban to go into full effect against 6 mostly Muslim countries
http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/us-sc-allows-full-enforcement-of-trump-travel-ban-on-6-muslim-countries-117120500073_1.html
Washington: The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to fully enforce a ban on travel to the US by residents of 6 mostly Muslim countries. The justices, with two dissenting votes, said that the policy can take full effect even as legal challenges against it make their way through the courts. The action suggests the high court could uphold the latest version of the ban that Trump announced in Sept.The ban applies to travellers from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Lower courts had said people from those nations with a claim of a "bona fide" relationship with someone in the US could not be kept out of the country. Grandparents, cousins and other relatives were among those courts said could not be excluded. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor would have left the lower court orders in place.The San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals and the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, will be holding arguments on the legality of the ban this week.Both courts are dealing with the issue on an accelerated basis, and the Supreme Court noted it expects those courts to reach decisions "with appropriate dispatch."AP/PTI
Yemen's Houthi: Saleh killed for 'treason'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/yemen-houthi-ali-abdulla-saleh-killed-treason-171204165531953.html
Leader of Yemen's Houthi rebels has praised the death of Ali Abdullah Saleh, the country's overthrown president, as a victory against a Saudi-led military coalition that Yemen has been battling.Saleh's party has confirmed reports that he was killed in a roadside ambush on Monday outside the capital, Sanaa, after switching sides in the civil war, abandoning his Iran-aligned Houthi allies in favour of the Saudi-led coalition.In a lengthy televised speech aired on the Houthi-run Al Masirah TV network, Abdul Malik al-Houthi said his fighters killed Saleh for his "treason" and congratulated Yemenis "on this historic, exceptional and great day in which the conspiracy of betrayal and treason failed, this black day for the forces of the aggression". aljazeera
Yemen: Clashes in Sana’a leave 234 dead
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171205-yemen-clashes-in-sanaa-leave-234-dead/
At least 234 people have been killed in Sana’a over the past four days in clashes between Shia Houthi rebels and forces loyal to slain former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who was killed yesterday, an International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) official said.ICRC also recorded more than 400 injuries during the clashes, which first erupted in Sana’a over the weekend between the Houthis and pro-Saleh forces, Adnan Hazam, ICRC’s spokesman in Yemen, told Anadolu.“Cautious calm now prevails in parts of the capital that saw violent confrontations in recent days,” he added. middleeastmonitor
Yemen: 'Now there will be a new level of civil war'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/yemen-level-civil-war-171204162917355.html
UN says 400,000 civilians trapped in Syrian enclave
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/un-400-000-trapped-airstrikes-hit-syrias-ghouta-171204180938763.html
Despite being designated as a so-called de-escalation zone, jet fighters flown by the Syrian Govt and its Russian allies continue to bomb the besieged Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta.The UN says fighting is only intensifying, despite a deal between Russia, Iran and Turkey stipulating that there can be no military activity in Eastern Ghouta."This is supposed to be a safe area, but it's not safe. Planes hit all day and all night. Where should we go?" a witness said.On Sunday, about 30 people were killed by the air raids.According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), it was biggest death toll in a single day in at least three weeks, when pro-Govt forces escalated their attacks on the area.Eastern Ghouta has been besieged by President Bashar al-Assad's troops since 2013 in an attempt to force the rebel enclave into submission. "Regime didn't respect the de-escalation agreement. The Russians said they would provide guarantees, but they didn't," Mounther Fares, spokesman for Ahrar al-Sham rebel group, said.UN says about 400,000 civilians who remain trapped there are facing a "complete catastrophe" because the Govt has blocked aid deliveries. Humanitarian situation in the besieged area is getting increasingly worse, UN has warned. aljazeera
Iraq accused of violating due process for IS suspects
http://www.news18.com/news/world/iraq-accused-of-violating-due-process-for-islamic-state-suspects-1595167.html
Baghdad: Iraqi federal and Kurdish regional judiciaries are violating the rights of Islamic State suspects with flawed trials, arbitrary detentions under harsh conditions, and broad prosecutions, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday.As Sunni militant group's self-proclaimed caliphate crumbles following defeats in Iraq and Syria, thousands suspected of joining it have been captured, detained, and put on trial.At least 200 have been sentenced, HRW said, and at least 92 executed. Iraq's govt faces the task of exacting justice on Islamic State members while preventing revenge attacks on people associated with the group which could only undermine efforts to create long-term stability.New York-based rights group said that an 80-page report it released early on Tuesday "finds serious legal shortcomings that undermine efforts to bring (IS) fighters, members, and affiliates to justice."HRW report said: "It is too easy to accuse someone of belonging to Islamic State and have them detained.Wanted lists or community accusations without evidence can result in the detention of suspects for months even if wrongly accused.Detention centres are overcrowded and authorities fail to separate children from adult detainees. Iraqi law states detainees should be brought to a judge within 24 hours of capture but this does not happen. Detainees are often subject to torture, not granted access to lawyers,and their families are not informed of their whereabouts Iraqi authorities say they have investigated these allegations but have not released any findings. Proving guilt under counter-terrorism laws is easier as a judge only needs proof that a defendant was a member of Islamic State to find them guilty. This means that anyone from cooks and doctors serving under the group to actual fighters is subject to same sentences which range from life in prison to death." Reuters
Myanmar forces may be guilty of genocide against Rohingya; UN
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/myanmar-forces-may-be-guilty-of-genocide-against-rohingya-un-says-4969247/
Geneva: Myanmar’s security forces may be guilty of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, the United Nations’ top human rights official said on Tuesday, adding that more were fleeing despite an agreement between Myanmar and Bangladesh to send them home.Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that none of the 626,000 Rohingya who have fled violence since Aug.should be repatriated to Myanmar unless there was robust monitoring on the ground.Myanmar’s anvoy Htin Lynn said that his Govt was working with Bangladesh to ensure returns of the displaced in about two months and “there will be no camps”. Zeid, who has described the campaign in the past as a “textbook case of ethnic cleansing”, was addressing a special session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva called by Bangladesh. He described “concordant reports of acts of appalling barbarity committed against Rohingya, including deliberately burning people to death inside their homes, murders of children and adults; indiscriminate shooting of fleeing civilians; widespread rapes of women and girls, and the burning and destruction of houses, schools, markets and mosques.” “Can anyone – can anyone – rule out that elements of genocide may be present?” he told the 47-member state forum.Zeid urged the Council to recommend that the UN General Assembly establish a new mechanism “to assist individual criminal investigations of those responsible”. Prosecutions for the violence and rapes against Rohingya by security forces or by civilians “appear extremely rare”, Zeid said. Marzuki Darusman, head of an independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar, said by video from Malaysia: “We will go where the evidence leads us…Our focus is on facts and circumstances of allegations in Myanmar as a whole since 2011.” Reuters
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Babri case: There was no trace of Ram temple, revealed British accounts: business standard
http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/babri-dispute-there-was-no-trace-of-ram-temple-revealed-british-accounts-117120500216_1.html
Babri demolition was an attack on idea and promise enshrined in India’s Constitution:Lalu Prasad Yadav
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/babri-demolition-bjp-hindutva-ayodhya-ram-temple-advani-we-the-people-4-4968074/
How different was that sundown, 25 years ago, in Ayodhya:Seema Chishti
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/babri-masjid-ram-mandir-how-different-was-that-sundown-25-yrs-ago-in-ayodhya-4969136/
‘Let the truth come out’:Makers of film on Ayodhya dispute say they have nothing to hide: Sruthi Ganapathy Raman
https://thereel.scroll.in/860196/let-the-truth-come-out-makers-of-film-on-ayodhya-dispute-say-they-have-nothing-to-hide
Hadiya and the bogey of 'love jihad':Aijaz Zaka Syed
http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/523381
Was it a Congress MP who made Ujjwal Nikam quit Mohsin Sheikh’s murder case?TwoCircles
Was it a Congress MP who made Ujjwal Nikam quit Mohsin Sheikh’s murder case?TwoCircles
http://twocircles.net/2017dec04/418746.html
Failure of religious leaders made state intervention on triple talaq inevitable:Tahir Mahmood
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/supreme-court-shah-bano-case-triple-talaq-muslimin-the-interest-of-justice-4968088/
How Israel is digitally policing Palestinian minds;AlJazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/israel-digitally-policing-palestinian-minds-171205071733121.html
Israel turns West Bank into a 'garbage dump':Jaclynn Ashly , AL JAZEERA
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/israel-turns-west-bank-garbage-dump-171205052610633.html
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:21 PM)
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