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Evening NEWS DIGEST
25 Feb.2017: 27 Jamadiul Awwal 1438: Vol:8, No:125
INDIA: US-HATE VIOLENCE
Kansas shooting: Can Donald Trump's govt protect us, asks wife of Indian techie killed by American
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-wife-of-indian-shot-dead-by-american-asks-can-trump-protect-us-2334449
The grieving wife of Indian engineer shot dead in an apparent hate crime by a navy veteran in Kansas City has demanded an answer from the US govt what it would do to stop hate crimes against the minorities.Sunayana Dumala, wife of 32-year-old Srinivas Kuchibhotla who was killed by Adam Purinton at a city bar on Wednesday night, said reports of bias against minorities in the US make them afraid and wondered whether "do we belong here".At a news conference organised by GPS-maker Garmin, the company where Srinivas worked, Sunayana asked what US govt of Donald Trump would do to stop hate crimes against minorities such as the one happened to her husband. Although she did not mention Trump by name, Sunayana did say, "Not everyone will be harmful to this country." Sunayana was concerned over shooting incidents and doubted whether her family should stay in the US. But, she said, her husband assured her saying "good things happen in America." The tragedy has led to fears among immigrants, who feel being targeted by President Trump's plans to ban travelers from some countries and build a wall along the Mexico border to realise his campaign pledge of putting "America first." Trump's proposed travel ban against certain countries has been termed divisive by many and provoked criticism from several quarters, including his own Republican Party.External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj expressed shock after the incident. PTI /DNA
Shooter asked if techies were in US legally: Kansas shooting victim Madasani
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/kansas-shooting-injured-indian-engineer-says-gunman-asked-them-about-their-visas/story-MvQpMjITsH4CVwfjW5od2I.html
Olathe, Kansas:US Navy veteran who allegedly shot and killed Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla and injured his colleague Alok Madasani asked the 2 men if they were illegally living in America shortly before he opened fire.Adam Purinton, who was arrested hours after the shooting on Wednesday, had reportedly also told the Indian engineers, both employed by GPS major Garmin, to “get out of my country” before he began shooting.Purinton was sitting near the two men on the patio of Austins Bar & Grill in Olathe city of Kansas state when he began tossing ethnic slurs and suggesting that they did not belong in the US, customers were quoted as saying by The New York Times.“He asked us what visa are we currently on and whether we are staying here illegally,” Madasani said.ANI
Kansas shooting: Indian survivor reveals gunman asked him about their visas
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/kansas-shooting-indian-survivor-reveals-gunman-asked-him-about-their-visas-4542969/
Kansas shooting raises fears with local Indian-Americans:Reuters
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/us-canada-news/kansas-shooting-raises-fears-with-local-indian-americans/articleshow/57342559.cms
The shooting death of an Indian engineer and the wounding of another man in a possible hate crime at a Kansas bar has raised fears among members of the area's fast-growing Indian-American community.The suspected gunman, US Navy veteran Adam Purinton, 51, has been charged with the premeditated murder in Olathe, just outside Kansas City, of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, and attempted murder of Alok Madasani, also 32, as well as an American who tried to intervene. Before opening fire, Purinton is accused of shouting "get out of my country," a bystander told the Kansas City Star. Several members of the Kansas City area's Indian-American community said the attack had forced them to think about their safety."The main reaction is shock, because this is home," said Samarpita Bajpai, 45, who lives in suburban Overland Park and runs a non-profit Indian dance company.Going forward, Bajpai said that for the first time in her nearly 20 years living in the Kansas City area she will try to refrain from being out late at night.The shooting comes as some members of US minority groups have expressed unease with the political and social climate in the US. The Southern Poverty Law Center said in a report this month hate groups proliferated in 2016 as Donald Trump's bid for the US presidency energized the radical right.
‘This President has blood on his hands’: Anger at Indian’s shooting in US city of Kansas
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/this-president-has-blood-on-his-hands-kansas-shooting-of-indian-engineer-sparks-anger/story-ZImI1PWBRXtTkvlU0JZLyM.html
Washington: Hindu American Foundation, an advocacy group, said in a statement, “The murder of Kuchibhotla is the first reported bias-motivated fatality in the US after the bitter presidential election.”Indian American community reacted with a mix of outrage and sadness. hindustantimes
Kansas shooting: ‘Is it worth it for these youths to go to US amid this tension?’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kansas-shooting-srinivas-kuchibhotla-is-it-worth-it-for-these-youths-to-go-to-us-amid-this-tension-4542552/
OTHERS
MHA’s report: Need to control mosque, madrasa, media for Kashmir valley narrative
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/mhas-report-need-to-control-mosque-madrasa-media-for-kashmir-valley-narrative-4542580/
New Delhi;“Control” of the mosque, madrasa, print and TV media, changes in political atmosphere, strengthening of intelligence set-up and reaching out to the moderate faction of Hurriyat are some of the suggestions in an assessment report prepared by the Centre about the prevailing situation in the Kashmir Valley. The report, compiled after securing inputs from ground, suggests long-term “actionable points” and has been sent to NSA Ajit Doval, sources said.Discussing the 3-decade-old insurgency in the Valley, the report makes no reference to Pakistan but suggests that the political atmosphere in the Valley needs to be changed and those who were part of the 2014 election victory need to be supported and promoted by the govt.The report suggests that some of the financial schemes of the Centre may be implemented through these people that may help to bring more people in their area of influence.Giving the break-up of Shia, Bakkarwal and Pahadi Muslim population, it suggests that a special development scheme can be implemented for them before they get lured by separatists or what it calls the widespread cult of Wahabism within the Valley. Moulvis at the mosques need to be engaged that will go a long way to quell insurgency in the Valley, it was stated. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting needs to revive its J&K division that is largely defunct, the report says. It lists TV channels as pro and anti-India and newspapers that it says should be promoted for “perception management,” states the report. The report says those news organisations in the Valley fomenting anti-India sentiment should be “discouraged” from telecasting any “negative propaganda”.On the role of separatists, the report calls for crackdown by Income Tax and other agencies on them but at the same time advocates engagement with the moderate faction.To curb cases of stone-pelting, it has been advised that those indulging in such incidents need to be booked under Public Safety Act and for first-time offenders, especially teenagers, special juvenile homes may be set up so that they do not get influenced by more radical elements. indianexpress
J&K: Control on mosques, madrasas & media needed, says MHA’s report
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-jammu-and-kashmir-control-on-the-mosque-madrasa-media-needed-says-mha-s-report-2334313
Kashmir is nearly lost, says Chidambaram
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/kashmir-is-nearly-lost-says-chidambaram/article17365791.ece
Hyderabad; Former Union Minister P. Chidambaram said he had a sinking feeling that Kashmir was nearly lost for India because the Central govt used brute force to quell dissent there. Addressing a meeting organised by Manthan, a public discourse platform, here on Friday,Chidambaram said feared the situation would worsen if the Centre did not take up course correction like what was done by the Cabinet Committee on security in 2010. The graph of violence rapidly declined after that, but it grew at an alarming rate now.He said 7 million persons of Kashmir valley felt alienated by the oppressive methods of the Indian govt, which was a “terrible” mistake. The statement of Chief of Army Staff Bipin Rawat that anyone who interfered with defence operations would be treated as anti-national was the last straw. thehindu
India nearly lost Kashmir, Army Chief’s remark last straw: Chidambaram
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/india-nearly-lost-kashmir-army-chief-s-remark-last-straw-chidambaram/242193.html
New generation Kashmir militants fighting for freedom: Farooq Abdullah
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/new-generation-kashmir-militants-fighting-for-freedom-farooq-abdullah-4542027/
Srinagar: Former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah today kicked up a controversy by saying that the new generation of militants in Kashmir were fighting for “freedom”.“These boys have left (for the path of militancy). Everyone loves life, nobody wants to die. They have made promise to God that you decide the matters of life and death but we will sacrifice our life for the freedom of this nation,” Abdullah said at a function held at NC HQRS here. NC chief said the new generation of Kashmiris was fearless and were “not scared of guns”.“A new generation has taken birth which does not fear guns. It is striving to achieve freedom for this nation,” he said.He said the boys “rendering sacrifices” were not aspiring to be MLAs, MPs or ministers.“They are giving sacrifices to demand their right: (they say) this is our land and we are its rightful owners but they (India and Pakistan) do not understand this,” he said, asking the party workers not to forget these sacrifices. “We are not anybody’s enemy…This fight started in 1931. But we are asking both the countries to do justice to us. You even forgot promises you made in 1948,” he said.PTI
Kashmiri's angry with JK Govt for tying up with 'communal' forces: Farooq Abdullah
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/kashmiri-s-angry-with-jk-govt-for-tying-up-with-communal-forces-farooq-abdullah-117022400370_1.html
BJP, Sangh Parivar trying to disturb communal harmony in Jammu: MLA Er. Rasheed
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/story/242151.html
J&K: Online Islamic radio promoter faces threat, files complaint with police
http://kashmirreader.com/2017/02/25/online-islamic-radio-promoter-faces-threat-files-complaint-police/
Srinagar: The founder chairman of Islamic Fraternity and recently launched Radio Saut-ul-Islam, Mohammad Aamir on Friday alleged that he is being threatened to stop religious activities. Amir who also runs Islamic Global School in Rajbagh said that someone is trying to kill him and has been giving him threats for the last one year. He said that on Thursday a stranger seemingly in 30s, entered his school building in Rajbagh and claimed he is Aamir’s neighbor while tried to push him out of school premises. kashmirreader
Pakistan rails against India’s ‘unlawful occupation’ of Kashmir
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/pakistan-rails-against-indias-unlawful-occupation-of-kashmir-4542877/
Islamabad:Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain has asked India to end its “unlawful occupation” of Kashmir in its own interest, warning any delay in the settlement of the lingering dispute could spell “disaster” for regional peace. India should give in to the public sentiment in Kashmir in its own interest and end its unlawful occupation of the territory, Hussain said at a function in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in connection with the birth anniversary of ‘Quaid-i-Azam’ Mohammad Ali Jinnah on Friday.PTI
Slain woman intruder in India was mentally ill: Pak media report
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/slain-woman-intruder-in-india-was-mentally-ill-pakistan-media-report-4543364/
Islamabad:A Pakistani woman, who was shot dead when she allegedly tried to infiltrate into Indian territory along the International Border, was mentally ill, a media report said Saturday. Rasheeda Bibi, 53, from Sialkot district’s Diawara village, was killed as she crossed the border on Thursday night after losing her way, Dawn reported. Bibi was killed in the Pargwal sector of Akhnoor tehsil. Citing police sources, the paper said that the woman was mentally ill. Indian border authorities later handed over the body to her family in the presence of officials of Pakistan Rangers.“A protest erupted in Bibi’s native village after it emerged that she had been shot dead by BSF personnel,” the paper said. Similar incidents have occurred in the past as well in light of heightened border tensions between India and Pakistan.PTI
Najeeb Ahmed’s mom upset, wants judicial probe
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/najeebs-momupset-wants-judicial-probe/articleshow/57337220.cms
New Delhi: A press conference was organised by Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) on Friday where Fatima Nafees, mother of missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed, called for the dismantling of the investigating team.Nafees also demanded a judicial inquiry monitored by the high court. She said that she has "lost all faith in the police". "I don't trust them anymore, for they have always lied to me," she said, adding that she has been trying to get an audience with HRD minister to no avail. Supporting her was Salim Engineer, general secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. "If the student beaten up from ABVP, he would have been found already," he said.He also accused the police of picking up young Muslim men without proof, but not conducting lie detector tests on Ahmed's assaulters.TOI
Modi govt most anti-intellectual country has seen: Ramachandra Guha
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/modi-govt-most-anti-intellectual-country-has-seen-ramachandra-guha/story-alOp8kBaCZoZHiYHCtqRGP.html
Renowned historian Ramchandra Guha said on Saturday that he believes the govt at the Centre led by Narendra Modi is the most “anti-intellectual” the country has ever had, and is manifested in the appointments it had made in various educational and cultural institutions.“I believe, as a student of history of contemporary India, who has watched every govt for the last 45 years, the govt in power in Delhi is the most anti-intellectual we ever had, and this is manifested in appointments,” he said while giving a talk on “8 Threats To Freedom of Expression” on the first day of the fourth Bangalore Literature Festival here.“Just look at the appointments of Pahlaj Nihalani and Gajendra Chauhan. What do their appointments show? It shows absolute contempt for scholars, literature and the arts.”“PM does not believe intellectuals, writers and artists contribute anything to the society because that’s his own impression and that’s his own experience, and that goes right down the line,” he said. hindustantimes
Ramjas violence: DCW issues notice to Delhi Police, says female protesters were molested
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/ramjas-violence-dcw-issues-notice-to-delhi-polices-says-female-protesters-were-molested-4543175/
New Delhi:Two days after Ramjas College incident, Delhi Commission for Women on Saturday issued a notice to Delhi Police asking who ordered the lathi-charge against the protesting students. DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal also said that the policemen attacking female protesters in DU could be charged for molestation and that severe punishment was needed. “Policemen attacking female protesters in DU may amount to molestation; severe punishment needed,” she told news agency ANI.Maliwal also tweeted saying that she was shocked that police was now openly molesting the protesters and it was shameful that those who were supposed to protect had turned into violators. indianexpress
I raised slogans, but they were not anti-national: Ramjas teacher Mukul Mangalik
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/i-raised-slogans-that-day-but-they-were-not-anti-national-says-ramjas-teacher-mukul-mangalik/story-g54DF2gklSdKDlZ7KMfH3I.html
Delhi: On Wednesday 2 groups of students — one of which was led by ABVP, the student wing of RSS — clashed with each other during a protest over a literary event where JNU student Umar Khalid had been invited to speak.Later, there were also reports that some students had come searching for Mukul Mangalik, an associate professor at the history department of Ramjas College. Students apparently wanted to threaten Mangalik for raising anti-national slogans.HT on Friday caught up with the history professor, who described Wednesday’s violence as a continuation of what happened at JNU. He said a section of students were not ready to listen to other side’s ideology at all. hindustantimes
Delhi college violence: Kargil martyr’s daughter leads free speech fight
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/kargil-martyrs-daughter-leads-free-speech-fight/articleshow/57337198.cms
Jalandhar/New Delhi: A social media campaign against ABVP in the wake of Wednesday's violence in DU has gone viral with students from different campuses changing their profile pictures on Instagram and Facebook. Social media campaign, "I'm Not Afraid of ABVP", has been initiated by Gurmehar Kaur, daughter of Kargil martyr Captain Mandeep Singh. Kaur was just two years old when her father was martyred.A student of Lady Shri Ram College, Kaur called the assault on students of Ramjas College by ABVP members as "brutal", "disturbing" and an "attack on Democracy". She appealed to those who are against ABVP to "take a similar selfie and make it your profile picture. Use the hashtag #StudentsAgainstABVP and copy paste this message along with it".
‘Not afraid of ABVP’: Students continue protests with strong message on their Facebook display pictures
http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/not-afraid-of-abvp-students-continue-protests-with-strong-message-on-their-facebook-display-pictures-4542828/
This is not the ABVP we knew: What happened at Ramjas & why the Sanghis should be ashamed :Dilip Simeon ex-professor, Ramjas College
http://www.catchnews.com/india-news/this-is-not-the-abvp-we-knew-what-happened-at-ramjas-why-the-sanghis-should-be-ashamed-52752.html
The nation hears me now, says Umar Khalid as forced peace descends on DU
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/the-nation-hears-me-now-says-umar-khalid-as-forced-peace-descends-on-delhi-university/story-i0NrNN891ScdNZUKhhlAPL.html
Dear friends from ABVP:Apoorvanand
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ramjas-college-protests-abvp-rss-delhi-university-4542327/
2007 Ajmer Dargah blast: Hearing in NIA Jaipur court adjourned till March 8
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ajmer-dargah-blast-2007-nia-special-court-verdict-aseemanand-dargah-of-khawaja-moinuddin-chishti-rss/1/891180.html
New Delhi:NIA Special Court in Jaipur has adjourned the hearing in the 2007 Ajmer Dargah blast case till March 8.The court was earlier expected to deliver its verdict today.3 people had been killed and over 17 others injured in the blast at the Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah in 2007. NIA subsequently filed chargesheet and accused Swami Aseemanand of masterminding the blast.Besides, others who have been chargesheeted are Devendra Gupta, Chandrashekhar Leve, Mukesh Vasani, Bharat Mohan Rateshwar, Lokesh Sharma and Harshad Solanki. IndiaToday
Judgement day for SIMI trial on Feb27:TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/judgement-day-for-simi-trial-on-feb-27/articleshow/57319821.cms
Indore: The final judgment in the trial against SIMI operatives will be announced on Feb. 27 and the final arguments are set to be made before the court in this case on Feb. 25, special CBI judge BK Paloda said.10 accused persons lodged in jail appeared before the special CBI judge BK Paloda here on Thursday to record their statements."While recording their statement, 2 of the accused said that the police had picked them up from their residence in Karnataka eight days before their staged "arrest" in Indore in March 2008. All the accused pleaded guilty before the court and denied any involvement with activities for which they were being charged," Chandan Airen defense advocate told TOI.Previously, Munroz, another accused who is out on bail, had also told the court that he is a resident of Karnataka and was arrested by police there and was handed over to MP police before the arrest in March 2008.
Shocker in book by lone man acquitted in 7/11 blasts: 'Top bosses forced ATS officer to book innocent Muslims'
http://www.mid-day.com/articles/abdul-wahid-shaikh-ats-officer-innocent-muslims-711-blasts-mumbai-news/18024185
Abdul Wahid Shaikh, the only accused to walk out a free man in the 11/7 blasts trial, claims he wasn't the only innocent man framed in the case, and that this was the reason behind the mysterious death of ATS officer Vinod Bhatt. In his soon to be released tell-all, Shaikh claims the officer had sworn to protect the 13 accused with his own life. Just days later, ACP Bhatt was found dead on the railway tracks.Shaikh's new book, titled 'Begunah Qaidi', is based on his life after his arrest and subsequent acquittal in the 2006 Mumbai train bombings case. Shaikh was among the 13 men who were accused of carrying out a series of seven bombings on the local trains on July 11, 2006, killing 188 people. Shaikh was accused of providing his house at Mumbra for harbouring Pakistanis.One chapter from the book focuses on conversations between the late ACP Vinod Bhatt and accused Ehtesham Siddiqui, who was later sentenced to death. The officer allegedly confessed that he knew the accused were innocent but was being compelled to charge them for attack, under pressure from his seniors, ex-ATS chief Raghuvanshi and ex-commissioner AN Roy. midday
Secret AP police report cleared 2005 Delhi blast accused but no one acted on it: Praveen Swami story
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/2005-delhi-serial-blasts-life-lost-in-jail-secret-ap-police-report-cleared-of-accused-but-no-one-acted-on-it-rafiq-shah-hussain-fazili-acquitted-early-feb-report-blamed-indian-mujahideen-4542579/
New Delhi: IB and the Delhi Police were aware, as early as in the spring of 2009, of new evidence suggesting that the three Kashmiri men then under trial for carrying out blasts in New Delhi in 2005 had no role in the attack, documents obtained by The Indian Express reveal. There were 3 blasts that took place in Sarojini Nagar, Govindpuri and Paharganj on October 20, 2005, a day before Diwali. Even though the Union Ministry of Home Affairs was made aware of this evidence, no re-investigation was ordered in this and in two other similar cases, govt sources have confirmed to this newspaper.Earlier this month, Mohammad Rafiq Shah and Mohammad Hussain Fazili were acquitted of all charges related to their role in the 2005 Delhi bombings. A third, Tariq Dar, was convicted of charges related to supporting terrorism but cleared of a role in the actual strike.In a separate case,Mohammad Waliullah, a former Imam at a mosque in Phulpur, Allahabad, was sentenced to serve 10 years for his role in the bombing of Varanasi’s Ashwamedh Ghat on Feb.23, 2005. He is currently held in Dasna jail.But according to a classified dossier prepared in March 2009 by the AP Police’s OCTOPUS counter-terrorism cell and circulated to sister organisations nationwide, both forensic data and the testimony of suspects under interrogation contain evidence that these three attacks were, in fact, carried out by the Indian Mujahideen — and not the individuals charged.P Chidambaram, then Union Home Minister, said he could not “recall the connection of the Indian Mujahideen to the other (3) cases mentioned” by The Indian Express. “Maybe IB reports mentioned the AP Police investigation”, he added.
Irshad was a police informer.Until police framed him:HT
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/irshad-ali-was-a-police-informer-until-the-police-framed-him/story-kZheoeNBckWIWuvkhXsZkK.html
2002 American Centre attack suspect arrested in Gaya:PTI
http://zeenews.india.com/kolkata/2002-american-centre-terror-attack-suspect-arrested-in-gaya_1981104.html
Gaya: A suspect in the 2002 terror attack on American Centre in Kolkata was arrested from Bihar's Gaya district, police said on Saturday.A team of Gujarat ATS, Jharkhand Police and Bihar Police arrested Mohammad Sarwar from Neemchak Bathani police station area late last night, DIG Police, Magadh, Saurabh Kumar said.He is also a suspect in an attack on a CBI team and Jharkhand Police in Hazaribagh in the same year.DIG said the suspect has been taken to Hazaribagh in Jharkhand after his arrest.
Peace Party chief Mohamed Ayub booked for alleged sexual exploitation of a girl
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/peace-party-chief-booked-for-alleged-sexual-exploitation-of-a-girl/
Lucknow:The president of the Peace Party of India, Mohamed Ayub, has been booked for allegedly sexually exploiting a girl, who died at the King George Medical University Hospital here, police said today. The girl, who was in early twenties, was admitted yesterday at the hospital in serious condition and died later in the night due to reported damaged liver and kidneys, they said. The girl’s brother lodged an FIR against Ayub alleging he had sexually exploited his sister and administered medicines, which damaged her liver and kidneys, Inspector, Madiaon police station Nagesh Kumar Mishra said.As per the complaint, Ayub had brought the girl to Lucknow 5 years ago from Khalilabad, in Sant Kabir Nagar, on the pretext of providing her better education.PTI
Finger on the pulse: Will Muslim voters be ready to make small losses for bigger gains?TOI report
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/uttar-pradesh/news/finger-on-the-pulse-will-muslim-voters-be-ready-to-make-small-losses-for-bigger-gains/articleshow/57339217.cms
Faizabad/ Sultanpur/Allahabad: At a chai shop near Faizabad junction, discussions on the elections veer towards the Muslim vote. Barring cab driver Azam, nobody wants to hazard a guess on whether it's getting divided between the SP-Congress alliance and the BSP."BJP wants this division of votes. Par Musalman samajhta hai ki bade fayde ke liye chota nuksaan uthana padta hai (Muslims think one must be ready to suffer small losses for bigger gains)," he says.He cites the example of Phulpur, the Allahabad seat where his relatives and, as he claims, 75% Muslims, have voted for SP's Mansoor Alam, ignoring BSP's Masroor Sheikh, although he is popular. "Masroor is rich, has worked in the area for three years and should have won easily . But people realised that only the SP, backed by the Congress, can stop the BJP and so decided to go with Akhilesh's party," he explains.
Vaccination Drive Extended After Hitting a Wall in Muslim Pockets: news18
http://www.news18.com/news/india/vaccination-drive-extended-as-campaign-hits-propaganda-wall-in-muslim-pockets-1352897.html
New Delhi: Centre has extended the duration of its largest vaccination drive – against Measles and Congenital Rubella – due to low coverage, days after reports emerged that anti-vaxxers were using a recent statement by Union Minister of State Kiran Rijiju to further their propaganda against the very idea of vaccination.“There was a lot of misinformation floating on WhatsApp groups, that the vaccine causes impotency…that it causes autism…that it is an imported untried vaccine,” Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Deputy Commissioner (Immunisation), Union Ministry of Health, told News18.The first phase of MR immunisation drive currently afoot in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Puducherry and Lakshadweep was initially slated from February 5-28. However, it would now be extended by two to three weeks to reach all the 3.6 crore targeted children.Reports have come from Bhatkal, Karnataka, in particular, of parents protesting the vaccination drive in schools. One report said that of the 7,198 students at Urdu medium schools in Bhatkal taluk under 15 years of age, only 1,287 have been vaccinated.
Displaying communal harmony, temple in Kerala allows Jamat-e-Islami to use its compound for function: TCN
http://twocircles.net/2017feb24/405345.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
Padanna might be just a village in Kasargod district of Kerala, but it has time and again been at the centre of news. On one hand, it was in limelight following 2 youths who allegedly joined ISIS last year, but on the other hand, it has also displayed a great sense of communal peace and strength when a temple allotted its ground to a Muslim organisation to conduct its district conference. The same temple has scripted a new chapter in the history of communal harmony in north Kerala by allowing Jamat-e- Islami functionaries to hold their district conference.The district conference of Jamat-e-Islami was scheduled to be held at Mundiavalapp here. When space was found to be inadequate to meet the seating arrangements for around 5,000 delegates, the organisers approached the temple committee seeking a favour. “Space was not enough to set up a stage, seating arrangement, exhibition hall and book fair. We were left with no option but to approach the temple authorities,” said Jamat-e-Islami Padanna area chief Basheer Shivapuram. The temple authorities came up with a favourable action after convening an urgent meeting. “We wrote a letter to the temple committee, which unanimously decided to grant us permission to use temple yard,” he added. In order to make it easier, the temple authorities also agreed to break its wall between its compound and conference ground.Twocircles
Allahabad HC upholds detention under NSA for ‘cow slaughter’ provocation
http://www.livelaw.in/allahabad-hc-upholds-detention-nsa-cow-slaughter-provocation/
Upholding a detention order passed against a person under the National Security Act for allegedly slaughtering cows, the Allahabad High Court has observed that slaughter of cow hurts the sentiments of the Hindus, which affects public order as it is likely to incite communal tension, hence, it is not merely a case of law and order, but also of public order. One of the contentions raised before the court challenging the detention order was that allegations against him in the complaint led under Cow Slaughter Act does not affect any public order, but it relates only to law and order. Rejecting the said contention, the bench comprising Justice Shashi Kant Gupta, and Justice Rekha Dikshit observed that segregated body parts of the cows were lying in an open place in a large number, which might have offended the religious feeling of a society, it is, therefore, important to see the proportionality of the response to the act complained of and in view of this, the gravity of the act may be given a thought wherein the body parts of number of cows were lying open in public view.livelaw.com
Over 95,000 tweets posted against Tarek Fatah; Women Protest Planned in Deoband
http://caravandaily.com/portal/more-than-95000-tweets-posted-against-tarek-fatah-women-protest-planned-in-deoband/
New Delhi: More than 95,000 Indian Muslims have protested against the presence in India of a Pakistani fugitive Tarek Fatah who has earned notoriety as one of the most shameless Islamophobes by tweeting on a trending hashtag ArrestTariqFatah. In his message from Makkah, Mufti Yaser Nadeem Wajidi, who is there on Umrah pilgrimage and who had initiated the hashtag has thanked the participants. “We should not be disappointed because our hashtag could not become a trend because we believe in our rewards from Allah and surely the rewards for this are with Allah SWT”. He saidAn earlier hashtag initiated by Mufti Wajidi trended at number six. Before taking on twitter Mufti Wajidi uploaded eight series of “Fatah ka Fatwa, A Surgical Strike” in which he shattered every allegation made by Tarek Fatah and challenged him for an open debate outside TV studio in the presence of impartial judges.As reports are coming from around the country of FIRs being filed against Pakistani fugitive, a women demonstration has been planned by a girls madrassa Aisha Siddeeqa Qasimul Uloom Banat in the town on coming Monday.Caravan
Bareilly based Muslim organisation announces Rs 10 lakh reward for beheading Tarek Fatah
http://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/muslim-organisation-announces-rs-10-lakh-reward-for-beheading-tarek-fatah/story-18mCuEVluWTHerEZCoXiyM.html
Muslim outfit asks CBFC to ban film "Lipstick Under My Burkha"
http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-muslim-outfit-asks-cbfc-to-ban-lipstick-under-my-burkha-2334589
Bhopal: A Muslim organisation here has asked the censor board not to clear the Prakash Jha-produced film "Lipstick Under My Burkha". film, directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, has already run into trouble as Central Board of Film Certification has denied it clearance for being "lady-oriented" and containing "abusive words"."Advisory panel of Madhya Pradesh unit of All India Muslim Tehwar Committee at its meeting here yesterday condemned the movie," organisation's state unit chairman Ausaf Shahmeeri Khurram said. He alleged that the film was "against the dignity of our women and tenets of Islam" and said the AIMTC had requested the CBFC not to clear it.PTI
Saleem elected as Telangana Waqf Board Chairman
http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20170224/3062910.html
Hyderabad: Mohammed Saleem, MLC, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Telangana State Waqf Board here today.Telangana govt yesterday had issued orders for constitution of Telangana State Waqf Board.In pursuance to the Govt instructions, the CEO Md. Asadullah called for a Meeting of the newly elected and nominated board members here.Among the elected members Mohammed Saleem ( MLC), Mohammed Moazam Khan (MLA), Zakeer Hussain Javid (Member, Bar Council), Mirza Anwar Baig ( Member), Syed Akbar Nizamuddin Hussaini (Member) and among nominated members Malik Motasim Khan, Dr. Syed Nissar Hussain (Hyder Agha), Waheed Ahmed ( Advocate) and Mohtrama Dr. Sofiya Begum were present, board said in a release here. UNI
India clears mega missile deal worth Rs 17,000 crore with Israel
http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-india-clears-mega-missile-deal-worth-rs-17-000-crore-with-israel-370171
In yet another sign of India’s fast growing defence ties with Israel, the Modi govt has cleared Rs 17,000 crore deal with the Jewish nation for jointly developing a medium-range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) for Indian Army. India TV News
India Leads In Suicides; Over 5 Crore People Suffer From Depression: WHO
http://www.ndtv.com/health/india-leads-in-suicides-over-5-crore-people-suffer-from-depression-who-1662978
WORLD
UN demands action on Bangladesh enforced disappearance of opposition leaders' kin: Al Jazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/demands-action-bangladesh-enforced-disappearances-170224155406745.html
Dhaka: A UN group has called on the Bangladesh govt to "immediately reveal the whereabouts" of 3 sons of opposition leaders it says were kidnapped 6 months ago, while sounding a warning on rising enforced disappearances.In separate incidents, Hummam Quader Chowdhury, Mir Ahmed bin Quasem and Brigadier-General Abdullahil Amaan al-Azmi went missing in the capital, Dhaka, in Aug.2016, allegedly abducted by Bangladesh security forces.In each case, there were multiple witnesses. But in all three events, police deny any involvement.UN Working Group on Involuntary and Enforced Disappearances said on Friday that in total now, more than 40 people have been "disappeared".In a statement, the expert UN panel said govt should "halt an increasing number of enforced disappearances"."Enforced disappearance is a heinous crime and an offence to human dignity and no circumstances whatsoever may be invoked to justify it," the statement said, appealing to Sheikh Hasina's govt to "take action now". Chowdhury, Quasem and Azmil are linked to either the opposition BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami, and each of their fathers has been convicted and executed by Bangladesh's ICT. Toby Cadman, a UK lawyer acting for the families of the 3 men, told Al Jazeera that he understands the men are currently held by the military intelligence agency, DG Forces Intelligence (DGFI), in Dhaka." Reality is that all three individuals have been unlawfully abducted in strikingly similar circumstances and, to date, the govt has denied all knowledge of their whereabouts and refused to comment. They should be immediately released," Cadman said.In its annual report, Amnesty International, said:"Enforced disappearances continued at an alarming rate, often of supporters of opposition parties Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami."UN group's appeal was endorsed by 4 separate UN special rapporteurs.
Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali’s son detained by immigration, asked ‘are you a Muslim’
http://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/muhammad-alis-son-detained-by-immigration-asked-are-you-a-muslim/566001/
New Delhi:In a shocking development, it has been revealed that the son of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was detained for hours by immigration officials earlier this month at a Florida airport, and was repeatedly asked about his religion. Muhammad Ali Jr., 44, and his mother, Khalilah Camacho-Ali, were arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Feb.7 after an event in Jamaica, when they were pulled aside while going through customs because of their Arabic-sounding names, reports USA Today quoting Ali’s family friend and lawyer Chris Mancini.ANI
WhiteHouse blocks major news outlets from press briefing
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/white-house-blocks-major-news-outlets-from-press-briefing-4542990/
Several major news outlets including The New York Times, CNN and BBC were barred from attending an off-camera White House briefing, an unprecedented move that escalated tensions in the already fraught relationship between the Trump administration and the media. PTI
Overnight fire at Florida mosque ruled arson: reuters
http://in.reuters.com/article/florida-mosque-idINKBN16325X
A fire that caused minor damage to a mosque in suburban Tampa, Florida on Friday has been ruled an arson, officials said, and a Muslim advocacy group offered a $5,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest.The overnight blaze set outside the Islamic Society of New Tampa mosque in Thonotosassa raised fresh fears of increased anti-Muslim sentiment, as mosques around the country have been threatened or vandalised."It is worrisome that our community have fallen victim of what appears to be another hate crime," Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, spokesman for the Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said.
Florida mosque fire was a deliberate act says fire officials
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-florida-mosque-fire-was-a-deliberate-act-fire-officials/story-bNmfdnmNEmyw03AuSlNCqM.html
Army intelligence chief killed in deadly Homs attack
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/army-intelligence-chief-killed-deadly-homs-attack-170225132504480.html
Syrian military intelligence chief is among at least 32 people killed in a series of suicide attacks on military installations in the government-held western city of Homs.The death of General Hassan Daabul - a close confidant of President Bashar al-Assad - in Saturday's bombings was reported by the Syrian state TV.Brigadier Ibrahim Darwish, head of the State Security Branch, was also critically wounded, state-affiliated Al Ikhbariya TV reported. aljazeera
Attack on Syrian forces in Homs kills 42
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170225-attack-on-syrian-forces-in-homs-kills-42/
IS attack kills 15 Iraq border guards near Jordan: Officials
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/islamic-state-attack-kills-15-iraq-border-guards-near-jordan-officials/story-Fk4NCTI8RXgZJysYjhvYWK.html
Iraqi air strikes target IS hideouts in Syria for 1st time: AFP
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/iraqi-air-strikes-target-islamic-state-hideouts-in-syria-for-the-first-time/story-89BelxkCzpH6upNVlTrvLO.html
5 Iraqi soldiers killed in Mosul clashes
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/5-iraqi-soldiers-killed-in-mosul-clashes/759032
Turkey's ruling AKP begins push to amend constitution
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/turkey-ruling-akp-begins-push-amend-constitution-170225080600986.html
Turkey's ruling party has formally launched a campaign urging a yes vote in a referendum to amend the constitution, eliminating the position of PM and extending the powers of the president.PM Binali Yildirim waved and threw flowers to his supporters, among an estimated 40,000 flag-waving members of the Justice and Development Party in Ankara on Saturday, to push for the approval of the bill on April 16. aljazeera
Houthis, their allies destroy mosques and kidnap imams
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170225-houthis-and-their-allies-destroy-mosques-and-kidnap-imams/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:29 PM)
