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Evening NEWS DIGEST
28 March. 2017: 28 JamadiulAkhir 1438:Vol:8, No:152
INDIA: SLAUGHTERHOUSES & POLITICS
Crackdown on slaughterhouses: Allahabad HC raps UP govt, asks why weren’t illegal meat shops regularised
http://www.india.com/news/india/yogi-adityanaths-crackdown-on-slaughterhouses-allahabad-hc-raps-up-govt-asks-why-wasnt-illegal-meat-regularised-1969457/
A Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on Tuesday sought a reply from UP govt and Lucknow Nagar Nigam on closure of meat shops and non-renewal of license of meat shops. UP CM Yogi Adityanath ordered to shut all illegal abattoirs across the UP . The Allahabad High Court has given time to UP govt and Lucknow Nagar Nigam till April 3 for submitting explanation on closure of meat shops. Allahabad High Court asked the UP Govt and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation under which provision meat shops in the state capital were being forced to shut down. The court also rapped the Lucknow Municipal Corporation asking why the authorities concerned not take any initiative in time to renew the licences of meat shops. The court was hearing a petition filed by Shahbuddin and nine other meat traders, who had pleaded in 2015 in the court that they had the licence to run the shops. As their licences had expired two years ago, they applied for renewal but the LMC rejected their request citing the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines, which say that the slaughterhouses should be run by the municipal authorities.Meanwhile, thousands of meat sellers in UP shut shops for an indefinite period from Monday against Adityanath’s decision to close down illegal slaughterhouses, causing concerns over Rs 15,000-crore industry that employs 25 lakh people in the state. India.com
HC seeks Adityanath govt reply on closure of meat shops
http://www.hindustantimes.com/allahabad-high-court-seeks-adityanath-govt-reply-on-closure-of-meat-shops/story-OxfHxg6ckWuwiKcihaZmPL.html
Bajrang Dal Activists Raid Meatpacking Unit In Meerut, Turns Out BJP Worker Involved In Running Operations
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/03/28/bajrang-dal-activists-raid-meatpacking-unit-turns-out-bjp-worke_a_22014651/?ncid=fcbklnkinhpmg00000001
When Bajrang Dal activists raided a meatpacking unit in Meerut's Jaibheemnagar locality, they found that a BJP worker was involved in running operations, The Hindustan Times has reported.This incident of vigilantism comes in the midst of a crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses being carried out by the newly elected BJP govt . BJP worker in question is one Rahul Thakur, who attempted to conceal his alleged involvement in running the meatpacking unit allegedly owned by Rahul Raghav and Anuj Choudhary. 2 owners, who claimed to be making cricket bats, were arrested.Bajrang Dal activists, who were acting on their own volition, also manhandled police personnel who were allegedly complicit in running the meatpacking unit. A senior police official told HT that a case could be filed against the vigilantes only if Thakur filed a complaint. BJP's city unit president Karunesh Nandan Garg told HT that he too will look into Thakur's alleged involvement in running the illegal slaughterhouse. huffingtonpost
Bajrang Dal activists raid meat packaging unit in Meerut, beat up BJP worker
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bajrang-dal-activists-raid-meat-packaging-unit-in-meerut-beat-up-bjp-worker/story-kpXrAGE2EJeG6Bmkkb4iCJ.html
Slaughterhouse crackdown: UP strike hits Delhi hard, meat supply down, prices soar
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/crackdown-on-illegal-slaughterhouses-up-strike-hits-delhi-hard-meat-supply-down-by-half-prices-soar/story-TfI4kaZWAoi3OHXhjHcIpI.html
New Delhi:Meat traders’ strike in neighbouring UP has halved Delhi’s supply and sent the prices soaring, with mutton selling for Rs 500 a kilo in some areas on Monday.Traders at Ghazipur, Delhi’s only slaughter house and biggest wholesale meat market, said they were not getting cattle from UP , the biggest suppliers of animals, which had led to buffalo and goat meat costing at least 25% more.“Around 6,000 goats and 900 buffaloes were sold every day but in the last three days, not more than 2,500 goats and 400 buffaloes have been sold,” a trader said at Ghazipur, which borders UP. He didn’t wish to be named, fearing a backlash from vigilante groups. Delhi doesn’t have livestock farms and relies on neighbouring Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and UP. Bulk of buffalo supply to Ghazipur is from UP, which is country’s biggest meat producer.
Ripple effect of UP govt's crackdown on illegal slaughterhouse felt in Kolkata
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ripple-effect-of-up-govt-s-crackdown-on-illegal-slaughterhouse-felt-in-kolkata-2370972
UP govt 's crackdown on illegal slaughterhouse has had ripple effects in Kolkata. Mohammed Ali, head of Calcutta Beef Dealers' Association, said that export and transport of beef has taken one of its worseever hits.Ali said that there has been a multi-pronged effect on the industry because beef is not being sent to UP and no cows can be brought from there as well. “Since March 24, not a single buffalo has been slaughtered at the Tangra Slaughterhouse, one of the biggest in the state. Under normal circumstances, around 150 buffaloes are slaughtered here everyday. Not only has supply of beef to UP stopped but trucks which must pass UP to most of the other states where beef is supplied, are also being attacked now,” Ali said.He added that supply of cows and buffaloes from UP and Punjab has also stopped.Leather dealers too said that business has slumped owing to the UP govt 's move. Officials of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) said that exporters were forced to sell their products at a loss. DNA
Bengal beef dealers to meet Mamata Banerjee over UP crackdown
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bengal-beef-dealers-to-meet-mamata-banerjee-over-up-crackdown-4589118/
BJP doing politics of appeasement by banning slaughterhouses: Samajwadi Party leader Aggarwal
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-doing-politics-of-appeasement-by-banning-slaughterhouses-samajwadi-party-4588593/
New Delhi;Criticising BJP-led UP Govt for banning slaughterhouses in the state, the Samajwadi Party on Tuesday alleged that the saffron party is doing this in order to please one community over the other despite the fact that Hindus are the largest consumers of meat. “During elections they promised that they will close down slaughter house, they never said that they will close down small meat shops and the way small meat shops are being closed upon the directions of the state govt , the meat owners are now facing difficulty in sustaining their life,” SP leader Naresh Aggarwal told ANI.ANI
Over half of UP’s licensed slaughterhouses ‘temporarily shut’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-half-of-uttar-pradeshs-licensed-slaughterhouses-temporarily-shut-for-not-following-norms-yogi-adityanath-4588396/
Lucknow;5 days after the state govt began its crackdown on illegal and mechanised slaughterhouses in UP, more than half of its licensed slaughterhouses have also been “temporarily closed” for not following norms. While there are 44 licensed slaughterhouses in the state, 26 have been “temporarily shut” for not following basic rules and guidelines laid down for operation, transportation and processing of slaughtered animals. On March 22, three days after Yogi Adityanath took oath as CM, state govt issued orders to all divisional commissioners, district magistrates, senior police officers and municipal corporations to inspect slaughterhouses.They were asked to report to the chief secretary within seven days about the action they had taken.“As many as 26 licensed slaughterhouses have been shut down during the last five days, as they were not following the set rules. It is not a permanent closure… they have been temporarily closed and would be allowed to function once they follow all norms,” Chief Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar said. Indian express
Now Jharkhand bans illegal abattoirs
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/now-jharkhand-bans-illegal-abattoirs/articleshow/57863659.cms
Ranchi: Days after Aditya Nath Yogi govt's crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses in UP, another BJP-ruled state, Jharkhand, decided to ban all illegal slaughterhouses in the state on Monday. The slaughterhouses were given 72 hours to shut their illegal businesses if they failed to obtain licence from relevant authorities.SKG Rahate, principal secretary, home, issued an order to all deputy commissioners and SPs along with authorities of municipal corporations, municipalities and notified area committees to ensure that the closure was effected immediately. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, that has issued licences to 62 abattoirs across the country, has not issued the same to even one unit in the state.
Cow protection group in Haryana vow to intensify movement to ban meat shops after UP crackdown
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-4354746/Haryana-cow-protection-group-want-ban-slaughterhouses.html#ixzz4cbMPQZgl
After the crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses in UP, Haryana is in no mood to miss being featured in headlines related to the 'gauraksha' movement. One of the cow protection group leaders has declared it will intensify efforts in all districts, including the minority dominant Mewat district, to take the movement across the state. The state govt has decided not to issue licenses to slaughterhouses anymore and a number of raids on butchers' shops have been carried out in recent weeks. Haryana Cow Protection andEnrichment Unit (HCPEU) president Bhani Ram Mangla said it will put evidence of cruelty in slaughterhouses before CM Manohar Lal Khattar.It will also intensify the movement from the last week of April or the first week of May to stop the smuggling of cattle in the state, it said.'One of the major reasons behind banning illegal slaughterhouses in UP is the cruelty factor. We will put this point before the CM and request him of ending the procedures of providing commercial licenses for slaughter houses,' Mangla said. He also pointed out that there are two existing slaughterhouses in the Mewat district and said that he will make sure that no more facilities like it open in Haryana.
Non-veg sellers: For them, no meat means no bread!
http://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/non-veg-sellers-for-them-no-meat-means-no-bread/story-qcB0IqJrYHQ0bjcXTXu47J.html
Lucknow: Meat shortage brings ‘veg twist’ to party menus
http://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/meat-shortage-brings-veg-twist-to-party-menus/story-oHhREIp49YDQG0oSG6XPOK.html
Whether in UP or North-East, BJP should not dictate people’s eating habits: HT Editorial
http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/whether-in-up-or-north-east-bjp-should-not-dictate-people-s-eating-habits/story-DBnZuOgc7HRgVxjjJBrRtK.html
UP Meat row: 25 lakh jobs, Rs 15,000 crore at stake
http://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-meat-row-25-lakh-jobs-rs-15000-crore-at-stake/1041852
OTHERS
Babri Masjid csae:Both sides claim invitation by Yogi
http://www.india.com/news/india/ram-mandir-babri-masjid-dispute-both-sides-claim-invitation-by-chief-minister-yogi-adityanath-1968705/
New Delhi: In an attempt to solve the century-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, newly appointed UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday invited both parties to Lucknow for discussions, claims representatives of Hindu and Muslim sides Mahant Dharamdas, Haji Mehboob. According to the reports of IndiaTV, Hindu bigot has sent a message to Mahant Dharamdas, who later conveyed it to Muslim litigant Haji Mehboob. Dharamdas said that Haji Mehboob agreed to meet the CM and discuss the matter in person. “We will have to tell the CM that we are coming. We’ll just have to find a mutually agreed date. Whatever is decided, we will tell the Supreme Court,” the portal quoted him as saying.Asserting he has no issue in meeting Adityanath, Haji Mehboob said, “Dharamdas ji said that CM wanted to meet me. He said that two sides meet and discuss the matter so I agreed. I said if the CM wants to meet me, I have no problem.”However, Zafaryab Jilani, Convenor of Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) had rejected the SC suggestion. Refuting Jilani’s comments Haji Mehboob said,”I do not know what Jilani sahab thinks. He asked me if I was ready to meet PM Modi, I said he is the country’s leader. If they want to build a temple after leaving the land for a mosque, why would I object?” india
BJP’s Swamy says that unlike mosques, temples can never be demolished as God lives there
http://www.newsx.com/national/59659-bjps-swamy-says-that-unlike-mosques-temples-can-never-be-demolished-as-god-lives-there
Unlocking of Babri Masjid was a 'balancing act' by then govt, claims Arif Mohammed Khan
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/unlocking-of-babri-masjid-was-a-balancing-act-by-then-govt -arif-mohammed-khan/printarticle/57870668.cms
New Delhi: The unlocking of the Babri Masjid in 1986 that led to the "shilanyas" (groundbreaking) of Ram Janambhoomi temple in Ayodhya and three decades of turmoil, were part of a deal between Muslim leaders and the Congress govt , says Arif Mohammad Khan. With the Supreme Court now calling for resolving the issue through dialogue, Khan feels that the govt should take the initiative on this. Khan said the unlocking of the Babri Masjid was a balancing act to satisfy the demands of the Hindu community after the Rajiv Gandhi govt succumbed to the demands of the AIMPLB on the Shah Bano case in the Supreme Court on maintenance for divorced Muslim women. "The announcement to reverse the SC judgement (Shah Bano case) and the removal of the locks happened within a span of two weeks. This to most people appeared as a balancing act and they hoped that now both the agitating parties would feel satisfied," Khan, author of "Text and Context -- Quran and Contemporary Challenges" who broke ranks with Rajiv Gandhi in 1985 on govt's capitulation to the Muslim clergy on implementing the Shah Bano judgement that ruled in favour of alimony to divorced Muslim women, said in an interview. IANS
Islam gives equal rights to women, Muslim Law Board tells SC
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/603513/islam-gives-equal-rights-women.html
New Delhi: All India Muslim Personal Law Board submitted before the Supreme Court that Islam was one of the first religions to grant equal rights to women. It is a misconception that women were discriminated here with regard to marriage and divorce, the board said.“Talaq, Nikah Halala and polygamy are all integral part of the religion of Sunni Muslims following 4 schools of thought provided by the Holy Quran and thus being essential to the religion of Islam are protected by virtue of Articles 25, 26 and 29 of the Constitution,” it said in a written submission. “Pronouncement of triple talaq in one go is undesirable but (it is) irrevocably effective,” it said.
Muslim personal law board defends triple talaq, polygamy
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/muslim-personal-law-board-defends-triple-talaq-polygamy/383077.html
AIMPLB tells SC polygamy, triple talaq integral part of Islam
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/aimplb-tells-sc-polygamy-triple-talaq-integral-part-of-islam/605398/
If triple talaq termed illegal, then soon Islam would cease to exist: AIMPLB to Supreme Court
http://zeenews.india.com/india/if-triple-talaq-is-termed-illegal-then-soon-islam-would-cease-to-exist-aimplb-to-supreme-court-1990550.html
Triple Talaq: All India Muslim Personal Board urges Supreme Court not to change personal laws
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/triple-talaq-all-india-muslim-personal-board-supreme-court-narendra-modi-bjp/1/914375.html
Muzaffarnagar Riot accused surrenders in court in triple murder case
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/riot-accused-surrenders-in-court-in-triple-murder-case/1/914288.html
Muzaffarnagar: A man accused of rioting surrendered in court in connection with the Lank killing case here today.The accused, identified as Gulbir surrendered before the acting chief judicial magistrate Arun Kumar who sent him to judicial custody.According to senior prosecutor Divaker Sharma, 3 persons of a family including were burnt to death during riots in village Lank in the district in 2013. PTI
2002 riots convict wants release due to HIV infection
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/2002-riots-convict-wants-release-due-to-hiv-infection/articleshow/57862832.cms
Ahmedabad: Gujarat high court on Monday issued notice to the state govt over a petition filed by a life term convict in the 2002 Sardarpura massacre case, who has been seeking remission in sentence on the ground that he suffers from HIV infection. One of 17 convicts in this case, whose punishment of life imprisonment was upheld by the high court in last October, has filed a petition in the high court seeking directions to the Sabarmati Central Jail authorities to follow a state govt circular issued in 2013 to consider granting remission to a prisoner in cases of HIV/AIDS and cancer. timesofindia
Adityanath, BJP’s star campaigner? It’s prerogative of high command: Vaghani
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/adityanath-bjps-star-campaigner-its-prerogative-of-high-command-vaghani-4588569/
Ahmedabad;A day after his reported comment that UP CM Yogi Adityanath would be BJP’s star campaigner for the Gujarat Assembly polls, party’s state unit president Jitu Vaghani on Monday said a decision in this regard was a prerogative of the parliamentary board and the high command. “We wish that all BJP CM s come to Gujarat and talk about the development work under the leadership of Narendrabhai Modi. We will convey our feelings to the central leadership. But, the ultimate decision on who will campaign in Gujarat will be taken by our leadership, Narendrabhai andAmitbhai (Shah),” Vaghani said. indianexpress
For Delhi civic polls, it will be campaigner Yogi vs Kejriwal
http://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/for-delhi-civic-polls-it-will-be-campaigner-yogi-adityanath-versus-arvind-kejriwal-1674543
Muslim who became Adityanath's gurubhai:TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/the-muslim-who-became-aditya-naths-gurubhai/articleshow/57864320.cms
Ahmedabad: Aditya Nath Yogi, recently appointed CM of UP, has a close Gujarat connection apart from his ties with PM Narendra Modi. The erstwhile mahant of a math (ashram) of Nath sampradaya in Visnagar, Mahant Gulabnath Bapu, who was born as a Muslim with the name Gul Mohammad Pathan, was the 'gurubhai' of today's UP CM, considered a Hindu hardliner. Mahant Avaidyanath, the guru of Aditya Nath, was also the guru of Gulabnath Bapu. Their relation was so strong that when Gulabnath, 86, breathed his last, Aditya Nath came to Visnagar, Gujarat, to perform his last rites on Dec.6, 2016, and he also appointed the new mahant of math, Sankarnath. The math runs temples and annakshetra (place providing free meals) in Visnagar and Vadgam.Gulabnath had taken diksha at the age of 18 from Mahant Balaknath at Vadgam."Bapu was the sixth generation in guru-shishya lineage. His association with Mahant Avaidyanath of Gorakhpur math and guru of Aditya Nath Yogi was very old due to the dynamics of Nath sampradaya." said Sankarnath, the newly appointed mahant of the Visnagar math."Bapu also considered Avaidyanath his guru and thus he considered Aditya Nath as his gurubhai," Sankarnath said."Bapu was invited to Gorakhpur for every major event. When he went there last year, Aditya Nath had him felicitated by PM Modi," said Shankarnath.Aditya Nath visits the math at Visnagar at least 2-3 times annually, said Shankarnath, adding that any Gujarat visit by the yogi starts from Visnagar."Yogi used to phone regularly to get updates on Bapu's health. It is not just about Nath sampradaya connection as there are other places in Gujarat with presence of the sampradaya, but he feels connected to this place," Sankarnath added.Gulabnath Bapu was born in a Muslim family that traces its roots to Jhalod. timesofindia
Before the Rise of Hindutva, Gorakhnath Nurtured Muslim Yogis;BY MANOJ SINGH
https://thewire.in/119102/before-the-rise-of-hindutva-gorakhnath-nurtured-muslim-yogis/
Not scared of Adityanath, I stand by my words: Nizami
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/not-scared-of-yogi-adityanath-i-stand-by-my-words-salman-nizami/articleshow/57868493.cms
New Delhi: Kashmir's senior Congress leader Salman Nizami refused to retract his criticism of UP CM Aditya Nath Yogi.On Saturday, Supreme Court lawyer Dr Abhishek Atrey had served a defamation notice to Nizami for his tweets about the UP CM on March 19. timesofindia
Maharashtra: Jamaat-e-Islami film on water scarcity makes it to All India Children’s Educational Festival
http://twocircles.net/2017mar27/406876.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Mumbai: A short film “Boond Boond Zindagi” made by the Jamaat-e-Islami chapter of Maharashtra has been selected for 21st All India Children’s Educational Audio Video Festival-2017.The festival will be held between April 5 and 7 at the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), NCERT, New Delhi.The short film revolves around the concept of scarcity of water in India and the importance of saving water for the present as well as the future generations.The film was shot in a Maharashtra village and all the characters are played by school children to convey the message of conserving the water.“If a child becomes the medium of delivery, then the message becomes more effective. Idea of making film came to my mind after seeing the worst water crisis faced by people in Latur and elsewhere in Maharashtra,” said Mohammed Sajid, Jamaat’s media production in charge and writer of the film.TCN
Police suspect BJP MP Nalin Kumar Kateel’s speech to have instigated madrasa teacher’s murder
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/mar/27/police-suspect-dakshina-kannada-bjp-mp-nalin-kumar-kateels-speech-to-have-instigated-madrasa-teache-1586620.html
Kasargod: The special police team investigating the murder of Riyas Moulavi, 34-year-old muezzin and madrasa teacher in Kasargod last week is suspecting that a speech delivered by Dakshina Kannada BJP MP Nalin Kumar Kateel at the inauguration of a kabadi tournament could have instigated the crime. Crime Branch superintendent of police A Srinivas, who is heading the special team, said police have called for recording of the event from the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), trade union of RSS, which organised the tournament. Kateel is in-charge of the BJP unit in Kerala. Kasargod MLA N A Nellikkunnu said Kateel's speech on March 18 called on the audience not to forget the killing of Suhas. "I have not heard the audio, but that's what he reportedly said at the event," he said. Police have arrested three persons, suspected to be BJP workers, in connection with the murder of Riyas.
RSS Holds Workshop at Delhi University to Make Education System More “Indian”
https://thewire.in/119147/rss-du-workshop-indian-values/
New Delhi: As many as 721 academics, including vice chancellors of 51 central and state universities, deliberated at a two-day closed-door seminar-cum-workshop, held at a Delhi University college by the RSS, on how to “Indianise” the educational system of the country.Titled ‘Gyan Sangam,’ the workshop held by RSS-affiliated Prajna Pravah at the Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology and Management on March 25 and 26 was apparently triggered by the need for a “real nationalist narrative” in higher education.At the end of the workshop, an invitation-only event, Prajna Pravah national convener J. Nand Kumar told reporters that the academics had “resolved to make an effort at their level” to develop a “Bharatiya” perspective in education.THE WIRE
RSS chief talks of social justice and inter-caste marriages
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rss-chief-talks-of-social-justice-and-inter-caste-marriages/story-ua6gswJCOJwPOSika8gtpL.html
New Delhi: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat seems to have lent his support to inter-caste marriages, saying swayamsevaks should stand in favour of such reformative measures in the country. Orthodox opinions about inter-faith marriages by Sangh and its hardline affiliates have stoked controversies, while that aspect remains unchanged, RSS chief said swayamsevaks are encouraged to marry outside their castes.“Generally, it happens and it should happen. If you take a survey, you will find more swayamsevaks with inter-caste marriages than anybody else. We observe that in our personal interactions,” he said while speaking to RSS mouthpiece Organiser.He also cited the message sent by MS Golwalkar, the second Sarsangachalak, to Dr BR Ambedkar on his wedding.“…In his congratulatory message, Guruji wrote that not because of physical attraction but to register a protest against the caste system, you are tying this knot through an inter-caste marriage, I support this marriage and convey my best wishes. This message was conveyed to the swayamsevaks also,” he said on the sidelines of annual meeting of Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, Sangh’s highest decision-making body, recently.HT
3 civilians killed in J-K as forces fire at protesters during encounter with militants
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/j-k-encounter-underway-between-security-forces-and-militants-in-budgam/story-ybRuzow4jj6G4xnllMfmBN.html
Srinagar: 3 men were killed and several others injured on Tuesday when security forces battling militants fired on stone-pelting protesters in Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, police said.Officials added that a militant was also killed during the gunbattle and arms recovered. Medical superintendent of Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital Nazir Choudhary said Zahid Rashid Bhat 22, who had a bullet injury in his neck, was declared brought dead to the SMHS Hospital. Another man, Saqib Ahmad, died after doctors failed to revive him even after surgery.By evening, another injured youth Ishaq Ahmad from Srinagar’s Rangreth area also died.Reports from the area suggested that more people were injured at the encounter site in fresh firing in the afternoon. Eyewitnesses said police fired at protesters when they tried to march towards the site, resulting in injuries to over a dozen more people.Security forces launched an early morning cordon-and-search operation in Chadoora following information about the presence of militants in the area. The operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, a police spokesperson said. Even as security forces were trying to flush out the militants, a large number of protesters started pelting stones at the law enforcing agencies, forcing them to retaliate. Initial reports suggested the presence of at least 2 militants in the area.HT
Budgam encounter: 1 militant, 3 civilians killed; CM Mehbooba urges restraint, Omar calls situation ‘alarming’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/budgam-encounter-one-civilian-killed-as-militants-security-forces-engage-in-gunbattle-4588926/
Athar Hussain Dehlavi wants Centre to declare PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan integral parts of India
https://scroll.in/latest/832917/an-islamic-body-wants-centre-to-declare-pok-and-gilgit-baltistan-integral-parts-of-india
An Islamic organisation that works to promote peace and communal harmony has asked the Centre to pass a resolution declaring Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan parts of India. “The govt should bring in a resolution this Parliament session and unanimously pass it, reiterating its stand that J&K is an integral part of India, including PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan,” Anjuman Minhaj-e-Rasool chief Moulana Syed Athar Hussain Dehlavi told PTI on Sunday.Urging the govt to reiterate its 1994 Parliament declaration, the cleric said the move would foil Pakistan’s plan of annexing these regions. On Feb 22, 1994, Parliament had declared J&K an integral part of India and asked Pakistan to vacate these regions.Dehalvi also accused Pakistan of instigating Kashmiri youth to take up arms, calling for India to declare its neighbouring country a terrorist state. “Pakistan, which is the biggest launchpad of terrorism, should be declared a terrorist state. There is no need to hold talks with Pakistan,” he said. scroll
Samjautha blasts: NIA to stick to bomb ka badla bomb theory, not to go after Lashkar: oneindia
http://www.oneindia.com/india/nia-to-stick-to-bomb-ka-badla-bomb-theory-in-samjautha-blasts-case-2386722.html
NIA will continue to probe the bomb ka badla bomb theory in the Samjautha express blasts case. The NIA is likely to drop its request for more information on a Lashkar-e-Tayiba operative Arif Qasmani which it had sought from US. It may be recalled that in 2009, the US had named Qasmani as the financier of both the Samjautha express and Mumbai train blasts of 2006. However, now it appears as though the NIA will not pursue its request for information on Qasmani. US is yet to respond to it, but the NIA is unlikely to pursue that matter any further. This is an indication that the case would proceed as per the 2010 chargesheet in which the agency had named 8 persons including Swami Aseemanand as the accused in the case. It may be recalled that the NIA had stated that the blast was an act of revenge and it had quoted Aseemanand as saying, bomb ka badla bomb, or a bomb for a bomb. It may be recalled that Aseemanand was acquitted in Ajmer blast case recently.
Samjhauta blast case: NIA not to go after Lashkar
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/samjhauta-blast-case-nia-not-to-go-after-lashkar/article17692669.ece
19 cases related to ISIS activities registered by NIA: Govt
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-19-cases-related-to-isis-activities-registered-by-nia-govt-2371910
NIA has registered 19 cases related to ISIS activities in the country, the govt on Tuesday informed Parliament.The central probe agency has filed charge sheets in eleven of these cases, Minister of State for Home Hansraj G Ahir told the Lok Sabha in a written reply."The NIA has registered 19 cases related to ISIS/IS and out of these, charge sheets have been filed in 11 cases. Two of these cases relate to missing of 22 persons from Kerala and their subsequent travel to ISIS controlled territory in Afghanistan," he said.PTI
Maur blasts just before Punjab polls were a ploy, spoiled AAP prospects: Party MLAs
http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/maur-blasts-just-before-punjab-polls-were-a-ploy-spoiled-aap-prospects-party-mlas/story-K4QXAA9MhVFrpso9yMuFQJ.html
Chandigarh:For the first time, two MLAs of AAP on Tuesday accepted that the bomb blasts in Maur 6 days before the February 4 assembly polls in Punjab spoiled party’s election fortunes.“A pro-AAP wave turned into an anti-wave after the blasts,” said Maur MLA Jagdev Singh Kamalu, whose views were seconded by party’s Dirba MLA Harpal Singh Cheema. Blaming Congress and SAD for the blasts, the MLAs alleged that a probe into the matter was heading nowhere. They demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation to expose the perpetrators.Cheema and Kamalu said people were apprehensive that the AAP may not be able to handle the situation in case trouble-makers start sticking their neck out, so the people voted for the Congress. “However, people’s worry was without a basis,” said Cheema. hindustantimes
Najeeb case: Court to pass JNU students’ polygraph test order on Mar 30
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/najeeb-case-court-to-pass-jnu-students-polygraph-test-order-on-mar-30-4588281/
A Delhi court said it will decide on March 30 whether nine JNU students can be asked by Delhi Police to give their consent for lie detector test in a case relating to the varsity’s missing student Najeeb Ahmed. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass, who was scheduled to pass the order on Monday, deferred the matter saying that the order was not ready.The court had on March 15 reserved its order after the counsel appearing for the students submitted that the “lie detector test is unconstitutional and illegal unless it is voluntary.”PTI
Nigerian students assault in UP: Incident deplorable, committed to ensure foreigners’ safety, says MEA
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/nigerians-assaulted-greater-noida-uttar-pradesh-mea-4589630/
New Delhi; Ministry of External Affairs condemned the assault on Nigerian students at a Greater Noida mall even as five people were arrested by UP Police in the case. The MEA issued a statement on Tuesday saying: “MJ Akbar spoke to the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria, apprised him of steps being taken by local authorities for safety of Nigerian nationals,” adding that the incident is deplorable.Four Nigerian students were attacked by a mob during a candle-light march for a teenager who had died on Saturday last week. Earlier in the day, UP ADG Law and Order Daljit Chaudhary was quoted as saying by ANI, “Police have arrested five persons. FIR registered and action will be taken accordingly.”
Attacks on African students may hurt India’s image as educational destination
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/web-edits/attacks-on-african-students-may-hurt-indias-image-as-educational-destination-4589543/
Jawan suicide case: Journalist who shot sting video booked for ‘spying’, abetment of suicide
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/jawan-suicide-case-journalist-who-shot-sting-video-booked-for-spying-abetment-of-suicide-4589736/
Nashik';Nashik Police has booked a woman journalist of a news portal for allegedly doing a sting on the abuse of the “buddy” system in the Army by videographing a jawan from Kerala, who was found dead here earlier this month. The case was registered at Deolali camp police station last night against Poonam Agrawal.She was booked for violating Army rules by entering prohibited areas and conducting a shoot there, Vinayak Lokare, the station in-charge told PTI today.PTI
Gujarat clash: '5,000-Strong Crowd Came With Pistols, Weapons attacked Muslim Village'
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/day-before-riot-gujarat-village-split-sarpanchs-term-for-muslim-hindu-1674486
Ahmedabad: The stream of mourners at the home of Ibrahim Belim has not thinned since the weekend, when a crowd of about 5,000 people attacked the main Muslim neighbourhood in the village of Vadavali in north Gujarat. Belim, 50, was stabbed and killed. 14 others, all Muslims, were injured in the riot. Dozens of homes and vehicles were set on fire; their hollowed out, burnt cores on the streets today are a terrifying coda to the violence that lasted nearly 2 hours. Belim's nephew, Babubhai, was an eyewitness to his murder. He said the attackers came from a neighbouring majority-dominated Sunsar village."They were armed with country-made revolvers, sharp-edged weapons, and they started attacking my uncle. After killing him, they ran after me, but I ran for my life," hesaid. "Members of Muslim community retaliated by throwing stones and police used teargas and fired seven rounds to disperse the crowd and control the violence," said KK Nirala, the district's top administrative official, to Reuters.When Ashrafbhai Sheikh spotted the raucous mob approaching on Saturday, he grabbed his family and left his house, which was burnt and looted. He claims the police did not intervene."The police vehicles were followed by the murderous mob and no attempt was made to stop them and all that, while they shouted slogans such as kill them," alleged Ashrafbhai.But the police said that was not true, adding 14 people have been arrested so far on charges including arson and murder. There are another 50 odd suspects that the police wants to arrest, said officials. The day before the violence, the 2,000 families of Vadavali gathered to choose their Panchayat, or local council, by consensus and without an election under the Samras Scheme, championed by PM Narendra Modi while he was Gujarat CM , which entitles recipient villages to special financial schemes. 300 Muslim families in the village were part of the selection process which decided to divide the sarpanch or council head's term between a Hindu and Muslim."Villagers live here cordially. Salim-bhai was chosen sarpanch for two and half years, and for the next period, it will be a member from the majority community,'' said outgoing sarpanch Minesh Patel.
Air India nixes Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad's plan to fly from Mumbai to Delhi
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-nixes-shiv-sena-mp-ravindra-gaikwads-plan-to-fly-from-mumbai-to-delhi/articleshow/57872994.cms
Rajya Sabha disrupted over minority, other panel vacancies
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajya-sabha-minority-affairs-minister-mukhtar-abbas-naqvi-bjp-cpm-sitaram-yechury-4588450/
ARTICLES & EDITORIALS
Gandhi’s Last Message: ‘Raze the Sacred Sites of Others and You Too Will Be Obliterated’: BY SUDHIR CHANDRA
https://thewire.in/118963/gandhi-message-mosque-temple/
Surprising: How religions are now taught at Jamia Millia Islamia? Shamim Parachi, ummid.com
http://www.ummid.com/news/2017/March/28.03.2017/how-religions-are-taught-at-jamia-millia-islamia.html
Finance bill: Modi’s alarming power grab in unleashing ‘tax terror’: Mihir Sharma
http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/EgZgxB1AoUJ3RsSal2As5I/Narendra-Modis-alarming-power-grab-in-unleashing-tax-terro.html
The anti-Muslim pitch:Prof.Apoorvanand
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/the-anti-muslim-pitch/382700.html
BJP affidavit on triple talaq is part of saffron agenda - even Muslim women are jittery:Moin Qazi
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/triple-talaq-indian-muslims-discrimination-bjp-bmma/story/1/16412.html
Why Aurangzeb's reputation as a tyrant and bigot doesn't stand the test of history: Somak Ghoshal Editor, HuffPost
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/03/28/why-aurangzebs-reputation-as-a-tyrant-and-bigot-doesnt-stand-t_a_22013910/
WORLD
Trump backs off Brotherhood’s designation as terror body
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170328-trump-backs-off-muslim-brotherhoods-designation-as-terror-organisation/
Sources in the White House say the Trump administration has backed down on the plan to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation, the Washington Times has reported. The report suggests that senior diplomats from Jordon – a close US ally – are believed to have weighed in heavily against the idea because the movement currently holds 16 seats in the Jordanian parliament.A small group of Republicans on Capitol Hill are behind the legislation which would direct the State Dept to either designate the Brotherhood a terror group, alongside the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, or explain the decision to hold back.The legislation was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz who claimed that listing the movement would “codify needed reforms in America’s war against radical Islamic terrorism”.Republican Senator blamed former President Barack Obama of ignoring what he called “the potent threat to our civilisation due to politically correct policies that hamper our safety and security”.Online publications claimed last week that the Muslim Brotherhood was spending millions of dollars to lobby Washington to avoid being designated a terror organisation. The reports, backed by the MEMR), claim that the Brotherhood had signed contracts for $4.8 million with American lobbying firms “to help it establish ties with Trump administration officials”. middleeastmonitor
Egypt takes Qatar to court on ‘terrorism’, supporting Muslim Brotherhood charges
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170328-egypt-takes-qatar-to-court-on-terrorism-charges/
Court of Alexandria for Urgent Matters has referred a lawsuit filed by the lawyer of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Tarek Mahmoud, in which he demanded Qatar be considered a state sponsor of terrorism.The lawsuit states that “after the June 30 revolution, the Emirate of Qatar continued to intervene in the internal affairs of Egypt and to provide the Muslim Brotherhood with material and logistical support and to provide a safe haven for its terrorist leaders who had been sentenced for committing crimes and massacres against the Egyptian people.”“Through its Emir, Tamim Bin Hamad, the country supports the Jerusalem Battalions which is linked to the Daesh terrorist group which carried out despicable terrorist operations against the Egyptian state, which led to the fall of hundreds of martyrs,” it added.According to the lawsuit, ousted Egyptian President, Mohamed Morsi, leaked documents affecting national security Qatar while Doha used its media outlets to spread false news and provoke sectarian strife in Egypt. middleeastmonitor
Anti-apartheid, pro-BDS activist Ahmed Kathrada dies
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170328-anti-apartheid-pro-bds-activist-ahmed-kathrada-dies/
South African anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada died in Johannesburg yesterday aged 87. Kathrada spent 26 years in jail for protesting against the white apartheid govt in South Africa. He was tried and jailed alongside Nelson Mandela in the 1964 Rivonia trial – which drew worldwide attention to the horrors of apartheid – where he was sentenced to life imprisonment. Kathrada was one of Mandela’s closest colleagues and served as parliamentary counsellor to him between 1994 and 1999 in first African National Congress (ANC) parliament.Up until his death he campaigned for human rights, anti-racism, freedom of speech and supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. In 2013, after a trip to occupied Palestinian territories, Kathrada said:
Indian-origin anti-apartheid icon dies
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/other-news/indian-origin-anti-apartheid-icon-dies/articleshow/57875151.cms
Anti-apartheid icon Ahmed Kathrada dies
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/anti-apartheid-icon-ahmed-kathrada-dies-170328051849926.html
US: Legal spat over parents wanting to make ‘Allah’ surname of their child
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-legal-spat-over-parents-wanting-to-name-child-allah-4589578/
Washington:A civil rights group is suing the US state of Georgia because it will not let a couple give their toddler daughter “Allah” as her last name.Parents Elizabeth Handy and Bilal Walk want to name their 22-month-old daughter ZalyKha Graceful Lorraina Allah.But state officials at the Dept of Public Health said that under Georgia law, the child’s last name should either be Handy, Walk or a combination of the two, according to the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper.The Georgia branch of the American Civil Liberties Union filed suit against the state on March 23.“Govt has no business telling parents what they can and cannot name their children,” said ACLU of Georgia Executive Director, Andrea Young.The parents said they gave the child the name Allah because it was “noble” and it had nothing to do with religion.The parents said that because of the state’s actions, they cannot get a birth certificate for the child and therefore they cannot obtain a social security number either.They also fear they will have problems with access to health care, schools and travel, the paper reported.“It is just plainly unfair and a violation of our rights,” Walk said.AFP
Petition calls for ‘removal’ of Archbishop over his views on teaching Islam
http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2017-03-28/local-news/Petition-calls-for-removal-of-Archbishop-over-his-views-on-teaching-Islam-6736172180
Archbishop Charles Scicluna’s recent comments on the issue of Islamic lessons at Church schools have not gone down well at all with some individuals, and the issue has escalated to the point of a petition calling for his removal.The ‘Petition to remove Charles Scicluna from our bishop’ was created in response to a statement the Archbishop made last week, when he spoke about being open to the idea of non-catholic students receiving education in their own religion. Mgr Scicluna said Church schools cannot deny religious freedom and stressed that the Church is not afraid of inclusivity. That being said, he also insisted that even if lessons in Islam and other religions are introduced, Church schools in Malta will remain Catholic, where students will still be exposed to “Catholic devotions” and the “crucifix will still be hanging on the wall”.
Facebook blocks 85% 'blasphemous' content in Pakistan, Islamabad high court still unhappy
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/facebook-blocks-85-blasphemous-content-in-pakistan-islamabad-high-court-still-unhappy/articleshow/57872857.cms
New Delhi: Facebook has removed 85 % of content considered insulting to Islam, but the high court in Pakistan's capital is unhappy because there's still "carpet bombing and drone attacks going on at our ideological boundaries", The News reported."(The) ideology of Pakistan, Sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and the common binding force for all Muslims in the shape of love and respect for the Prophet (PBUH) regardless of color, creed and sect are the boundaries under attack", said justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad high court (IHC) yesterday. timesofindia
US committed ‘flagrant violation of international law’ in Mosul:Amnesty International
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170328-us-committed-flagrant-violation-of-international-law-in-mosul/
Amnesty International has accused the US-led coalition in Iraq of committing “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law” following bombings in Mosul which are reported to have killed over 200 people.The rights group stated that there are serious questions about the lawfulness of these attacks following the high casualty numbers resulting from US-led coalition airstrikes and ground fighting between the Iraqi military and Daesh fighters in recent months.Donatella Rovera, senior crisis response adviser at Amnesty International, said:
30,000 Egyptians encouraged to leave Saudi
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170328-30000-egyptians-encouraged-to-leave-saudi/
Some 30,000 Egyptians who have overstaying their visas in Saudi Arabia have been encouraged to “swiftly” leave the kingdom during the 90-day amnesty that exempts them from punitive measures, Al-Ahram Online reported yesterday.The pardon, which was issued on 20 March 2017 and comes into effect tomorrow, exempts those who are in the country illegally from deportation, a ten-year ban from entering Saudi and taking away financial, educational and work privileges if they leave the country during the amnesty. middleeastmonitor
Around 1,400 Afghan Defense Ministry staff dismissed
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/around-1-400-afghan-defense-ministry-staff-dismissed/781599
Kabul: Defense Ministry has sacked 1,394 employees, including 946 officers as part of an anti-corruption drive since September 2016, the head of a govt commission announced in the capital Kabul Tuesday.The country’s security institutions, including the ministries of defense and interior are notorious for hosting ghost soldiers and employees apart from an appalling culture of nepotism, and political and ethnic patronage.AA
22 million children could die without urgent aid
http://aa.com.tr/en/africa/22-million-children-could-die-without-urgent-aid/781120
Nigeria:At least 22 million children across 4 conflict-ridden countries are at risk of death as a result of sickness and famine unless urgent action is taken to address the problem, UNICEF said on Tuesday, urging a 50 % aid budget boost for those countries. UNs Children's Fund said 1.4 million of this figure -- spread across Nigeria’s northeast, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen -- may die of malnutrition this year alone as a result of drought and armed conflict which continue to devastate lives there.
UK Parliament attack: No evidence suggesting attacker had Islamic State ties, say police
https://scroll.in/latest/833004/uk-parliament-attack-no-evidence-suggesting-attacker-had-islamic-state-ties-say-police
The British police on Monday said there had been no evidence suggesting a link between the UK Parliament attacker Khalid Masood and the Islamic State, or al-Qaeda, BBC reported. However, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said Masood was interested in jihad. The incident on March 22 left four people dead.“His methods appear to be based on low sophistication, low tech, low cost techniques copied from other attacks, and echo the rhetoric of IS leaders in terms of methodology,” Basu said, adding that there was no evidence that Masood had discussed his plan with anyone. Basu said it was “pure speculation” that Masood was radicalised in prison in 2003 as there had been no evidence suggesting that.
London attacker Khalid Masood not linked to Islamic State or Al Qaeda, says Police
http://www.newsheads.in/world/news/london-attacker-khalid-masood-linked-islamic-state-al-qaeda-police/article/3751.html
Trump’s son-in-law Kushner to be questioned over ties to Russia
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/jared-kushner-russia-170327225204704.html
White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, one his most senior advisers, will testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee.The committee is investigating alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, and looking into possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russian officials.On Monday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters that Kushner is willing to testify to the Senate Intelligence Committee chaired by Republican Senator Richard Burr.
Wrong, shameful and unconstitutional move: Muslim ban represents US’ darkest era:Frank Islam
http://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/wrong-shameful-and-unconstitutional-move-muslim-ban-represents-us-darkest-era/604090/
New Delhi:As a teenager when Fakhrul Islam, now Frank F. Islam, crossed the Atlantic in 1970 to realise his American dream, the “shining city upon a hill” opened all its doors for him, helping him become one of the most-celebrated Indian-American businessmen in the US. But today Islam, 53, fears that the country may be heading to its “darkest” era with President Donald Trump’s alleged discriminatory ban on immigrants and travellers from 6 Muslim-majority countries to protect the US from terrorist attacks. He still feels that America continues to be an inclusive society despite President Trump’s efforts to stop immigrants from entering the US.“Muslim ban was a wrong, shameful and unconstitutional move. This is not who we are. These are not the values of America. And this kind of ban represents (the) darkest and ugliest past of America. We don’t want to go back to that past. We have entered into a dark chapter of America,” Islam told IANS in a wide-ranging interview during a recent visit to India. He said Trump has to realise that “35 per cent of the business in America, especially in the Silicon Valley, is from immigrants” who not only create wealth and also generate jobs for others.“I still look at the brighter horizon. I have the sense of optimism and hope. We have to make sure that we can still create hopes, inspirations, and dreams in people, not anxiety, anger, and fear,” the businessman-turned-philanthropist said, quoting English Puritan lawyer John Winthrop, who described the America he imagined as a “shining city upon a hill” when he founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony in New England. Notwithstanding the efforts of Trump, “who doesn’t represent what America stands for”, Islam said India needed to learn from the US how to give “opportunity to all to succeed”.IANS
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:18 PM)
