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Evening NEWS DIGEST
10 April 2017: 12 Rajab 1438: Vol: 8, No:162
INDIA
RSS converts 53 families in drive to make block in Jharkhand ‘Christianity-free’
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rss-converts-53-families-in-drive-to-make-block-in-jharkhand-christianity-free/story-Um4Q7elItY4escQeynJHXM.html
Ranchi:At least 53 families in 5 tribal-dominated villages “returned to Hindu fold” in the last one month as part of the RSS’s “Christianity-free” block campaign in Jharkhand’s Arki, RSS workers have said. These families live in villages that are part of the Sindri panchayat, which RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP that is in power in the mineral-rich state, says has been “hijacked” by Christian missionaries over the last 10 years. The alleged ghar wapsi, sources said, would continue throughout April.“You cannot call it conversion. We are only bringing our lost brothers and sisters back to their religion,” said RSS Saiyojak Laxman Singh Munda, who is spearheading the campaign.“We want a Christianity-free block. The villagers will soon return to their roots.”The tribals were lured into Christianity by the missionaries, said Munda, who is also the BJP’s deputy president of Khunti district in which Sindri panchayat falls.Ghar wapsi, the Hindi word for homecoming, is the proselytising campaign launched by some Hindu outfits to convert non-Hindus and “bringing them back into the fold of Hinduism”.RSS and its various affiliates have been accused of terrorising and forcing people into changing their religion. On April 7, at least 7 Christian families – including tribals and non-tribals — underwent a Shuddhikaran, or a purification ceremony in Kochasindhri village.Sandalwood paste was smeared on their foreheads, their feet washed and a Tilak performed by local Hindu priests.“You cannot call it conversion. We are only bringing our lost brothers and sisters back to their religion. We want a Christianity-free block. Villagers will soon return to their roots.” -- Munda, who is spearheading the RSS campaign. Tribals account for 26.2% of Jharkhand’s population of 33 million. Around 4.5% of these tribals are Christians while the remaining follow Sarna code. Over the years, several tribals in Jharkhand have embraced Christianity.The state Govt in Jharkhand, too, has been expressing concern over proselytisation of tribals. CM Raghubar Das has warned strictest possible action against forcing tribals into changing their faith.RSS workers along with the members of the NGO Vanvasi Kalyan Kendra went house to house to convince the tribals and also held public meetings to “expose” how the missionaries were taking them away from their roots.RSS was worried that if Sarna tribals convert to Christianity, they could pose a threat to Hinduism, Sarna Dharamguru (faith leader) Bandhan Tigga said.He said ‘Ghar Wapsi’ campaign had picked up under BJP rule. “When CM himself talks of conversion at public platforms, it is evident that RSS’s activities will gain momentum,” Tigga said.Though Sarna tribe worships Mother Nature and claims to belong to a non-Hindu, non-Muslim and non-Christian faith they are recognised as Hindus in the census and other socio-economic surveys.The tribe has been petitioning the Govt to be recognised as a separate faith. The practice was wrong as tribals were not Hindus and worshipped nature, activist Father Sten Swamy said.“If at all this is happening, the tribals are being wronged since they are not Hindus. So, there is no question of ghar wapsi,” he said.HT
Kulbhushan Jadhav, accused by Pakistan of being a RAW agent, sentenced to death
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kulbhushan-jadhav-accused-by-pakistan-of-being-a-raw-agent-sentenced-to-death/story-JiIxXIDotnoabo2R0H8ltJ.html
New Delhi: Pakistan announced on Monday that it sentenced to death former Indian navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who Islamabad accuses of spying and holds as proof of New Delhi’s meddling in the restive border province of Balochistan. A statement in the Pakistani military’s publicity wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Jadhav was declared guilty by an army court of waging war against the country and stoking violence in Balochistan.“Spy was tried through Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under Pakistan Army Act (PAA) and awarded the death sentence. Today Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa confirmed his death sentence awarded by FGCM,” ISPR said on Monday. India has denied all charges.“He confessed before a magistrate and the court that he was tasked by RAW to plan, coordinate and organize espionage / sabotage activities aiming to destabilize and wage war against Pakistan by impeding the efforts of Law Enforcement Agencies for restoring peace in Balochistan and Karachi.”Jadhav was arrested on March 3 last year in Balochistan on charges of being a R&AW agent, fuelling the Baloch separatist movement and attempting to sabotage the $46-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. hindustantimes
Pakistan army sentences Indian 'spy' to death: aljazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/pakistan-army-sentences-indian-spy-death-170410111249984.html
Kulbhushan Jadhav’s death sentence should serve as a warning, says Pakistan minister
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-national-kulbhushan-jadhav-s-death-sentence-should-serve-as-a-warning-says-pakistan-defence-minister/story-vjF87A2ktor23IMkuZDCTJ.html
Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday the death sentence handed out to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav for “spying” should serve as a warning to those “plotting” against the country. hindustantimes
In protest against death for Jadhav, India not to release 12 Pakistan prisoners
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-protest-jadhav-death-sentence-will-not-release-pakistani-prisoners/article17908903.ece?homepage=true
Delhi :Angered by Pakistan’s decision to award the death sentence to Kulbushan Jadhav, a top Govt official said that India would stall the release of 12 Pakistani prisoners, who were to be repatriated this week.India took the decision after Pakistan army chief approved the death sentence for Jadhav, who was arrested in March 2016, allegedly in Balochistan for alleged "espionage and sabotage" activities. thehindu
OIC backs Pakistan over Kashmir issue: Report
http://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/oic-backs-pakistan-over-kashmir-issue-report/1025981
Islamabad: Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has said it backs pakistan on the issue of Kashmir and believes that there is a need to put "pressure" on India on the issue of alleged human rights violations there, according to a report. OIC Secretary-General, Yousaf Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, who arrived in Islamabad yesterday, held talks with Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.Radio Pakistan reported that the two leaders said there was hundred % unanimity of views on all issues facing the Muslim Ummah (community) and the way forward.The OIC Secretary-General said his organisation has same position as that of Pakistan on the issues of Kashmir, Palestine, Islamophobia and plight of Muslim communities in non-Muslim nations."Kashmir has always been on top of the agenda of OIC," the OIC Secretary-General said in response to a question during a joint press conference. He said the OIC has been urging India to provide access to Kashmir but unfortunately India has declined to accede to the request.He said India also opposed visit of an OIC Human Rights Commission to Kashmir. outlookindia
Sohail Mahmood likely to replace Abdul Basit as Pakistan envoy to India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/sohail-mahmood-likely-to-replace-abdul-basit-as-pak-envoy-to-india/articleshow/58107482.cms
Pakistan is likely to appoint career diplomat Sohail Mahmood as its new high commissioner to India in place of Abdul Basit, diplomatic sources said here today.Mahmood is currently posted as ambassador to Turkey and is expected to arrive in Islamabad next week."His appointment to India will be announced once it is formally approved by PM Nawaz Sharif who has also the additional charge of foreign minister," sources in the Foreign Office said.PTI
Pellet guns are last resort to quell mob, exploring other options: Centre to SC
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pellet-guns-are-last-resort-to-quell-mob-exploring-other-options-centre-to-sc/story-sK278c6Hydt0hHS82s3VGL.html
New Delhi: In a Supreme Court hearing on the issue on the usage of pellet guns to disperse protesters in Kashmir valley, the Centre on Monday assured the apex court that using the weapon is the absolute last resort and the idea is not to kill anybody.Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the apex court that they are also exploring other options like rubber bullet instead of pellet guns to disperse the crowd.The Supreme Court was hearing the J&K High Court Bar Association’s plea against the use of pellet guns in the state. hindustantimes
'Working on secret crowd-dispersing weapon' for J&K, govt tells SC
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/soon-secret-crowd-dispersing-weapon-for-jk-says-attorney-general-mukul-rohatgi-to-supreme-coutr/articleshow/58106863.cms
Pellet guns: SC asks JK lawyers’ body to respond to issues raised by the Centre
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pellet-guns-sc-asks-jk-lawyers-body-to-respond-to-issues-raised-by-the-centre/article17908172.ece
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the J&K High Court Bar Association to respond to the issues raised by the Centre which defended the use of pellet guns to quell stone-pelting mobs in Kashmir valley, stressing that the lawyers’ body cannot take sides.The apex court sought the Bar’s response after the Centre explained to the Supreme Court the circumstances under which security forces use measures like pellet guns.The apex court told the Bar it has to play a very important role in assisting the court in evolving a solution and cannot take sides.The Bar is neither on the side of the security forces nor on the mob’s side, the court said and gave two weeks time to the lawyers’ body to come out with its submission so that a solution can be found and asked it to file an affidavit. Matter has now been posted for April 28. PTI
Syria happy with India’s ‘balanced’ stand on crisis: Riad Abbas, Syrian ambassador to India
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/syria-happy-with-india-s-balanced-stand-on-crisis-riad-abbas-syrian-ambassador-to-india/story-wAiqz0h77zFmnzec0IqDNP.html
New Delhi: “We are relaxed and happy with India’s stand from the beginning of the Syrian crisis,” Riad Abbas, ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic in India, said at a press conference here on Monday. “India’s stand has been the same throughout the crisis. I will meet Indian officials in a day or two and brief them on what happened in Khan Sheikhoun.”Abbas said that Syria “appreciated” the support of allies Russia, Iran, and that India’s stand was “balanced” as other BRICS nations.Abbas said the bombing was an act of “blatant aggression” and chemical weapons was a “pretext” used by “Washington, Tel Aviv, Riyadh, Doha, Ankara, London, Paris” to internationalise the Syrian crisis which was until now a regional issue.HT
China claims full credit, ignores Indian Navy's role in rescuing hijacked ship:PTI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/china-claims-full-credit-ignores-indian-navys-role-in-rescuing-hijacked-ship/articleshow/58108491.cms
Beijing: China claimed full credit for rescuing a cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates in the strategic Gulf of Aden, ignoring Indian Navy's role in the operation.While a Chinese navy statement last night omitted any reference to the Indian Navy in providing helicopter cover to Chinese vessel whose special forces boarded Tuvaluan ship under hijack, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said the operation demonstrated "effectiveness of the Chinese naval force in the field of fighting against pirates".When questioned about the absence of any mention of the Indian Navy's role in the operation, Hua said China's Ministry of Defence should be approached for details. timesofindia
Rajasthan by-poll: Voter says he pressed button for Congress, but it was ‘lotus’ on VVPAT paper
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/rajasthan-evms/113890/
More complaints of EVMs favouring BJP even though the button pressed was for other parties have emerged. This time the complaint has come from Rajasthan, where by-election was held on Sunday for Dholpur assembly seat. Quoting a report by Aaj Tak, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal once again asked why faulty EVMs were only favouring BJP. He wrote, ‘Why defectiv EVMs voting only BJP? They not “defective”. Their software changed. Let EC give us one of these EVM, we’ll prove they r tamperd (sic)” His another tweet said, “Will the MCD polls be neutral? Why does not EC probe these machines? What is the point of polls in a situation like this? “According to reports, a voter in Dholpur on Sunday complained that he had cast his vote in favour of Congress but the printout coming out of VVPAT machine showed the vote had gone to BJP. Returning officer of EC told Aaj Tak that one voter, Rakesh Jain, had reported the faulty machine. This prompted the officers deployed at the polling booth to stop the poll for at least two hours.This led to loud protests by Congress supporters.There were reports of EVMs malfunctioning at over dozen polling booths.Sunday’s development came after similar complaint was reported from MP’s Bhind, which during an inspection, it was found that an EVM machine with VVPAT attached, was favouring BJP. jantakareporter
Kejriwal blames Election Commission for EVM tampering
http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/arvind-kejriwal-blames-election-commission-for-evm-tampering-117041000587_1.html
new delhi: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Monday blamed the Election Commission for "EVM-tampering" and said its only aim appeared to be to bring the BJP to power.AAP leader also questioned the poll panel's decision to deploy EVMs produced before 2006, which he said had no security features, in the April 23 Delhi civic polls.Kejriwal told the media here that although Generation II (made in 2006-13) and Generation III EVMs (made after 2013) were available in Delhi, the Election Commission had ordered Generation I EVMs produced before 2006 and with no security features to be used in the Delhi civic polls.He alleged that what was being dismissed as "EVM malfunction" was actually a case of tampering to ensure that BJP gets the votes of even other parties." businessstandard
16 opposition parties urge EC to shun EVMs, revert to paper ballots
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/16-opposition-parties-urge-ec-to-revert-to-paper-ballots/articleshow/58112056.cms
16 opposition parties today urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system, claiming the faith of the people in the EVMs has "eroded".Representatives of parties including Congress, BSP, DMK, Trinamool Congress and the Left met top EC officials to demand reintroduction of the ballot paper system.The poll watchdog, which has vouched for the reliability of EVMs, said it would soon convene an all-party meet to discuss the issue, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal and DMK leader T Siva told reporters after the meeting.PTI
Chidambaram questions: Was money paid to RK Nagar voters white?
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/chidambaram-questions-was-money-paid-to-rk-nagar-voters-white/articleshow/58105027.cms
New Delhi: Ex-Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Monday asked if Rs 100 crore distributed in cash to voters in RK Nagar of Chennai was black or white after the Election Commission indefinitely postponed the April 12 by-election to the assembly constituency following allegations that the ruling AIADMK had bribed electors in violation of the code of conduct. He also criticised central Govt questioning if demonetisation had indeed put an end to black money in India. "We were told demonetisation has put an end to black money. Was money distributed in RK Nagar white money," he asked. IANS
Sasikala camp terms RK Nagar bypoll cancellation ‘murder of democracy’
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sasikala-camp-s-dinakaran-terms-rk-nagar-bypoll-cancellation-murder-of-democracy/story-gUvCOYiMtQClRZ23cAksXN.html
Those who killed my father should be hanged: Pehlu Khan’s son
https://www.thequint.com/news-videos/2017/04/06/alwar-cow-vigilante-killers-must-be-hanged-says-son
Pehlu Khan’s family in Haryana’s Jaisinghpur have not had a moment of peace in the last three days. Khan, father to 8 children, succumbed to injuries at a hospital after he was brutally thrashed by a mob on Behror highway in Rajasthan’s Alwar district on Monday. The mob, reportedly populated by members Gau Rakshaks or cow vigilantes attacked around 15 men, including two of Pehlu’s sons over allegations of cow smuggling.Speaking to ANI, Pehlu’s oldest son Irshad says he had produced valid receipts for the four milk-cows they purchased from a cattle fair in Jaipur. But the mob was in no mood to listen, and tore the receipts, he adds. What followed was a brutal assault, that ultimately led to Pehlu’s death and left his sons in deep pain.Both Irshad and his younger brother Arif claim that the mob had targeted them for being Muslims. Their driver was let free, purportedly because he was a Hindu. The duo also alleged that they would have been set on fire, had the police not arrived in time.Having lost their sole-breadwinner in the unholy politics over cow protection, the family now demands the strongest possible punishment for the culprits. So far, police have arrested three Behror residents in connection with the incident. thequint
People Observe Fast To Protest Violence of Gau Rakshaks
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/people-observe-fast-to-protest-violence-of-gau-rakshaks
New Delhi: People observed a day long fast on Sunday near the parliament at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi to protest Alwar lynching incident where cow vigilantes (Gau Rakshaks) killed a dairy farmer Pehlu Khan and brutally beaten up some other Muslims dairy farmers last week."Cow vigilant groups are criminal and it's shameful that Govt is unable to check them. It's more shameful when our leaders in Parliament deny such incidents. Gau Rakshaks are misguiding people in the name of religion and destroying the future of next generation, society and country," said social activist Ravi Nitesht."Religion always forbids one from becoming violent, extremist. Religion always gives message of non-violence, truth, sacrifice and compassion. Govt. and society should not allow violence in the name of religion," Nitesh apealed. To mark their protest against growing violence by Gau Rakshaks, many people observed fast and appealed to the Govt to take action against the culprits. Ram Mohan Rai, a Supreme Court lawyer condemned the Alwar lynching incident and asked: "Will country be run as per Constitution or wishes of few people?""Govt can't escape by saying a mob did this act. It should follow Raj Dharma," he averred. Expressing his grievance over violence in the name of cow protection, Sanjay Rai, a member of Rashtrya Yuva Yojna said that such society was not dreamt by Mahatma Gandhi."In the name of Cow, people are being killed and a violent society is being built up. Such society was not dreamt by Gandhi, other nation builders," Rai said.Devika Mittal, a research scholar said: "The violence in that is happening in the name of cow has to be condemned."IndiaTomorrow
Cow Vigilantism Is ISIS In India:Economist Surjit Bhalla
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cow-vigilantism-is-isis-in-india-says-economist-surjit-bhalla-1679294
New Delhi: The sort of extremism that led to the lynching of a 55-year-old dairy farmer in Rajasthan's Alwar district last week is not very different from the brand of fanaticism endorsed by ISIS, economist Surjit Bhalla said on NDTV Dialogues. "Nobody is for this kind of nonsense. Cow slaughter vigilantism is ISIS in India there is no difference... No sane person can defend or support or even offer excuses for what is done in the name of a cow. It is just horrible," Dr Bhalla said.The comments came during a discussion on India's fight against poverty. Discussing the economic impact of crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses on minority communities in UP after the state elected a new BJP Govt last month, noted economist Abhijit Banerjee said, "These crackdowns are arbitrary actions by the state. I have a living and it is suddenly taken away from me. So whether I am poor or not, I resent it.""I think that inequality in that particular mode will have consequences and also lead to a broader sense of resentment of the fact that some people seem much better off. Such resentment changes politics. If BJP doesn't manage to make people feel that they will be able to catch up with this or at least get a piece of that, they will lose," he said.On poverty alleviation, Dr Bhalla said India's record is one of the best in the world and the country has in fact, "mismeasured" its poverty levels. ndtv
Panel unhappy as children carry arms during RSS rally
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/panel-unhappy-as-children-carry-arms-during-rss-rally/article17894759.ece
Kolkata: West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken suo motu cognisance of children carrying arms in processions organised during Ram Navami on Wednesday. Commission Chairperson Ananya Chatterjee said that she had asked the District Child Protection Officer, Birbhum, to “send a report on the issue”.While the Commission expressed concern only over the developments at Birbhum, similar rallies were organised in Durgapur in Bardhaman district, and Titagarh in the North 24 Paraganas district, among other places.The development drew strong condemnation from both Trinamool Congress and the CPI (M). Criticising the RSS andBJP for backing such rallies, Trinamool Congress secretary general and Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said: “What kind of culture are they [BJP and RSS] trying to bring in Bengal? Children marching with swords is unprecedented in the history of State.” CPI(M) State secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra described incident as “impermissible.” Reacting to allegations, BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said swords and knives “cannot be regarded as weapons,” adding that “they are used for physical training in many schools.” thehindu
Triple talaq makes Muslim women socially, financially vulnerable: Centre tells SC
http://www.oneindia.com/india/triple-talaq-makes-muslim-women-socially-financially-vulnerable-centre-2400321.html
The centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that triple talaq violated the rights of Muslim women. It violates their right to equality and right to dignity and hence must be declared unconstitutional. It is a patriarchal notion about women's role in society that impedes social democracy, the centre further submitted. The submissions were made in the SC which is hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of triple talaq. Centre also said that triple talaq affects Muslim women, who constitute 8% of the population. Further the centre said that triple talaq is not protected by the fundamental right to practise religion guaranteed under Article 25 of Constitution. Practises such as triple talaq and polygamy are not compatible with India's international obligations to achieve gender equality,centre further submitted. oneindia
RK Singh backs Ansari, says triple talaq not part of Islam
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/rk-singh-backs-salma-ansari-says-triple-talaq-not-part-of-islam/621910/
Muslims should learn from Hindus and abolish triple talaq Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-muslims-should-learn-from-hindus-and-abolish-triple-talaq-naidu-2391129
Asserting that like Hindu society which abolished practices like child marriage, dowry and sati, Union I&B Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said that Muslims should mull over putting an end to the triple talaq divorce system.Naidu said it is high time that the Muslim society should introspect and have a healthy discussion on the triple talaq issue in order to give justice to their women. Triple talaq is not allowed and everybody knows it, yet there are few people who are doing injustice with Muslim women. Its high time that the Muslim society should witnesses change, Naidu told the media here. Like the Hindu society changed a lot, we abolished child marriage, dowry, sati. I believe that there should be a healthy discussion in the Muslim society regarding this issue and that they should chalk out a solution, he added.Meanwhile, Naidu while commenting on Ram temple issue said the Govt hails the Supreme Court's order in the regard, adding it is to be seen how amicably both sides can churn out a solution.ANI
Pak outlawed triple talaq. why can't indian muslims see the point, claims Rita Joshi: CNN-News18
http://www.news18.com/news/india/pak-outlawed-triple-talaq-why-cant-indian-muslims-see-the-point-rita-joshi-1370370.html
In a conversation with CNN-News18's Swati Vashishtha, UP Women and Child Development Minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi says women's safety is the biggest concern of the month-old Govt and bats for doing away with Muslim practice of Triple Talaq. She also touches upon the issue of Ram Temple and shares her experience of working with CM Yogi Adityanath. You’ve been given the portfolio of women and child development. What are the challenges you have before you?
Misuse of 'triple talaq' created legal issues: Zafaryab Jilani
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/misuse-of-triple-talaq-created-legal-issues-muslim-leader/printarticle/58101224.cms
Jaipur: Misuse of 'triple talaq' created legal issues leading to the matter landing in the Supreme Court for adjudication, Secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board and convener of Babri Masjid Action Committee Zafaryab Jilani said. He said the board has been making efforts since 1985 to ensure that Muslim men understand the concept and follow the Shariyat rules for divorce. Misusing 'triple talaq' is a sin, he said. "We cannot accept any change in Shariyat as it is based on the principles of Allah. It has been prevalent for more than 1450 years and it will continue to exist," said Jilani. It is not the first time that Shariyat is being attacked. "We cannot accept any change in it as it comes straight from the Quran," he said while addressing a gathering at Karbala Maidan here.PTI
AIMPLB slams media for propaganda over Triple Talaq
http://twocircles.net/2017apr10/407654.html
Muslim students in Vadavali village of Gujarat’s Patan district likely to miss exams after communal clash
http://www.india.com/news/india/muslim-students-in-gujarats-patan-district-likely-to-miss-exams-after-communal-clash-in-vadavali-village-2011780/
Ahmedabad: With only a week left for examination, students in the Vadavali village of Patan district are likely to stay away from school and give exams a miss. After a communal clash in the village two weeks ago which led to the death of one person and left 20 injured, more than 300 Muslim students have left their home.With the examination in the schools to begin within a week, the school authorities are trying to persuade the students to return back to the school and appear in their exams. Meanwhile, the students have argued that the clash has damaged their houses, uniforms and they cannot go to school in such a situation.“We have no books or uniforms. Everything was burnt in the clash. We have nothing to eat. How will we go to school like this?” Nazrana Pathan, a class IX student was quoted by The Indian Express. Most of the families who have lost their house are forced to stay in a camp. The clash of March 25 began following a fight between school students in Vadavali after which a mob belonging to the surrounding villages of Sunsar and Takodi reached Vagjipara. Vagjipara has an extended colony consisting of nearly 1,500 Muslims. According to reports, the clashes led to burning of houses after which the Muslim family of the areas have shifted to the local camps. India.com
Man burnt alive in Adityanath's Gorakhpur, unknown assailants flee spot
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yogi-adityanath-gorakhpur-man-burnt-alive/1/924448.html
Gorakhpur:While UP CM Yogi Adityanath has warned the miscreants in the state after taking over the reins of the Govt , but that does not seem to be a deterrent to the goons of his own stronghold in Gorakhpur.A man was burnt alive near Tenua toll plaza at Sahjnwa in Gorakhpur - the political citadel of Yogi Adityanath, who is the sitting MP from this seat.The identity of the victim has not yet been ascertained. He was found burnt in a car bearing number UP53 CJ 9938.Some reports suggest that the victim's hands and feet were tied with a rope. Some locals werereported as saying that the assailants had come in the same car to the crime spot.They tied the hands and feet of the victim, put him inside the car and set it ablaze before fleeing the spot.The locals saw the car in flames and informed police. By the time the fire tenders could arrive, the man was charred to death.Senior police officials reached the spot. Police investigation is underway.IndiaToday
Muslim Organizations React Cautiously to Jamiat’s Decision to Meet Modi:Caravan Daily
http://caravandaily.com/portal/muslim-organizations-react-cautiously-to-jamiats-decision-to-meet-modi/
New Delhi: Prominent Indian Muslim groups have cautiously reacted to Maulana Mahmood Madani-led Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind’s (JUH) decision to approach PM Narendra Modi and BJP-ruled state CM s on the worsening communal and political atmosphere in the country, saying JUH is an independent organization and it can take any decision individually. However, they said there was some sort of understanding among various Muslim bodies that they would take a collective decision in this regard.All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat, which is a conglomerate of 16 Muslim organizations, said it is the prerogative of JUH to take a decision in the matter.Talking to Caravan Daily, Mushawarat president Navaid Hamid said there was a broad consensus among the major Muslim organizations that they would decide collectively when to approach this Govt.“What can I say about the Jamiat decision? They are a big organization. I can simply wish them the best of luck,” Hamid said.Echoing the same sentiments, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, a pan-Indian religious and socio organization, said in the given politically surcharged situation, it would have been better to adopt a collective stance on the issues confronting to the community.“However, if the Jamiat leadership considers it is a prudent move, then we cannot raise any objection on their (JUH) decision as it is an independent organization and free to do what it thinks best,” Jamaat chief Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari said.He said it is true that there was an understanding among Muslim organizations on the issue, adding that it would have been better, if it had been a collective decision.caravandaily
No pre-arrest bail for lawyer Shamshuddin who ‘incited’ mob: HC
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/no-pre-arrest-bail-for-lawyer-who-incited-mob/articleshow/58099604.cms
Bombay HC refused pre-arrest bail to an advocate accused of instigating a mob that rioted in Trombay and attacked a police station. Justice Ajay Gadkari said that advocate Shamshuddin Jabali, who is also president of Kurla Metropolitan Magistrate's court bar association, did not deserve bail. Mob had attacked the police station, set ablaze cop vehicles and damaged public property on March 18 as it was reportedly angry over a morphed picture of a religious structure that was posted on social media."According to me,Shamshuddin being a practising advocate, it was his duty to pacify the mob by advising that the criminal law has already been set into motion, and the law will take its own course," said Justice Gadkari. "After perusing the record of investigation, it appears to me that he is one of the main conspirators in present crime. Taking into consideration the serious allegations against him, the gravity of the offence and the larger interest of the public, he does not deserve to be granted pre-arrest bail," added the judge. Around 24 accused including MIM corporator Shahnawaz Shaikh were arrested by police last month for the riots. Shamshuddin's lawyers claimed he was neither present in police station nor was part of mob that indulged in rioting. timesofindia
FLASH: NEWS & VIEWS
LS clears bill to accord constitutional status to NCBC
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/lok-sabha-approves-bill-to-accord-constitutional-status-to-ncbc/articleshow/58112865.cms
Crackdown on abattoirs:Religionising of plates must be countered by constitutional checks:DeyaBhattacharya
http://www.firstpost.com/politics/yogi-adityanaths-crackdown-on-abattoirs-religionising-of-plates-must-be-countered-by-constitutional-checks-3376594.html?google_editors_picks=true
Slaughter ban will reduce cow to a zoo animal; RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat should take note:Akshaya Mishra
http://www.firstpost.com/politics/slaughter-ban-will-reduce-cow-to-a-zoo-animal-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-should-take-note-3377286.html?google_editors_picks=true
How gau rakshaks can derail India’s White Revolution; Harish Damodaran
http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/how-gau-rakshaks-can-derail-indias-white-revolution-4606852/
Rajdeep Sardesai on the media: Sense has been replaced by sensation, news by noise
https://scroll.in/article/834109/sense-has-been-replaced-by-sensation-news-by-noise-credibility-by-chaos-rajdeep-sardesai
In the name of Holy Cow, with blessings of BJP: Altnews
https://www.altnews.in/name-holy-cow-blessings-bjp/?utm_content=buffer208bb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Assault on dairy: Why effective ban on cow slaughter may soon banish the cow itself: Kirit S Parikh in TOI Edit Page
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-edit-page/the-assault-on-dairy-why-an-effective-ban-on-cow-slaughter-may-soon-banish-the-cow-itself/
Watch: Modi saw this problem with Aadhaar in 2013. He hasn't fixed it yet in 2017: scroll.in
https://video.scroll.in/834138/watch-modi-saw-this-problem-with-aadhaar-in-2013-he-hasnt-fixed-it-yet-in-2017
Kashmir bypolls: Calling off Anantnag polls will be a win for separatists; failure for state, central govt:Sameer Yasir
http://www.firstpost.com/india/kashmir-bypolls-calling-off-anantnag-polls-will-be-a-win-for-separatists-failure-for-state-central-govt-3377624.html
Minority Report:Can you be a devout Muslim and a proud swayamsevak?Eram Agha and Suhas Munshi
http://www.news18.com/news/immersive/non-hindus-in-rss.html
WORLD
Egypt drafts bill to ban Islamic veils in public places
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-egypt-drafts-bill-to-ban-burqa-islamic-veils-in-public-places-2392720
Egyptian Parliament is drafting a law banning women from wearing the niqab veil. Ban will apply to wearing the clothing in public places and Govt institutions, The Independent reported. MP Amna Nosseir, professor of comparative jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, who has backed the ban, said that wearing the veil is not a requirement of Islam and in fact has non-Islamic origins.She has argued that it is a Jewish tradition which appeared in Arabian Peninsula prior to Islam and that a variety of Quran passages contradict its use. Instead, she has advocated that the Quran calls for modest clothing and covered hair, but does not require facial covering.A number of restrictions have been placed on wearing the niqab in Egypt in recent years.In February, the Cairo University banned nurses and doctors from wearing it in medical schools and in teaching hospitals, arguing the ban would: "protect patients' rights and interests". In September last year, the university also banned academic staff from wearing the niqab in classrooms in response to complaints from students that it was too difficult for niqab wearers to communicate effectively with students.ANI
Egypt declares state of emergency after church bombings
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/egypt-declares-state-emergency-church-bombings-170409192209801.html
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi says a 3-month state of emergency will be imposed after two bomb blasts killed dozens of worshippers in Coptic Christian churches."A series of steps will be taken, most importantly, the announcement of a state of emergency for three months after legal and constitution steps are taken," Sisi said in a speech aired on state television. Sisi, who in 2013 led the overthrow of democratically elected president Mohamed Morsi, leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, announced the measure after a national defence council meeting.Under Egypt's constitution, the state of emergency must be presented to House of Representatives for approval within a seven-day period.The emergency law expands police powers of arrest, surveillance and seizures and can limit freedom of movement.Egypt declared a state of emergency in the months that followed the military ouster of Morsi. Part of North Sinai, where ISIL's Egyptian affiliate is based, is still under a state of emergency.Earlier on Sunday, a statement by the presidential office said that Sisi had ordered troops be deployed across the country to help secure "vital facilities". The bombings were the latest in a series of assaults on Egypt's Christian minority, who make up about 10% of population and have been repeatedly targeted by armed groups. Samer Shehata, associate professor at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, said the attacks show a "tremendous security lapse" by Egyptian authorities. aljazeera
Erdogan: Recordings of Syrian regime planes using chemical weapons
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170410-erdogan-recordings-of-syrian-regime-planes-using-chemical-weapons/
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said his country has radar records showing the Syrian regime fighters that bombed the town of Khan Sheikhoun last week with chemical weapons. Erdogan rejected Syria’s denial of the use of chemical weapons and said: “They say it came from the depot of a terror organisation there. It has nothing to do with it.”We have the radar information and we have the forensic reports. Some say Syria does not have chemical weapons. Of course it does. It’s clear which planes dropped it he said, stressing that NATO has all the radar records. middleeastmonitor
‘Israel blackmails developing countries for votes at UN’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170410-israel-blackmails-developing-countries-for-votes-at-un/
Israel is blackmailing developing countries to force them to vote in its favour at the UN, Arabi21 reported the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity revealing.According to the site, the organisation’s Director, Azmi Shuaibi, said that Israel uses the funds allocated to the UN to buy votes.“During the last three years, the organisation monitored violations carried out by the Israeli foreign ministry,” Shuaibi said.Among these violations, he said, was “putting pressure on the Nigerian Govt in order to refrain from voting for a resolution that proposed a timetable for ending Israeli occupation of the Palestinian lands.” Draft resolution was proposed on 31 Dec. 2015. middleeastmonitor
Brother of Tariq Ramadan ‘forced to leave’ France
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170410-brother-of-tariq-ramadan-forced-to-leave-france/
Swiss Imam and head of the Islamic Centre of Geneva, Hani Ramadan, has been forced to leave France. The Egyptian born cleric, the older brother of the Islamic scholar and intellectual Tariq, was arrested on Saturday in Colmar, eastern France, and escorted by police convoy to the French Swiss border. French authorities released a statement in which they stressed that Ramadan had been “returned to the border” rather than “expelled” from France – a lesser penalty under French law. The decision is linked to previous views and opinions that he had expressed. “He is known in the past to have adopted behaviour and made remarks which pose a serious threat to public order on French soil,” the ministry statement said.An interior ministry spokesperson, Mattias Fekl, said the ministry of interior, police and the judiciary were “fully mobilised to fight relentlessly against extremism.” middleeastmonitor
Al Jazeera: Spyware firms in breach of global sanctions
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/exclusive-spyware-firms-breach-global-sanctions-170405102959191.html
Spy equipment producers are breaking laws and circumventing international sanctions by agreeing to sell stock to countries known for human rights abuses, and to clients who do not declare the end user – meaning surveillance tools could easily fall into the hands of armed groups, corporations, Govt s cracking down on dissent, or opposition leaders, an exclusive investigation by Al Jazeera reveals.During "Spy Merchants", a four-month undercover operation, Al Jazeera secretly filmed representatives of two Italian companies and one Chinese business agreeing to sell spyware that is capable of tracking millions of people online and able to intercept phone calls and text messages without anyone finding out. aljazeera
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 9:02 PM)
