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Evening NEWS DIGEST
16 July 2017: 21 Shawwal 1438: Vol: 8, No:238
INDIA : LYNCHING & COMMUNAL VIOLENCE, crimes
Strict action against those violating law in name of cow protection: PM Modi at all-party meet
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/strict-action-against-those-violating-law-in-name-of-cow-protection-pm-narendra-modi-at-all-party-meet-4752959/
New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that strict action will be taken against ‘cow vigilantes’ indulging in violence,PTI reported. Speaking at an all-party meeting ahead of the Parliament monsoon session, Prime Minister said, “I have asked states to take strict action against those violating law in name of cow protection.”PM Modi went on to say that the the country does not gain from the violence in the name of cow protection and urged everyone to not to take law into their hands. “It (cow vigilantism) should not be given political or communal colour; the nation doesn’t benefit from it. There is a widespread belief that cow is like mother but this should not let people take law in their own hands,” PM Modi said.Union Minister Ananth Kumar, after the all-party meet, also iterated PM statements and said those committing violence will face severe prosecution. “Those committing violence in the name of cow protection will face severe prosecution,” Kumar said, according to ANI. Kumar went on to add that PM Modi expressed concern about the flood situation in North-east India in the meet. “PM Modi said that he has started a war against corruption and he called all-party meet for the same reason,” Kumar added.indian express
Modi asks states to crack down on cow vigilantes, calls for ‘stringent action’
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/violence-in-the-name-of-cow-can-t-be-tolerated-modi/story-qQVntpTWeLKXxcGTcCPQdI.html
State govts should take stringent action against those violating law in the name of cow protection: PM Modi
http://en.southlive.in/india/2017/07/16/state-govts-should-take-stringent-action-against-those-violating-law-in-the-name-of-cow-protection-pm-modi
14 yrs in jail if you kill cow, 2 if you kill people: Judge in BMW case
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/14-years-in-jail-if-you-kill-cow-2-years-if-you-kill-people-judge-in-bmw-hit-and-run-case/story-eMqMLutd7oIGUln5pPiM5K.html
New Delhi:When a Delhi judge sentenced the son of a Haryana-based industrialist to 2 years’ imprisonment on Saturday for mowing down a motorcyclist with his luxury car in 2008, he couldn’t help but observe how present-day laws provide more stringent punishment to perpetrators of cattle-related crimes than errant drivers who take human lives.“The sentence for killing cow is 5, 7 or 14 years in different states, but the sentence for causing the death of a human being through rash or negligent driving is only 2 years,” additional sessions judge Sanjeev Kumar said. Court held the accused, 30-year-old Utsav Bhasin, guilty of rash driving, voluntarily causing hurt on provocation and causing death by negligence. It also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for injured.The court said a copy of the judgment must be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so he can consider steps to enhance punishment prescribed for such offences under section 304-A of IPC. HT
‘14 yrs in jail if you kill cow, 2 years if you kill people’, Delhi judge wonder why cows value more than human life
http://en.southlive.in/india/2017/07/16/14-years-in-jail-if-you-kill-cow-2-years-if-you-kill-people-delhi-judge-wonder-why-cows-value-more-than-human-life
Police now find Muslim BJP worker beaten by cow vigilantes was carrying beef, party to dismiss him
http://en.southlive.in/india/2017/07/16/police-find-out-muslim-bjp-worker-beaten-by-cow-vigilantes-in-nagpur-was-carrying-beef-party-to-dismiss-him
Nagpur:Nagpur police have found out that the Muslim man, who was thrashed by cow vigilantes in Maharashtra's Nagpur district four days ago, was carrying beef.The police have sent the meat Salim Shaha(34) was carrying to a forensic laboratory.“The lab report was "positive",i.e. it was beef”, SP (Nagpur rural) Shailesh Balkawde said.He also added that the police will initiate further action against Shaha in accordance with the law.Sha was a member of the BJP's Katol unit.Nagpur (rural) unit president of BJP, Rajiv Potdar, expressed shock at the findings. It was shocking that Shaha has been found to be carrying beef that day, Potdar said, adding he would be dismissed from the party.Shaha's mother had claimed that he was the head of BJP's Katol tehsil minority morcha, while local BJP leaders said he was a party member. southlive
Bajrang Dal cadre 'raids' police station, frees leader from police custody in Bhopal
http://www.newsbits.in/bajrang-dal-cadre-raids-police-station-frees-leader-from-police-custody-in-bhopal
Bhopal: In a shocking incident, scores of Bajrang Dal workers forcibly made their way into a police station and freed their leader who had been in the custody of police. Despite heavy police presence, the staff at the police station failed to stop while a detainee was being taken away, forcibly. This incident occurred in Bhopal on late Friday night. Bajrang Dal leader Kamlesh Thakur was found drinking at a public place in Arera Colony. He allegedly misbehaved with the local policemen and abused them.The police personnel caught him and brought him to the police station. However, as the news about Thakur's detention spread, a large number of Bajrang Dal workers reached the Habibganj police station. They forcibly entered the police station and took away their leader from police custody. The policemen present on the spot couldn't even stop them from taking away Thakur from the police detention.A sort of victory procession was taken out and the Bajrang Dal men danced on the streets.It was only after media persons reached the spot and asked the top officials that a case was later registered against them (Thakur and Bajrang Dal men for stopping public servant from discharge of duty). However, Thakur is yet to be arrested. The accused, Kamlesh Thakur is regional co-convener of the Bajrang Dal.NewsBits.in
Hisar: 1 more arrested for slapping Muslim trader during Bajrang Dal protest
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/one-more-arrested-for-slapping-muslim-trader-during-bajrang-dal-protest-4753211/
Hisar:Another person was arrested on Sunday for allegedly slapping a Muslim trader when he refused to raise the slogan of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ during a protest by Bajrang Dal activists against the recent terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims, police said. Kapil, a resident of Gandhi Dairy Colony Hisar, was arrested from Panchkula, they said.Accused was produced before a duty magistrate here who sent him to 14-days judicial custody, police said. Anil Kumar (28),a resident of Hisar’s Rishi Nagar, was arrested in this connection on Wednesday.PTI
Train attack on Muslim family in UP: Cops identify main accused, 10 others from viral video
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/train-attack-on-family-cops-identify-main-accused-10-others-from-viral-video/articleshow/59599583.cms
Agra: UP police on Friday said they have identified the main accused involved in the attack on a family of 10 at Mainpuri that was travelling in a passenger train on Wednesday night.Police added that they have also identified 10 others from videos of the attack on the family, which belong to a particular community, that went viral on social media soon after the brutality on the running train. Cops said that preliminary investigations suggest it all started when some youths forced their way on berths occupied by female members of the family and tried to snuggle close to them. When members of the family protested, the youths started passing lewd comments. A confrontation soon followed and the youths called up their friends who were waiting at a station some distance away with iron rods and sticks.SP OP Singh, who is leading the probe, said, "About 5-6 youths were travelling in the train from Shikohabad junction. When the train reached Bhongaon station, the family of Mohammad Shakir also boarded the train. While they were looking for berths in the train, one of the youths started passing lewd comments. against female members of the family. This led to a confrontation between the family and the youths."Station officer Arun Kumar of GRP Mathura station said, "We expect to crack the case and arrest all the accused involved by Saturday morning. We have identified 10 men and three are currently under detention. On Friday, we took the statements of all the victims and showed them video pictures to identify the accused."TOI
Odisha cattle traffickers assault Andhra tourists for opposing ill treatment of animals
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/odisha-cattle-traffickers-assault-andhra-pradesh-tourists-for-opposing-ill-treatment-of-animals/story-Lj0aL4txpy4q6FnvZsDlOO.html
Suspected cattle traffickers in Odisha allegedly assaulted seven tourists from Andhra Pradesh for opposing the way they were ill treating the animals in Rayagada district, police said on Saturday. Three women were among the tourists allegedly beaten up, police added.The incident was reported from Patupadar under Bissamkataka police station area of Rayagada district on Friday evening. More than 20 cattle traffickers were taking around 500 cattle on road and were thrashing the animals. When the tourists tried to protest, the traffickers allegedly assaulted them and smashed their mobile phones. One of the victims, KV Kannan, a software engineer, sustained injuries on his head and body. Rayagada district collector Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar said a case was registered with Bissamkataka police station. She said all the accused would be arrested soon. The state govt will bear the treatment cost of the injured tourists, she added. HT
Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh threatens to torch CM Mamata’s residence
http://www.newsx.com/national/69059-bengal-bjp-president-dilip-ghosh-threatens-to-torch-cm-mamata-banerjees-residence
New Delhi: BJP Bengal president Dilip Ghosh has threatened that he will torch CM Mamata Banerjee’s residence if the state tried to arrest him under false cases.The shocking statement was made by Ghosh while addressing a public meeting. TMC and BJP are currently at loggerheads with each other following violence in the state.Earlier on Friday, BJP leader Rupa Ganguly had stirred a controversy when she challenged Banerjee supporters to send the women of their families to Bengal and survive for 15 days without getting raped.“I dare all the parties, the ones who keep flattering the Bengal government and Congress, to send their daughters, wives, and sister-in-laws to Bengal without taking any hospitality from Banerjee. If they are able to survive for 15 days without getting raped, then tell me,” Ganguly said to ANI.NewsX
Bengal’s madrasas under scanner after Basirhat violence
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bengal-s-madrasas-under-scanner-after-basirhat-violence/story-gJah5s9M6uqCxKMh7CNKrL.html
Kolkata:With the communal violence that rocked West Bengal’s Basirhat having ebbed, questions are now being raised over whether unregulated madrasas, locally called khareji madrasas, had a role in last week’s mayhem.Basirhat in North 24 Parganas district bordering Bangladesh was swept by violence for several days after Muslim mobs went on a rampage, angered by a controversial Facebook post by a Hindu teenager. One person was killed and several homes, shops and vehicles torched before sanity was restored. Stunned by the scale of the violence, sections of locals have blamed outsiders for it. But police say the role of unregulated madrasas, often viewed as breeding grounds of radicalisation, cannot be ruled out. Under scanner are two in Ghoraras and Kholapota of Basirhat and one in nearby Baduria. HT
Students of Aliah University take out march against recent communal tensions in Bengal
http://twocircles.net/2017jul15/413024.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Taking a cue from ‘Not in My Name’ and various other protests meant to counter the growing communalisation in India, students of Aliah University, Kolkata, also took out a march on Friday, July 14 in an attempt to strengthen Hindu-Muslim relationship in the backdrop of recent Baduria- Basirhat communal tensions. Teachers, students and non-teaching staffs participated in this procession urging communal harmony throughout the state.Twocircles
In Sultanpur, upper-caste attack on Dalit family leaves one dead, 3 injured
http://twocircles.net/2017jul15/413055.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
After a few calm days in Uttar Pradesh, caste violence has now engulfed Sultanpur in Eastern UP. Ramnathpur village of Sultanpur had been simmering with tensions between two groups for the past few days. On Friday, the clash took a violent route when a group of upper-caste people attacked a Dalit family. Of the 4 injured, 42-year-old Ramjeet, the breadwinner of the family, died in the hospital while Ramjeet’s wife Sumitra (40), Ramjeet’s son Manjit (23), and Manjit’s wife Antima (20) suffered serious injuries. Antima was pregnant when she was attacked.Locals have informed media that police had prior information about the clash between the two groups. But police allegedly did not pay attention to the complaints and dismissed the clashes a result of excess drinking. When TCN asked Police about the same, no explanation was given. Moreover the Police has registered FIR against five people based on the complaint of Manjit, but has not arrested anyone yet.TCN
Dalit Youth Attacked And Beaten Up By Man Said To Be Bajrang Dal Member
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/07/15/dalit-youth-attacked-and-beaten-up-by-man-said-to-be-bajrang-dal_a_23031132/
Three men were detained in Mumbai after they allegedly beat up a Dalit youth and hurled invectives at him. One of the men has been identified as Jatin Suraj Singh and claims to be a Bajrang Dal worker. However, the organisation has denied he has links with them. According to Mumbai Mirror, a 23-year-old man called Pritesh Tribhuvan, a resident of Samrat Ashok Chawl in Ramabai Ambedkar Nag, was riding around on a bike at 11 pm on Wednesday, when Singh, his brothers and a mob of 30 people attacked him. Tribhuvan told Mirror that they insisted that people were only allowed to display the orange Hindutva flag and not the blue Ambedkarite flags.Mirror reports: "According to the FIR, Singh brothers have been booked for intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace (Section 504), deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs (295 A), voluntarily causing hurt (323), and under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015."This incident comes close on the heels of the lynching of a Dalit man in Tamil Nadu. Last week, a 21-year-old Dalit man was murdered by three upper caste men apparently because he had broken a plastic tap in their field. 3 men first barged into Kathiresan's house in a village in Trichy. When they couldn't find him, they went to hunt for the young auto-driver elsewhere. Then, when they found him, they took him to the nearest market place, tied him up and beat him with an iron rod. huffingtonpost
Hundreds March in Delhi Against Mob Lynching, Violation of Rights
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/hundreds-march-in-delhi-against-mob-lynching-violation-of-rights
New Delhi: Hundreds of people from across religious and social divides took out a protest march in the country's capital on Sunday against the rise in incidents of mob lynching and attacks on rights of deprived classes."The purpose of the rally was to bring together all sections of people whose rights are being violated by the Indian state and its institutions, so that we can unitedly find ways to change the present state of affairs," said Birju Nayak, Secretary, Lok Raj Sangathan, one of the organizers.The rally was jointly organised by Lok Raj Sangathan, Social Democratic Party of India, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, United Muslim Front, CGPI, CPI (M-L)-New Proletarian, Citizens for Democracy, WPI, APCR, Sarvahara Patrika, SIO, AIFTU (New), South Asian Human Rights Documentation Centre, Purogami Mahila Sangathan, NCHRO and many others.The protest march started from Ram Lila Maidan and passing through the busy streets of central Delhi culminated into a public meeting at Jantar Mantar. indiatomorrow
#NotInMyName rally against lynchings draws massive support in Pune
http://www.hindustantimes.com/pune-news/notinmyname-rally-against-lynchings-draws-massive-support-in-pune/story-lUy205LkPwEVv7tTtyeBrI.html
Pune:Former Bombay high court judge BG Kolse-Patil and social activist Teesta Setalvad were among those who led a gathering in the city on Saturday to participate in the #NotInMyName rally organised against the recent lynchings in the country.The protest was held at Kausar Baug ground in Kondhwa. The 2 social activists spoke strongly about the lynchings and said that such incidents were aimed at polarising the population with the aim of winning elections. Others who were present at the rally included Salim Shekh, Rahul Ambale, Zayed Khan and Subhash Ware among others. More than 40 organisations including Muslim Foundation, Indian Muslim Foundation and political parties like the Republican Party of India came together for the peace rally. The rally started from Konark Park in Kondhwa and ended at Kausar Baug.The organisers of the programme asked the participants to respect law and order. Participants held a number of placards to protest against the lynchings. More than 3,000 people including women and children participated in the rally.While talking to HT, Teesta Setalvad said, “Recently heard Ramdev Baba now opening his business Ramdev’s Parakram Suraksha Private Limited.He would rope in retired army personnel, para military troopers, and police personnel into his force.Is this move of the government towards privatisation of security forces? She also raised question of Aadhaar data security,she thought Aadhaar data might be given to other countries.She also concern about privatisation of 27 railway station.HT
Ghaziabad cops face probe for 'apathy' towards bleeding teen Qadir
http://paper.hindustantimes.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
Ghaziabad:UP police have launched a probe against officers of Vijay Nagar police station in Ghaziabad for their alleged laxity and inhumane behaviour in rushing the victim of a knife attack to a hospital. A video of the incident was recorded by a local resident and uploaded online, which was widely shared on social media.14-year-old Qadir from Vijay Nagar had reached the station around 11am on Friday with a stab wound on his hand. A disturbing video of the incident shows Qadir pacing around at the station complex in pain, with blood running down his hand. The boy, in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding, had covered his wound with his shirt. Video shows policemen at the station keeping Qadir waiting for nearly 20 minutes and finishing their documentation, rather than rushing him to a hospital urgently.“I was speaking on my mobile phone when some neighbours arrived and tried to snatch my phone. When I resisted, one of them stabbed me,” Qadir said, on how he was inflicted the would.The boy and his mother, who was also injured in the attack, were rudely packed off in an autorickshaw to a nearby hospital. One of the constables on duty handed the women their documents and said, “Pakdo isey, chalo... (Hold this and get going).” The constable is later heard telling the auto driver to take them to a hospital, where he said he would be reaching soon.Senior policemen on Saturday took cognizance of the video and said they have initiated an inquiry into the behaviour of the officers at Vijay Nagar station.HT
As Bhagalpur riot Kameshwar Yadav mastermind is acquitted, Bihar netas go silent
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/jul/16/as-bhagalpur-riot-kameshwar-yadav-mastermind-is-acquitted-bihar-netas-go-silent-1629266.html
Patna: Much of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s appeal among the state’s Muslims stems from his February 2006 decision, four months after he took office heading a JD (U)-BJP government, to reopen 27 cases related to the 1989 anti-Muslim riots in Bhagalpur. This and other pro-minority initiatives had antagonised sections of the BJP and VHP leadership.The two-month-long riots in which 1,852 people were killed has been a politically divisive issue in Bihar, which houses India’s highest number of Muslims after UP. BJP, when accused of the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat, targeted RJD and Congress by citing this carnage in the eastern Bihar town.But when Kameshwar Yadav, mastermind of the Bhagalpur riots, was acquitted by Patna High Court last week, hardly any politician spoke on the issue, except the Left.The silence continues because the acquittal was the result of weak investigation and trial due to political compulsions. Yadav allegedly benefited from his proximity to both RJD and BJP and, most importantly, due to JD(U)’s alliance with these parties and Congress. This was the third acquittal for Yadav, 58, who was released from Bhagalpur Jail after 10 years. The case pertains to murder of 15-year-old Qayumuddin, for which the trial court had sentenced Yadav to life imprisonment in 2009. A VHP activist, he was earlier acquitted in two other riot cases.newindian express
Gujarat riot convict gets bail to play daughter’s matchmaker
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gujarat-riot-convict-gets-bail-to-play-daughters-matchmaker/articleshow/59614257.cms
Ahmedabad: A 2002 riots convict has got bail from the Gujarat high court to conduct interviews of suitable boys shortlisted as potential matches for his daughter's engagement.Minesh Patel, a convict in the Ode massacre of Malav Bhagol, where three persons were killed, was sentenced to life imprisonment along with others by a special court in 2012. The court had found him guilty of murder, conspiracy, rioting and arson. TOI
Prohibitory orders clamped in Mangaluru, seer summoned over RSS worker’s murder
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/prohibitory-orders-clamped-in-mangaluru-seer-summoned-over-rss-worker-s-murder/story-uCrX0RLpQhJGus72nPKQ6I.html
Mangaluru:Prohibitory orders were clamped in the city limits on Sunday till July 30 in the wake of recent incidents of communal unrest in parts of Dakshina Kannada district.In a related development, head of a local mutt has been asked to appear before police in connection with his claims that he had “vital leads” on the murder of an RSS worker in nearby Bantwal, police said at the district headquarters here.PTI
INDIA CHINA & KASHMIR
Pak Military Court Rejects Kulbhushan Jadhav’s mercy plea, now Pak Army Chief to Decide on his appeal
http://www.india.com/news/india/military-court-rejects-kulbhushan-jadhavs-clemency-appeal-army-chief-to-decide-pakistan-2324486/
Islamabad: The clemency appeal of imprisoned Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav was rejected by Islamabad’s Military Appellate Court on Sunday, Pakistan Army stated. Jadhav’s plea would now be heard by General Qamar Javed Bajwa,Chief of Army Staff (COAS). “Clemency appeal of Kulbhushan Jadhav was rejected by Military Appellate Court. It is now with COAS, who will decide soon. COAS is looking at each aspect of Kulbhushan Jadhav’s appeal and will decide on its merits,” the statement issued by Pakistan Army said.“Pakistan Army chief is likely to reject the mercy plea. Kulbhushan’s plea would then go to the President. It would not be surprising even when he rejects the clemency appeal. The international community has been apprised about the farcical trials in Pakistan, which led to the conviction of Kulbhushan. ICJ is required to intervene in the matter and stay Kulbhushan execution at all cost,”Defence expert Sushant Sareen said, while speaking to NDTV. india.com
Pak army chief 'analysing' evidence against Kulbhushan: DG Inter Services Public Relations
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistan-army-chief-analysing-evidence-against-kulbhushan-jadhav/articleshow/59619248.cms
Shutdown observed in Anantnag in response to vandalism of local Jamia Masjid; police, protesters clash
http://www.firstpost.com/india/shutdown-observed-in-anantnag-in-response-to-vandalism-of-local-jamia-masjid-police-protesters-clash-3817441.html
Srinagar: Anantnag town in south Kashmir on Saturday observed a shutdown in response to a call given by a religious organisation against the alleged vandalism of the local Jamia Masjid and the arrest of over a dozen youths during clashes, officials said.Movement of traffic was also thin because of the strike call given by the Auqaf Committee Jamia Masjid in the town, the officials said. Anantnag town had witnessed intense clashes between stone-pelters and security forces on Friday shortly after prayers.Auqaf Committee headed by Mirwaiz south Kashmir Qazi Yasir Ahmad had accused security forces of ransacking the Jamia Masjid during the clashes and arresting 14 persons from there.Meanwhile, the Jamia Masjid area in downtown Srinagar also observed a shutdown to mourn the death of terrorist Sajid Ahmad Gilkar who was killed along with two of his associates in a gunbattle with security forces at in Budgam district's Radbugh village on 12 July.PTI
Urge militants to agree to ceasefire, Imam Bukhari asks Pak PM Sharif
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/urge-militants-to-agree-to-ceasefire-jama-masjid-shahi-imam-asks-pak-pm-sharif/story-APfDH9pNa7JWbBciXsSKDN.html
New Delhi:Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the shahi imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, has written to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif urging him to persuade militant youth and Hurriyat leaders to agree to a ceasefire and resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue.In a nearly one-month-old letter, Bukhari said the Kashmir issue was becoming volatile day-by-day, resulting in increase in tension between the two countries and the only practical way to ease tension on the border was initiation of dialogue between India and Pakistan.“Thousands of people are living under the shadow of AK- 47, a life besieged by bloodshed,” he said.This game of death and destruction is making the situation grave. Due to these circumstances, millions of Indian Muslims are also facing a trying situation. Whenever ties between the two countries are tense it directly affects the Muslims of India, Bukhari said.“The Kashmir issue can neither be solved through guns and stones nor through military expeditions. We should create an environment conducive for the talks at the earliest.“Through the exchange of views and dialogue on the larger issues, we all should formulate a strategy that is in the interest of both nations,” he said in the letter.“I request you to kindly persuade the militant youth and Hurriyat leaders to agree for a ceasefire through your good offices and influence,” the shahi imam said.PTI
Shahi Imam Mufti Mukarram back's Imam Bukhari, urges for dialogue with Pak
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/fatehpuri-shahi-imam-back-s-delhi-imam-urges-for-dialogue-with-pak-117071500741_1.html
New Delhi: Shahi Imam of Shahi Masjid Fatehpuri Mufti Mukarram Ahmad on Saturday said Kashmir is India's internal problem and dialogues must be held with Pakistan to find a permanent solution to the ongoing strife in the Valley. Shahai Imam Ahmad's remarks came hours after Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari, wrote a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, urging him to to resolve the unrest in the Kashmir Valley."Kashmir is India's internal problem. We have always advocated for peace in Kashmir and talks should be initiated with them who are creating disturbances. If Pakistan is anyhow being involved, then it is right to talk with them; if it is not, then there is no point in talking with them," Mukarram Ahmad told ANI.Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid said the government's top priority should be to resolve conflict in the Valley."India and Pakistan should hold dialogue to resolve the Kashmir dispute. We want peace and no outside person should be involved in India's integral matter," he added.ANI
RSS condemns Bukhari's letter to Pak PM on Kashmir
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-rss-condemns-bukhari-s-letter-to-pak-pm-on-kashmir-2503276
RSS on Saturday condemned Delhi Jama Masjid?s Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari for urging Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resolve the unrest in the Kashmir valley, stating that the religious leader must clarify on whose behalf he has written the letter."He has, in a way, given an authentication to the Hurriyat by writing such a letter without informing the government. Such authentication is against India's interest and diplomacy. Secondly, he must come out clean and clarify to the nation in what capacity has he written the letter," RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha told ANI. "Has he written the letter on behalf of Sunni leaders or on behalf of Jama Masjid's Imam or that of Indian citizen? The way he has mixed up religion with diplomacy is condemnable," he added.ANI
Imam's letter to Sharif objectionable, doesn't have authority to surpass his govt:BJP
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-imam-s-letter-to-sharif-objectionable-doesn-t-have-authority-to-surpass-his-govt-bjp-2503268
Sajad Threw Stones, Took to Militancy, But Did Not Lynch Police Officer:Family
https://thewire.in/158245/hizbul-militant-police-lynching/
Srinagar: When the news about an encounter in central Kashmir’s Budgam district broke on the evening of July 11, Nazir Ahmad Gilkar of Nowhatta in downtown Srinagar received a call from an unknown number on his mobile. “I am trapped…I may die, I want to talk to mouj (mother),” the voice on the other side said.A mason, Gilkar recognised it was his son Sajad Ahmad, who had gone missing on June 29 and joined a group of militants. But away from home, at work in Pulwama district, he couldn’t fulfil his son’s wish. Restlessness took over him and he left for home. By the time he reached Nowhatta, a hub of pro-azadi sentiment in Srinagar, late in the evening, people had already started to gather outside his home. The family prayed for the entire night, hoping against hope for any good news. But that wasn’t meant to be.the wire
Syed Ali Shah Geelani tones down hawkish stand
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-syed-ali-shah-geelani-tones-down-hawkish-stand-2503492
Srinagar:Seemingly climbing down from his hard-line stand, Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Saturday batted for talks and asked both India and Pakistan to shun rigid and stubborn attitudes in a bid to resolve the vexed Kashmir issue."Dialogue is the only option for the peaceful resolution of all issues.Authorities in India and Pakistan should shun haughty and stubborn attitude and play a constructive role for its peaceful resolution. War and inconsistencies is no option instead they cause devastation and destructions. Both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers and any flare can prove extremely detrimental," said Geelani.Geelani's remarks are seen as a big climb-down from his hawkish stand on dialogue and India. All along, Geelani has been blaming India for stubbornness over the Kashmir issue and bailing out Pakistan at the same time.DNA india
Opposition to demand debate on China’s involvement in Kashmir in Parliament: Congress
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/opposition-to-demand-debate-on-china-s-involvement-in-kashmir-in-parliament-congress/story-io5rWOQsd68E00F351q5qM.html
New Delhi: Observing that differences with China over Kashmir was a new focal point, the Congress said it would seek a debate in Parliament on the issue, while asserting that the party stood with the govt on matters of territorial integrity and national security.The govt has closed all doors for dialogue on Kashmir “which has led to political suffocation in the Valley”, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said.PTI
Beijing won't have formal talks with India; stand-off may continue till winter: Chinese expert
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/beijing-wont-have-formal-talks-with-india-stand-off-may-continue-till-winter-chinese-expert/articleshow/59610373.cms
Beijing: Beijing will not agree to formal talks with New Delhi until Indian troops withdraw from the position they are holding at the Doklam plateau on the Sikkim border, a prominent Chinese expert told TOI in an interview on Saturday.The border stalemate may continue until the harsh winter sets in the area, he said.China is trying to send a signal that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is unlikely to persuade Beijing to begin negotiations without a troop withdrawal from the Indian side during his visit to Beijing later this month.Doval is visiting Beijing to attend a multilateral security dialogue under BRICS on July 27 and 28 and is expected to use the occasion to initiate a dialogue for ending the border stalemate."Our official position is that before Indian troops pull back from Doklam, there will be no talks. It (holding talks) may stir up some uneasy feelings among the ordinary people (in China) who know the recent faceoff in the border area," Hu Shisheng, director of the govt think-tank, Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceanic Studies, said. The situation has become alarming because "both sides cannot afford to be regarded as a loser" by their domestic audience, he said. "There is no room for both sides to sit down and negotiate because the (Chinese) precondition is very clear,"expert said."My personal feeling is that this kind of confrontation in border areas will the until climate becoming more and more inhuman. Finally, because of the weather, Indian troops may pull back, both sides may pull back," Hu said.TOI
16 Amarnath pilgrims killed, about 30 injured as bus skids off highway
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/11-amarnath-pilgrims-killed-in-bus-accident-on-jammu-srinagar-highway/story-URl62Qxod0pSVVX81JpABI.html
At least 16 Amarnath pilgrims were killed and about 30 injured when a bus skidded off the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and rolled down into a deep nullah in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir today, officials said.The bus carrying pilgrims skidded off the road, overturned and rolled down into nullah at Nachlana belt of Ramban late this afternoon, Ramban SSP Mohan Lal said. A rescue operation was underway.“16 people are now confirmed dead, 19 with serious injuries and eight others with minor injuries,” Jammu and Kashmir police said in a statement Sunday.Some of the worst injured are being airlifted to hospital, while others were taken to local clinics for treatment, police said.HT
When a Muslim family took care of holy Hindu shrine: Iftikhar Gilani's story, DNA
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-when-a-muslim-family-took-care-of-holy-hindu-shrine-2503470
Baktok (Pahalgam):A Muslim family took care of the Amarnath cave after shepherd Butta Malik was said to have rediscovered the holiest Hindu shrine.In 2008,Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) ended the Malik family’s association with Lord Shiva. Three parties —Pandits of Mattan Temple, the Mahant and the Malik family — were offered a one-time settlement to make SASB the sole guardian of the shrine.“We were offered Rs 1.5 crore to give away the custodianship. While other two parties took the money, we refused,” Mohammad Afzal Malik tells DNA, sitting in his modest house in his village of Batkot near Pahalgam.An employee in J&K’s roads and buildings dept, he heads the Malik clan of 11 families. “I told the Governor, who heads SASB, that mosques and temples cannot be weighed in money,” he says, adding that his family was never after the proceeds, but that helping pilgrims would give them a spiritual satisfaction. Many sadhus, after resting at Nunwan’s base camp, visit the Maliks before proceeding to the holy cave. “We continue visiting the shrine in turns to do our service to Lord Shiva, by putting up a stall to distribute free medicines,” he says.Though the cave is mentioned in ancient scriptures, it was said to have been rediscovered by Buta Malik some 150 years ago. He encountered a sadhu who gave him a sack of coal that transformed into a precious metal once he returned home. The curious shepherd again visited the cave after a few days and saw a sadhu (believed to be Lord Shiva). Afzal says that his ancestor was told to arrange pilgrimage to the cave from next year and take care of pilgrims. When a group of pilgrims came, there was a lingam inside the magnificent cave. Irrespective of whether the legend is true or not, since the shrine is located within a Muslim majority locality, it was prudent to involve them if not by faith or spiritually, but economically.Afzal agrees that setting up of the SASB has regulated pilgrimage and provided better facilities to pilgrims, but laments that some elements were increasingly trying to keep locals at bay.More than SASB, it was Farooq Abdullah’s govtwho broke the Muslim connection of the shrine. “He always jeered at us, accusing us of taking proceeds from pilgrims. You see our condition, if that had been case, we should have had mansions here,” says Afzal’s father Subhan.
Parents of Victims of 2010 Kashmir Uprising Protest Amarnath Yatra Killings
https://thewire.in/158226/parents-of-vicitms-of-2010-kashmir-uprising-protest-amarnath-yatra-killings/
New Delhi: The families of the teenagers and young men killed by the security forces in the 2010 Kashmir uprising held a protest in Srinagar to condemn the recent killing of seven Amarnath yatris by terrorists in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.The parents, on Saturday afternoon, gathered at Press Enclave in Srinagar and protested under the banner of ‘Parents of Victims of 2010’. Families of the slain civilians carried banners and placards that read “prosecute and punish perpetrators of all killings and we condemn Amarnath yatra killing”, reported Kashmir Times.“We stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased. Having lost our loved ones, we can understand the pain that they are going through. Whosoever has done this barbaric act has acted against humanity”, Abdul Qayoom, father of slain teenager Umar Qayoom, told Greater Kashmir.“Every innocent life matters. While the CM has rightly condemned the killings of Amarnath yatris, there is a criminal silence on her part regarding the killings of the civilians by the state forces, ” Ashraf Mattoo, father of slain teenager Tufail Mattoo, told Greater Kashmir.In 2010 uprising, more than 120 civilians were killed by security forces. The families of Wamiq Farooq of Rainawari, Tufail Matto of Saidakadal and Zahid Farooq Sheikh of Brein Nishat denounced the attack on the Hindu pilgrims and accused the govt of human rights violations.Wamiq Farooq, a class 7 student, was hit by a police teargas shell on his head in Rajouri Kadal on Jan.10, 2010 while Zahid Farooq went out with his friends to play cricket on Feb.5, 2010 when a BSF contingent allegedly opened fire on them, killing Zahid on the spot.The Wire
OTHER
Muslim, Christian households top in donations for charity
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/christian-muslim-households-top-in-donations-for-charity/article19285920.ece?homepage=true
Kolkata: Hindus donated a little over Rs15,600 crore as religious contribution in 2014-15 — 6 times the quantum donated by Muslims — but the per-household contribution of Muslims is marginally higher than that of Hindus, as they are enjoined by religion to give to charity.But the per-household religious contribution of Christians is the highest among all communities, as per data from the 72nd round of National Sample Survey (NSS) on Household Expenditure on Services and Durable Goods. The data were recently extracted from the NSS’ raw findings by a team of researchers led by Sabir Ahamed of the Pratichi Institute and Zakaria Siddiqui, research assistant at the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University. 72nd round was conducted in 2014-15, but could be accessed only in late 2016.Religious contributions are divided under two heads: the contribution to institutions is ‘charity’ and the non-charitable part is under ‘priests and rituals’. Hindus contribute ₹82 per household per month to charities and ₹92 to the priests, while Muslims give ₹126 and ₹54 to charities and Maulanas respectively.Thus, the average monthly household contribution of Muslims is ₹180 while for the Hindus, it is ₹174, the researchers found. Contributions multiplied by each surveyed household of Hindus in the country indicates that the community contributes ₹15,600 crore to priests and charities. The actual contribution of Muslims is ₹2,580 crore. Siddiqui argued that the charity component as a share of total religious expenditure is largest for Muslims, “implying that Muslims are likely to contribute more to those who are poorer than them.”“A higher level of charity by Muslims might be one of the factors behind lower inequality of consumption among Muslims compared to Hindus. NSS estimate of charity for Muslims might actually be an underestimate, since large sums are given away during their holy month of Ramzan,” he said.The per capita religious contribution of Christians and Sikhs is higher than Hindus and Muslims, but the size of the population makes the absolute contribution lower. While the actual contribution of Sikhs is ₹1,716 crore, it is ₹420 crore for the Christians. Ahamed, a senior researcher at the Pratichi Institute, said the data analysis was based on the number of people who incur a religious expenditure.“There is no organised structure to utilise the money which comes as Zakat contribution, especially during Ramzan,” Ahmed said. The Zakat is 2.5% of the assets or savings of a person, who is expected to contribute the amount as per the Quranic instruction for people who are below the level of subsistence.“The actual Zakat collection is presumably much more than what is indicated by NSS,” he said since it is mandatory in Islam to make a religious contribution.“If this amount can be properly channelised — for health, sanitation and education — it would hugely benefit the community,” Ahamed said. thehindu
Missing Indians in Iraq probaly in jail in Badush: Sushma
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-missing-indians-in-iraq-probably-in-jail-in-badush-2503933
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, along with Minister of State (MoS) for Ministry of External Aaffairs (MEA) MJ Akbar and MoS MEA Gen. (Retd.) VK Singh, met families of 39 Indians who are missing in Iraq since 2014.She said that the fighting is still going on in West Mosul and Indian authorities have been informed that the missing Indians were last located in a prison in Badush, so as soon as the area is cleared, further developments would be reported" I have already met them several times, but this time the situation was different as Iraqi PM recently announced that Mosul has been liberated from the ISIS. The very same day I asked VK Singh ji to go to Erbil and personally oversee where are the missing Indians and how can they be rescued," Swaraj said.ANI
Sushma says missing Indian hostages were last located in an Iraqi prison
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-says-missing-indian-hostages-were-last-located-in-an-iraqi-prison/story-Idu5aXDjfeYAi4XfoSBWsK.html
Delhi in dark on 39 men abducted in Mosul
https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170716/jsp/nation/story_162204.jsp
Court rejects plea for CBI probe against PM Modi
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-court-rejects-plea-for-cbi-probe-against-pm-modi-2504027
New Delhi:A special court has junked the plea of a sacked Defence Ministry official for a CBI probe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his alleged inaction on charges of corruption in the Ministry.Dismissing the plea calling it "not maintainable", Special Judge Virender Kumar Goyal said "there are no allegations against the Prime Minister of taking gratification or obtaining (any) valuable thing ..." In the entire complaint, "the nature of allegations made are only that Prime Minister has failed to take action", which do not attract the provisions of Section 14 (habitual committing of offence) of the Prevention of Corruption Act "in any manner", the court said. The order came on a private complaint of KN Manjunatha, who was working in Ministry of Defence (MoD) and was sacked after disciplinary proceedings.PTI
Modi govt planning to replace PTI, UNI with RSS-backed news agency for DD, All India Radio : southlive
http://en.southlive.in/media/2017/07/16/modi-govt-planning-to-replace-pti-uni-with-rss-backed-news-agency-for-prasar-bharati
In what is considered as latest attempt by the govt to gain more control over the media and information flow, the BJP government is believed to be mulling to replace subscription of news agencies like PTI and UNI for Prasar Bharati with RSS backed Hindusthan Samachar.In a most explicit attempt to influence news flow, the Centre has apparently directed the public broadcaster – which runs Doordarshan and All India Radio – to rely the Hindusthan Samachar for basic news.The information was revealed earlier this week by the former I&B minister and current Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari, who tweeted that his “sources in the ministry” told him that the government has instructed Prasar Bharati to terminate the services of largest, old and most reliable news agencies. Tewari further alleged that “pressure” was being exerted on both the news agencies to provide “slanted” feeds, which, in other words, means news which depicts the government only in a positive light. Prasar Bharati officials, the news portal The Wire contacted to confirm the allegation refused to comment on the issue, but admitted that there have been “rumours” about the replacement plan for the past one month. The authorities also claimed that, as of now, DD and AIR continue to use PTI and UNI news feeds.According to an earlier report by the Hindustan Times, the Hindustan Samachar was expecting a major expansion, with some help from the NDA government. In the new policy on print media advertisements, Modi government included the RSS backed agency as one of the three news agencies to which newspapers could subscribe, to score points to qualify for government ads, along with PTI and UNI. The Wire further reports that the government might project the increasing financial burden on Prasar Bharati (because of the high subscription rates charged by PTI and UNI) as the reason to rope in Hindusthan Samachar. The two agencies are together paid Rs 15.75 crore annually. With choosing Hindusthan Samachar for Prasar Bharti, the agency will also get a financial boost.“The replacement plan has been on the cards for some time now. Prasar Bharati was located in the PTI building in New Delhi. Not only was PTI charging exorbitant rent for its space, it also had very high subscription rates. Prasar Bharati was forced to vacate the building consequently. The government may now see this as an opportunity to remove PTI and UNI and bring in one of their agencies,” ex-I&B secretary with intimate knowledge of the goings on at Prasar Bharati was quoted by The Wire.
Numbers favour NDA in Presidential poll to be held tomorrow
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/numbers-favour-nda-in-presidential-poll-to-be-held-on-monday/story-KMdFEQW4fyIlPpC6fyt3vK.html
New Delhi: Election for the next President of India will be held on July 17 where NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind is pitted against opposition nominee Meira Kumar.The counting of votes will take place on July 20 in New Delhi where all the ballot boxes will be brought from various state capitals. The electorate, comprising elected Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members and members of state assemblies, is tilted in favour of the NDA, but the opposition is still working to seek support of some regional parties in favour of their candidate.PTI
Delhi: Minor is home but wants to be with 'husband'
http://www.dnaindia.com/delhi/report-minor-is-home-but-wants-to-be-with-husband-2503609
Delhi: The girl, who reportedly eloped with a neighbour, Iddu Khan and later got 'married' to him, also refused to go back to her parents.A 13-year-old girl who went missing in May and returned on July 7, was found to be three months pregnant.She told police that she wants to stay with the accused, who had surrendered at Saket court, and has been booked under rape and kidnapping.Khan, who works as a cook in a local restaurant, reportedly told the police he had married the girl. He has been booked under Child Marriage Restraint Act. The police have also arrested two of his friends, who acted as witnesses in the marriage.Meanwhile, the minor is currently in the custody of Children Welfare Committee.DNA
Suspecting affair, Muslim man strangles wife to death in south Delhi
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/suspecting-affair-man-strangles-wife-to-death-in-south-delhi/story-k1tXZnOTRhIqQVPzvVntNO.html
Delhi: Suspecting her of having an affair, a 37-year-old man allegedly strangled his wife to death after the two had an argument over the issue. The incident was reported from south east Delhi’s Kotla Mubarakpur area on Friday morning. Shabnam reportedly had a fight with her husband Taiyab a night before as well.The murder was discovered after their landlord Anil Kumar came to meet Taiyab and found the door ajar. When he went inside to check if Taiyab was around, he saw Shabnam lying dead on her bed. He then made a PCR call and informed the police.The neighbours told the police that the couple often fought over the issue. While Taiyab suspected her of having an extra marital affair, Shabnam denied being involved in a relationship outside marriage. Shabnam had reportedly even confided in a neighbour about Taiyab thrashing her.“Taiyab had gone to Saudi Arabia and returned a few months ago. He suspected that while he was out of India, his wife had an affair. He allegedly even checked her phone and always kept a watch on her which often led to arguments between the two,” a police officer said. HT
Mehfuz arrested after hoax call to blow up Red Fort sends police into panic mode
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/man-arrested-after-hoax-call-to-blow-up-red-fort-sends-police-into-panic-mode-4753184/
New Delhi: The Delhi Police went into panic mode when it was alerted by a man about a threat call about blowing up the historical monument Red Fort. However, the call turned out to be a hoax, officials said. The accused, who had made the call “just for fun” was arrested, the police said. The matter was first reported to the Begumpur police station around 7.30 pm on Saturday.Nitin Kumar, who informed the police about the call, recalled the ordeal that he had gone through yesterday. “I was in my digital marketing class when I got a call around 7 pm from a man, claiming to be from Pakistan. He said that there will be a bomb blast at the Red Fort around 8.30 pm. He also claimed that there is a bomb planted in a hotel in Connaught Place,” Kumar was quoted as saying by PTI. A 22-year-old man, identified as Mehfuz, was arrested after personnel from the Paharganj police station visited the hotel. A resident of Kishanganj in Bihar, Mehfuz was working as a manager in the hotel for the last couple of years. indian express
I was victimised, says army’s most decorated officer
http://paper.hindustantimes.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
New Delhi: India’s most decorated officer, Colonel Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, has accused two former army chiefs and a senior serving officer of victimising him for speaking up about a botched operation in 2011 that embarrassed the force.45-year-old Shekhawat has named former chief Gen Bikram Singh, his successor Gen Dalbir Singh and Lt Gen Abhay Krishna in his complaint to the army headquarters.“I am forced, with distress and disillusionment, to state that despite being highest decorated serving officer in the army with an unblemished operational profile, I have been systematically vicitimised by officers at the highest level,” Shekhawat has said in the letter, a copy of which is with HT.Shekhawat’s allegations have brought the focus back on the Jorhat operation that led to an all-out war among India’s top army officers and at one point even threatened to derail the force’s succession plan.Gen Dalbir Singh and Lt Gen Krishna didn’t respond to repeated phone calls or messages. Gen Bikram Singh said he didn’t remember the case. “It is not right for me to comment also, as it’s more than three years that I have retired,” he told HT. HT
WORLD
Israel reopens al-Aqsa Mosque compound
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/07/israel-reopens-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-170716101448094.html
Israeli authorities gradually reopened the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday following a two-day closure, as religious officials condemned new security measures put in place following a deadly gun battle. The ultra-sensitive compound was closed on Friday after 3 Palestinian citizens of Israel shot 2 Israeli officers dead in the Old City before fleeing to the al-Aqsa compound where they were killed by Israeli police.Palestinian worshippers on Sunday refused to enter the holy site for midday prayers after metal detectors and cameras were added to the compound's gates.Dozens of worshippers gathered to pray at an entrance to the compound next to the Lions' Gate entry to the Old City. "We reject the changes imposed by the Israeli government," Sheikh Omar Kiswani, the director of al-Aqsa Mosque, told reporters outside.Earlier in the day, Kiswani told Voice of Palestine radio station the additional security measures were part of a "dangerous and unprecedented move" by Israeli authorities "to impose control over al-Aqsa Mosque".Israel's highly unusual decision of closing the al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers triggered anger from Palestinians and authorities in Jordan, the holy site's custodian. aljazeera
Gazans left without electricity for 30 continuous hours
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170715-gazans-left-without-electricity-for-30-continuous-hours/
Palestinians took to demonstrate against the dire situation they are living in after electricity supplies in Gaza were cut further, resulting in Gaza having no electricity for 30 continuous hours for the first time since the electricity crisis began earlier in 2017.Gaza’s last functioning turbine was shut down on Wednesday due to a severe shortage of fuel, plunging the Strip into near total darkness, according to Haaretz.Gazans protested to raise awareness of the unfolding humanitarian disaster in the besieged enclave as a result of the power crisis and salary cuts imposed by the Palestinian Authority in occupied Ramallah on 14 July 2017. middleeastmonitor
Reopen 15 cases against Nawaz Sharif, recommends Panama panel
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-reopen-15-cases-against-nawaz-sharif-recommends-panama-panel-2504014
Islamabad: The joint investigation team which looked into Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family assets in London following the the Panama Papers leak scandal has recommended reopening of 15 cases against the embattled leader, a media report said today.The high-profile scandal is about alleged money laundering by Sharif in 1990s, when he twice served as prime minister, to purchase assets in London. The assets surfaced when Panama Papers leak last year revealed that they were managed through offshore companies owned by Sharif's children. The six-member JIT which probed the issue submitted its final report to the Supreme Court on July 10. It said the lifestyle of Sharif and his children were beyond their known sources of income, and recommended filing of a new corruption case against them. Sharif has dismissed the report as a "bundle of baseless allegations". According to the report in Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, the JIT has asked the court to reopen 15 old cases, including five cases decided by the Lahore High Court, eight investigations and two inquiries against the prime minister. PTI
Boycott to continue until Qatar changes its policies: Saudi envoy to India
http://smartinvestor.business-standard.com/market/story-471041-storydet-Boycott_to_continue_until_Qatar_changes_its_policies_Saudi_envoy_to_India.htm#.WWtr7EZ961s
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/boycott-to-continue-until-qatar-changes-its-policies-saudi-envoy-to-india-117071500841_1.html
New Delhi:Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to India, Saud Mohammed Alsati, tells Aditi Phadnis that his country along with 3 others cut diplomatic and consular ties with Qatar because it reneged on its past commitments and assurances and continued to shelter extremist and terror groups. Arabia’s ambassador, "It is important to understand why the four countries — Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE and Bahrain — took the step of cutting diplomatic and consular ties with Qatar. We have been engaging with Qatar since 2012 and before to persuade them to stop their support for extremist and terrorist groups that are destabilising the security of other GCC countries. Qatari government signed agreements to this effect in 2013 and 2014. Despite these assurances, Qatar has been supporting terrorist groups and meddling in the internal affairs of our country. As a result of this, our country decided to boycott Qatar in the interests of our national security and to persuade Qatar to abandon its divisive agenda. 13 demands submitted to the Qatar government were to fulfil their previous pledges and commitments that were originally stated in the agreements that Qatar signed in 2013 and 2014. Demands were fully in line with the spirit of what Qatar had agreed upon earlier. Despite the end of 10-day deadline, our countries gave Qatar another 48 hours in good faith. However, Qatar’s response was disappointing. Hence, the political and economic measures will continue until Qatar changes its policies for the better.Let me emphasise that we are not against the people of Qatar. Our disappointment is with the behaviour of Qatar’s authorities. I am sure all of us in the GCC wish to restore the ties that our countries have shared in the past, but Qatar’s government must end its violations and support for extremism and terrorism for that to happen." Business Standard
Air raids kill 10 in Syria's Eastern Ghouta: SOHR
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/07/air-strikes-kill-10-syria-eastern-ghouta-sohr-170716043617281.html
At least 10 people have been killed by aerial bombardment in the opposition-held Damascus suburb of Ein Tarma, according to a UK-based monitor. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said at least two children were among those killed in the air attacks on Friday.The assault took place in the eastern Ghouta region, which has been partially besieged by the Syrian govt since 2013. Located about 15km outside of Damascus, region is the biggest remaining opposition bastion in the Syrian capital's suburbs.SOHR said several people were seriously injured and the death toll was expected to rise.aljazeera
Syrian army takes more oil fields from Daesh in Raqqa and eastern desert
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170716-syrian-army-takes-more-oil-fields-from-islamic-state-in-raqqa-and-eastern-desert/
Syrian army backed by heavy Russian air strikes seized a string of oil wells in south-west Raqqa province on Saturday, as retreating Daesh militants battle to defend their remaining territory in the country.State-owned Ikhbariyah TV quoted a military source as saying the army had taken control of Wahab, al Fahd, Dbaysan, al-Qseer, Abu al Qatat and Abu Qatash oil fields and several other villages in the desert area that lies in the south-west of Raqqa province.The seized oil fields lie south of the town of Rasafa and its oil wells, which the army took last month from the militants in their first major territorial gains inside the province. middleeastmonitor
Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi still alive: Iraqi intelligence official
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/daesh-leader-still-alive-iraqi-intelligence-official/862797
Baghdad:An Iraqi intelligence officer said Sunday that Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was still alive. Last month, the Russian Defense Ministry media said that al-Baghdadi was believed to have been killed in an airstrike in Syria. US officials, however, said they don't have any proof confirming the Daesh leader's death. "Al-Baghdadi is still hiding in Syria in an area outside [the northern Syrian province of] Raqqah," Abu Ali al-Basri, the head of the intelligence and anti-terrorism department at the Iraqi Interior Ministry, told the local Al-Sabah newspaper. He insisted that reports speaking about al-Baghdadi's death were untrue. Anadolu agency
Iran detains Rouhani's brother on financial charges
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/07/iran-detains-rouhani-brother-financial-charges-170716125113930.html
The younger brother of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been detained on financial crime charges, the judiciary has announced.Hossein Fereydoun is accused of receiving zero-interest loans and influencing the appointment of a bank director who Rouhani had to dismiss for taking an enormous salary. Conservatives have demanded Fereydoun be put on trial.The detention of Fereydoun on Sunday comes a year after the head of the General Inspection Organisation, Naser Seraj, accused him of financial violations. "Multiple investigations have been conducted regarding this person, also other people have been investigated, some of whom are in jail," deputy judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejeie said in a televised press conference."Yesterday, bail was issued for him but because he failed to secure it he was referred to prison," Ejeie said, adding that he would be released if he secures bail, pending trial.Fereydoun has acted as a key advisor and gatekeeper to the reformist Iranian leader who was re-elected in May. aljazeera
FLASH: NEWS & VIEWS
A Dangerous Arrogance of Power Is Setting In:HARISH KHARE, editor-in-Chief of Tribune
https://thewire.in/157518/narendra-modi-ram-nath-kovind-democracy-india/
New caste war in UP: 152 of 312 new law officers appointed by Adityanath are Brahmins: Over 90% of new appointments are from so-called upper castes: Dhirendra K Jha
https://scroll.in/article/843732/new-caste-war-in-uttar-pradesh-152-of-the-312-new-law-officers-appointed-by-adityanath-are-brahmins
‘Kashmir wants Islamic rule like Saudi Arabia': Much has changed from Burhan Wani to Zakir Musa:Ipsita Chakravarty & Rayan Naqash, scroll.in
https://scroll.in/article/843803/kashmir-wants-islamic-rule-like-saudi-arabia-militancy-has-changed-from-burhan-wani-to-zakir-musa
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:38 PM)
