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Evening NEWS DIGEST
15 Aug. 2017: 22 Zulqidah 1438:Vol:8, No:256
INDIA
PM’s Independence Day speech:No place for violence in name of astha, India is about shanti, ekta & sadbhavana’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/narendra-modi-red-fort-india-independence-day-speech-demonetisation-cow-vigilantism-4797432/
New Delhi: On the occasion of the 71st Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi, who had used his speeches from the ramparts of Red Fort to highlight his Govt ’s focus for the year, spoke on his vision of New India – a corruption-free, violence-free India where people live in equality without caste and communal differences.However, Modi, who had called for a moratorium on caste and communal violence for 10 years in his first Independence Day address in 2014, had to address a series of incidents of violence across the country in the name of cow vigilantism. Modi said: “Violence in the name of ‘Astha’ is not something to be happy about, it will not be accepted in India. India is about Shanti, Ekta and Sadbhavana. Casteism and communalism will not help us.”Modi emphasised on his ideas and visions about the New India, about which he first talked about at his party HQRS following BJP’s stunning election victory in state polls conducted in Feb-March.His address, which at around 56 minutes was the shortest ever, kept mentioning about demonetisation as an effective measure against the fight against corruption and blackmoney as he had promised in the run-up to 2014 Lok Sabha poll. indianexpress
PM Modi sends across strong message against 'killing in the name of faith'
http://www.abplive.in/india-news/pm-modi-sends-across-strong-message-against-killing-in-the-name-of-faith-566088
PM Modi commends Muslim women fighting triple talaq
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pm-modi-independence-day-speech-triple-talaq-muslim-women/1/1026291.html
New Delhi:In his fourth Independence Day speech today, PM Narendra Modi praised Muslim women battling the practice of triple talaq and said the entire country supports them."I pay my respects to those women who had to lead miserable lives due to Triple Talaq and then started a movement which created an environment in the whole nation against the practice," Modi said here in his speech on the occasion of Independence Day. PM said he respected all these women. "I want to tell them that they will succeed as the whole country supports them in this significant step towards women's empowerment."A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on May 18 on a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the practices of triple talaq among Muslims after 6-days of marathon hearings.CJI KS Khehar retires on Aug.27 and, therefore, 5-judge bench headed by him is expected to deliver its verdict on or before that.IndiaToday
Only love, not bullets or abuse can resolve Kashmir’s problems, says Modi in Independence Day speech
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/only-love-can-resolve-kashmir-s-problems-says-pm-modi-in-independence-day-speech/story-kO18az07XMev5sb5U9mucP.html
Only love and not bullets or abuse can help resolve the dragging problem in J&K, PM Narendra Modi said today. “We are committed for the development of J&K and this is also the resolve of every Indian,” the PM said in his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort.Modi said the separatist campaign in the state cannot be resolved by “gaali se” (abuse) or “goli se” (bullet) but by embracing every Kashmiri. But Modi made it clear that there would be no letup while dealing with the separatists. At the same, he appealed to the terrorists to join the mainstream. “You have every right to make your voices heard in Indian democracy.”HT
Bullets or abuse won’t solve Kashmir issue, love will: Modi
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/on-independence-day-modi-wants-indians-to-make-a-new-india-with-the-resolve-that-won-freedom/story-muF0E9o8iFBdbfOf7ZSNXM.html
With facts and figures, PM Modi eyes the future but looks the other way on Pak, China
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/narendra-modi-independence-day-speech-red-fort-kashmir-corruption-gst-the-promise-of-future/
Hope Modi’s advice on not using ‘abuse and bullets’ covers security forces too: Omar Abdullah
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hope-modi-s-advice-on-not-using-abuse-and-bullets-covers-security-forces-too-omar-abdullah/story-9nlKa16ziXdAKBa5eReXbK.html
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Tuesday hoped that PM Narendra Modi’s assertion that the Kashmir problem cannot be resolved by “abuse” and “bullets” will be applicable to security forces too.“Actually he (Modi) said Kashmir issue will not be resolved by abuse and bullets. I guess that covers both sides - terrorists and security forces,” he tweeted.IANS
Mehbooba: Have faith that SC will reject appeal to abrogate Article 35 A
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mehbooba-have-faith-that-supreme-court-will-reject-appeal-to-abrogate-article-35-a/story-QjlXYQVz7dWeKSnttQgneN.html
Srinagar: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti is hopeful that the Supreme Court will uphold the special status of the state and reject any attempt to abrogate Article 35 A of the Constitution.In her Independence Day speech at Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar, she criticised “elements in India”’ who have approached Supreme Court challenging Article 35 A which gives special privileges to residents of J&K .“The state is crown of India it should remain the crown. Like in the state there are people who want to take us back to pre-independence era, in the country also there are elements who want to create trouble and take us even back to 1947,” she said.Expressing faith in the apex court, Mehbooba said, “I have faith in the Supreme Court of India that whenever attempts were made to target the special status of the state, the SC upheld Kashmir’s status. I am sure like in the last 70 years they will reject the plea this time as well.”While stopping short of threatening agitation on the issue, the CM, however, said that the political parties in Kashmir are united on the issue.“When it comes to the state we (parties) are united. The fight for winning elections is different but we will all unite in case there are any such attempts,” she said. Mehbooba Mufti reiterated that she has got assurance from the PM Modi when she called on him last week. But she did not disclose what the assurances were. Mehbooba again batted for restoring differences with Pakistan through dialogue.Political parties both mainstream and separatist have warned of an “unheard off agitation” staring the valley in the face if the Article 35 A is abrogated.HT
Article 35A controversy is PDP-BJP alliance’s diversionary ploy: J&K Congress chief Mir
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/article-35a-controversy-is-pdp-bjp-alliances-diversionary-ploy-ghulam-ahmed-mir/articleshow/60070724.cms
New Delhi:J&K Congress president Ghulam Ahmed Mir has accused the ruling PDP-BJP alliance of stagemanaging the controversy over Article 35A — which accords special rights and privileges to the state citizens — to shift public focus away from the "many failures" of Mufti-led Govt . Mir said the ongoing case in the Supreme Court, challenging the validity of Article 35A, has been filed at the behest of BJP as part of a plot with an eye on the upcoming Gujarat polls. timesofindia
Geelani’s son-in-law, 3 other separatist leaders sent to judicial custody for 14 days
https://scroll.in/latest/847238/syed-geelanis-son-in-law-three-other-separatist-leaders-sent-to-judicial-custody-for-14-days
A Delhi court has sent 4 Kashmiri separatists, including Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah, to jail for 14 days in a terror funding case. Duty magistrate Pankaj Sharma’s order came after NIA submitted that Shah, Peer Saifullah,Mehrajuddin Kalwal and Nayeem Khan were no longer needed for interrogation. scroll
Thousands attend Hizb commander Yasin Itoo's funeral in Kashmir: Greater Kashmir
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/front-page/thousands-attend-hizb-commander-s-funeral-in-nagam/257638.html
Budgam:Braving rains, thousands of people flooded Nagam area of Budgam district on Monday to participate in the funeral of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Muhammad Yasin Itoo alias Mehmood Ghaznavi. Ghaznavi and two other militants were killed in an 18-hour gunfight at Awneera, Shopian on Sunday. Itoo’s body reached Nagam at 9:30pm on Sunday following which the locals decided to offer his funeral prayers at 10am on Monday. Thousands of people remained awake for the entire night and were joined by several militants amid pro-freedom and pro-Islam sloganeering in the village, according to witnesses. Surprisingly, the militants did not give a gun-salute to the slain commander.With the first light of the day on Monday, people arrived in Nagam on motorbikes, tippers, sumos and other vehicles. The Govt forces were manning all roads leading to the village to curb movement of people ostensibly to prevent the gathering at the commander’s funeral from becoming bigger.The first funeral prayer was offered at 10am in which at least 20,000 people participated. The funeral was offered in the compound of girls higher secondary school, Nagam. Funeral prayers were offered at least five times and each time, thousands of people attended these, a witness said. Itoo was later laid to rest in a common graveyard as per the wish he had made to his father. The slain militants are normally laid to rest in local martyrs’ graveyards.Soon after his funeral ended, thousands of people raised pro-freedom and pro-Islam slogans and staged a massive demonstration. The entire district observed a complete shutdown to mourn the Shopian killings. Govt had imposed restrictions in Srinagar areas falling under jurisdiction of 5 police stations to thwart any protests against the killing of 2 civilians by Govt forces in Shopian and Pulwama districts on Sunday. Restrictions remained in place at Nowhatta, Rainawari, Khanyar, MR Gunj and Safakadal.
UN chief concerned about India’s plans to deport Rohingya refugees
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/un-chief-concerned-about-india-s-plans-to-deport-rohingya-refugees/story-EEkI5PlOKUgZOOPeasoKaM.html
UN secretary general Antonio Guterres is concerned about India’s plans to deport Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, his spokesperson has said, underlining that refugees should not be returned to countries where they fear persecution once they are registered.“Obviously, we have our concerns about the treatment of refugees. Once refugees are registered, they are not to be returned back to countries where they fear persecution,” Guterres’ deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said. Haq was responding to a question on India’s plans to deport Rohingyas from Myanmar regardless of whether they are registered as UN refugees or not.Haq said UN principles of non-refoulement applies in this case. According the these principles, no nation shall expel or return a refugee in any manner to territories where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. When asked which agency would convey this message to India, Haq said the first point of contact will be through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.PTI
All Rohingya Muslim refugees are illegal immigrants, will be deported despite UN status, says Centre
https://scroll.in/latest/847215/all-rohingya-muslim-refugees-are-illegal-immigrants-will-be-deported-despite-un-status-says-centre
Hatred was much less in 1947 than now: Kuldip Nayar
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/interviews/the-hatred-was-much-less-in-1947-than-now-kuldip-nayar-2
While noting that Muslims have been relegated to the status of second-class citizens, Kuldip Nayar nevertheless firmly believes that no single community will ever have absolute control over India. Nayar said, "18 and odd crore Muslims living in this country have no say in anything.They have no representative in Govt, marginal representation in the public sector and even less in the private sector. They live in slums and stay with other Muslims so that they don’t get killed. It is true that there is not as much violence today as during the Partition but Muslims still have no say here." Replying to the question that Muslims are being treated as second class citizens here, Nayar said, "They have accepted it now.They have accepted that they have to bear the Cross for the creation of Pakistan. The population is divided. In Vasant Vihar, there are just a few Muslims. And they don’t feel safe.Jinnah used to tell Muslims that if they stayed in India, they would be treated as second class citizens. Is it happening today? He used to say that to appeal to people to come to Pakistan. Otherwise, he used to talk about development, progress and even minority rights.Jinnah had once come to our Law College in 1946. He was saying the same things like Hindus and Muslims are different ‘kaums’ and there had to be 2 nations.I asked him, after Pakistan’s creation, what would be Pakistan’s stand if India were to fight a war with a third country? He said, “Our soldiers will fight by your side. The blood will flow together and we will drive out the enemy.”Much later I once narrated this to Lal Bahadur Shashtri when I worked with him. He said, “When the Chinese attacked us in 1962, if they had come to fight with us and, if then, they would have asked for Kashmir, saying ‘no’ would have been very difficult!” Kuldip Nayar added, "Gandhi’s, Nehru’s or Maulana Azad’s idea of India was such that everyone would live together, all religions would be respected, etc. I remember at a prayer meeting someone said, “Bapu, we don’t want to hear ‘Pakistan’ every day.” Bapu said then there would be no prayer meeting. For three days, the meetings didn’t take place. Then the man apologised and the meetings resumed." National Herald India
RSS chief Bhagwat hoists Indian flag in Kerala school, defies collector’s order
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-ignores-govt-order-hoists-tri-colour-in-school-in-kerala/story-Un4etbxrJrzVUVGmtsBjrO.html
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat unfurled the tri colour at a school in Palakkad district on Independence Day flouting an order of the district administration banning him from doing it. Police said they will file a case against the school.It was not immediately known whether the district administration will book RSS chief. Collector Mary Kutty had restrained Govt-aided school Monday night saying it was not proper for a political leader to hoist the national flag in a Govt-aided school. The Collector said the head teacher or a students’ representative of the school can unfurl the flag. The order was delivered to the school by a tehsildar and deputy superintendent of police hours before the function which was scheduled for 9 am.Kerala’s culture Minister AK Balan slammed RSS saying its real face was exposed yet again. “RSS chief has insulted the national flag. Though he was restrained from hoisting the flag in a Govt -aided school he went ahead with the plan flouting all norms. It shows the organisation’s attitude towards the existing laws,” he said. The Govt will explore legal options against the school and saffron outfit, he added. hindustantimes
Muslim teacher leads Independence Day celebrations in flooded Assam school
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/aug/15/muslim-teacher-leads-independence-day-celebrations-in-flooded-assam-school-1643511--1.html
Guwahati: Knee-deep water in his school did not dampen the spirit of an Assam teacher, who along with three colleagues and 2minor students hoisted national flag during Independence Day celebrations today.Tazem Sikdar, headmaster of state-run Naskara Lower Primary School in Fakirganj of western Assam’s Dhubri district said they seized the opportunity to inculcate patriotism among the students. The two students, Jiarul Ali Khan and Haidor Ali Khan, both students of class 3.“It was Independence Day and a very big occasion for all of us Indians. Our school got flooded on Monday but I told my three colleagues that we have to celebrate it along with the students. During the flag hoisting we took along two students who know how to swim. It was risky but we took them along. The rest of the students and locals observed the hoisting of the national flag from a road nearby,” 49-year-old Sikdar said. After the celebration, students were treated with chocolates. The school has classes up to V and some 200 students, all Muslims, from Naskara and four adjoining villages.New Indian Express
Independence Day row: Barelvi madrasas defy Yogi govt order on national anthem
http://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/independence-day-row-barelvi-madarsas-defy-yogi-govt-order-on-national-anthem/story-kYqMaDfQwHMZ8mhbrsK02H.html
Chandigarh shocker: 12-year-old raped while returning from Independence Day school event
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/independence-day-chandigarh-rape-minor-schoolgirl/1/1026452.html
Chandigarh:In a shocking incident, a minor schoolgirl was allegedly raped by a man in Chandigarh today morning. The incident took place at a children's park located near the victim's residence. Girl, according to the family members, was returning home after taking part in Independence Day celebrations held at a Govt model senior secondary school. Girl is a class eight student. Victim told her parents about the incident as soon as she reached home. The family informed the police who took her to the spot and later for a medical examination.The incident took place when the Independence Day parade was in full swing at a ground in Sector 17. 12-year-old rape victim belongs to a poor family and her father works as a gardener. indiatoday
Vande Mataram in Mumbai schools: 'Reject proposal,' Muslim corporators tell municipal commissioner
http://www.mid-day.com/articles/vande-mataram-in-school-muslim-corporators-tell-bmc-chief-ajoy-mehta-mumbai-news/18506191
The proposal to make singing of 'Vande Mataram' mandatory at all BMC-run schools has hit a sour note with Muslim corporators. Across party lines, the corporators have written to the municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta, asking him to reject the demand.Among the complaining corporators, Samajwadi Party group leader Rais Shaikh has written to the BMC chief. Shaikh claims the proposal is a clear violation of Article 28 (1) of the Constitution, which states that no religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of state funds.Shaikh said, "In our religion, we can only worship Allah. Vande Mataram means worship to mother, which is not allowed, as Allah is almighty. The Constitution also makes it clear that no religious instruction shall be provided in the educational institution."Congress corporator Mehar Mohsin Haider, too, has written to Mehta. Her letter states, "Even the Supreme Court refused to make singing of the national anthem compulsory in Kerala. Also, before Patel's proposal, a similar proposal had been tabled in 1973, 1998 and 2004. The civic chief had rejected the proposal every single time saying there is no such rule."mid-day
Gorakhpur Tragedy: Protest Held at UP Bhawan in Delhi
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/gorakhpur-tragedy-protest-held-at-uttar-pradesh-bhawan-in-delhi?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi: Scores of students, social workers and human rights activists on Monday staged a protest demonstration outside the UP Bhawan in Delhi over the deaths of children at a Govt hospital in Gorakhpur - parliamentary constituency of UP CM Yogi Adityanath.In the last one week, more than 70 children have reportedly died at the state-run BRD Medical College and Hospital in Gorakhpur - some of them allegedly due to shortage of oxygen supply at the hospital. Protestors were shouting slogans against BJP govt of UP . They also demanded resignation of CM Yogi. JNUSU president Mohit Pandey, social activist Nadim Khan and SIO PR Secretary Syed Azharuddin addressed the gathering. Facing strong criticism of Opposition, Yogi govt has ordered magisterial probe into the deaths of children.IndiaTomorrow
Shia Waqf Board plea over Babri Masjid made under pressure, says Kalbe Jawab, rejects Kalbe Sadiq's proposal to allow Ram Mandir construction
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/waqf-board-plea-made-under-pressure/article19493342.ece
New Delhi: Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawab has dismissed as a statement made under duress the Shia Waqf Board’s affidavit to the Supreme Court claiming ownership of the disputed site where the Babri Masjid stood and its offer to “build a mosque a little distance away from the disputed site”. He said the statement of Maulana Kalbe Sadiq, vice-president of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, that Muslims should agree to the construction of a Ram temple on the disputed site was meant to curry favour with the govt.Maulana Jawad, who heads the Anjuman-e-Haidari, said:“Current govt in UP has recommended a CBI probe into some scams in the working of the Shia Waqf Board, and we feel [Board chairman] Waseem Rizvi’s affidavit is related to it.”State govt has recommended a probe into allegations of misappropriation on a report from a member of the Central Waqf Board council.“As for the Maulana Sadiq’s speech, it is his personal opinion, perhaps aimed at some influence he may want to exert on the Govt ,” he said. He said the Board’s affidavit in the SC claiming to be a party to the Babri Masjid case had come 70 years too late. A court in Fizabad in 1946 ruled in favour of the Sunni Waqf Board in the claim to the land and the Shia Board had not appealed against the verdict.“Even as the Shia Waqf Board chairman, you are only the caretaker of the property; you cannot give it away. A Masjid belongs to Allah, it is no one’s personal property,” Maulana Kalbe Jawad said. “ He [Waseem Rizvi] is surrounded by CBI because of what he did, and he is trying to get out of the situation.”He said he was awaiting the SC’s verdict and was not supportive of this affidavit. the hindu
Economist Jean Dreze forced to cut short speech on 'growing communalism' after furore by Jharkhand leader
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/jean-dreze/300383
Renowned economist and social activist Jean Dreze was made to cut short his speech on "growing communalism" in Jharkhand after the state's agriculture minister Randhir Kumar Singh created furore over his remarks on Monday. Dreze was speaking at an event organised by a Hindi daily, where he commented on the functioning of saffron organisations like RSS and Bajrang Dal."Communalism, today, is not only a tool for stray outfits like Bajrang Dal and Islmaic state.Even the govt's policies, especially the Jharkhand state, also reflects the communal agendas," he said. While slamming the state govt's advertisement targeting Christian missionaries against conversion activities in the tribal belt, he pointed out the 'misquotation' of Gandhiji's statement. Barely 4 minutes into his speech, as he raked the issue of RSS' communal agenda, Singh and some other people sitting in the audience stood up in protest."What do you know about Sangh," he yelled.Outlook
Documentary on Rohith Vemula aims to address caste discrimination and Dalit-Muslim solidarity
http://twocircles.net/2017aug14/415073.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Hyderabad:In March 2015, Satya Chakra, 44-year-old documentary filmmaker from Hyderabad, conceived an idea of making a short documentary on problems faced by students in Hyderabad University. During his research, he met Rohith Vemula on the university campus, where they discussed the idea the whole night sipping cups of tea.“When I told him my idea, Rohith readily agreed to help me and I remember how promptly he said ‘sure Anna’ when I asked him for his cooperation,” recalls Satya.But just as Satya was yet to start the work on the documentary, the news of Rohith’s suicide on January 17, 2016, shattered him.“I knew him personally and how strong a person he was. But I was completely numb when I came to know how authorities had moved him to the verge of suicide,” he said.Immediately after Rohith’s suicide, Satya decided to tell his story; the story of Rohith Vemula.“I think Rohith’s story should be in our minds forever and we should seek an end to the issues addressed by him. Dalit, Muslims and other marginalised communities are suffering since ages at the hands of the majority communities and castes. Rohith death was continuity of it,” says Satya.Satya stayed on the Hyderabad university campus for around two months to gain the first-hand knowledge of student activism.TwoCircles
Attack by cow vigilantes in Bihar hits meat-beef supply in Kolkata
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/attack-by-cow-vigilantes-in-bihar-hits-meat-beef-supply-in-kolkata-117081401147_1.html
Kolkata: The overall supply of both meat and beef in Kolkata has dipped by 25 to 30% following the recent attack by cow vigilantes in Bihar, traders said on Monday.According to the Calcutta Beef Dealers' Association, in the wake of attack on three men by alleged cow vigilantes on the suspicion of transporting beef in a truck in Bihar's Bhojpur district, traders in West Bengal are apprehensive about sourcing cattle from the neighbouring state."Earlier in the city's largest cattle trading hub in Ilambazar, we used to get around 30 lorries of cattle from Bihar every day... Now, if we get even 3 to 4, then we feel lucky," said association's head Mohammed Ali. He said the business was already on a downfall following the crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses in UP."People directly employed in the cattle and slaughterhouse trade are now looking for other stable means of livelihood as any fresh incident brings uncertainty. Overall impact on supply to consumers is beginning to be felt now," said Ali."Since cattle are used for daily milk consumption as well, prices of cottage cheese and milk have also increased in some places," he added.IANS
Instead of cow slaughter, ban manslaughter: Activists
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/instead-of-cow-slaughter-ban-manslaughter-activists/articleshow/60064071.cms
Jalandhar: As representatives of Sikh, Dalit and Muslim organizations gathered at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Mission at a function and later a protest march organized by Dal Khalsa on the eve of August 15 celebrations, they took serious note of misuse of archaic sedition laws, lynching of Dalits and Muslims by cow-vigilantes and imposing "pseudo-nationalism" on minorities.Taking a dig at the Sangh Parivar, the speakers held that that Sangis on the pretext of protecting the animal were using it as an electoral milch cow. "Even the Congress is soft-peddling Hindutva," they said. They questioned that why cow slaughter ban in India and why not a man slaughter ban in the country while referring to mass killings of minorities and Dalits by frenzied communal mobs with the logistics support from mainstream parties and the establishment in different parts at different times.Punjab and Haryana High court advocate and noted human rights lawyer Rajwinder Bains said that while there were talks about sscrapping Article 370 of the Constituition but instead this Artucle should be implemented across the country to give more rights to the states. "This would rather help to check calls for separation. The states wouldhave more rights and they would also remain together and parts of the same country," he argued.Meanwhile JNU student leader Umar Khalid also participated in the function. He heldt that what happened in Gorakhpur was not a tragedy but a man made major disaster which led to death of several little kids.
Kerala man in ‘love jihad’ case being heard by SC hopes to get back his wife
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-man-in-love-jihad-case-being-heard-by-sc-hopes-to-get-back-his-wife/story-ADtrPhXa3sesVMUpW8TMnM.html
Thiruvananthapuram: Sitting alone in his house in Kerala’s Kollam’s district, 26-year-old Shefin Jahan has pinned all his hopes on the Supreme Court that will take up on Wednesday his plea challenging the Kerala High Court’s verdict annulling his marriage with Akhila Ashokan alias Hadiya. The case hit national headlines after the Supreme Court directed the NIA to study the Kerala police report on Hadiya’s conversion and subsequent allegations of “love jihad” and submit a report.“It is a serious rights violation. Both are adults and married with consent. I am expecting a favourable decision from the highest court of the country,” said Jahan, a Gulf returnee. He claims the police and Hadiya’s parents dragged various theories, including the disappearance of 21 youth from the state, to get the verdict in their favour.He said Hadiya’s father KM Ashokan (an ex-serviceman) had given an affidavit before the court saying that Jahan was a member of a fundamentalist outfit and involved in three criminal cases.“Though I was a member of the PFI, I am not active now. There is only a single case and that too relates to campus politics,” he claims, alleging that an attempt was made to turn it into a terror-related case.“2 other criminal cases involving a person bearing my name were added to my case. It was a mistake on the part of the police. I have collected all details and sent them to my counsel. I hope our conjugal rights will be restored soon,” he said, adding the disappearance of youth from the state triggered knee-jerk reactions from many quarters. His counsel had opposed the move to entrust the case to NIA inviting criticism from the apex court. After the high court annulled their marriage on May 24, Hadiya, a homeopathy doctor, was sent to her father’s house. “She is under house arrest. I sent her three letters but they were returned saying recipient was not willing to accept them. I heard she is still practising Islam and was being pressurized to re-convert,” he said. HT
Finish work at Haji Ali dargah by year-end: SC
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/finish-work-at-haji-ali-dargah-by-year-end-sc/article19493242.ece
New Delhi:Urging the Maharashtra Govt to seize the “great opportunity” and take the initiative to beautify Haji Ali dargah and its surroundings in Mumbai, the Supreme Court on Monday said it “hoped and expected” the work to be completed by Dec.31 so that the visitors in the new year can see the famed shrine in all its splendour.A Bench of Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud directed that a meeting be held on Sept.4 by the Mumbai Collector and all other stakeholders to finalise the proposed beautification plans.
Haji Ali Dargah: SC applauds Govt’s anti-encroachment drive around shrine
https://scroll.in/latest/847164/haji-ali-dargah-sc-applauds-maharashtra-Govt s-anti-encroachment-drive-around-shrine
Malegaon blast: SC to hear pleas of Purohit, Thakur on 17 Aug
http://www.ptinews.com/news/8982589_Malegaon-blast--SC-to-hear-pleas-of-Purohit--Thakur.html
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has said the issue of granting bail to former Lieutenant Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit and cancellation of bail of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, both accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, needed detailed consideration.A bench of Justices RK Agrawal and MM Shantanagoudar listed the case for hearing on Aug. 17, saying "this matter requires lengthy hearing" as both the pleas are on similar facts.Purohit has moved the apex court challenging the Bombay High Court's order dismissing his bail plea.Nisar Ahmed Haji Sayed Bilal, father of one of the blast victims, has challenged the Bombay HC order granting bail to Thakur alleging that she was a "powerful person" and could influence the witnesses in the case. He has sought a stay on the high court's April 25 order granting her bail, saying there was "no prima facie evidence against her".4,000-page charge sheet had alleged that Malegaon was selected as the blast target because of a sizeable Muslim population there. It had named Thakur, Purohit and co-accused, Swami Dayanand Pandey as the key conspirators.Ajay Rahirkar, another accused, allegedly organised funds for the terror act, while conspiracy meetings were held at Bhonsala Military School in Nasik, it had said.PTI
With 23 MLAs, TTV Dinakaran shows his strength, gets in the way of merger
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/with-23-mlas-t-t-v-dinakaran-shows-his-strength-gets-in-the-way-of-merger-tamil-nadu-aiadmk-merger-4797071/
In A major setback to AIADMK’s merger plans and proposed ouster of party chief V K Sasikala, at least 23 of its MLAs and four MPs shared the dais with about 200 party leaders at a rally organised by deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran in Melur village, near Madurai, on Monday evening.According to initial estimates, at least 25,000 people turned up for the rally, ostensibly to mark MGR’s birth anniversary but essentially Dinakaran’s show of strength, making it the biggest party rally since late CM J Jayalalithaa’s poll rallies in 2016.indianexpress
Why Modi Govt. Wants to Withdraw Minority Status of Jamia Millia, Ask Students
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/why-modi-govt-wants-to-withdraw-minority-status-of-jamia-millia-ask-students
New Delhi: Since the BJP-led central government has indicated to withdraw its existing support to the minority status of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), students of the university are looking at the govt move as an attempt to keep Muslims away from higher education. Students are also asking if the BJP government's move is part of its pet slogan ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'.Last week, the HRD Ministry had hinted that it would file a fresh affidavit in the Delhi High Court where a case of university's minority status is pending that granting minority status to JMI by NCMEI in Feb.2011 was legally incorrect. As JMI is a central university, its religious minority status should be withdrawn.While talking to IndiaTomorrow, several students said that govt's argument is bogus and is aimed at targeting particularly Muslim minority institutions. JMI, they said, has been enjoying the status of a university as well as Muslim minority institution since much before it was accorded as central university. "Since BJP came to power, Jamia's minority status has been on its target. JMI was formed during Khilafat movement for providing education to Muslims. Chancellor Najma Heptulla should understand this well as she is grand niece of country's first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who also had many contributions for Jamia," Shamsee Mustafa, student of MA (Social Exclusion) said.IndiaTomorrow
WORLD
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed 'wants out' of Yemen war
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/saudi-crown-prince-mbs-yemen-war-170814163237314.html
Saudi Arabia's crown prince has told two former American officials that he "wants out" of the 2-year war he started in Yemen, and that he is not against US rapprochement with Iran, according to leaked emails published by Middle East Eye.The revelation sheds light on the thinking of Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the 31-year-old heir to the Saudi throne, also known as MBS.The leaks pertain to discussions he held on the Middle East with Martin Indyk, a former US ambassador to Israel, and Steven Hadley, who served as US national security adviser during George W Bush's presidency.The conversation took place at least one month before Saudi, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar, accusing it of trying to undermine their war in Yemen and for having friendly relations with Iran. The details of the meeting between MBS and the ex American officials were revealed in an email exchange, between Indyk and Yousef al-Otaiba, UAE's ambassador in Washington, DC.The email exchange was obtained by the GlobalLeaks campaign group, according to Middle East Eye.In one email, Otaiba and Indyk can be seen discussing the difference between the young MBS and the elder leadership of Saudi Arabia, with the former describing him as a "pragmatic leader". The emails also paint a picture of how Otaiba and the UAE leadership view the future Saudi Arabia. Emails further reveal conversations between Otaiba and Elliott Abrams, former Bush administration official and pro-Israel hawk, who describes UAE's objectives in the region as the "new hegemon" and "Emirati imperialism". aljazeera
Central Bank: Saudi coalition starving Yemen of cash
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/central-bank-saudi-led-coalition-strips-yemen-cash-170814195550017.html
Yemen's Central Bank has said the Saudi-led coalition is "strangling" the economy by preventing planes from flying in newly printed cash.Since April, the alliance has banned 13 flights carrying money printed in Russia to the southern city of Aden, said Mansr al-Qaiti, Central Bank governor, in a statement issued on Sunday.He accused the coalition of "strangling the Yemeni economy" and denying it "needed liquidity", AP reported.The remark reflects a rift between the Aden-confined Yemeni Govt and UAE, a key member of the military coalition.Both are at war with the Shia Houthi fighters, who control much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.But the UAE is believed to be at odds with President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi over his embrace of the Islah Party, a local affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood group which the UAE views as a threat, and fighters loyal to the two sides have clashed in recent months.The wrangling began when Hadi removed his onetime vice president and PM , Khaled Bahah, who was seen as an advocate of reconciliation with the Houthis and who was backed by UAE.Hadi replaced him with Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, a powerful military commander who is closely linked to Islah. aljazeera
Saudi to form a coordination council with Iraq
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170815-saudi-arabia-to-form-a-coordination-council-with-iraq/
Saudi council of ministers decided, Monday, to approve the establishment of a Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council. According to the official Saudi Press Agency, council has authorized the Minister of Commerce and Investment and the head of the Saudi side of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council to sign off the minutes establishing a Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council with no further details.Over the past few weeks, visits between Iraqi Govt officials and their counterparts in Gulf states have been exchanged despite years of stagnating bilateral relations.
UAE pushes for better ties with Sadr amid efforts to contain Iran
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170814-uae-pushes-for-better-ties-with-sadr-amid-efforts-to-contain-iran/
UAE signalled its desire to strengthen ties with Iraq during weekend talks with influential Iraqi Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr as part of efforts by Sunni nations of the Middle East to halt Iran’s growing regional influence.Sadr met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy commander of UAE armed forces on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, according to a senior aide of the cleric.Sadr also discussed ways of improving understanding between the Sunni and Shi’ite branches of Islam, at a meeting on Monday with a prominent Sunni cleric in Abu Dhabi.“2 sides emphasized the importance to act in true Islamic spirit and reject violence and extremist thought,” Sadr’s office in Baghdad said in a statement on his website on Monday, reporting on his meeting with Emirati cleric Ahmed al-Kubaisi. middleeastmonitor
Syrian Opposition warns against Arab and regional efforts to rehabilitate the Assad regime: middleeastmonitor
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170815-syrian-opposition-warns-against-arab-and-regional-efforts-to-rehabilitate-the-assad-regime/
Chairman of the legal committee of Syria’s Democratic Opposition Coalition, Haitham Al-Maleh, warned of Arab, regional and international efforts to bury the Syrian revolution and rehabilitate the regime of Bashar Al-Assad.Al-Maleh revealed “serious” complications that face the Syrian revolution as well as the opposition factions because of the decline of material and political support for the opposition forces and the simultaneous reopening of communication channels between some Arab regimes and the Assad regime.Al-Maleh noted that Syrian Opposition Coalition suffers from a severe shortage in funding and that many of its branches, including its branch in Brussels, are likely to close. Al-Maleh expressed his regret that this is taking place while some Arab countries, including Egypt and Algeria are supporting the regime of Bashar Al-Assad while some others such as Tunisia are seeking to reopen the channels of communication with a regime that has killed and displaced millions of innocent SyriansHe added, “Some Arab countries are now seeking to finish what Iran and Russia have started in their support of Bashar Al-Assad against the Syrian people, but this is a useless support since Syrians as well as the international community will not accept a reconciliation with a regime that committed all these crimes against its people.
IS claims attack on US forces west of Mosul:Reuters
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-islamic-state-claims-attack-on-us-forces-west-of-mosul-2528797
Islamic State has claimed an attack on US forces assisting Iraqi troops in the war on the jihadist militants in northern Iraq. Islamic State fighters fired Grad rockets on American troops east of Tal Afar, a town still under control of the militants west of Mosul, according to an online statement from the group.The American military had said earlier that 2 US service members had been killed and 5 injured during combat operations in northern Iraq on Sunday.Reuters
Iran could quit nuclear deal if new sanctions imposed
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/iran-quit-nuclear-deal-sanctions-imposed-170815074024093.html
#Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned that Tehran could abandon its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers within hours if US keeps on imposing new sanctions.In a speech to parliament, he also hit out at US counterpart Donald Trump saying he had shown the world that Washington was "not a good partner".Rouhani's comments come with the nuclear deal under mounting pressure after Tehran carried out missile tests and Washington imposed new sanctions, with each accusing the other of violating the spirit of the agreement. aljazeera
UN: Nearly 50,000 stranded at Jordan-Syria border
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/50000-stranded-jordan-syria-border-170815004814548.html
Nearly 50,000 people, most of them women and children, are stranded at Syria's southern border with Jordan, an increasingly unsafe area where air strikes were reported in the last few days, the United Nations said on Monday.UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said that "some people are reportedly attempting to leave the area, risking further danger and deprivation in an inhospitable desert location".Those remaining in the area, known as the berm, face a scarcity of food and health care, Haq said. In one section, called Hadalat, an estimated 4,000 people are reportedly living solely on flour and water, he said.On Thursday, Syrian Govt forces and their allies captured a key area along the Jordan border in their latest push against rebel groups there.AP
Israel in talks with Egypt to reopen Cairo embassy
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israel-in-talks-with-egypt-to-reopen-cairo-embassy/884761
An Israeli delegation held talks with Egyptian officials this week about reopening their Cairo embassy after eight months, local newspaper Haaretz reported Tuesday.The newspaper said Israeli intelligence and foreign ministry officials were at the most recent of long-running negotiations on Sunday, which are expected to result in Ambassador David Govrin resuming his duties in the near future.An unnamed Israeli official said the domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still need to make a final decision.Govrin and the rest of the embassy staff were called back from Cairo in late 2016 for security reasons.Anadolu Agency
Israeli police arrest Islamic Movement leader Sheikh Raed
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israeli-police-arrest-islamic-movement-leader/884597
Israeli police on Tuesday arrested Sheikh Raed Salah, leader of the Islamic Movement in Israel, from his home in the northern city of Umm al-Fahem.“Salah was arrested and interrogated on suspicion of inciting acts of terror and supporting an unlawful organization,”police said. He was arrested following a joint investigation between police and the Shin Bet, which was conducted at the behest of Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, it added.Anadolu Agency
Hamas: Israel seeking to legitimize its crimes by claiming tunnels exist under Gazan houses
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170815-hamas-israel-seeking-to-legitimize-its-crimes-by-claiming-tunnels-exist-under-gazan-houses/
Hamas has warned that Israel is trying to “legitimize” its crimes by spreading rumours about the existence of tunnels under Palestinian home in Gaza strip.Through its spokesperson Hazem Qassem, Hamas responded to allegations made by the Israel occupation forces’ southern commander, that there are tunnels under two of Gazan houses and north of the strip. In a statement released on Monday, Qassem asserted that such allegations represent a futile Israeli strategy that aims to undermine the morale of Palestinians. middleeastmonitor
US Ambassador’s daughter moves to Israel
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170815-us-ambassadors-daughter-settles-in-israel/
The daughter of US Ambassador David Friedman has moved permanently to Israel along with 232 other American Jews, according to Ynet News.Talia Friedman, formerly a nurse in New York, was welcomed by her father, who praised her decision to become an Israeli citizen. “As a father, I celebrate my daughter Talia’s realisation of a life-long dream to become part of the State of Israel,” he said.Friedman has long been a supporter of the Israeli occupation.Friedman is not the only US official to have children settle in Israel. Special Envoy for the Peace Process Jason Greenblatt also announced on Sunday via Twitter that three of his children will be spending their gap year in the country. Middleeastmonitor
Rohingya group says Myanmar engaged in 'genocide'
http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/rohingya-group-says-myanmar-engaged-in-genocide/884653
Washington:The deployment of extra troops to Myanmar’s troubled Rakhine state is to further the “Rohingya genocide”, according to a group representing Muslim minority on Tuesday. Army dispatched a battalion, around 500 soldiers, to the Maungdaw area of northern Rakhine, where Rohingya Muslims form the majority, on Thursday.Hla Kyaw, chairman of the European Rohingya Council, said the troops were from the 33rd Light Infantry Division, which he described as “the most notorious military unit when it comes to the serious violation of human rights against ethnic communities”.He said deployment was designed to establish a permanent military presence in Rakhine as well as “advancement of Rohingya genocide.”Anadolu
Several people killed in attacks on UN camps in Mali
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/soldiers-killed-attacks-camps-mali-170814213142119.html
UN says unidentified gunmen attacked the HQRS of UN peacekeeping force in the northern Mali city of Timbuktu, killing 7 people and injuring 7 others.UN peacekeeping mission says 6 assailants also were killed by UN peacekeepers in the attack on Monday. The mission says 5 Malian security guards and a Malian contractor working for the mission were killed along with a member of the Malian gendarmerie. UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said earlier on Monday that unidentified gunmen attacked 2 neighbouring UN camps in Douentza in the Mopti region of central Mali, killing one Malian soldier and one UN peacekeeper. 2 assailants also died in those attacks. Aljazeera
US anti-hate demonstrators topple Confederate statue
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/protesters-topple-confederate-statue-170815043907488.html
Protesters in the US state of North Carolina toppled a nearly century-old statue of a Confederate soldier at a rally against racism as the backlash against a deadly white nationalist gathering last weekend continued.Activists in Durham brought a ladder up to the statue on Monday and used a rope to pull down the Confederate Soldiers Monument that was dedicated in 1924. A diverse crowd of dozens cheered as the statue of a soldier holding a rifle fell to ground in front of an old courthouse building that now houses local Govt offices.aljazeera
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
A million dead, 12m refugees and wars that still rumble on: Terrible price of carving up of India, Mirror UK
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/million-dead-12m-refugees-wars-10990115
It is under a regime that thrives on instilling fear, suppressing dissent:Kapil Sibal, indianexpress
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/my-india-has-changed-independence-day-hindutva-4796970/
As India turns 70, a sombre reminder of stolen freedoms:Harsh Mander, scroll
https://scroll.in/article/847268/as-india-turns-70-a-somber-reminder-of-stolen-freedoms
Foisting flag: Orders to madrasas in UP and MP bear dangerous message of domination:Apoorvanand
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/uttar-pradesh-madhya-pradesh-madarsa-flag-hoisting-tiranga-rallies-4796910/
Yasmin Khan, British historian, explains how Partition story has been core to foundation of India and Pakistan, but peace is required to forge a shared sense of history
http://www.thehindu.com/specials/independence-day-india-at-70/real-stories-make-situations-much-less-abstract-yasmin-khan/article19491694.ece?homepage=true
Modi’s inclusive call: Need for religious leaders to build bridges:Frank F. Islam
http://twocircles.net/2017aug14/415058.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Gorakhpur tragedy: Allegations against Kafeel Ahmed false, reveal Hindutva brigade's bigotry:Sandipan Sharma
http://www.firstpost.com/india/gorakhpur-tragedy-allegations-against-kafeel-ahmed-false-reveals-hindutva-brigades-bigotry-3933405.html
India at 70: Why Hindu nationalists are afraid of Mughals; Audrey Truschke
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/mughal-history-mughalsarai-hindu-right-rss-hindutva/story/1/18955.html
India at 70: Are we becoming a Hindu Rashtra?Rajdeep Sardesai
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/india-at-70-hindu-rashtra-hindu-rashtra-narendra-modi-independence-day/video/1/18974.html
BJP Spokesperson Sambit Patra defames former Vice President Hamid Ansari: Pratik Sinha
https://www.altnews.in/bjp-spokesperson-sambit-patra-defames-former-vice-president-hamid-ansari/?utm_content=bufferbeef8&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Barkatullah Bhopali: Great revolutionary who formed Govt of India in exile
http://www.newsbits.in/barkatullah-bhopali-great-revolutionary-who-formed-govt-of-india-in-exile
Azadi in the underground, when freedom came late in Hyderabad: Muhammad Khaja Moinuddin
http://www.thehindu.com/specials/independence-day-india-at-70/azadi-in-the-underground-when-freedom-came-late-in-hyderabad/article19491860.ece
Gorakhpur’s Dr Kafeel Khan: What We Know About Him & What We Don’t: thequint
https://www.thequint.com/india/2017/08/14/gorakhpur-tragedy-what-we-know-about-dr-kafeel-khan
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 5:47 PM)
