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Evening NEWS DIGEST
12 Sept. 2017: 20 Zilhajja 1438:Vol:8, No:276
‘ETHNIC CLEANSING’ OF ROHINGYA MUSLIMS
Rohingya crisis: Enforcing laws shouldn’t be mistaken for lack of compassion, India tells UN rights body
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rohingya-crisis-india-myanmar-united-nations-human-rights-syed-akbaruddin-4840017/
New Delhi: A day after the UNHRC castigated the Indian Govt’s plan to deport Rohingya refugees, Syed Akbaruddin, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, on Tuesday stated that “enforcing laws should not be mistaken for lack of compassion” and expressed regret that the UN body had overlooked the “central role of terrorism”.Akbaruddin also insisted that India was concerned about illegal migrants, in particular, with the possibility that they could pose security challenges.“Assessments of human rights should not be a matter of political convenience. We believe achieving human rights goals calls for objective consideration, balanced judgements, and verification of facts,” said Akbaruddin.
India hits back at UN criticism over Rohingya human rights issue
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-hits-back-at-un-criticism-over-rohingya-human-rights-issue/articleshow/60479559.cms
Geneva: India on Tuesday strongly rejected the criticism by the UN human rights chief over its handling of Rohingya Muslim refugees, human rights situations in Jammu and Kashmir and observation relating to the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, saying it was "perplexed" at the remarks.In a strong reaction, India said it was surprised that individual incidents are being "extrapolated" to suggest a broader societal situation."We are perplexed at some of the observations made by the High Commissioner in his oral update. There appears to be inadequate appreciation of the freedoms and rights that are guaranteed and practised daily in a vibrant democracy that has been built under challenging conditions," Ambassador Rajiv K Chander said. Chander, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Geneva, made the statement in response to UNHRC chief's comments.Rejecting the observations by Hussein, Chander said, "Tendentious judgements made on the basis of selective and even inaccurate reports do not further the understanding of human rights in any society."Like many other nations, India is concerned about illegal migrants, in particular, with the possibility that they could pose security challenges, he said, adding that enforcing the laws should not be mistaken for lack of compassion."It is also surprising that individual incidents are being extrapolated to suggest a broader societal situation. India is proud of its independent judiciary, freedom of press, vibrant civil society and respect for rule of law and human rights," Chander said.PTI
Rohingya crisis: Don't overlook our concerns on illegal immigrants, India tells UN human rights body
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rohingya-myanmar-crisis-india-united-nations-human-rights/1/1046316.html
India's rebuttal to UN criticism on Rohingyas,human rights
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rohingya-crisis-indias-sharp-response-after-un-bodys-criticism-on-rohingyas-1749263
No plan yet to deport Rohingya, says Kiren Rijiju
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-plan-yet-to-deport-rohingya-says-rijiju/article19664225.ece
New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said here that the Govt had not yet firmed up a plan to deport Rohingya, and had only asked the State Govts to identify illegal immigrants and initiate action under established procedure.Rijiju told The Hindu that India gave “utmost importance to humanitarian concerns and has always accepted refugees”.He was reacting to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein’s statement that “India cannot carry out collective expulsions, or return people to a place where they risk torture or other serious violations”. Rijiju, while reacting to Hussein’s statement, said, “But the UN and other international organisations do not understand the internal security or national security problems of India. India has been the most humane nation and we have asked the State Govts to initiate action as per the established procedure. They [Rohingya] are still here.”The Hindu
Centre has no definite plan yet on deporting Rohingya refugees, says Union minister Kiren Rijiju
https://scroll.in/latest/850328/centre-has-no-definite-plan-yet-on-deporting-rohingya-refugees-says-union-minister-kiren-rijiju
No report of any Rohingya Muslim entering Mizoram from Myanmar or Bangladesh: Top cop
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/sep/12/no-report-of-any-rohingya-muslim-entering-mizoram-from-myanmar-or-bangladesh-1656147.html
Aizawl: No report of any Rohingya Muslim entering Mizoram have been received so far, a senior police officer said today. The officer said strict vigil was being maintained along the state's 404 km international border with Myanmar and 318 km long border with Bangladesh but there was no report of any Rohingya Muslim entering Mizoram.Law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on the possibility of Rohingya Muslims entering the state from Myanmar and Bangladesh, the officer informed.PTI
Rohingya crisis: Sikh volunteers reach Bangladesh-Myanmar border to provide langar to refugees
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rohingya-crisis-sikh-volunteers-reach-bangladesh-myanmar-border-to-provide-langar-to-refugees-4839349/
Ludhiana: A team of volunteers from Sikh organisation Khalsa Aid reached Bangladesh-Myanmar border Sunday night to provide relief to the lakhs of Rohingya Muslim families fleeing Myanmar. Amarpreet Singh, managing director, Khalsa Aid, India who has reached Teknaf, a border town in Bangladesh where the refugees are living in the camps, said that condition at the border was “miserable to say the least”.“It was our first day here today and we did a pre-assessment before launching a major relief operation. We had come prepared for providing relief to some 50,000 people, but there are more than three lakh refugees here. They are living without water, food, clothes and shelter. They are sitting wherever they can find a corner. It is raining, but people do not have anywhere to go. It is miserable to say the least. We will be providing them langar food (community kitchen) and shelter. We are arranging tarpaulins but since the number of refugees have overwhelmingly exceeded our preparations, it can some time to make arrangements,” he said.He added that there were huge camps at Teknaf and each one was crowded beyond its capacity. “A camp can accommodate at least 50,000 people but in most of them there are more than one lakh refugees. But we are committed to run langar here (community here) till the crisis is not over. The priority is to not let anyone sleep without food. Children are roaming without clothes and begging for food. Those who do not get space in camps are sitting along roads in hope of getting food from someone,” he added.Khalsa Aid team is now serving langar and water to the refugees. “Teknaf is almost 10 hours ride from the capital Dhaka from where we are ferrying all the material needed to prepare langar. Connectivity issues and rain are creating hindrances but we are trying our best to provide food to the maximum people at the earliest. The langar will continue here till crisis is not over and refugees continue to reach the border,” he added. Another team of Khalsa Aid volunteers is expected to reach the border town Teknaf in coming days to assist in the relief operations, said Amarpreet. indianexpress
Huge rally in Kolkata by Muslim outfits demands justice for Rohingyas
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/huge-rally-in-kolkata-by-muslim-outfits-demands-justice-for-rohingyas-1748971
Kolkata:On a day the Indian Govt was "deplored" by UN agencies for planning to deport some 40,000 Rohingyas who have been sheltering in India for years a dozen organisations - most of them Muslim - took to the streets of Kolkata to protest what they called the genocide of Rohingyas in Myanmar.At least 25,000 to 35,000 protesters marched from Park Circus to Rani Rashmoni Road - a distance of about 5 km - and paralysed traffic.The slogans, banners and posters condemned Aung Sang Suu Kyi as strongly as PM Modi for visiting Myanmar last week but failing to raise the plight of the Rohingyas with Nobel laureate."Narendra Modi is destroying the Indian culture of sheltering helpless people. He wants to deport Rohingyas when they are being killed in their homeland. We will not allow it, we want to tell Mr Modi that," said Md Kamruzzaman of the All Bengal Minority Youth Federation, one of the main organisers of Monday's mega rally.The rally ended in a mega meeting at Rani Rashmoni Road where the event took on a further political twist. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury arrived and sat on the dais, as did CPM MLA Sujan Chakraborty. There was no one from the Trinamool.One of the organisers of the meeting, Pirzada Toha Ali Siddiqi, claimed Trinamool MP Mukul Roy had been invited but did not show up. Roy, as a matter of fact, spent the day at the CBI for the Narada case.Adhir Chowdhury told NDTV, "We are here to protest against the atrocities being perpetrated by Myanmar Govt on Rohingyas. And the Centre's total insensitivity about the violence on the people." Sujan Chakraborty said, "Modi did not raise the Rohingya issue with Aung Sang Suu Kyi deliberately. He is practicing divisive politics."Kolkata Police's Facebook page said "a religious procession" was causing a slowdown of traffic in many parts of the city. Asked if it was a religious procession one, Md Kamruzzam said,"This is a political rally. There is nothing religious about it. We want justice for Rohingyas."A team of protesters went to the Myanmar consulate in Kolkata to submit a memorandum of demands. ndtv
Rohingya violence: Muslim organisations in Kolkata take out rally against atrocities towards refugees
http://www.firstpost.com/india/rohingya-violence-muslim-organisations-in-kolkata-take-out-rally-against-atrocities-towards-refugees-4032955.html
Bangladesh sees nearly 400,000 Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bangladesh-leader-visits-myanmar-rohingya-refugees-pledges-help/
UN International Organization for Migration said Tuesday that the number of Rohingya refugees who have fled violence in Myanmar to Bangladesh has risen to 370,000 since Aug.25,. It was previously estimated that 310,000 members of the Muslim minority group had fled restive Rakhine state. CBS news
UN Security Council to discuss Rohingya situation
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/security-council-discuss-rohingya-situation-170912083144394.html
UN Security Council will hold an urgent meeting on Myanmar's Rohingya crisis, following warnings by the organisation's human rights chief that "ethnic cleansing" is taking place. Britain and Sweden requested Wednesday's meeting against the backdrop of a growing humanitarian crisis. aljazeera
Bangladesh PM Hasina accuses Myanmar of committing ‘atrocities’ on Rohingyas
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-accuses-myanmar-of-committing-atrocities-on-rohingyas-4840345/
Dhaka:Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday accused Buddhist-majority Myanmar of committing “atrocities” on Rohingya Muslims, saying Dhaka will not tolerate any kind of injustice and its protest will continue. She also asked Myanmar to “take steps” to take back its nationals who have fled to Bangladesh following the violence.“We want peace and a friendly relation with neighbouring countries…(but) we cannot allow and accept any kind of unjust and our protest will continue to this end,” Hasina said after visiting a Rohingya refugee camp near the border town of Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar district. She assured the refugees that Bangladesh would continue to provide humanitarian assistance to them.“As long as they don’t return to their country we will remain beside them,” she said. “Bangladesh is a country of 16 crore people and we have ensured their basic needs, we also have capability to provide all kinds of help including food and healthcare services to the Myanmar refugees,” she said. “We will not tolerate injustice,”she said, referring to the ethnic violence in neighbouring country that has forced at least 313000 people to take shelter in Bangladesh.Hasina’s comments came after the parliament last night passed a resolution denouncing Myanmar for the atrocities.PTI
Khamenei: Rohingya tragedy marks death of Nobel Prize
http://www.india.com/news/agencies/khamenei-rohingya-tragedy-marks-death-of-nobel-peace-prize-2466700/
Tehran: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday said that violence in Myanmar against the Rohingya Muslims marks the “death of Nobel Peace Prize”, a media report said.Khamenei called Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a “cruel woman” since the crimes against Rohingya Muslims are taking place under her eyes, Tehran Times daily reported.Khamenei also strongly criticised the silence and inaction of international bodies and self-proclaimed human rights advocates on the ongoing atrocities in Myanmar.IANS
White House condemns violence against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/white-house-condemns-violence-against-rohingya-muslims-in-myanmar-4840016/
The White House has condemned the violence in Myanmar and called on the security authorities to respect the rule of law and end the massive displacement of people, including large numbers of the ethnic Rohingya community. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the massive displacement and victimisation of people, including large numbers of the ethnic Rohingya community and other minorities, shows that Myanmar security forces are not protecting civilians. “US is deeply troubled by the ongoing crisis in northern Rakhine State in Burma, where at least 300,000 people have fled their homes in the wake of attacks on Burmese security posts on Aug.25. We reiterate our condemnation of those attacks and ensuing violence,” Sanders told reporters at a daily news conference. Sanders said the US is alarmed by the allegations of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, burning of villages, massacres, and rape, by security forces and by civilians acting with these forces’ consent.PTI
Sweden, Britain seek UN meeting on situation in Myanmar
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-rohingya-un/sweden-britain-seek-u-n-meeting-on-situation-in-myanmar-idUSKCN1BM2PU?il=0
UN: Sweden and Britain have requested a closed-door UNSC meeting on the “deteriorating situation” in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, home to the majority-Buddhist nation’s Rohingya Muslims, diplomats said.The meeting would likely be held on Wednesday, diplomats said.“I think it will be a private meeting but with a public outcome of some form,” British UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters.“It’s a sign of the significant worry that Security Council members have that the situation is continuing to deteriorate for many Rohingya who are seeking to flee Rakhine state in Burma and move into Bangladesh,” Rycroft said.Reuters
China backs Myanmar Govt efforts to ‘safeguard stability’
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/china-backs-myanmar-Govt-efforts-to-safeguard-stability-4840201/
Beijing;China on Tuesday said it backs the Myanmar Govt’s efforts to “uphold peace and stability” in Rakhine state, where a military crackdown has sent more than 300,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing for Bangladesh.Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments as the United Nations Security Council prepared to hold an urgent meeting on the crisis on Wednesday. AFP
INDIA: OTHERS
2002 Naroda Gaam massacre case: Amit Shah summoned as defence witness on Sept.18
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/naroda-gaam-massacre-case-amit-shah-summoned-as-defence-witness-on-Sept.-18/article19671195.ece?homepage=true
Ahmedabad: The special designated court conducting trial in the Naroda Gaam massacre case of 2002 riots in which former BJP minister Maya Kodnani is a key accused, has summoned BJP president Amit Shah to depose before the court as defence witness on Sept.18th.The trial court judge PB Desai issued summon to Shah at his residence in Ahmedabad, asking him to appear before the court on Sept.8th. However, the court said the summons will not be reissued if Shah does not depose on the due date as per the court’s instruction. Earlier, the court had asked the key accused Dr Kodnani to bring Shah as defence witness latest by Sept.12. During the argument, Kodnani contended that since Shah was travelling extensively, she was not in position to deliver the court’s notice for deposition.On Tuesday, advocate Amit Patel appearing for Kodnani submitted residential address of Shah in Ahmedabad following which the court issued the summons. thehindu
Can't Reach Amit Shah, Says Maya Kodnani, Court Summons Him As Witness in 2002 Gujarat riots
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amit-shah-summoned-as-witness-in-gujarat-riots-case-against-maya-kodnani-1749138
Gorakhpur riots: HC fixes Sept 15 as date of hearing
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/gorakhpur-riots-allahabad-high-court-fixes-sept-15-as-date-of-hearing/articleshow/60476113.cms
Allahabad: Allahabad high court has adjourned till Sept.15 the hearing of a writ petition seeking probe by an independent agency into the Gorakhpur riot case of 2007. The then member of Parliament from Gorakhpur, Aditya Nath Yogi, is one of the accused in this matter. Timesofindia
Curfew relaxed in Jaipur
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/curfew-relaxed-in-jaipur/article19668831.ece
Jaipur: The indefinite curfew clamped in 4 police station areas of the Walled City here, following Friday night’s violence, was relaxed for two hours on Monday, after the post-mortem and burial of the youth allegedly killed in the police firing. The situation remained peaceful during the relaxation as the residents thronged the markets to buy essential items.The burial rites of Mohammed Rais alias Adil, 22, were performed peacefully under high security cover at the Ghat Gate graveyard in the presence of members of a peace committee and local leaders. The administration allowed only a limited number of persons to attend the burial.State govt has agreed to allot a dairy booth and compensation to the Rais’ family, as well as a probe into the firing incident.Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot questioned the silence of CM Vasundhara Raje. He said there was no word from the “twitter-friendly CM” so far.Divisional Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh issued order for extending suspension of mobile internet services till Tuesday midnight in 12 police station areas of the city. thehindu
Bengaluru: Activists, seers, litterateurs gather in thousands to condemn Gauri murder
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bengaluru-activists-seers-litterateurs-gather-in-thousands-to-condemn-gauri-murder/story-txK4kbsMdFrxz0FqZ1He1J.html
Bengaluru:Bengaluru echoed with slogans on Tuesday, when thousands of people who had rubbed shoulders with journalist Gauri Lankesh in a lifetime of social activism marched together to condemn her murder exactly a week ago.Lankesh, who also doubled as a vocal anti-right activist, was shot dead by unidentified people while she was entering her residence in the city on Sept. 5. The state Govt has formed a SIT to probe the case.The rally began from the Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna railway station in the heart of the city and culminated at the Central College ground, where a convention was held. The slogan ‘I am Gauri’ was raised throughout.Speaker after speaker took potshots at the Hindutva ideology, dubbing it as the reason for the rising climate of hatred and fear in the country. Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Medha Patkar was among the thousands who came to pay their respects to Lankesh. The rally was also attended by many seers, notably those from the Lingayat sect who are demanding separation from mainstream Hinduism.Veerabhadra Chennamalla Swami, the seer of Nidumamidi Mutt, said Lankesh was “martyred by the proponents of Hindutva terror”. He also criticised the direction the country was taking, noting that “its future cannot be built on the foundations of hatred”.Lingayat seer Nijagunanda Swami said it was futile to expect justice from the supporters of Hindutva. “Can those who pulled at Draupadi’s sari, who asked Sita to undergo trial by fire, who chased away the Buddha, give us justice?” he asked. Hindustantimes
‘#IAmGauri’: Photos, videos from Bengaluru protest rally against Gauri Lankesh’s murder
http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/gauri-lankesh-death-i-am-gauri-bengaluru-rally-protest-4840079/
Karwan-e-Mohabbat to oppose mob lynchings drops by Delhi
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/karwan-to-oppose-mob-lynchings-drops-by-delhi-4839376/
New Delhi :Among the 35 people travelling with activist Harsh Mander’s Karwan-e-Mohabbat are IIM Trichy (Tamil Nadu) professor Prabhir Vishnu Poruthiyil, social worker Asghar Sharif from Chhattisgarh and professor Hafiz Ahmed from Guwahati. Absolute strangers, they began travelling in the Karwan bus for the same reason — to show solidarity with victims of mob lynching across the country. On Monday, they reached Delhi’s Gandhi Darshan, and sang ‘Raghupati raghavraja ram’,before heading to Tilak Vihar.“I teach Business Ethics at IIM…the lack of concern for larger social issues in business schools is striking. Business leaders, too, haven’t said a word against what’s happening. I hope to use this experience in my class when I return,” said Poruthiyil. The Karwan began on Sept. 4 and, till now, has covered Assam, Jharkhand and Karnataka. After Delhi, it moves to Shamli, Mewat, Rajasthan and Gujarat — ending at Porbandar on Oct 2. At Tilak Vihar, over a hundred residents of the post-1984 riots rehabilitation colony welcomed the group. Handwritten postcards of those who survived the 1984 anti-Sikh riot hung from sarees in one corner of the shamiana put up in the colony park. While Jasbir Singh wrote about losing his father, another man, Dilip Singh, recounted the horror of watching his uncle burn to death. indianexpress
If blood from Bakrid sacrifices can flow into Ganga, why can’t we immerse idols, ask petitioners in Allahabad HC
http://twocircles.net/2017sep11/416425.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
With Navratri less than two weeks away, petitioners from the Durga Puja societies of Varanasi have moved to Allahabad High Court for idol immersion to be allowed once again in Ganga. But this time, they have used an interesting, if slightly controversial, reason: according to the PIL, if blood from animals sacrificed by Muslims during Bakrid is allowed to flow into the river, there is no reason why they should be stopped from immersing idols in the river too.In August this year, Varanasi had seen clashes over idol immersions in Ganga.TwoCircles.net has a copy of the petition filed on behalf of Sarvajanik Durgotsav Samiti and Kendriya Puja Samiti. It asks petitioners to grant the Durga idol immersion in Ganga “Because during Eid, millions of goats are butchered and millions of litres of un-dissolvable blood go in the river, (which is) not only harmful for the health but also increases the chances of diseases.”However, PIL does not state that if it wants the court to put a ban on to Bakrid sacrifices subsequently. In 2014, Allahabad High Court ruled that immersion of idols should not be done in Ganga River across the state. The Court also gave a relaxation of one year to authorities and Puja committees to find an alternative to start immersing the idols from next season of festivals.But the tussle between the Hindu hardliners and Govt started in 2015 when some groups again tried to immerse the idols in Ganga in Sept. going against the court’s order.TwoCircles
Muavza, a new documentary, shows how riot victims of Muzaffarnagar were denied compensation
http://twocircles.net/2017sep11/416416.html
4 years after the Muzaffarnagar communal riots, families of the survivors and the riot victims are still waiting for the compensation which was promised to them by the then state Govt Akhilesh Yadav. Highlighting the plight of these people, critically acclaimed filmmaker Nakul Singh Sawhney has made another short film named “Muavza (Redressal)”.Prior to this, Sawhney had directed the documentary named “Muzaffarnagar Baqi Hai”, which presented the aftermath of the riots. He followed it by making a documentary named “Kairana – after the headlines” which focused on the rumoured exodus of Hindus from Kairana village of UP.The story of “Muavza” revolves around Sanaur Rahman, Saleem and Mohammed Inam, who never received the promised compensation amount promised by the Akhilesh Yadav Govt.The state Govt had promised compensation of Rs 5 lakh to displaced families soon after the riots happened. But many of the families are yet to receive the compensation.TwoCircles
Republic TV condemned for staff’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour towards father of murdered Class 2 student
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/republic-tv-condemned-staffs-disgusting-behaviour/148642/
Republic TV has faced many condemnations ever since it was launched by former journalist Arnab Goswami in partnership with the NDA MP, Rajeev Chandrasekhar and the known BJP supporter, Mohandas Pai.One of the charges that channel has repeatedly faced is its blatant biases against the opposition parties with many accusing RepublicTV of being the first ‘news’ channel in the world, whose editorial ethos prevent it from criticising the governing party- BJP in this case.But, now the channel is facing growing condemnation after one of its staff misbehaved with the father of Class 2 child, who was recently murdered at Ryan School. On Monday, Varun Thakur was scheduled to give live interviews to Times Now and Republic TV. According to Times Now channel sources, Thakur had agreed to join the channel first, but that was unacceptable to the guest coordination girl from the Republic TV.jantakareporter
A Coincidence? BJP Files Defamation Notice Against Guha, HT Says Goodbye to Editor
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/NewsDetail/index/1/11702/A-Coincidence-BJP-Files-Defamation-Notice-Against-Guha-Hindustan-Times-Says-Goodbye-to-Editor
New Delhi: A Karnataka BJP Youth leader issued a legal notice to historian and writer Ramchandra Guha citing his interview in Scroll.in and his article in the Hindustan Times as defamtory to the BJP and the RSS. And within the day the HT said goodbye to its editor Bobby Ghosh, in a totally unexpected move. Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson, HT Media informed the staff of the same with a letter that does not say whether Ghosh, in place for just 14 months, had left of his own accord, or had been sacked, and why.And speaks of her “deep” disappointment that he would be returning to New York asking the staff to join her in wishing him the best in his next “adventure.” The Citizen
Man thrashed for speaking English in Delhi
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/man-thrashed-for-speaking-in-fluent-english-in-lutyens-delhi/
New Delhi: A 22-year-old man was thrashed allegedly by 5 men for speaking with his friend in fluent English while dropping him off at a 5-star hotel in Lutyens’ Delhi, police said today. The incident was reported in the early hours on Saturday, they said. 3 persons have been arrested in this connection, they said.According to the police, Varun Gulati, a resident of Noida, had come to the five-star hotel in Connaught Place to drop off his friend Aman in his friend Daksh’s car. While Gulati was walking back to the hotel after seeing off Daksh, a group of five men, who were inebriated, rounded him up. They asked him why was he speaking in English, they said. Both the sides got into an argument and the men assaulted Gulati, police said. The assailants fled the spot in a vehicle but the victim managed to note down the number of the vehicle, they said.On the basis of the number plate, three of the accused were identified and arrested, police said, adding a hunt is on to trace the rest.PTI
Amend Constitution, align it to Indian value system: RSS chief
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amend-constitution-align-it-to-indian-value-system-rss-chief/articleshow/60471393.cms
New Delhi: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has pitched for changes in the Constitution and jurisprudence in line with the value systems of the country, a stance which is sure to invite brickbats from the opposition which has often expressed fears about the current dispensation's implicit agenda."Our Constitution was written based on the understanding of the 'Bharatiya' ethos of our founding fathers, but many of the laws that we are still using are based on foreign sources and were made as per their thinking. Seven decades have passed since our independence... this is something we must address," Bhagwat said on Sunday at the concluding ceremony of the silver jubilee celebrations of Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta (Advocates) Parishad in Hyderabad. timesofindia
Shia Waqf Board chairman meets Subramanian Swamy to work out ‘compromise formula’ on Babri Masjid
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/shia-waqf-board-member-meets-subramanian-swamy-to-work-out-compromise-formula-4839302/
New Delhi: The chairman of the UP Shia Waqf Board met BJP MP Subramanian Swamy in Delhi to “work out a possible compromise formula” on Ayodhya on Sunday. The meeting with Swamy, said Waqf Board chairman Syed Wasim Rizvi, was part of the board’s initiative to meet all parties from the “mandir paksh (side)” to work out a solution that would enable both a mandir and a masjid to come up in Ayodhya.Earlier this month, Rizvi travelled to Ayodhya to meet several mahants of a number of akharas there. “Shia Waqf Board is of the view that both the mandir and masjid should come up and to this end the board unanimously decided in a meeting in July to talk to all parties on the temple side to work out a compromise formula.That is why I met Swamy on Sunday. On Bakr Eid, I travelled to Ayodhya where I met mahant Ramdas of Nirmohi Akhara, mahant Dharamdas of Hanumangarhi and mahant Suresh Das of Digambar Akhara. All of them are parties in the case and these were the first of many more meetings to come with all of them,” Rizvi said. Indian Express
Rajya Sabha chairman serves Sharad Yadav, Ali Anwar notice on party petition seeking their disqualification
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajya-sabha-chairman-serves-jdus-sharad-yadav-ali-anwar-notice-on-party-petition-seeking-their-disqualification-4839712/
New Delhi: Former JD (U) president Sharad Yadav and MP Ali Anwar were served notices by Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu on Monday evening asking them to explain their position regarding a party petition seeking their disqualification from the House. The two have been outspoken against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s decision to break the Grand Alliance and ally with BJP to form the Govt. The petition against them was filed by JD(U)’s floor leader, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, on Sept.5.The MPs are required to reply to the petition within seven days of receiving the notice. RCP Singh, in his petition to Naidu, had contended that the two MPs had “voluntarily” quit the membership of the JD(U) by attending a programme by the RJD on August 27 and therefore, needed being disqualified under Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. JD(U) secretary-general K C Tyagi had made it clear to Yadav ahead of the rally that if he attended, it would mean that he had voluntarily quit the JD(U). indianexpress
'Does RSS Control Govt,' Diplomats Ask Bhagwat. His Answer 'No it doesn't'
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/does-rss-control-Govt-diplomats-ask-mohan-bhagwat-his-answer-1749300
Over breakfast at Delhi's Claridges Hotel this morning, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat explained the organisation to diplomats from 50 countries, answering questions like - does RSS control BJP and the Govt. No it doesn't, Bhagwat told the gathering, which included several ambassadors, sources said. He said the RSS, which is BJP's ideological mentor, doesn't run BJP as BJP doesn't run the Sangh. "As Swayamsevaks, we consult and exchange notes, but are independent in functioning," he said. "There were many questions about the usual misconceptions about RSS. Do they control the party and Govt? He explained to them how it is not a political but a social organisation,' said an invitee who attended the meeting. The breakfast meet was organised by BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav's India Foundation, and comes amid attacks on RSS and its affiliates after journalist Gauri Lankesh, a frequent critic of right-wing ideology, was shot dead in Bengaluru last week. Ndtv
Modi causing tremendous damage to India’s economy, says Rahul Gandhi in US
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rahul-gandhi-criticises-pm-modis-economic-policies/article19670188.ece
Washington;Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi criticised PM Narendra Modi’s economic policies, saying the latter had caused “tremendous damage” to India’s economy with “reckless and dangerous” decisions like demonetisation and a “hastily-applied” GST.Gandhi, 47, who arrived in the United States on Monday on a two-week tour, was addressing students of the University of California, Berkeley, to reflect on contemporary India and the path forward for the world’s largest democracy. The demonetisation decision was taken without asking Chief Economic Advisor and Parliament, which ''caused tremendous damage to the economy.'' Demonetisation, he said, imposed a devastating cost on India. “Ignoring India’s tremendous institutional knowledge and taking such decisions is reckless and dangerous,” he alleged.Gandhi said 30,000 new youngsters were joining the job market every single day and the Govt was only creating 500 jobs a day. “This does not include the massive pool of already employed youngsters. The decline in economic growth today is leading to an upsurge of anger in the country. Govt’s economic policies demonetisation and hastily-applied GST have caused tremendous damage.”He alleged that millions of small businesses were simply wiped out as a result of the demonetisation, farmers and many who used cash were hit extremely hard. Agriculture was in deep distress and farmers suicides had skyrocketed across the country.PTI
BJP destroyed peace in J&K: Rahul in Berkley
http://kashmirreader.com/2017/09/12/bjp-destroyed-peace-jk-rahul-berkley/
New Delhi: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday accused the BJP led Govt at the Centre of ”destroying peace” in the Kashmir valley, thus undoing the efforts of the previous Congress Govt to restore normalcy there.Accusing the BJP led Govt at the Centre of destroying peace in the Kashmir valley, Gandhi said ,”We worked silently for 9 years to ensure peace in J&K . UPA 2 broke the back of terrorism. However, the BJP Govt destroyed it in 30 days.”UNI
Incidents of hatred making millions feel they have no future in India: Rahul Gandhi
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/incidents-of-hatred-making-millions-feel-they-have-no-future-in-india-rahul-gandhi/article19671555.ece
Washington: The idea of non-violence is under vicious attack in India and the need of the hour is to break the cycle of violence, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi said. Gandhi said the ruling BJP Govt in India operates a social media army to continuously target him and mischaracterise his politics. “..there is a tremendous machine, thousand people or so, and all they do is spread rumours about me. The operation is run by the gentleman running our country,” he said, adding that he is ready for leadership but believed in a bottom-up approach to politics rather than a top-down one. “Most of my work is sitting in a room, listening to people. I collect that information and come out with a solution that makes everyone happy. The way we design a vision is by having a conversation.” thehindu
Gujarat elections: Tribal MLA Chhotu Vasava wants Congress to take lead in forming Grand Alliance
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-elections-chhotu-vasava-wants-congress-to-take-lead-in-forming-grand-alliance-4839405/
After bailing out the Congress in the Rajya Sabha elections, rebel JD(U) MLA Chhotu Vasava said he was confident of a larger role in the alliance with the national party for the upcoming Assembly elections and pitched for a “mahagathbandhan’’ (grand-alliance) to challenge BJP, which is in power in Gujarat for over 20 years.“I have told the Congress to also have alliance with the BSP and the SP this time because candidates of these parties were polled 5,000-10,000 votes in some of the constituencies in Surat and other places in south Gujarat in the last Assembly elections as the population of north Indian migrants there is substantial,” Vasava, Gujarat JD(U) president, said. Indian Express
Both Congress, BJP evil, but BJP a bigger evil: Chhotu
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/both-congress-bjp-evil-but-bjp-a-bigger-evil-says-chhotu-vasava-4839411/
NC delegation meets Rajnath, pitches for regional autonomy to Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh
http://www.india.com/news/agencies/nc-delegation-meets-rajnath-pitches-for-regional-autonomy-to-jammu-kashmir-ladakh-2466731/
Jammu:Opposition National Conference (NC) today pitched for granting “regional autonomy” to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh during a meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh here.The party said that setting up autonomous administrative structures for sub-regions on the pattern of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council will help address regional aspirations of the people.Expressing satisfaction over the “assurance” of the Union Home Minister on Article 35A, the NC voiced hope that it will be reflected in the way the Centre represents its case in Supreme Court.The National Conference will support every move aimed at bringing peace in the state, provided these take care of the special status of J&K and the unique identity of its people, the NC’s provincial president Devender Singh Rana, who led a 25-member delegation, told reporters after the 40-minute meeting with Singh.PTI
Kashmir editors body asks for immediate release of photojournalist arrested by NIA
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kashmir-editors-body-asks-for-immediate-release-of-photojournalist-arrested-by-nia/story-7WU51SAv5zQVkLwX8EOWvN.html
Srinagar:Kashmir Editors Guild (KEG) on Tuesday asked authorities to “immediately” release a freelance photo and video journalist, who was arrested by NIA last week on charges of stone-pelting.Kamran Yusuf, a native of Pulwama district of south Kashmir, was arrested on Sept.4 and taken to New Delhi the next day. KEG expressed “serious concern over the continuous detention” of Yusuf.“ NIA has arrested Kamran Yusuf without spelling out the reasons and that doesn’t gel with the set legal norms prevalent in any democratic setup,” the body said in a statement. hindustantimes
9 Srinagar youth to be prosecuted for unfurling IS flags
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nine-srinagar-youth-to-be-prosecuted-for-unfurling-is-flags/article19659827.ece
Srinagar: The Govt is likely to prosecute 9 Srinagar youth for raising Islamic State (IS) flag outside historic Jamia Masjid three years ago.A order of the state Home Secretary said the investigating officer has established a prima-facie case against the accused persons under Section 13 of the UAPA.“…the state Govt is of the view that there is sufficient material and evidence available against the accused persons for their prosecution under the provisions of law,” it said.A case was registered on Oct.17, 2014 against unknown people for unfurling the flag of IS in the premises of historic Jamia Masjid. One of the accused, Sajad Ahmad Gilkar, was killed in an encounter this year in Budgam. All 9 youth are from different parts of the old city in Srinagar. thehindu
Kulbhushan Jadhav’s case proof India trying to sabotage CPEC: Pak interior minister Ahsan Iqbal
http://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/kulbhushan-jadhavs-case-proof-india-trying-to-sabotage-cpec-says-pakistans-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-4840355/
Karachi:Pakistan’s Interior Minister said today Islamabad was effectively pursuing Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav’s case at the International Court of Justice as it was a proof of India’s intentions to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to a media report. Jadhav, a 47-year-old former Indian naval officer, is on death row in Pakistan after the country’s military in a secret trial in April found him guilty of espionage and terrorism. Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Jadhav’s case was a proof of India’s intentions to sabotage the $50-billion CPEC through terrorism, The News International reported. He said the CPEC was a result of unprecedented friendship between China and Pakistan. “Nobody can reverse it, it will succeed at any cost,” he was quoted as saying in the report. Jadhav’s death sentence was stayed in May after a ruling by the ICJ on India’s appeal. The hearing in the case is set to resume this month at The Hague-based court.PTI
Army’s new US-made M777 howitzer in trouble, barrel explodes at Pokhran range: hindustantimes
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/army-s-new-us-made-m777-howitzer-in-trouble-barrel-explodes-at-pokhran-range/story-FBr9a2voeSWrumBhZisFcO.html
New Delhi: The army’s new M777 ultra-light American howitzer was partly damaged when a 155mm artillery round misfired and exploded in the barrel during a drill early Sept.The gun is one of the two howitzers that arrived in New Delhi in May as part of a $750-million contract signed with the US in Nov.2016. India has ordered 145 howitzers.The gun was firing Indian ammunition in Rajasthan’s Pokhran ranges.“During the firing on Sept. 2, the projectile, which was fifth of the series, exited the barrel in multiple pieces,” an army officer said on Tuesday.
Can't share Brahmaputra data for now; ready for talks to reopen Nathu La pass: China
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cant-share-brahmaputra-data-for-now-ready-for-talks-to-reopen-nathu-la-pass-china/articleshow/60477453.cms
Beijing:China on Tuesday said that it cannot share the hydrological data of the Brahmaputra river with India for the time being as the data collection station in Tibet is being upgraded.China, however, said it is ready to "keep communication" with India to reopen Nathu La pass in Sikkim for the Indian pilgrims visiting Kailash and Manasarovar in Tibet, which it had suspended in mid-June over the Doklam standoff."For long time we have conducted cooperation on the river data with the Indian side. But to upgrade and renovate the relevant station in the Chinese side, we do not have the conditions now to collect the relevant statistics of the river," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told media here.Asked when will China provide the data, which was reportedly suspended due to the Doklam standoff, he said, "We will later consider that."PTI
Doklam standoff: Chinese troops build bunkers behind disputed area, stay put
http://www.ibtimes.co.in/doklam-standoff-chinese-troops-build-bunkers-behind-disputed-area-stay-put-741717
Soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) continue to patrol the Doklam plateau two weeks after the 71-day military standoff between India and China was brought to an end through diplomatic channels.The Chinese soldiers have reportedly built bunkers on a ridge line behind the disputed region, triggering fears of a fresh military standoff between both countries, India Today reported.India raised the issue of the presence of Chinese soldiers in the Doklam region on Sept. 8 during flag meeting between the Indian division commander and his PLA counterpart at Nathu La mountain pass. ibtimes
Abducted priest Tom Uzhunnalil rescued from Yemen
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/abducted-priest-tom-uzhunnalil-rescued-from-yemen/article19670934.ece
New Delhi: Father Tom Uzhannalil from Kottayam in Kerala, who was kidnapped from Aden and kept in captivity by Yemeni militants for 18 months, has been released, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced on Tuesday.“I am happy to inform that Father Tom Uzhunnalil has been rescued,” Ms. Swaraj posted on her Twitter account. Since his abduction, Ms. Swaraj has made several statements on the Govt’s efforts to secure his release, as they have been able to do in other such cases, including the release of an aid worker from Afghanistan. Omani Govt confirmed in a statement on the Sultanate’s information ministry website that the priest was recovering in Muscat after being rescued, and posted photographs of the priest bearded and looking frail, and standing by an airplane."In response to the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and as per a request from the Vatican to assist in the rescuing of a Vatican employee, the concerned authorities in the Sultanate, in coordination with the Yemeni authorities, have managed to find a Vatican Govt employee. He was transferred this morning to Muscat in preparation for his return home," Omani Govt said in the statement.Omani Govt said Uzhannalil release had been secure with “Omani help” and that the “Vatican priest expressed thanks to God Almighty and appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. He also thanked his brothers and sisters and all relatives and friends who called on God for safety and release.” thehindu
PM Modi and Japan PM Shinzo Abe to visit Ahmedabad's Sidi Saiyyed mosque: All you need to know
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shinzo-abe-japan-prime-minister-narendra-modi-india-visit-sidi-saiyyed-mosque/1/1046134.html
Gujarat is all set be a host to Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe this week. Gujarat is going to be a host to a world leader for the second time in 3 years.On the occasion of 12th India-Japan annual dialogue, PM Narendra Modi will be taking the Japanese PM and his wife to Sabarmati Ashram, home to the iconic Mahatma Gandhi, after the summit.Both PM s will be visiting the historic Sidi Saiyyed Mosque located in Ahmedabad. But, what is so special about this mosque? Let's take a look.Here's all you need to know about the architectural marvel: Also known as Sidi Saiyad ki Jali, the architectural marvel was built in 1573 and is located near the center of Ahmedabad Lal Darwaja.It was built by Sidi Saeed or Sidi Saiyyed, an Abyssinian who came from Yemen. Known as nobleman, Saeed served Sultan Nasir-ud-Din Madmud III and Sultan Muzaffar Shah III.Saeed, the nobleman, was known to help the poor and had a lot of books.Sidi Saiyyed mosque was used as a Govt office during the British rule.In 1880 CE, few paper casts of the carved screen were taken and two wooden models were made for the Museum of Kensington and New York. Britishers extracted a central jali and took it to London for put it into museum for show.IndiaToday
Bhopal: Hundreds of Muslim women rally in support of triple talaq, decry ‘bid’ to dilute Sharia
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hundreds-of-muslim-women-rally-in-support-of-triple-talaq-decry-bid-to-dilute-sharia/story-mB9eBeAJBleUzMY8YewpvI.html
Bhopal: Hundreds of women gathered under the aegis of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) to protest against any move aimed at diluting the Sharia law, which provides for the banned triple-talaq practice, at Iqbal Maidan in Bhopal on Monday.This move came a day after the Islamic organisation decided on constituting a panel to look into the Supreme Court verdict against the controversial practice. Several AIMPLB office-bearers, including general secretary Syed Mohd Wali Rahmani and women’s wing leaders Asma Zehra and Sufia Hasnaini, addressed the gathering.The speakers announced that they would seek the signatures of about three crore Muslim women on a memorandum against the Supreme Court judgment, which would then be sent to the Chief Justice of India. They termed triple talaq as a “right” that should not be taken away from them simply because some “uneducated women” had moved the apex court against it.Attacking the NDA Govt at the Centre, AIMPLB executive committee member Asma Zehra wondered why the central Govt was trying to interfere only with the law governing Muslims when “women face atrocities and domestic violence in all religions”.“We feel empowered due to Sharia, and triple talaq is the best way to get rid of a husband if he harasses his wife,” said Dr Sufiya Hasnaini, convenor of the AIMPLB state women’s wing. “We can ourselves bring about any required change by educating people on triple talaq, but we will not allow anybody to change our law.”Board member KR Sajjad Naumani agreed, stating that it would be wrong to perceive that a majority of Muslim women are against triple talaq.While AIMPLB general secretary Syed Wali Rahmani conceded that triple talaq can be misused, he insisted that it is also effective under certain circumstances. “Any dilution in the Sharia will lead to women being abandoned,” Rahmani said.HT
AIMPLB campaigns to convey ‘right to practise Muslim personal law’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/aimplb-campaigns-to-convey-right-to-practise-muslim-personal-law-4839286/
WORLD
Hamas ready to reconcile with Fatah: reports
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/hamas-ready-reconcile-fatah-reports-170912062041220.html
Hamas says it is ready to discuss reconciliation with the rival Govt of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas without preconditions.The announcement follows a meeting between a high-level Hamas delegation and Egyptian intelligence officers last week in Cairo. The delegation, which included Hamas chief Ismail Haniya and Yahya al-Sinwar, the Hamas PM of Gaza, discussed enhancing Egypt-Hamas relations, in addition to easing a 10-year-old blockade of the territory imposed by Egypt and Israel.Hamas had previously demanded that Abbas end a series of measures taken against the group before it would consider sitting down to discuss a reconciliation deal.West Bank-based Palestinian Authority cut funding for electricity to Gaza and reduced the salaries of tens of thousands of public servants in a bid to compel Hamas to dissolve a contentious committee that it formed to run the territory in defiance of Abbas' Govt.In a statement on Monday, Hamas said it was prepared to dissolve the committee.Hamas leadership told Egyptian intelligence officials that they agree to a Palestinian national consensus Govt that would carry out elections and be in charge of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and occupied East Jerusalem.The website Al Resala, which is close to Hamas, reported that the Egyptian intelligence had contacted Azzam al-Ahmad, a senior Fatah official, in an attempt to bring Fatah and Hamas sides closer.Fatah's central committee on Tuesday will decide whether to send Ahmad to Cairo in the near future. aljazeera
Muslim Brotherhood: Egypt police committed extrajudicial killing of 10 youths
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170912-muslim-brotherhood-egypt-police-committed-extrajudicial-killing-of-10-youths/
The Muslim Brotherhood has accused the Egyptian police of the extrajudicial killing of ten youths in Cairo.Group spokesman Talaat Fahmi said in a statement:"The continued liquidation of young people is a continuation of the rule of the jungle, and the failed state policy that leads Egypt to the abyss."On Sunday, Egyptian Ministry of Interior announced in a statement that its security forces had killed ten gunmen who planned to carry out acts of violence and terror in the country during a raid on two apartments in Giza Governorate, west of Cairo, in an exchange of fire. Egyptian authorities have been accusing members of the Brotherhood of “inciting violence and terrorism” since army overthrew group member, Morsi, first democratically elected president on 3 July 2013. middleeastmonitor
HRW: Saudi-led air raids in Yemen are 'war crimes'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/hrw-saudi-led-air-strikes-yemen-war-crimes-170912044907422.html
Human Rights Watch has accused the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen of committing war crimes, saying its air raids killed 39 civilians, including 26 children, in two months.The rights group says 5 air raids that hit four family homes and a grocery store were carried out either deliberately or recklessly, causing indiscriminate loss of civilian lives in violation of the laws of war."Such attacks carried out deliberately or recklessly are war crimes," HRW said in a report on Tuesday.The coalition has repeatedly denied allegations of war crimes and says its attacks are directed against its enemy - Yemen's armed Houthi group - and not civilians. aljazeera
Saudi official denies Crown Prince’s visit to Israel
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170912-saudi-official-denies-crown-princes-visit-to-israel/
Retired Saudi General and the chairman of the Middle East Centre for Strategic and Legal Studies, Anwar Eshqi denied Israeli media reports claiming that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman visited Israel last week.“The reports are totally untrue,” Eshki told Quds Press. “The Crown Prince did not visit Israel, and I did not visit Israel. Everyone should know that according to Saudi law, no Saudi official is officially allowed to shake hands with an Israeli.”Israeli media reported that “a Saudi Emir has recently visited the country in secret and discussed with senior Israeli officials advancing regional peace.” A number of Israeli papers suggested that Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman was the one who made the secret visit to Israel and met with Israeli PM Netanyahu. aljazeera
Scholars lead efforts to release colleagues in Saudi
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170912-muslim-scholars-lead-efforts-to-release-colleagues-in-saudi-arabia/
A number of Saudi Arabian and Arab Muslim scholars have been seeking the release of their colleagues arrested on Sunday in the Kingdom, Quds Press has reported. There is speculation that the arrests have been made in order to silence potential critics of the succession from King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz to his son Mohammad Bin Salman, the Crown Prince.On Sunday, the Saudi authorities arrested a number of Muslim scholars and famous preachers, including Sheikh Salman Al-Ouda, Awad Al-Qarni and Ali Al-Omar. Further arrests took place on Monday, with Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Harithi, Sheikh Mohamed Al-Khodairi, Hassan Farhan, Gharm Al-Beeshi and others detained.Well-known Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi used Twitter to comment on the situation: “I cannot imagine that the two Sheikhs Awad Al-Qarni and Salman Al-Ouda were arrested. Our country and its people do not deserve this… There must be [some] misunderstanding.” middleeastmonitor
Haaretz: Cancellation of the African-Israeli summit is a huge blow to Netanyahu
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170912-haaretz-cancellation-of-the-african-israeli-summit-is-a-huge-blow-to-netanyahu/
Haaretz reported that the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé informed the Israeli PM , Benjamin Netanyahu, that the African-Israeli Summit scheduled to take place in the capital Lomé this October has been cancelled.The newspaper attributed the decision to an internal crisis that in Togo, the work of the national opposition in Togo and also pressure from Arab nations and the Palestinian Authorities on the African countries to cancel the conference. In a brief statement published in Israeli newspapers, the spokesman of the Israeli Foreign Ministry,Emmanuel Nahshon, claimed that the decision was taken in consultation with Netanyahu. middleeastmonitor
Iraq parliament rejects Kurdish independence referendum
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/iraq-parliament-rejects-kurdish-independence-referendum-170912132652290.html
Iraq's parliament has rejected Kurdish plans to hold an independence referendum aimed at creating a Kurdish state in Iraq's nothern territory, a lawmaker announced on Tuesday. The resolution, which labelled the ballot due to take place on Sept. 25 a "threat to …civil peace and regional security", authorises Haider al-Abadi, Iraq's PM, to take any measures necessary to preserve Iraq's existing borders.A breakdown for the vote was not immediately available."Kurdish lawmakers walked out of the session but the decision to reject the referendum was passed by a majority," Mohammed al-Karbouli, Iraqi MP, said.Iraqi Kurdish parliament is expected to meet on Thursday for the first time since Oct.2015 in response to the decision, according to officials.Majid Shingali, a Kurdish lawmaker, said the vote was not binding and will not be accepted by 111 member regional legislature."This decision has no value and we will not implement it," he said. aljazeera
Man sentenced for two years in prison for teaching Quran online in Xinjiang province
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/man-sentenced-for-two-years-in-prison-for-teaching-quran-online/story-Gt7ImWw80DITAjs7EcBwHP.html
Beijing: A 49-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in prison for forming online discussion groups to teach Quran in China’s volatile Xinjiang province. Huang Shike was found guilty of illegally using information on the internet, according to the verdict released by the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture branch court of Higher People’s Court of Xinjiang.“Huang, by preaching and teaching the Quran at non- religious venues, disturbed the administrative order of normal religious activities, severely violated China’s laws on regulating religious affairs and greatly harmed society,” state-run Global Times quoted the verdict as saying.Huang, a member of the Hui ethnic minority, established a social media group in June 2016, and taught its roughly 100 members, mostly his friends and family members, how to pray.China has over 21 million Muslims of Uygur and Hui ethnic communities. The Hui people are more concentrated in northwestern China in Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang. To better regulate social media groups, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) recently issued a new regulation which will take effect on Oct. 8.PTI
Halimah Yacob becomes Singapore's first female president; first Malay leader in 47 years: Today Online
https://www.nst.com.my/world/2017/09/278674/halimah-yacob-becomes-singapores-first-female-president-first-malay-leader-47
Singapore: Ex-Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob is set to be Singapore’s first Malay president in more than 47 years, after the Elections Dept (ELD) said on Monday that only one individual qualified for the inaugural reserved Presidential Election.Among those who submitted application forms, only one individual received both Certificate of Eligibility and Community Certificates, said ELD in its statement which did not name the individual.Halimah, 62, is the only candidate who automatically qualifies for the election having served as a Speaker of Parliament for more than three years.Contacted by TODAY, the spokespersons for chairman of marine services provider Bourbon Offshore Asia Pacific Farid Khan, 62, and chief executive of Second Chance Properties Mohamed Salleh Marican, 67, confirmed that their applications were rejected.
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Why Jharkhand’s anti-conversion bill is against Constitution and not necessary; Harsh Mander
http://www.hindustantimes.com/columns/why-jharkhand-s-anti-conversion-bill-is-against-constitution-and-not-necessary/story-FIhGsnxuqIItvniVAoiLQO.html
Naroda Patiya case: Maya Kodnani says Amit Shah was with her at the time of killings:Bhasha Singh
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/naroda-patiya-case-maya-kodnani-says-amit-shah-was-with-her-at-the-time-of-killings
UN says it all, but is New Delhi listening?Ravi Nair
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/un-says-it-all-but-is-new-delhi-listening-4840143/
Maulana Azad’s profound legacy in education facing extinction in Ranchi: Professor Mohammad Sajjad for TCN
http://twocircles.net/2017sep11/416435.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Message to the world from Rahimol, a Rohingya:Katie Arnold
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/09/message-world-rahimol-rohingya-170910105832142.html
Rohingya in India fear deportation to Myanmar:Saif Khalid
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/09/rohingya-india-fear-deportation-myanmar-170911134706072.html
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:11 PM)
