Posts
Evening NEWS DIGEST
24 Sept. 2017: 3 Muharram 1439:Vol:9, No:02
INDIA
Police Lathi-charge at BHU women students protesting inaction in molestation case
https://thewire.in/180797/banaras-hindu-university-lathi-charge/
New Delhi: Clashes broke out at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) late on Saturday night after the police lathi-charged women protesting the administration’s inaction in a case involving the molestation of a student earlier this week. Video footage has emerged of policemen charging towards the protesting women as others run to their hostel. No women constables can be seen in the videos. The lathi-charge happened just hours after PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Varanasi.A first-year hostel resident was molested and grabbed by three bike-borne men just outside the BHU campus on Thursday evening. According to NDTV, protesting students have been trying to meet the vice chancellor to apprise him of the safety situation and to urge him to take necessary steps. But on Saturday night, as they tried to enter his residence, they were stopped by university guards. Then the police arrived and used lathis to disperse them. Several students got injured in the scuffle.According to the NDTV report, the students said that the police lathicharged them without provocation and alleged that the cops even tried to enter the women’s hostel.Students told ANI that girls were beaten and abused during the lathicharge.The main gate of the university has now been cleared of protesting students and the situation is under control, the police told NDTV.According to a report in the Hindu,the administration said it would advance puja vacation for students and has asked students to vacate their hostels by 4 pm.However, according to the report, the BHU administration that it ordered the lathi-charge on the women. BHU chief proctor O.N. Singh told the Hindu that the police acted in self-defence after the group of protesters, which he claimed was full of outsiders and “anti-social elements,” pelted stones at the security forces and tried to break into the hostels.At least two journalists were injured and they allege the police did not let them go to the hospital for treatment, the UP state accredited correspondents committee told the Hindu.THE WIRE
BHU Molestation: Universities, Degree Colleges In Varanasi to Remain Closed Until Further Notice
http://www.abplive.in/india-news/bhu-molestation-case-universities-degree-colleges-in-varanasi-to-remain-closed-until-further-notice-584270#image4
BHU Clashes, Cops Filmed Thrashing Woman Student
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/students-injured-as-police-lathicharge-during-late-night-clashes-on-bhu-campus-1754375?pfrom=home-lateststories
Banaras Hindu University on the boil
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/banaras-hindu-university-on-the-boil/article19746481.ece?homepage=true
Rahul Gandhi mocks BJP over violence in BHU campus: ‘BJP version of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao in BHU’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rahul-gandhi-bhu-protest-police-lathicharge-bhu-violence-bjp-4858831/
New Delhi:Reacting strongly against the clashes in the BHU campus, Congress vice president mocked the ruling BJP for the violence in the campus.Taking to Twitter, Gandhi said:“BJP version of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao in BHU.” indianexpress
Sharad Yadav criticises police action against students
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sharad-yadav-criticises-police-action-against-protesting-banaras-hindu-university-students-4858810/
HRW says India ignored UN recommendations on AFSPA, torture and beef attacks
http://twocircles.net/2017sep23/417018.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Human Rights Watch has castigated the Indian Govt for not accepting a number of key human rights recommendations on Sept.21,at its UN review in Geneva which included greater accountability of its security forces, ensuring freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and abolishing the death penalty. India’s Govt responded on Sept.21 to the recommendations made by other UN member countries on May 4 during India’s third periodic review. Indian Govt was unwilling to accept important recommendations, said HRW.“In the face of countless attacks on free speech and threats to marginalised communities, the Indian Govt has chosen to be in denial,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at HRW. “India should show leadership on the world stage by taking the human rights concerns of other countries seriously and adopting concrete steps to address them.”At May 4 session, 112 countries made a total of 250 recommendations. On Sept.21, the Govt accepted 152, including commitments made toward sustainable development goals aimed at alleviating poverty, improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and strengthening protections for children and women.30 countries called on India to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture, a treaty it signed two decades ago but never ratified. Even as the Indian Govt denied the existence of torture at the May meeting, saying “the concept of torture is completely alien to our culture and it has no place in the governance of the nation,” it said it remained committed to ratifying the treaty.However, India made a similar commitment at the last UPR cycle in 2012 when the recommendation was made by 17 countries, and yet failed to take any steps to fulfill it.In a recent report on deaths in police custody, HRW found that torture is frequently used to gather information or coerce confessions.HRW has also raised concerns over AFSPA, a law that provides soldiers who commit abuses effective immunity from prosecution.It has also castigated the role of Govt in persecuting the people responsible for beef-related attacks. “Mob attacks by extremist Hindu groups affiliated with the ruling BJP against minority communities, especially Muslims and Dalits, have become a serious threat. In the first seven months of 2017, there were 26 attacks, and seven people were killed over rumors that they sold, bought, or killed cows for beef. The govt has failed to prosecute those responsible for such attacks, and at the same time several BJP leaders have made incendiary remarks against minorities, and in support of Hindu nationalism,” said HRW.“15 countries raised concerns over such increasing violence, recommending that India should better protect these vulnerable populations and freedom of religion, and prosecute attacks against them. However, the Indian Govt was unwilling to make any commitments.”TCN
Cow vigilantes pose threat to Kerala’s white revolution plans:state Animal Husbandry Minister
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/cow-vigilantes-pose-threat-to-keralas-white-revolution-plans-4859023/
Cow vigilantes pose a threat to Kerala’s plans to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production, the state’s Animal Husbandry Minister said. The southern state had put on hold its ambitious project to bring 200 Gir cows, a high-yielding species, from Gujarat following apprehensions about transporting it by road because of the reported presence of ‘gau rakshaks’. State Minister for Forests, Animal Husbandry and Zoos K Raju said Kerala had planned to procure th Gir breed as part of its efforts to boost milk production.Not just from Gujarat, but procurement of cows from other states has also been hit hard by the possible threat of mob violence in the name of protecting cows, he said.“We have not abandoned our plan to procure Gir cows from Gujarat. It is under active consideration. But, we have put it on hold due to the risk of transporting the cows,” Raju said. Known for their yield, Gir cows belong to the Gir forest region and surrounding districts of Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The ability to withstand hot climates make the high-quality breed a favourite of farmers.Kerala was planning to procure as many as 200 cows by paying over Rs one lakh for each bovine.Raju said he had recently visited Gujarat and met the minister concerned to discuss the plan.“Authorities in the state had responded positively. The availability of cows was also not an issue. Our plan was to go to the villages there and procure cows directly from farmers,” minister said.Gujarat authorities had ensured safe transportation of the cows within the state borders, he said.“But, we have to travel through other states, including Maharashtra, before reaching Kerala. It will be very risky to transport the cows through this distance in the wake of reports about the presence of cow vigilantes,” he said.PTI
Income-Tax notice to Harsh Mander's NGO after tribute to lynching victim
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/i-t-notice-to-ngo-after-tribute-to-lynching-victim/472067.html
New Delhi:Civil rights activist Harsh Mander today questioned a recent Income-Tax notice to Centre for Equity Studies of which he is a director.He said the notice smacked of state intimidation. Mander questioned the timing of the notice which came days after RSS sympathiser Rakesh Sinha told Mander in a TV debate that the funding of all of Mander’s organisations would be investigated. The debate was being held on the “Karwaan-e-Mohabbat” that was held to seek justice for hate violence victims. “On Sept.15, Karwan was to stop at the site of Pehlu Khan’s lynching to pay him tribute but on its eve, Hindu Jagran Manch, Bajrang Dal and VHP said they would not let this happen. But we managed to do so,”Mander said.tribuneindia
Harsh Mander's organisation gets I-T notice
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/60808781.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Dalit writer Kancha Ilaiah alleges attack by 4 people
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/dalit-writer-kancha-ilaiah-alleges-attack-by-four-people/story-6lezJes8qPt85E2wNUmKuI.html
Prominent Dalit writer and intellectual Kancha Ilaiah on Saturday filed a police complaint stating that 4 persons attacked his vehicle in the town and tried to kill him.The alleged attack on Ilaiah sparked tension between members of Arya Vysya caste and Dalits who came face to face. However, the police averted any escalation in tension by dispersing groups.A police official said around 200 members of Arya Vysya community held a demonstration at Ambedkar chowrasta (crossing) in the town after they spotted Ilaiah’s vehicle.The writer was headed towards Hyderabad after attending a function at Bhupalpally.He said sensing trouble Ilaiah’s driver diverted the car to Parkal Town police station.In his complaint, Ilaiah stated that 4 persons attacked his vehicle and tried to kill him, the official said, adding that no FIR was registered in the matter.The situation became tense after protesters followed Ilaiah to the police station and laid a siege.Meanwhile, members of dalit communities came to know about the incident and rushed to the police station.“Members of both the communities raised slogans against each other,” the official said.Circle Inspector John Narsimhulu and other police personnel pacified the two groups and asked them to leave the campus of the police station.However, both groups gathered at the crossing and again started raising slogans, following which police personnel rushed to the spot and dispersed them.PTI
Pehlu Khan's family welcomes SC order, demands compensation from Rajasthan govt.
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/pehlu-khans-family-welcomes-sc-order-demands-compensation-from-rajasthan-govt?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi: The family of slain dairy farmer Pehlu Khan has welcomed the Supreme Court order directing the state Govt s to provide monetary compensation to victims of cow vigilantism. The family has demanded the Rajasthan Govt to act upon the SC order. Its sole bread-earner Khan, 55, was lynched by a brutal mob of Gau Rakshaks in the Alwar district of the state in April this year. "Till today, we have not got any compensation -- neither from Rajasthan Govt nor from the Govt of Haryana (family is resident of Mewat)," said Irshad Khan, eldest son of Pehlu Khan while talking to IndiaTomorrow.net over phone on Saturday.More than five months have passed since the incident but the Govt of Rajasthan where the crime took place has not offered any compensation to the victim family. "We should get justice and legitimate compensation should be given to us. The order of Supreme Court is appreciable. There must be separate district level officers to look into the cases of cow vigilantism so that the fraud Gau Rakshaks can be controlled," demanded Irshad who was also brutally assaulted along with his father on in Alwar while they were returning to Haryana after purchasing some cows and calves from a Govt-run cattle fare in Jaipur. .IndiaTomorrow
Govt To Give Cash Reward Worth Rs 1 Crore To Secret Informers Who Provide Information On Benami Properties
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/govt-to-give-cash-reward-worth-rs-1-crore-to-secret-informers-providing-informat/302098
Centre is planning to give out cash rewards to the tune of Rs 1 crore to secret informers who provide tip offs to investigative agencies in connection with Benami Properties.A senior Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) official who is part of the policy making said on condition of anonymity, "An informer will get minimum Rs 15 lakh and maximum Rs 1 crore. According to the official, the information will have to be acute and identity of the informer will be kept secret. The department will never disclose identity as this could endanger the informer. The Benami Property Law introduced last year lacked this provision. It is a common practice by the Enforcement Directorate, the Income Tax dept and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to reward informers. The reward, however, is not so lucrative."Finding Benamidars is a herculean task for Income tax officials as well as the administration.A senior CBDT official told ANI, "It would be a lot easier, faster and effective method of operation if we take the help of informers. If we have an attractive award prize for informers then our task will become easy and we will start cracking Benami property holders nationwide, he further added. This policy is now with Finance Ministry. Once it gets approval from Finance Ministry and Final nod by Finance Minister, it will be announced by CBDT. An announcement is expected to be made by Oct.end or first week of Nov."Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016 came into effect from1st Nov.2016.ANI
Centre to police: Nudge people to achieve goals of demonetisation
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/centre-to-police-nudge-people-to-achieve-goals-of-demonetisation-cashless-transaction-digital-economy-note-ban-union-ministry-prime-minister-narendra-modi-4858283/
Union Home Ministry has written to police forces across the country to assess their efforts to encourage citizens to move to cashless transactions and curb fake currency and anti-national activities, so that “the objectives of demonetisation are fully accomplished”. Home Ministry’s letter, titled “Implementation of pending recommendation of DGsP-IGP Conference (2014, 2015 & 2016)”,was sent to all police stations in the country on September 18. A status report on each pending recommendation was to be submitted to Superintendents and Commissioners of Police by Thursday. The move came about, the letter mentions, during a meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Aug.25, 2017, where it was found that proof of pending recommendations being implemented was present only on paper, but “no evidence was found that action had been taken on those recommendations”. Among 5 pending recommendations from Nov.24-26, 2016, DGsP-IGP Conference in Hyderabad, which Modi inaugurated, are those relating to digital transactions and demonetisation. From the recommendations made at annual meet of DGsP and IGPs between 2014 and 2016, 25 are still to be implemented by the police of states and UTs, ministry’s letter says. Other key recommendations that remain pending for implementation include using Aadhaar data to the advantage of police, compiling a “data bank” of Govt employees living in jurisdiction of a police station, and “honouring” journalists who portray the police positively in their reports.All state police forces must “educate people to enable the move to cashless transactions”, Ministry has recommended, and asked Union Territories and particularly the Delhi Police, “to take the lead role in this exercise”. The letter asks officers in charge of police stations in large towns about action taken to reach out to shopkeepers and traders in their jurisdictions to educate them.indianexpress
India IT superpower, Pak terror factory: Sushma’s speech
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-an-it-superpower-pakistan-a-terror-factory-key-points-from-sushma-swaraj-s-unga-address/story-kKMitbljuOXp6QPYRsi46O.html
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday responded to Pakistan’s allegations at UN General Assembly that New Delhi was involved in state-sponsored terrorism and widespread human rights violations, calling it an “export factory of terror”.Swaraj, who addressed the world leaders in Hindi, also spoke about the significance of mitigating global warming, international cooperation and demonetisation. hindustantimes
India 'Mother Of Terrorism,' Says Pakistan After Sushma Swaraj's UN Speech
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-mother-of-terrorism-says-pakistans-maleeha-lodhi-after-sushma-swarajs-un-speech-1754427?pfrom=home-lateststories
UN:Pakistan accused India of adopting a posture of that of a "predator" and said if the international community wishes to avoid a dangerous escalation between the two neighbours, it must call on New Delhi to halt its provocations and aggressive actions. Terming India as the "mother of terrorism" in South Asia, Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi accused it of sponsoring terrorism in various parts of her country. Exercising her right to reply after Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj hit out at Pakistan, Ms Lodhi alleged that "in her vitriol she (Ms Swaraj) deliberately ignored the core issue" of Kashmir.Ms Swaraj in her remarks did not mention Kashmir."If the international community wishes to avoid a dangerous escalation between India and Pakistan, it must call on India to halt its provocations and aggressive actions. It must end the ceasefire violations along the Line of Control. It must halt its sponsorship of terrorist groups against Pakistan," Ms Lodhi said.Given that such responses are normally given by a low level foreign service official, it was quite significant that the top Pakistani diplomat took up the floor to launch a verbal dual against India.India did not immediately exercise its right to response to Ms Lodhi's remarks, in which Pakistan for the second time accused NSA Ajit Doval of interfering in Balochistan. Lodhi said if the parties fail to resolve a dispute, the UN and the international community has not only the right but the obligation to intervene and help to resolve the dispute. "UN Security Council resolutions do not lapse with time. Or are 'overtaken', as the Indian foreign minister put it. Law has no expiry date. Morality has no sell-by date. India's posture is that of the predator. It cannot escape its legal and moral obligation to abide by the resolutions of the Security Council," she said. "India has sponsored and perpetrated terrorism and aggression against all its neighbours; creating terror groups; destabilising and blockading neighbours to do its strategic bidding and sponsoring subversion, sabotage and terrorism in various parts of Pakistan. All this establishes that India is the mother of terrorism in South Asia," she alleged.She said the 'largest democracy' is also "the world's largest hypocrisy" and it's ruled by the "fascist" ideology. She also said Pakistan remains open to resuming a comprehensive dialogue with India to address all outstanding issues, especially J&K and discuss measures to maintain peace and security. ndtv
International community must call on India to halt aggressive acts: Pak
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/international-community-must-call-on-india-to-halt-aggressive-acts-pak/articleshow/60814531.cms
Kashmir terror funding: NIA summons PhD student, trader body head, 2 Hurriyat leaders
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kashmir-terror-funding-nia-summons-phd-student-trader-body-head-2-hurriyat-leaders/
Srinagar:NIA has issued summons to a Kashmir university PhD student, the head of a trader’s body and two Hurriyat leaders to appear before it tomorrow in connection with a case related to the funding of terror activities in Kashmir, officials said today. Yaseen Khan of Kashmir Traders and Marketing Federation, Aala Fazil, pursuing a doctorate from Kashmir university, and leaders of pro-Pakistan Syed Ali Shah Geelani-led Hurriyat Conference, Abdul Hameed Magrey and Wali Mohammed, have been asked to appear before the NIA at its headquarter in New Delhi, they said.Kashmir Trader’s body has called for a strike tomorrow to register its protest over Khan’s summoning. Kashmir Bar Association president Mian Qayoom is likely to be summoned again by NIA, officials said, adding that many points related to his statement that was recorded earlier were being corroborated. The people summoned to appear before the NIA tomorrow were likely to be questioned about alleged funding to various groups that pelted the security forces with stones, the officials said.PTI
Explain How Dawood's Wife Visited Mumbai Undetected: Congress To Centre
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/how-did-dawoods-wife-visit-mumbai-undetected-modi-Govt -should-answer-congress-1754283
New Delhi:Congress has demanded that the Modi Govt explain how underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's wife managed to visit Mumbai last year undetected and said that it raises questions on the credibility of the Centre and Maharashtra Govt as well as the state and central security agencies."Wife of Ibrahim, Mehajabin Shaikh came to meet her father in 2016 in Mumbai and the Modi Govt kept on sleeping," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said.Surjewala's remarks came a day after the arrested brother of Dawood, Iqbal Ibrahim Kaskar told investigators that his sister-in-law, Mehjabin (Dawood's wife) visited Mumbai sometime in 2016 to meet her father, Salim Kashmiri, before quietly departing.Thane Police, however, have denied making any such revelation.Targetting the investigative agencies of Govt, Surjewala questioned, "What was CBI doing? What was RA&W doing?" ndtv
Internal Durga Puja memo leaked, Hindutva elements trying to foment communal disturbance in Bengal
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/politics/internal-durga-puja-memo-leaked-hindutva-elements-trying-to-foment-communal-disturbance-in-bengal
Durga Puja ends with Bijaya Dashami and the next day Muslims mourn the historic loss of lives in the Battle of Karbala on the occasion of Muharram. In West Bengal, there has been peace for decades and both communities have never had major confrontations. But since 2014, there have been sudden attacks on temples and Muharram processions.And the number of such incidents are only growing. Though Bengali Hindu ritual prohibits idol immersion on the eleventh day, Ekadashi, this year BJP and its allies have been trying their best to provoke people to immerse the idols on the day, considered religiously inauspicious. Aim of this propaganda seems to be political rather than religious with an intention to create a massive law and order problem by pitting one community against another, National Herald has learnt from an insider who has leaked some information about the Sangh Parivar’s plans to create communal disturbance during Durga Puja. Due to power struggle between BJP and Hindu Samhati, a number of details have been leaked outside the Hindu right wing circle. As per these details, Hindu Samhati is spreading unnecessary panic among the masses by circulating baseless and provocative notifications. These notifications claim that the Muslims are attacking Hindus in different unspecified areas and give a list of places where the Muslims will be attacking the Hindus during Durga Puja. Hindu Samhati is the same organisation that was responsible for setting houses and shops on fire last year during the Hazinagar riot, as confessed by a member on camera in presence of its senior member Sujit Maity. Along with the said organisation, certain members of RSS also allegedly played an important role in organising a mob of looters and arsonists. This year too, the organisation is receiving good support from BJP members in spreading communal hatred. The list was intercepted recently with the help of a prominent member of the BJP. nationalheraldindia
Kolkata Police busts fake video of ‘priest being assaulted by Muslims during Navratri'
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-kolkata-police-busts-fake-video-of-priest-being-assaulted-by-muslims-during-navratri-2547908
On Saturday, Kolkata police took on hatemongers on Twitter after a video was shared purportedly showing a Hindu priest being beaten up during Navratri. A Twitter handle shared a video stating:“This brahmin's Puja bell sounds during this navaratri disturbed those Muslims in a Muslim majority areain West Bengal!”While the tweet was roundly retweeted, several people tagged the Kolkata police asking them to verify the video. According to the police’s Twitter handle the video is of an old incident showing a priest being manhandled by a victim's family, who he had allegedly molested. FIRs had been lodged against the priest and the those that had accosted him. The user has deleted the tweet now.Police wrote on Twitter: “This is a wrong and mischievous postThis priest was manhandled by the family members of the victim girl where he allegedly molested her.Legal action is being initiated against all the people spreading communal hatred.” dnaindia
Maharashtra: My marriage, not a case of ‘Love Jihad’, claims girl, moves HC for protection
http://thehitavada.com/Encyc/2017/9/24/My-marriage,-not-a-case-of-‘Love-Jihad-,-claims-girl,-moves-HC-for-protection.aspx
“I have married my Muslim fiancee by choice and nobody pressurised me and though my parents are forcing me to come back, I will stay with him,” asserted the Hindi girl, whose parents and an outfit have dubbed the marriage as another case of ‘Love Jihad’.The girl in her statement through WhatsApp Video Call recorded by police in presence of parents, Govt lawyer, confirmed that she was pregnant and would stay with her husband. Couple Mohd Arif and Monika alias Aayat claimed that they had married on their own accord and alleged that Bajrang Dal activists and police officers were harassing them and unnecessarily terming it as case of forcible marriage. The boy has been selected in Maharashtra Police and is likely to join soon. They sought protection from the High Court. The police officers reported the statement to a division bench consisting of Justice Vasanti Naik and Justice MG Giratkar after which the court disposed of the case. Arif is a resident of Pinjar in Akola district while girl Monika Ingle used to stay in the jurisdiction of Imamwada police station.Arif is presently staying with his aunt at Hasanbag and trying to join police force while the girl is also undergoing training to join police force. During the pre-exam training sessions at police headquarters ground, they were attracted towards each other and soon decided to tie Nuptial tie.The Hitavada
‘Rights violation’ of converted Hindu woman: Kerala women’s panel to seek SC nod to file report
http://www.india.com/news/agencies/rights-violation-of-converted-hindu-woman-ker-womens-panel-to-seek-sc-nod-to-file-report-2494774/
Kochi: Kerala Women’s Commission today said it would seek the Supreme Court’s nod to file a fact- finding report on allegations of rights violations of a Hindu woman here, who married a Muslim man after converting to Islam, in the custody of her parents.The decision to move the apex court was taken in view of complaints from various quarters that the rights of 24-year-old woman were allegedly being violated, commission chairperson MC Josephine told reporters here.Josephine said the commission had received representations from various organisations, seeking its intervention following allegations of violation of the woman’s rights.Since the matter was under the Supreme Court’s consideration, the commission required its permission to meet the woman and her parents and file a fact-finding report before it, she added.Josephine said the commission had received a legal opinion from an expert yesterday and based on it, it had decided to approach the top court. Slamming a social media campaign being run by various groups in connection with the matter, she alleged that it was not being done to protect the rights of the woman.“The commission is not interested in going after such a campaign. Such campaigns are not good. Such matters should be dealt strictly within the purview of law. All should cooperate to protect the democratic rights of the woman,” Josephine said.PTI
Women's Commission to move SC in Hadiya Case
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/sep/24/kerala-womens-commission-to-move-supreme-court-in-hadiya-case-1662029.html
Kerala: Akhila is being tortured, allege activists
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/women-activists-allege-akhila-hadiya-is-being-tortured-in-her-house/articleshow/60810160.cms
Kochi: Women activists belonging to a Facebook Collective named Feminist Reading group has alleged that Akhila Hadiya, who is confined to her home for the past 4 months, is being physically and mentally tortured at her home.Speaking to media in Kochi, activists said that authorities concerned should record the statement of Hadiya immediately.The members alleged that she has been confined to her 3-bedroom house in TV Puram for the past four months, on court orders.She had no contact with the outside world and is also not allowed to meet anyone. Police officials are deployed at her house to monitor her every move. The inhuman treatment meted out to Hadiya should be stopped. She should be immediately released," said members of the Feminist Reading group.TOI
Hyderabad: Jamat-e-Islami Hind to construct 100 houses for Rohingya refugees
https://www.siasat.com/news/jih-construct-100-houses-rohingya-refugees-1236068/
Hyderabad: Jamat-e-Islami Hind has decided to construct 100 houses for Rohingya refugees in Hyderabad. Process has begun to identify land at a suitable place. President Jamat-e-Islami Telangana and Odisha, Hamed Mohammed Khan has issued a circular to all local presidents and district presidents and requested them to appeal for funds during Friday sermon on September 29. Houses will be constructed in collaboration with Human Welfare Foundation.Mr. Hamed Mohammed Khan informed that Jamat has decided to collaborate with Human Welfare Foundation and execute relief and rehabilitation programme for Rohingya Muslims in 3 fields. Besides constructing houses in Hyderabad, JIH will fight for their right of living and right of residency within legal framework.Siasat
Fresh plea in SC backing deportation of illegal Rohingyas from India
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/fresh-plea-in-sc-favouring-deportation-of-illegal-rohingyas-4858691/
New Delhi:A fresh petition has been filed in the Supreme Court favouring the Centre’s stand to identify and deport to Myanmar around 40,000 illegal Rohingya Muslims staying here. The plea may be heard along with the PIL filed by two Rohingya Muslim refugees challenging deportation, which is likely to come up for hearing on Oct. 3.Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, also a BJP leader, said that his plea has been accepted in the SC registry and would be heard on the date already fixed. The plea has sought a direction to the Centre and the state Govts to identify, detain and deport all illegal migrants and infiltrators, including Bangladesh nationals and Rohingyas.PTI
Former Vice President Ansari attends conference amidst controversy at Calicut University
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/sep/24/former-vice-president-ansari-attends-conference-amidst-controversy-1661824.html
Kozhikode: The international conference on “The Role of Women in Making a Humane Society”, which ran into trouble after the University of Calicut denied permission to hold it on the university campus, was held in the city on Saturday. Inaugurating the conference organised by the Institute of Objective Studies in association with the National Women’s Front, former Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari said Islam respects the individuality of women in society. He said a study conducted by the UN Women, a wing of the UN which works for gender equality and women empowerment, has revealed the plight of women across the world. He said the unethical human and social practices marginalising women should change. Women should be made an equal partner in creating a humane society. “The conscious or subconscious perception of many sections of the society is a girl child is a burden or even a misfortune. This should change,” he said. The inaugural session of the two-day conference was attended by IOS chairman M Manzoor Alam. On Friday the University of Calicut had decided to withdraw from the conference which was jointly organised by the New Delhi-based Institute of Objective Studies, Islamic Chair of the University of Calicut and National Women’s Front. Delegates and scholars from South Africa, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia attended the conference.A B Moideen Kutty, Head of Department of Arabic, said the University had decided to stay away from the programme considering the involvement of certain organisations in the conduct of the conference. newindianexpress
Gender equality diluted by tradition:Hamid Ansari
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/gender-equality-diluted-by-tradition/articleshow/60815548.cms
Unite or you will end up like Rohingyas: Azam to Muslims
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/unite-or-you-will-end-up-like-rohingyas-azam-khan-to-muslims/articleshow/60812012.cms?
Lucknow: Senior SP leader Azam Khan called upon Muslims to unite or they would be reduced to the status of refugee Rohingyas in their own country. He also made a passionate appeal to leaders who had abandoned the Samajwadi Party and joined other political outfits, to return to the party fold.The party's Muslim face, known for making headlines with his controversial comments, said Muslims had contributed to the freedom struggle like any other Indian but today, the time had come when the community woke up to routine insults and discrimination every morning and went to bed fearing what would happen next."We will go by history that is factual and not by what the RSS wants us to believe as history," Azam said, adding that everybody must unite to take on "fascist" forces.
Activist claims mafia death threats to withdraw cases against ex-BJP minister
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/activist-claims-mafia-death-threats-to-withdraw-cases-against-ex-bjp-minister-
Mumbai: Activist and ex-AAP leader Anjali Damania on Saturday claimed to have received death threats in a call made from a landline number in Karachi."At 12.33 a.m., I got a threatening call asking me to withdraw all cases against (ex-BJP minister) Eknath Khadse," she said in a statement. Damania quoted the telephonic conversation: "You have made life miserable for everybody. You also have a family”. She said the true caller showed the number (starting with codes +92 21) from a landline in Karachi.IANS
WORLD
Tensions rise in Iraq ahead of Kurdish referendum
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/tensions-rise-iraq-kurdish-referendum-170924094444442.html
Hundreds demonstrated in eastern Iraq against a planned referendum on the secession of northern Iraq's Kurdish region, which neighbouring countries and Western powers fear could break up the country and stir regional ethnic and sectarian conflict.Protestors, who gathered outside Baquba city council on Sunday, waved banners denouncing the Sept.25 vote and called on local authorities to ban the polls."We are taking to the streets to express our rejection of this secession referendum," Salim Saleh, a protestor, told Anadolu news agency. The non-binding referendum will see Iraqis in areas under the control of the Kurdish Regional Govt (KRG) - and in a handful of territories disputed between Erbil and Baghdad - vote whether to secede from Iraq. aljazeera
A look into Iraq's disputed Kirkuk before referendum
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/09/iraq-disputed-kirkuk-referendum-170923080251698.html
Iran launches war games near Iraqi Kurdistan border
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170924-iran-launches-war-games-near-iraqi-kurdistan-border/
Iranian forces have launched war games in an area near the border with Iraq’s Kurdistan region, Iran’s state media reported on Sunday, a day before a Kurdish independence referendum in the region.Turkey also said on Sunday its aircraft launched airstrikes against Kurdistan PKK targets in northern Iraq’s Gara region on Saturday after spotting militants preparing to attack Turkish military outposts on the border..Iranian State media IRIB said military drills, part of annual events held in Iran to mark the beginning of the 1980-1988 war with Iraq, are centered in the Oshnavieh border region. Middleeastmonitor
Shia militia accused of attacking Sunni village in Iraq
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170924-shia-militia-accused-of-attacking-sunni-village-in-iraq/
An Iraqi tribal elder on Saturday accused an Iran-affiliated militia of expelling civilians from a Sunni-majority village in western Iraq.Sheikh Jabbar al-Hamoud said Shia fighters from the Iraqi Hezbollah faction had raided Makr al-Deeb village in western Iraq and forced villagers out to desert.He, however, failed to cite a reason for the attack.Agency could not reach members of the Hezbollah faction for comment.Anadolu
Turkey extends troops' deployment in Iraq & Syria
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/turkey-extends-troops-deployment-iraq-syria-170923232041669.html
Turkey's parliament has approved the extension of a mandate that allows the deployment of troops in Iraq and Syria if faced with national security threats.The move on Saturday came 2 days before an independence referendum in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region - a vote denounced by Ankara as a "mistake" and a threat to its security and regional stability.The motion was backed by MPs from the ruling Justice and Development Party, as well as the main opposition CHP and Nationalist Movement Party. MPs from the People's Democratic Party (HDP) voted against it. aljazeera
Russian airstrikes kill 45 Syrian rebels, says monitor
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/russian-airstrikes-kill-45-syrian-rebels-says-monitor/story-roztqzhvnBzQbUwbLrjQ4N.html
Beirut:Russian air strikes have killed 45 members of a rebel group in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said on Sunday.It was unclear why the strikes, which took place Saturday, targeted members of the Faylaq al-Sham rebel group, which has taken part in peace talks supervised by Moscow in the Kazakh capital Astana.The strikes hit the group in the province of Idlib, which is part of a so-called “de-confliction” zone agreed in a deal between Syrian regime allies Russia and Iran, and rebel backer Turkey.Faylaq al-Sham is an Islamist rebel group considered close to the Muslim Brotherhood movement.AFP
UN: Rohingya in Bangladesh need 'massive' assistance
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/rohingya-bangladesh-massive-assistance-170924110654841.html
Bangladesh needs "massive international assistance" to feed and shelter the 436,000 Rohingya who have fled Myanmar in recent weeks, the head of the UN refugee agency said.UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said on Sunday there were "immense" challenges after visiting the overflowing camps around Cox's Bazar."I was struck by the incredible magnitude of their needs. They need everything - they need food, they need clean water, they need shelter, they need proper health care," he said.Grandi said there had been an "incredible outpouring of local generosity" but that now needed to be "beefed up by massive international assistance, financial and material"."That's partly why I am here, to help... the Govt organise that response," he said. aljazeera
Fire continues at Rohingya villages in Myanmar: Amnesty
http://www.freepressjournal.in/world/amnesty-international-says-fire-continues-at-rohingya-muslim-villages-in-myanmar/1142055
New satellite images and videos from Myanmar’s Rakhine state show smoke rising from Rohingya Muslim villages, contradicting State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s claims that military operations there have ended, according to Amnesty International. London-based group said its sources in Rakhine have claimed that the fires, captured in images on Friday afternoon, were started by members of the Myanmar security forces and vigilante mobs, reports the Guardian. IANS
Rohingya violence: UN medics see evidence of rape in Myanmar army ‘cleansing’ campaign
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/rohingya-violence-un-medics-see-evidence-of-rape-in-myanmar-army-cleansing-campaign-4858899/
Cox's Bazar:Doctors treating some of the 429,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar in recent weeks have seen dozens of women with injuries consistent with violent sexual attacks, UN clinicians and other health workers said. The medics’ accounts, backed in some cases by medical notes reviewed by Reuters, lend weight to repeated allegations, ranging from molestation to gang rape, levelled by women from the stateless minority group against Myanmar’s armed forces.Myanmar officials have mostly dismissed such allegations as militant propaganda designed to defame its military.Doctors at a clinic run by the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) at the Leda makeshift refugee say they treated hundreds of women with injuries they said were from violent sexual assaults during the army operation in October and November.Reuters
Gangrape Horrors Haunt Rohingya Refugees, Leave UN 'Gravely Concerned'
http://www.news18.com/news/world/gangrape-horrors-haunt-rohingya-refugees-leave-un-gravely-concerned-1526789.html
Hindus in Bangladesh cutting Durga Puja expense to fund aid for Rohingyas
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/hindus-in-bangladesh-cutting-durga-puja-expense-to-fund-aid-for-rohingyas/story-p1MZOTQGCSLbCTwyoqtd8H.html
Dhaka:In a humanitarian gesture, Hindus in Bangladesh on Friday decided to cut the expenses of the upcoming Durga Puja to set up a fund to provide relief for Rohingya refugees who poured into the country following the ethnic violence in Myanmar.Reports suggest that the violence also forced some 800 Hindus in Rakhine State to take refuge in Bangladesh. “Their mass exodus has unfolded a horrific humanitarian crisis (and so) we will stand by the persecuted refugees with assistance by saving during the Durga Puja festival,” general secretary of apex Puja Celebration Council said.He said puja celebration committees across Bangladesh had been asked to save to set up a fund to provide relief for the Rohingya refugees.PTI
170 Yemen rebels killed within last 3 days
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/194273/170-yemen-rebels-killed-within-last-three-days
At least 170 rebel fighters were killed this week in Yemen’s northwestern Hajjah province, the Yemeni army said in a Friday statement.“Shia Houthi militia and allied forces loyal to ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh lost 170 fighters within the last 3 days in clashes with pro-Govt forces in Hajjah,” the statement read.It went on to assert that Houthi leader Abu Amjad al-Jabri had been among those killed.Anadolu Agency was unable to obtain immediate comment from Houthi or pro-Saleh officials regarding the army’s claims.World Bulletin
Women allowed into stadium as Saudi celebrates it’s 87th anniversary
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170924-women-allowed-into-stadium-as-saudi-arabia-celebrates-its-87th-anniversary/
Saudi Arabia is celebrating the 87th anniversary of its founding this weekend with an unprecedented array of concerts and performances, including allowing women into King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh for a Saturday evening operetta – a first in the conservative Islamic kingdom.The festivities are part of a Govt bid to boost national pride and improve the quality of life for Saudis.Also on offer is a concert in the Red Sea city of Jeddah featuring 11 Arab musicians, plus fireworks, air acrobatics and traditional folk dance shows.
Middleeastmonitor
Trump's 90-day travel ban on Muslim-majority nations expires today; new restrictions expected
http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world-trump-s-90-day-travel-ban-on-muslim-majority-nations-expires-today-new-restrictions-expected-403031
President Donald Trump is expected to announce new restrictions on travel to the United States as his ban on visitors from six Muslim-majority countries expires today, 90 days after it went into effect. Department of Homeland Security has recommended the president sign off on new, more targeted restrictions on foreign nationals from countries it says refuse to share information with the US or haven't taken necessary security precautions. Officials haven't said which or how many countries will be affected by the new restrictions, which could take effect as soon as today. "The acting secretary has recommended actions that are tough and that are tailored, including restrictions and enhanced screening for certain countries," said Miles Taylor, counselor to acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke. AP
Iran tests new ballistic missile, draws rebuke from Trump
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-tests-new-ballistic-missile-spite-us-warnings-1163665910
Iran's successful test of a medium-range ballistic missile after US warnings that it may pull out of a landmark nuclear deal also drew fresh criticism from President Donald Trump.The launch called into question the nuclear deal with the United States and other world powers, Trump said on Saturday, while he also accused the Islamic republic of colluding with North Korea."Iran just test-fired a Ballistic Missile capable of reaching Israel. They are also working with North Korea. Not much of an agreement we have!" Trump tweeted.An "extremely concerned" French foreign ministry warned that the launch violated the United Nations Security Council resolution that endorsed the accord."France demands that Iran halt all destablizing activities in the region and to respect all provisions of Resolution 2231, including the call to halt this type of ballistic activity," a statement read. "France will consider ways, with its European and other partners, to get Iran to stop its destabilizing ballistic activities." middleeasteye
Israel signals “go-ahead” for construction of 11,700 settler homes
https://english.palinfo.com/news/2017/9/24/Israel-signals-go-ahead-for-construction-of-11-700-settler-homes
\RAMALLAH, (PIC) The Israeli government advanced plans for the construction of 11,700 settler homes since the start of 2017, Walid Assaf, Chairman of the Commission Against the Wall and Settlements, said Sunday.According to Assaf, the Israeli government approved plans for the establishment and expansion of 122 settlements over the past six years at the expense of Palestinian lands.The official further warned of other settlement bids in Occupied Jerusalem and al-Khalil.“The Israeli government has advanced a dangerous plan to isolate al-Khalil’s Old City from its environment by granting the settlers a municipal council,” he said.Israeli settlements across the occupied Palestinian territories are deemed illegitimate under international law.
UK-based Human Rights body sounds alarm over destruction of UNESCO-registered site in Gaza
https://english.palinfo.com/news/2017/9/24/AOHR-sounds-alarm-over-destruction-of-UNESCO-registered-site-in-Gaza
LONDON, (PIC) The UK-based Arab Organization for Human Rights (AOHR) called on authorities in the blockaded Gaza Strip to immediately cease leveling an archaeological site in Tel al-Sakan.In a Sunday statement, AOHR urged Gaza’s attorney general to launch a criminal probe into the destruction of an archaeological site in Gaza and to hold those responsible for the damage to account.AOHR said archaeological sites are Palestinians’ weapon to preserve their identity in the midst of the unending Israeli efforts to grab their land and holy sites.According to AOHR, the most dangerous of such archaeological theft crimes occurs in Occupied Jerusalem and in the vicinity of holy al-Aqsa Mosque.The organization pointed the finger at Palestinian Authority officials, whom it said have been rummaging around for material gains at the expense of Palestinians’ archaeological legacy.
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Appraising the Rohingya refugee situation in India and are Muslim countries shying away?Dr Syed Zafar Mahmood
http://www.milligazette.com/news/15874-appraising-the-rohingya-refugee-situation-in-india-and-are-muslim-countries-shy-away
Raqqa: 'Seeing dead bodies is normal now': Priyanka Gupta
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/09/raqqa-dead-bodies-normal-170923070320617.html
The govt’s policy towards the Rohingya boils down to imprudent, myopic, untenable:Pratap Bhanu Mehta
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-few-sacks-of-rice-rohingya-refugees-myanmar-4856665/
Painting Mughals as looters to hailing ‘Indian’ heroes: How to rewrite history: HT
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/a-peep-into-the-history-rewriting-project/story-DodYmxp8uLc23XUTETZ19N.html
NDTV, Indian Express And The Relevance And Responsibility Of Mainstream Media:Vidya Bhushan Rawat
http://www.ummid.com/news/2017/September/23.09.2017/ndtv-sold-out-and-indian-express-story.html
Is This The Job of the Indian Army, Or Of The Inept Civil Administration?Lt General P.C.Katoch
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/NewsDetail/index/1/11810/Is-This-The-Job-of-the-Indian-Army-Or-Of-The-Inept-Civil-Administration
Gaushala & Ram Mandir Slogans at Media University: Is MP’s Makhanlal Chaturvedi University Turning Saffron? Tarique Anwar
https://newsclick.in/gaushala-ram-mandir-slogans-mps-makhanlal-chaturvedi-university-turning-saffron
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:46 PM)
