Posts
Evening NEWS DIGEST
09 Oct.2017: 18 Muharram 1439:Vol:9, No:15
INDIA
2002 Godhra train case: Gujarat HC commutes death sentence of 11 convicts to rigorous life imprisonment
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/2002-godhra-train-burning-carnage-case-riots-gujarat-high-court-sit-commutes-death-sentence-of-11-convicts-to-life-imprisonment-4881586/
New Delhi: More than two years after the hearing concluded in the Godhra train burning case, the Gujarat High Court on Monday pronounced the judgment on a clutch of petitions challenging the special trial court’s sentencing. The division bench of Gujarat High Court, while upholding the findings of special trial court, commuted the capital punishment to rigorous life imprisonment for 11 convicts and upheld the life sentence to 20 others. The HC also confirmed the acquittal of 63 other accused, including one of the main accused Maulana Umarji, who passed away in 2013. The trial court, presided over then additional sessions judge PR Patel, currently posted as registrar, high court, in 2011 had held the case as “rarest of rare”. The court accepted the findings of the SC appointed-SIT, which claimed that a conspiracy was hatched by the accused a day before the arrival of Sabarmati Express train.Pronouncing the judgment, the division bench of Justice Anant S Dave and Justice GR Udhwani held that the state Govt failed in discharging its duty in maintaining law and order during the incident, and directed it to pay compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of 59 persons who were killed in the train fire. The bench said that the trial court judgment did not address this aspect and said that compensation to those who suffered injuries should be decided the Govt.Before reading out its verdict the bench led by justice Dave said,“We regret for the delay in pronouncing the judgment…we understand the difficulties of victims and convicts…there are certain things which are not in our control.” The bench said that they arrived at their conclusion after going through the records, the statements of injured, passengers, railway employees, railway police, Godhra town police, fire brigade and forensic reports. Initially, the accused were charged under POTA, but later the HC revoked the charges following the recommendations of the Central POTA Review Committee. indianexpress
Gujarat HC Commutes Death Sentence of 11 Convicted in Godhra Train Burning to Life Imprisonment
https://thewire.in/185825/gujarat-hc-godhra-train-burning-sentence/
Hadiya case: Central govt trying to vilify peaceful atmosphere in Kerala, alleges advocate Dave;SC asks how can marriage be nullified on habeas corpus petition
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-hadiya-case-central-govt-trying-to-vilify-peaceful-atmosphere-in-kerala-alleges-advocate-dushyant-dave-2551545
http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/will-hear-hadiyas-version-sc-asks-how-can-marriage-be-nullified-habeas-corpus-petition-69708
Senior advocate Dushyant Dave has alleged in the Supreme Court that Central Govt was trying to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in Kerala.Addressing Hadiya case that involved the allegedly forcible marriage of a Hindu girl to a Muslim boy, Dave alleged that NIA had played into the hands of the Centre. "Your Amit Shah had gone to Kerala," Dave claimed in court in front of Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, who took strong objection to Dave's words, as reported in Bar and Bench, who said,:You are trying to browbeat the other side by making obnoxious statements." This resulted in a war of words, prompting the court to adjourn the hearing to Oct.30. According to thenewsminute the SC said today that it will hear what Hadiya has to say. Hearing a special leave petition filed by Shafin Jahan, Hadiya's husband, against the nullification of their marriage by the Kerala HC, the SC asked how HC could have taken such a decision based on a habeas corpus.It was on the basis of a habeas corpus petition filed by Hadiya's father Ashokan, that the HC had called her marriage to Shafin Jahan a sham.The SC made it clear that the matter of the Kerala HC annulling the marriage and the SC ordering an NIA probe into the case, were 2 different matters. The SC reiterated its earlier observation, that Hadiya's father Ashokan was not her only custodian. Countering NIA's report, Dave said that NIA began investigation without a retired SC judge monitoring the probe, and that this means it was all "political."DNA/thenewsminute
Hadiya not forced to embrace Islam: Crime
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/oct/09/hadiya-not-forced-to-embrace-islam-crime-branch-1668923.html
Crime Branch investigation team probing the Hadiya case has said in a report that Hadiya aka Akhila was not forced to embrace Islam and it was her own decision to do so. The probe team led by Ernakulam Crime Branch SP Santhosh Kumar has submitted the report to Crime Branch DGP A Hemachandran. The report said Hadiya herself had given a statement in this regard.The report also said there is no evidence to prove any terrorist or communal outfit had influenced her to convert. newindianexpress
No Sale of Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR Till Oct 31: SC
https://thewire.in/185763/no-sale-firecrackers-delhi-ncr-till-Oct.-31-says-supreme-court/
New Delhi: The Supreme Court today said its order of last November banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR will continue till Oct.31.A bench headed by Justice A. K. Sikri said the apex court’s September 12 order temporarily lifting the stay and permitting sale of firecrackers would be effective from Nov.1. Diwali is on Oct.19 and the order effectively means that no firecrackers will be available for purchase before the festival. The top court said it has not changed the Sept.12 order but its Nov.11, 2016 order banning the sale of firecrackers “should be given a chance”.PTI
Faced with 100-crore defamation case, journalist who reported on Jay Shah's business refuses to back down
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/10/09/faced-with-a-100-crore-defamation-case-journalist-who-reported-on-jay-shahs-business-refuses-to-back-away_a_23236859/?utm_hp_ref=in-homepage
Journalist Rohini Singh, who investigated into the alleged irregularities in business enterprises run by Jay Amitbhai Shah, BJP President Amit Shah's son, for The Wire, has stood up for herself after being slapped with a defamation case. In a Facebook post, she made her stance clear, explaining that her job as a journalist is to speak to truth to power and she wouldn't desist from it.According to reports, Jay Shah has sued the independent news portal for Rs 100 crores, after the latter ran a story outlining alleged financial irregularities involved in his business transactions.Based on filings available with the Registrar of Companies, Singh reported that Temple Enterprise Private Ltd, a company of which Jay is director, increased its turnover by a staggering 16,000 times since the BJP-led Govt at the Centre came to power under the PM ship of Narendra Modi. Jay's father is a close associate of the PM and a leading light of the BJP.From Rs 15,000 in 2014-15 to Rs 80.5 crore in 2015-16, the rise in revenue for Temple Enterprise has been wondrous, bolstered by an unsecured loan of Rs15.78 crore from Rajesh Khandwala, a relative of Rajya Sabha member Parimal Nathwani, who is also a senior executive at Reliance Industries.The Wire's findings have led to speculations whether such deals were struck between the various parties with the collusion of politicians, business leaders and elected lawmakers.However, Jay said the report had made "false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the mind of right-thinking people an impression that my business owes its 'success' to my father's political position."According to The Indian Express, he claimed his businesses are "fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines" reflected in his tax records and through banking transactions."I have repaid the loans by cheque on commercial rate of interest and within the time stipulated. I have mortgaged my family property with the cooperative bank to get the credit facilities," he said to quash all the allegations raised against his dealings by Singh.Even before the publication of the article in The Wire, Jay's lawyer had already warned Singh, or any other media organisation, to not broadcast any potentially defamatory comments about his client.Singh, who was previously employed with The Economic Times, is a well-known business journalist. Along with Sruthijith KK*,she exposed Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's involvement with DLF's real estate business in an ET investigation in 2011.Following the publication of her story on Jay, members of political parties from across the spectrum have reacted to it with expected pique."Today, we want to ask our PM, what do you have to say about crony capitalism now? Will you direct the CBI to probe? Will you direct the ED to probe? Will you ask them to arrest them? Because in the case of opposition, the ED immediately sends notice and shows speed in arresting them... But if somebody's name is Jay, Amit and Shah, who can arrest them? I can confidently tell you that the PM will remain silent," said Kapil Sibal of the Congress. huffingtonpost
After allegations of multi crore fraud in Muslim Co-op Bank headed by PA Inamdar in Pune, RBI seeks explanation from bank chairman
http://www.hindustantimes.com/pune-news/after-allegations-of-multi-crore-fraud-in-muslim-co-op-bank-in-pune-rbi-seeks-explanation-from-bank-chairman/story-kwM2XzoJ0fSIl5ribrJd5J.html
Pune:Following allegations of a ₹100 crore fraud in Muslim Co-operative Bank, RBI along with the state cooperative department has sought an explanation from the chairman of the bank. The action comes after 2 directors of the bank, Imtiyaz Shikilkar and Mohammad Iqbal Shaikh alias SM Iqbal, filed a complaint with RBI and Co-operatives Commission about an alleged fraud in the bank. 2 directors and a section of bank members, depositors and concerned citizens will be staging a protest against the alleged mismanagement of finances at the Muslim Co-operative Bank on Monday (Oct. 9). The protest will be staged outside the bank’s office in Bhavani Peth on Monday (Oct.9). Shikilkar in a media release said that as a concerned director of the bank, it was his moral duty to register an official complaint with the RBI and Co-operatives Commission about an alleged large-scale fraud worth ₹100 to ₹110 crore, which has taken place in the bank during the last decade.The bank is currently headed by prominent educationist PA Inamdar, who runs the famous Azam Campus Group of educational institutes with over 20,000 students on its rolls.The duo in their complaint alleged that bank chairman, Inamdar, kept the directors in the dark regarding most crucial bank decisions especially funds sanction. “Inamdar has siphoned off the money in the name of paying the security guards at 23 branches of the bank. Our investigation has revealed that payments between ₹70 lakh - ₹80 lakh per year were made for non-existent security guards. Also, his son’s firm has been favoured in the tendering process to buy the bank’s software and hardware where an amount between ₹2 to ₹3 crore has been spent,” they alleged and demanded a thorough investigation into the case.When contacted Inamdar told HT,“Present allegations against me and the bank are false and defamatory made with malafide intent. There are sharp differences between two Baramati-based bank directors and current allegations are politically motivated aimed at tarnishing the image of the bank. The complainants will have to face legal consequences for the false allegations they are making. They had complained to the Registrar and appropriate authorities. The inquiry is on and we are complying with the information sought by the concerned authorities. So why are they protesting?” he questioned.Inamdar said that Shikilkar was also the chairman of the bank for the first 2 years while he has been the chairman for the past 2 years.HT
People’s Perceptions on Economy Slipping Further Into ‘Pessimistic Zone’:RBI
https://thewire.in/185676/rbi-survey-economic-slowdown/
New Delhi: A series of recent RBI surveys has shown that more and more people now think that the general economic situation in the country is taking a turn for the worse.On Oct.4, the central bank released results of the Consumer Confidence Survey for Sept.2017. “Current Situation Index (CSI) — a sub-index of RBI’s consumer confidence survey that measures overall consumer sentiments toward the present economic situation — slipped further into the pessimistic zone, reflecting deterioration in sentiments on the employment scenario, the price level and income,” RBI said.According to its results, the consumer confidence index (based on people’s current perception of the economy) is at its lowest since Dec.2013.The results of the survey showed that 40.7% of those interviewed thought the general economic situation has worsened. In the Sept.2016 survey, this number was at 25.3%. In this year’s survey, 34.6% though that the economic situation had “improved”, down from 44.6% in Sept. 2016. In addition, 50.8% of people said they expect the situation to improve next year – as opposed to 57.7% in September 2016 and 66.3% in Dec.2016. The survey was based in 6 metropolitan cities – Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi – and had a sample size of 5,100.The Wire
Remove ‘M’ from AMU, ‘H’ from BHU, says UGC panel
http://indianexpress.com/article/education/remove-m-from-aligarh-muslim-university-h-from-banaras-hindu-university-says-ugc-panel-4881226/
New Delhi: A Govt audit of central universities has suggested that the words ‘Muslim’ and ‘Hindu’ be dropped from the names of AMU and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), respectively, to reflect their secular character, Indian Express has learnt. The suggestion is contained in an audit of AMU by one of five committees set up by the UGC on April 25 at the behest of HRD Ministry to probe complaints of irregularities against 10 central universities. AMU audit did not cover BHU but referred to the institution’s name in its report.In its audit of AMU, the committee suggested that the institution should either be called just ‘Aligarh University’ or be named after its founder, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. It cited the same reason to recommend that BHU’s name be amended, too.According to panel members, who did not wish to be identified, the suggestion stems from the logic that AMU, being a centrally-funded university, is a secular institution.Indian Express
Govt has no plans to alter names of AMU, BHU, clarifies Union Minister Javadekar
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/aligarh-muslim-university-banaras-hindu-varsity-govt-has-no-plans-to-alter-names-of-amu-bhu-clarifies-union-minister-prakash-javadekar-4881910/
New Delhi: Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday dismissed suggestions that the Govt is planning to alter the names of AMU and BHU. “Govt has not made any decision to change the name of AMU and BHU,” said Javadekar.His comment came after a which says that a Govt audit of central universities has suggested that the words ‘Muslim’ and ‘Hindu’ be dropped from the names of AMU and BHU, respectively, in order to reflect their secular character. indianexpress
Gorakhpur:16 kids die at BRD Medical College in 24 hours
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/oct/09/16-kids-die-at-gorakhpurs-brd-medical-college-in-last-24-hours-1669048.html
Lucknow:16 children, including ten infants, died at the Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College in Gorakhpur during the last 24 hours, authorities said on Monday.Of the children who died, 10 were admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) while 6 were in the paediatric ICU. According to reports, 20 patients -- including 6 from Deoria, two from Kushinagar, four each from Gorakhpur and Maharajganj, and one patient each from Basti and Balrampur -- afflicted with encephalitis have been admitted to the hospital in the last 24 hours. As many as 3 dozen patients, mostly affected by encephalitis, were being treated at BRD Medical College. Five patients from Bihar were also being treated there, doctors said. Officials said that 1,470 patients have been admitted to the BRD Medical College since January this year, adding that a total of 310 have died.IANS
Never saw violence here, we’re scared to go back now:Haridwar's Muslims
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/never-saw-violence-here-were-scared-to-go-back-now/articleshow/60996628.cms
Haridwar:Following the violence and arson in Raiwala and adjoining places on Friday after the murder of a man allegedly by members of another community, 63-year-old Zaheer Qureshi, a meat supplier who has been living here since 1970, was forced to flee the area along with his family. His shop was pelted with stones by "a mob of outsiders led by activists of a right-wing organisation" - his son was also hit by one of the stones. Qureshi, who along with his two sons and their families has now taken shelter at his brother's house in Dehradun, told TOI that his family is "scared to go back as there is a sense of fear among us now".Having one of the oldest meat shops in Raiwala, operational since 1984, Qureshi has his house located near Raiwala Inter College in a predominantly Hindu majority neighbourhood."We have been living peacefully in this area for over four decades and nothing like this has ever happened. All my neighbours and friends are Hindus," said Qureshi, who is yet to recover from the shock. "I have been told by my sons who were present at the shop at the time of violence that the mob consisted of outsiders and there were no locals involved in the violence," he added.Rao Shahid, a local resident of Raiwala who fled to Haridwar after clashes, came back with his family on Sunday after getting assurance from senior police officers but did not open his shop. Mohammad Naseer, a barber in Kankhal area, said, "I have run this shop here for the past 45 years. Local residents are like my family members. But on Friday, for the first time I was targeted for my religion by people I had never seen earlier. They vandalised my shop but they can never succeed in disturbing the social harmony here.""Shops belonging to our community were selectively targeted and burnt although we had absolutely nothing to do with the murder that took place," Qureshi said.2 Bajrang Dal activists were arrested by Haridwar police for vandalising shops in Kankhal area while 10 others were identified for stoking violence in Raiwala town.TOI
Waiting for 'JNU boy' Najeeb, who went missing without a trace in 2016
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/waiting-for-najeeb/article19825150.ece
Najeeb Ahmed went missing without a trace after leaving JNU in an autorickshaw on Oct.5, 2016. A difficult year later, his family and neighbours in Badaun are still hopeful of his return. His books are stacked neatly in a wall-mounted wooden cabinet in the bedroom. Above the study table next to his bed, hangs his Invertis University identity card for B.Sc from 2013-2016. Fatima Nafees dusts each item every single day in anticipation of the return of her son, ‘JNU boy’ Najeeb. Residents of the narrow streets of Vaidon Tola, with a few shops on each side and colourful walls, talk in hushed voices when they see an unfamiliar car with unfamiliar faces enter the area on a sunny morning. However, the presence of media in the streets where Najeeb grew up does not surprise them any more. Asked for directions to Najeeb’s home, they promptly point towards the residence of ‘JNU wala bachcha’. “Everyone here knows about him. We read about him regularly. He has been abducted but I think he will be found. I hope he hasn’t been killed,” says Anees Qadri, a resident who has come to Badaun for a few days from Mumbai, where he works as a cleaner at Haji Ali.Sitting on a wooden sofa in their 2-bedroom house, the very house Najeeb was born in, Ms. Nafees said Oct.5 marked “ek saal, ek din [1 year and a day] according to the Islamic calendar” since he went missing.“His birthday is on Oct. 18. He will turn 28 this year,” she says with a smile.The past year has been tough on the family but it has also taught them a lesson or two.“We learnt a lot.All our relatives turned their back on us during this difficult year.In fact, our neighbours were more helpful and stood by us,”says Ms. Nafees, even as a tear tries to trickle down her cheek. thehindu
Hajj policy will be disastrous if implemented in its proposed form: Mumbai Muslim leaders
http://ummid.com/news/2017/Oct./08.10.2017/hajj-policy-2018-reaction-of-muslim-community.html
Mumbai:Terming various proposals and recommendations made in the draft Hajj Policy for 2018-22 against Sharia,Muslim community leaders on Sunday said it will be disastrous for the pilgrims if implements in its current form."Govt claims it wants to make the Hajj journey easier and more comfortable for the pilgrims. However, the recommendations made in its Haj policy will have a counter effect. It will literally be a disastrous if it is implemented in its existing form", Syed Khaled Ashraf,head of World Mashaikh Council, said.He said the draft policy is aimed at disturbing the Hajj operations that are peacefully underway since many decades."Doing away with the reserved category quota for pilgrims of above 70 years of age will mean to stop them from performing Haj. Reducing number of embarkation points will also add to the pain of pilgrims. I fail to understand this Govt wants to facilitate Haj journey or make it tougher?" leader of All India Ulema Council Mahmood Madni asked. Reminding the Govt that it had promised to make Haj journey cheaper even if the Haj subsidy is abolished, chief of Maharashtra Jamiat Ulema Hafiz Nadeem Siddiqui said, “Now instead of fulfilling its own promise, Govt is trying to create new hurdles and problems for Haj pilgrims.”Meanwhile, Chairman of Maharashtra Haj Committee and member of Haj Committee of India Mohammad Ibrahim Shaikh said that the Hajj Committee members were not consulted while preparing the polic draft.“Far from consulting the Haj Committee members, we were not aware of the report presented to the Govt”,he said adding that many recommendations in the draft will create problems for the pilgrims. ummid
Hyderabad: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind faults new Haj policy
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/091017/hyderabad-jamaat-e-islami-hind-faults-new-haj-policy.html
Hyderabad: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said that the Centre was interfering with the Shariat (Islamic law) by planning to introduce a new Haj policy without taking feedback of the Muslim community. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind TS and Odisha unit president Hamed Mohammed Khan the Centre cannot change the law according to its will. “Religion does not accord permission to woman to go on Haj without a mehram (male escort). There's no question of the Govt allowing women above 45 years of age to go without mehram. It is nothing but direct interference in Shariat”, he said.Central Haj Committee and the minority affairs minister should focus on arrangements for the Haj and not go beyond it.Deccan Chronicle.
HC adjourns 18 disqualified AIADMK MLAs’ case to Nov. 2
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/madras-hc-adjourns-18-disqualified-aiadmk-mlas-petitions-to-nov-2/article19827677.ece?homepage=true
Chennai:Madras High Court has adjourned to Nov, 2 further hearing on individual cases filed by 18 disqualified AIADMK MLAs, challenging their disqualification, after CM E.K. Palaniswami's lawyers sought time to file replies to MLAs' additional affidavits and rejoinders.The HC deferred the hearing after senior counsel C.S. Vaidyanathan, representing the CM , took strong exception to the MLAs coming up with fresh pleadings in their additional affidavits as well as rejoinders after the hearing had begun.Concurring with him, the HC told senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the disqualified MLAs, that it would be appropriate to hear the case only after all written pleadings were placed before the court. He disapproved of the practice of coming up with new pleadings in the course of hearing. thehindu
JDU MLA Munda killing: NIA arrests ex Jharkhand minister Krishna Patar for passing information about rival to Naxals
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/oct/09/jdu-mla-ramesh-munda-killing-nia-arrests-ex-jharkhand-minister-gopal-krishna-patar-for-passing-info-1669127.html
New Delhi: Ex-Jharkhand minister Gopal Krishna Patar was today arrested by NIA for allegedly conniving with Naxalites to get his political rival, MLA Ramesh Munda, killed in 2008, a spokesperson for the agency said.Patar, alias Raja Peter, was arrested in Ranchi, the spokesperson said.Patar had shot to fame after he defeated JMM chief Shibu Soren in the Tamar bypoll, forcing him to step down as CM in 2009. He was a minister in Arjun Munda Govt that had recommended dissolution of the house to then-governor Syed Ahmed.PTI
Abdul Bari Siddiqui denies allegations that he transferred property in Rabri Devi’s name
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/abdul-bari-siddiqui-denies-allegations-that-he-transferred-property-in-rabri-devis-name-4882200/
Patna:Senior RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui repudiated the allegations that party supremo Lalu Prasad had made him transfer property worth crores of rupees in Rabri Devi’s name “in return” for making him a minister.Siddiqui also lashed out at Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, who had reportedly levelled the allegations on Sunday, challenging him to “come up with proof or resign”. “Sushil Modi seems to be stricken by Lalu phobia. It appears he has based his entire politics around maligning the RJD supremo and his family. Moreover, he also seems to be drawing inspiration from Goebbels (Nazi propagandist). He keeps making false statements but never shows the consistency to stick to these”, Siddiqui told reporters at the party’s state headquarters in Patna.PTI
Nigerian tied to post, thrashed by mob in Delhi, nobody helped: ndtv
https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/nigerian-tied-to-post-thrashed-by-mob-in-delhi-now-in-jail-1760528?pfrom=home-lateststories
New Delhi: A Nigerian national begs and screams as he is tied to a post and thrashed by a mob in Delhi, in a disturbing video that has been shared with NDTV.The man was allegedly caught trying to rob a house in Malviya Nagar in south Delhi, which has a sizeable population of African students.After the brutal assault, he was arrested and jailed but his attackers are still roaming free.He was allegedly caught in the early hours of Sept.24 inside the house of a resident, Krishna Kumar.By the time he was handed over to the police later that day, he was badly wounded and barely conscious.People in the neighbourhood allegedly told the police that he was hurt when he fell down the stairs while trying to escape.The video that NDTV has found exposes the collective lie.In the mobile phone video, the Nigerian national is seen with his feet tied to a lamp post, begging for mercy as his attackers keep hitting him with sticks. Voices in the background can be heard egging on the mob and saying: "Get red chilly. Beat him harder..."After the video surfaced, the police said action would be taken against the attackers.One man holds his feet and aims hard on the sole with a stick."Forgive me!" the Nigerian national cries out, his hands folded, but it doesn't move his attackers, who keep slapping him and demanding to know whether he has any hidden money.The police say action will be taken against the attackers based on the video.
Jaish commander Khalid killed by security forces in J-K
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jem-commander-khalid-killed-by-security-forces-in-j-k-s-baramulla/story-s5R1DQSICnTXEvoQSPywjP.html
Srinagar:A top JeM militant, believed to be the mastermind behind the recent suicide attacks in the restive state, was killed on Monday in a brief gunfight with security forces in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.Police said militant was identified as Khalid - the operational commander of the Pakistan-based militant group.Inspector general of police (Kashmir range) Muneer Khan confirmed his identity.“The killed militant is Khalid alias Khalid Bhai, the Jaish chief in Kashmir who was behind all the recent fidayeen attacks,’’ Khan told the HT.
WORLD
Israel bars Hamas WB leaders from attending Cairo talks
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171009-israel-bars-hamas-west-bank-leaders-from-attending-cairo-talks/
Israel has refused to allow three Hamas leaders to leave the West Bank for Egypt to attend reconciliation talks between Palestinian factions in Cairo, a Hamas leader said.“Egyptian efforts have failed to persuade Israel to allow the three group leaders from the West Bank to join the Hamas delegation in the talks,” Hassan Yousef said on Monday.Yousef had said on Sunday that 3 Hamas leaders from the West Bank might attend the new round of reconciliation talks in Cairo.He, however, declined to unveil the names of the leaders, citing security reasons. Delegates from Hamas and rival group Fatah are due to meet in Cairo tomorrow as part of Egyptian efforts to achieve inter-Palestinian reconciliation and allow the West Bank-based unity Govt to assume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip.
Egypt seeks Israel’s permission for Hamas West Bank leaders to travel to Cairo: Anadolu
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171009-egypt-seeks-israels-permission-for-hamas-west-bank-leaders-to-travel-to-cairo/
Qatar crisis can end if Doha gives up FIFA World Cup: UAE security official
https://www.dawn.com/news/1362695/qatar-crisis-can-end-if-doha-gives-up-fifa-world-cup-uae-security-official
A top Emirati security official said that Qatar diplomatic crisis can end if Doha gives up hosting 2022 FIFA World Cup — the first time someone from the 4 Arab nations boycotting the country directly linked the tournament to resolving the months-long dispute.While Dubai security Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan is often outspoken on Twitter, his tweet on Sunday night on the crisis comes as those opposing Qatar increasingly target the upcoming soccer competition in their criticism.Qatari officials did not respond to a request for comment on Monday.However, the 2022 tournament's head in Qatar told AP on Friday that the boycott poses “no risk” to the competition being held.On Sunday night, Khalfan targeted the FIFA tournament in his tweets.“If the World Cup goes out of Qatar, the crisis in Qatar will end because the crisis was made to break it,” he wrote.He added: “Cost to return is more than what the al-Hamdeen have planned for,” likely referring to Qatar's former ruling emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and former Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani.Some believe both still wield influence within Qatar's current Govt now ruled by the former emir's son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.AP
Iran’s ex-President Khatami banned from public appearances and meetings
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171009-irans-ex-president-khatami-banned-from-public-appearances-and-meetings/
Iran Human Rights website has reported that security forces in the country have banned ex-president Mohammad Khatami “from making public appearances and receiving political guests for three months.” According to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat, the opposition Kalemeh website has claimed that the Special Clerical Court also sent Khatami a letter asking him “not to take part in any political ceremonies and publicity for 3 months.” Such ceremonies and public events, claim sources in Iran, include meetings, theatre performances and concerts. The individuals with whom he should not meet include those who are already barred by the state, Govt and seminary officials, and student union members.According to Iran Human Rights, the ban was issued on 5 Oct., a week after “6 prominent reformist politicians, including Khatami’s younger brother, were sentenced to a year in prison on the charge of ‘propaganda against the state’.” They were also, it added, banned from political and media activities for two years. middleeastmonitor
Turkey, US suspend visa services in tit-for-tat fallout
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/turkey-freezes-immigrant-visa-services-171008204354574.html
Turkey on Sunday suspended non-immigrant visa services at all Turkish diplomatic facilities in the United States, in a tit-for-tat move amid escalating tensions between the NATO allies. Just hours after the US mission to Turkey announced it was restricting visa services, saying that recent events had forced it to "reassess" Ankara's commitment to the security of US facilities and staff, the Turkish embassy in Washington, DC, hit back with an almost identical statement."In order to minimise the number of visitors to our Embassy and Consulates while this assessment proceeds, effective immediately we have suspended all non-immigrant visa services at all Turkish diplomatic facilities in US," read its statement on Twitter, echoing the earlier US announcement. aljazeera
Daesh commits massacre against regime forces in Syria
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171009-daesh-commits-massacre-against-regime-forces-in-syria/
Daesh released images of dozens of bodies it claimed belonged to members of Syrian regime forces who were killed during an attempt to attack the group on Saturday in the city of Al-Mayadin in Deir Ez-Zour and the city of Sokhna in eastern Homs countryside.Activists in the Dery News Network, which is run by activists from Deir Ez-Zour, said that regime forces encircled the area of Makef El-Ghanam at the south-east entrance of the city of Al-Mayadin. Seventy of their forces were killed during this attack.Iranian Revolutionary Guards have broadcast footage of its members in the artillery battalion adjacent to the city of Al-Mayadin.Daesh announced that it has now moved on to Sokhna, Homs, which is also controlled by regime forces. middleeastmonitor
Dozen die, scores missing as Rohingya boat capsizes
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/die-scores-missing-rohingya-boat-capsizes-171008193404634.html
At least 12 Rohingya refugees, mostly children, drowned when their boat capsized on the way to Bangladesh, police said on Monday, the latest victims of violence in Myanmar that has forced more than half a million people from their homes.Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) official Abdul Jalil told AFP at least 12 bodies had been recovered after an all-night rescue operation, saying "they include 10 children, an elderly woman and a man"At least 13 Rohingya, including 3 women and two children, were rescued after scouring the estuary of the Naf river, Jalil said.Area coastguard commander Alauddin Nayan said the boat sank in the mouth of the Naf river near Shah Porir Dwip, on the southern tip of Bangladesh, with nearly 100 people on board."It capsized near Galachar (a coastal village in Bangladesh) with nearly 100 people," Nayan said. aljazeera
Sex attacks leave Rohingya children fearful in Bangladesh's camps: saudigazette
http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/518993/World/Asia/Sex-attacks-leave-Rohingya-children-fearful-in-Bangladeshs-camps
Cox's Bazar:Adjida kicked and screamed when the rough and dirty hands of the masked soldier moved up her legs and ripped off her clothes.13-year-old pleaded with him to stop when he climbed on top of her, a gun in one hand, removed his pants with the other, and raped her.Just minutes before, Adjida had watched her parents being shot dead from her hiding place under a wooden table in a village in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine. She tried to run into the surrounding jungle, but was captured by a soldier."I felt the pain when he penetrated me and all I could think about was my lost virginity. I am no longer pure. I am an outcast now and will never find a husband," said the teenager, a Rohingya Muslim.Her home was torched in the attack in Kawarbil village six weeks ago by Myanmar army soldiers, she said, and she and her sister fled with other villagers across the border to Bangladesh. But the threat of sexual violence for children like Adjida has not diminished since reaching the sprawling refugee camps near Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar - home to hundreds of thousands of newly arrived Rohingya who have fled violence in Myanmar. More than 800 incidents of gender-based violence have been reported by Rohingya refugees since the recent influx, said UNICEF's head of child protection Jean Lieby. Over half of these cases are sexual assaults, according to the UN agency.
Panama case: Sharif to be indicted on Oct 13, daughter, son-in-law get bail
http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/panama-papers-case-maryam-nawaz-husband-granted-bail-by-anti-graft-court-117100900366_1.html
Islamabad:The daughter and son-in-law of ousted Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif were has granted bail by the country's anti-graft court in the Panama Papers scandal as they appeared before it following their return from London. Maryam Nawaz, 43,along with her spouse, ex-army captain Muhammad Safdar, returned to the country late last night to appear in the Accountability Court. Safdar was arrested on his arrival as the court had issued non- bailable arrest warrant against him.PTI
Srebrenica defender Naser Oric acquitted of war crimes
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/srebrenica-defender-naser-oric-acquitted-war-crimes-171009091453582.html
A court in Sarajevo has acquitted Bosnian Muslim commander Naser Oric of war crimes against Serbs during 1992-95 war.In its verdict on Monday, the court said that Oric, who led the defence of Srebrenica during 1992-95 war, is not guilty in connection with the case of three Serb prisoners of war who were murdered in 1992 in Srebrenica."The accused Naser Oric and Sabahudin Muhic have been acquitted of charges of violating provisions of the Geneva Conventions," the judge, Saban Maksumic, told the Bosnian war crimes court, referring to one of Oric's fellow soldiers.Families of the Serb victims walked out the courtroom protesting against the verdict, Reuters news agency reported.Serbia and the Bosnian Serbs had accused Oric's men of killing Serb civilians in and around Srebrenica earlier in the war.The ex-commander had always denied the charges. He was sentenced to two years in jail by the court in the Hague, Netherlands, in 2006, but acquitted on appeal in 2008.Srebrenica eventually fell to Bosnian Serb forces in 1995 - the ensuing killing of more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys was seen as Europe's worst atrocity since World War II.Bosnian Muslims or Bosniaks view Oric as a national hero, who defended them against Serbs.Al Jazeera
Richard Thaler, who showed how human traits affect markets, wins 2017 Nobel Prize in economics
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-economist-richard-thaler-wins-2017-nobel-prize-in-economics/story-WKdawthDq4xugAQHvZ6hkK.html
Stockholm:US academic Richard Thaler,who helped popularise the idea of “nudging” people towards doing what was best for them, won the 2017 Nobel Economics Prize on Monday for his work on how human nature affects supposedly rational markets. Influential in the field of behavioural economics, his research showed how traits such as lack of self-control and fear of losing what you already have prompt decisions that may not have the best outcome in the longer term.“I think the most important impact (of my research) is the recognition that economic agents are human and economic models have to incorporate that,” Thaler, a professor at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, said in call broadcast at the Nobel news conference. Reuters
African Union mission killed 42 kids in Somalia:UN report
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171009-african-union-mission-killed-42-children-in-somalia-last-year-claims-un-report/
A UN report has claimed that the African Union’s Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was responsible for killing 42 children last year. “Child casualties attributed to AMISOM primarily occurred in operations against Al-Shabaab or in indiscriminate fire responding to attacks,” said the report released on Friday.The Kenyan Defence Forces, which regularly engage with the extremists of Al-Shabaab,are responsible for killing 11 children, it claimed.UN document added that the US is also responsible for killing at least 1 child in 2016 in the conflict.
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Constitution Bench Verdict On Triple Talaq Does Not Have A Long Life BY: Senior Advocate Dinesh Dwivedi
http://www.livelaw.in/constitution-bench-verdict-triple-talaq-not-long-life/
Kashmir 'mass rape' survivors fight for justice: BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41268906
Gujarat Riots:HC Permits Zakia Jafri To Seek Further Investigation Regarding Larger Conspiracy Of State Administration [Read Judgment]
http://www.livelaw.in/gujarat-riots-hc-permits-zakia-jafri-seek-investigation-regarding-larger-conspiracy-state-administration-read-judgment/
What is Actually Behind the BJP-RSS Combine's Holy War Declared on Kerala: Shamsul Islam
https://newsclick.in/what-actually-behind-bjp-rss-combines-holy-war-declared-kerala
Yashwant Sinha played a key role in pulling India out of the recession of 1997-2002:Prem Shankar Jha
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/yashwant-sinha-arun-jaitley-modi-Govt -gst-demonetisation-indian-economy-4881018/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:19 PM)
