Evening NEWS DIGEST
13 Feb.2018:26 Jamadiul-1 1439:Vol:9, No:119
INDIA
Death of judge Loya: medical documents rule out heart attack, says leading forensic expert: caravanmagazine
http://www.caravanmagazine.in/vantage/death-judge-loya-medical-documents-rule-heart-attack-forensic-expert
After examining medical documents pertaining to the death of the judge Brijgopal Harkishan Loya, one of India’s foremost forensic experts, Dr RK Sharma—the former head of the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, and the president of the Indian Association of Medico-Legal Experts for 22 years—has dismissed the official claim that Loya died of a heart attack. According to Sharma, the documents show signs of possible trauma to the brain, and even possible poisoning.Sharma spoke to The Caravan after studying Loya’s post-mortem report and related histopathology report, a report that accompanied samples of Loya’s viscera that were sent for chemical analysis, and the results of the chemical analysis. Some of these documents have been procured through Right to Information applications, and others have been submitted to the Supreme Court by the govt of Maharashtra in support of a report by Maharashtra’s State Intelligence Department that concludes there is no cause for suspicion regarding Loya’s death. Sharma’s expert opinion contradicts this conclusion. “There is no evidence of myocardial infarction in histopathology report,” Sharma said. “The findings in this report have no suggestion of a heart-attack. They show changes, but not a heart attack.”Sharma observed, “The post-mortem report also says that calcification is observed in the vessels. Where there is calcification, there is no heart attack. Once the vessels have calcified they will never block the flow of blood.” Loya is reported to have complained of feeling unwell at about 4 am on the night of his death, and was declared dead at 6.15 am. “So that means two hours,” Sharma said. “If one is alive for more than 30 minutes after the symptoms [of a heart attack] show, the condition of the heart will have clear changes. No clear changes can be seen here.”The post-mortem report states that probable cause of death was “coronary artery insufficiency.” Sharma said that “there are changes observed in heart in these documents, but none of them are conclusive enough to show ‘Coronary Artery Insufficiency.’ Every patient who goes for a bypass surgery will have these symptoms.” “More importantly, dura is congested according to the post-mortem report,” Sharma added.“Dura mater is the outermost layer that surrounds our brain. It is damaged in cases of trauma, which indicates some kind of an assault on the brain.A physical assault.”Dr Anuradha Biyani,Loya’s sister and a medical doctor in the service of the Maharashtra govt, told The Caravan earlier that, when she saw her brother’s body for the first time after his death, “there were bloodstains on the neck at the back of the shirt.” Biyani maintains a diary, and in an entry from the time of Loya’s death she recorded that “there was blood on his collar.” Sarita Mandhane, another of Loya’s sisters, had also mentioned “blood on the neck” when she spoke to The Caravan, and that “these was blood and an injury on his head … on the back side.” Harkishan Loya, the judge’s father, told Caravan that he remembered “bloodstains on the clothes.” Among the state of Maharashtra’s submission to the Supreme Court is a bill in Loya’s name from Nagpur’s Meditrina hospital, where the judge was declared dead. While Meditrina officials maintain that Loya was brought in with heart problems, this document inexplicably lists “neurosurgery” as a billed item.The post-mortem report does not record precisely how much congestion of dura was observed. Sharma said he found it strange that “the reason why dura is congested is not written.”
Judge Loya case: Testimony of ‘eyewitness’ judges unimpeachable, SC told
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/loya-case-testimony-of-eyewitness-judges-unimpeachable-sc-told-5061517/
New Delhi:Maharashtra Govt told the Supreme Court that testimony of four judges, who were “eyewitnesses” and were with CBI judge B H Loya “like a shadow” for 3 days until his death on Dec.1, 2014, is “unimpeachable”, and that “minor contradictions” of the statements are “irrelevant”. The judges had recorded their statement during a discreet inquiry by Maharashtra intelligence officials into the death of Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case. Referring to statements of lower court judges, who had accompanied Loya to Dande Hospital and Meditrina Hospital in Nagpur on December 1, 2014, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Maharashtra govt, told the court that their statements show Loya was “not left alone”, and that “ECG was conducted” at Dande Hospital.indianexpress
Sohrabuddin encounter case: Witnesses are turning hostile, what protection, Bombay HC asks CBI
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sohrabuddin-encounter-case-bombay-hc-questions-cbi-on-protection-of-witnesses-5060993/
Mumbai:Noting that several witnesses have turned hostile during trial in the alleged fake encounter cases of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram Prajapati, Bombay High Court Monday asked CBI what protection has been provided to prosecution witnesses.“Is this the seriousness with which CBI is conducting the trial,” Justice Revati Mohite-Dere remarked.She was hearing 3 applications filed by Sohrabuddin’s brother Rubabuddin, challenging the discharge of ex-DIG of Gujarat D G Vanzara, Rajasthan IPS officer Dinesh M N and Gujarat IPS officer Rajkumar Pandiyan, along with two applications filed by the CBI, challenging the discharge of Rajasthan police constable Dalpat Singh Rathod and Gujarat police officer N K Amin.“What protection are you offering to your witnesses? It is your duty to protect the witnesses, so they can depose fearlessly. You can’t file a chargesheet and not give your witness protection,” Justice Mohite-Dere said.indianexpress
How can convicted persons run parties, select candidates? Asks Supreme Court
http://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/supreme-court-convicted-persons-chief-justice-of-india-political-parties/198049?utm_source=facebook-ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=trending-stories&utm_content=Feb-desktop
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked as to how a convicted person be an office-bearer of a political party and select candidates for elections, as it was against the spirit of one of its judgements to ensure "purity" of polls. The apex court was hearing a PIL seeking to restrain convicted persons from forming and holding posts in political parties for the period they are disqualified under the election law."How can a convicted person be an office-bearer of a political party and select candidates to contest elections? This goes against our judgements that corruption in politics is to be ostracised from the purity of elections," a bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said. The bench said that the "pure question of law" was that following the conviction a politician is barred from electoral politics, and being an office-bearer of a party, he can contest polls through agents."So, is it that what you cannot do individually, you can do collectively through some of your agents?" the bench asked. It said that there was no problem if convicted people open a school and do some philanthropic activities, but the issue was can such persons contest polls through others by forming a political party. The bench said it was a "huge blow to the purity of the electoral process".PTI
11 CMs Facing Criminal Cases, Maharashtra's Fadnavis Tops List: Report
http://www.news18.com/news/politics/11-cms-facing-criminal-cases-maharashtras-devendra-fadnavis-tops-list-report-1658837.html
New Delhi: Association for Democratic Reform (ADR) has released its report on India’s 31 CMs, which also included the criminal cases registered against each of them. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had the highest number of criminal cases, 22, registered against them with 3 “serious criminal cases”.Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti had only one case each registered against their names. Out of India’s 31 CMs, 11 have criminal cases registered against them and only 8 have “serious” criminal cases. news18
81% of Indian CMs crorepatis, Chandrababu richest:report
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/81-per-cent-of-indian-cms-crorepatis-chandrababu-naidu-richest-says-report-1168413-2018-02-13
81% of Indian CMs are crorepatis, a report published by the ADR and National Election Watch (NEW) said. The report also analysed criminal cases against these CM s.Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu is the richest while Manik Sarkar of Tripura is the poorest among CM s in office in the country. ADR has released ranking of CMs based on their total assets, criminal cases, and educational qualifications. As per report, Chandrababu Naidu with assets worth Rs 177 crores is at the top followed by Pema Khandu of AP with Rs 129 crores while Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh is third richest with assets worth Rs 48 crores.ADR has analysed self-sworned affidavits filed by the CM s of 29 states and two Union Territories.indiatoday
Notice to Centre on plea seeking independent Muslim body for Haj
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/notice-to-centre-on-plea-seeking-independent-muslim-body-for-haj/article22735648.ece
New Delhi:Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to examine grievances raised in a petition seeking an independent Muslim body to look into arrangements for Haj pilgrims.Noting it as an important issue, a Bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar said the authorities needed to look into the matter and take a view “expeditiously”, and asked the Centre to communicate its decision to the petitioner, Delhi-based advocate Shahid Ali.The plea referred to a recent notification of the Centre scrapping a subsidy for cheaper flights for pilgrimage. Since the subsidy has been scrapped, the plea said there was no need for a Govt -controlled panel to manage its affairs and the Haj Committee Act, 2002, was also liable to be quashed. Centre had in 1959 introduced a subsidy for air travel between Bombay and Jeddah.“Pass order quashing the present constitution of the Haj committee and further allowing Muslim citizens of India to formulate their own body…,” the plea stated.Pointing out that Sikhs in India were allowed to set up their own body to manage their minority affairs under the Sikh Gurudwara Act, 1925, plea said an independent agency without any control of the Govt should deal with issues faced by the Muslim community. It said the question of whether the Govt should continue to look at the affairs of the Haj Committee, right from inviting applications for Haj till the return from pilgrimage, had acquired importance after the Centre scrapped the subsidy. thehindu
For govt., Aadhaar may be an enabler for people with no proof of identity: Justice Chandrachud
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/aadhaar-an-opportunity-for-people-with-no-proof-of-identity-observes-justice-chandrachud/article22742812.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi:Aadhaar may be seen by the Govt as an enabler for every Indian who does not possess even a single proof of identity, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud observed on Tuesday.“You may be wrong to assume that every Indian has one or the other proof of identity. Suppose the Govt was to assert that there is a large segment of society, like migrant labourers, who have absolutely no proof of identity... If that is so, then the Aadhaar policy of the Govt is an enabler,” Justice Chandrachud, who is part of the five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, said.“Aadhaar provides people with no proof of identity an opportunity to be enabled with an identity to access their entitlements,” he stated.To this, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, for petitioners, said “if you have no proof of identity, you cannot get Aadhaar in the first place. Let us get this clear. The intent of the Aadhaar Act is not to give anyone the benefit of an identity.Act is a mechanism to authenticate identities. And even then, why should the authentication of identity be linked to biometrics?”The arguments will continue on Feb.15. thehindu
Fake video UAE Crown Prince chanting ‘Jai Siya Ram’: Shaming of top media houses by Gulf News embarrasses India over
https://theprint.in/2018/02/13/shaming-top-media-houses-gulf-news-india/
New Delhi: A video of an Emirati man saying “Jai Siya Ram” in Abu Dhabi went viral after being shared by major TV channels such as Times Now and Zee News, on the day PM Narendra Modi landed in Abu Dhabi. However, it also resulted in massive embarrassment for the media houses.The video was from a programme conducted by spiritual leader Morari Bapu in Sept., 2016. While Times Now and Zee News acknowledged the video was old, they claimed that the man in the video, who is actually a UAE-based journalist, was Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.The first to crack down on the news channels for circulating a fake video was Dubai-based paper Gulf News.The aper’s website published a scathing report, accusing Indian news outlets of spreading “false propaganda” to “gain political mileage in India.”Gulf News report pointed out that the Crown Prince was Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day parade in 2017. The report said that Indian media groups were incapable of “responsible journalism” for not being able to correctly identify the Crown Prince.Saying the video was fake, the report said it was a “clear indication that the mainstream media in India is falling prey to propaganda and fake news”. The report also pointed out the timing of the story being posted, which was just before Modi arrived in UAE.“The patter of a known fake and out-of-context video being deliberately recirculated multiple times by a selected section of the Indian media is a clear pointer that the objective of the exercise is to spread malicious and false propaganda on a swathe of unsuspecting news consumers,” the report said.While the UAE Embassy in India did not issue a statement, its official handle on Twitter shared the Gulf News report. While Zee News has deleted the story online, Times Now updated the story to reflect the real speaker in the video, but has not issued a statement of correction.The video gained a lot of traction online, with several notable people sharing the video on Twitter. The video went up around the same time as fake images emerged of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi that the PM was to inaugurate.theprint
With visit to temple and mosque, Modi wraps up his Oman visit
http://www.uniindia.com/with-visit-to-temple-and-mosque-modi-wraps-up-his-oman-visit/world/news/1135777.html
Muscat; On the last leg of his four-nation tour aimed at strengthening India’s footprint in the Gulf and West Asia, PM Narendra Modi on Monday visited the historic 125-year-old Shiva temple in Matrah area here, performed abhishekam, offered prayers and also interacted with the members of the Temple Management Committee.The temple was constructed by the merchant community from Gujarat and renovated in 1999.After offering his prayers, he met with a group of the Indian community outside the temple.The temple has three deities- Shri Adi Motishwar Mahadev, Shri Motishwar Mahadev and Shri Hanumanji.After the visit to temple, Mr Modi also paid a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.UNI
Modi in Oman: PM offers prayer at Shiva temple; visits Grand Mosque in Muscat
https://www.oneindia.com/international/modi-oman-pm-meet-ceos-visit-shiv-temple-sultan-qaboos-grand-mosque-in-muscat-2639879.html
India, Oman share strategic partnership: Envoy
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/middle-east/india-oman-share-strategic-partnership-envoy201802111314180001/
Posters in Deoband threaten Bangladesh students in Islamic seminaries, ask them to quit India
http://www.timesnownews.com/india/video/darul-uloom-deoband-saharanpur-uttar-pradesh-bangladesh-students-posters-uttar-pradesh/198033
Saharanpur: Inflammatory posters were on Monday spotted in Deoband, a town in Saharanpur district, UP, threatening Bangladesh students in Islamic seminaries and asking them to quit India. Hours after the incident, SSP Babloo Kumar said that an investigation has been initiated in the matter to nab the perpetrators.The posters were seen on the walls and mosques with a message threatening Bangladeshi students with dire consequences if they did not leave the country within a month. They had mentioned names and numbers of Bangladeshi students studying in Darul Uloom Deoband and other Islamic seminaries. The posters were later brought down and burnt by angry local residents.The unsigned poster said, “We know Bangladeshis are illegally staying in Deoband. We also know what fake names these students studying in different madrassas are using. If they do not leave (the town/country) within a month, they will remember the consequences for years together.” SSP Kumar said that the action will be taken after the investigation. "We are investigating the matter and action will be taken after the facts come to light," Kumar said.timesnow
VHP-led 'Rath Yatra' to begin from Ayodhya today, will cross 6 states
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/130218/right-wing-group-to-launch-rath-yatra-in-ayodhya-today-to-cross-6-s.html
Ayodhya: Days before the Supreme Court's final hearing on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case, VHP, a right-wing group will launch a "Ram Rajya Rath Yatra" from Ayodhya on Tuesday. The rally is expected to pass through 6 states over the next 2 months and will end in Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram.Yatra will be flagged off by UP CM Yogi Adityanath from Karsevakpuram in Ayodhya.The Yatra will travel from UP, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and end in Tamil Nadu.The Yatra is designed to revive the Ram temple movement in time for the next Lok Sabha elections.Senior CPM leader MA Baby from Kerala admitted that he was "very apprehensive" and hoped the yatra won't materialize, according to a report in NDTV. CPM has termed the rally as "politically motivated", which the organisers have denied. Deccan Chronicle.
'Ramrajya Rathyatra' begins from Ayodhya, saints take pledge for Ram Temple
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/659294/ramrajya-rathyatra-begins-ayodhya-saints.html
Ayodhya dispute: Another Muslim scholar favours out-of-court settlement, seeks support for Nadwi
http://www.abplive.in/india-news/ayodhya-dispute-after-salman-nadwi-another-muslim-scholar-syed-abdullah-tariq-in-favour-of-out-of-court-settlement-650564
New Delhi: Calling Maulana Salman Nadwi's initiative of an out-of-court settlement of the Ayodhya dispute as a "courageous step", Muslim scholar Syed Abdullah Tariq urged the Muslim community to unite and declare its support for the cleric."At last a courageous stalwart broke the boundaries of the disastrous unity of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. Earlier, Maulana Ali Mian Nadwi’s sensible proposal on Babri Masjid was rejected by the board and the Babri Masjid Action Committee in 1989," Abdullah Tariq said.Tariq, who hails from Rampur, said though he feels that Salman Nadwi was late to initiate the process of negotiation but he must be lauded for breaking the ranks with the 'irresponsible' AIMPLB and offering a solution for the dispute.abplive
Maulana Salman Hussaini Nadwi: How can AIMPLB sack me when I had already quit?
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-can-aimplb-sack-me-when-i-had-already-quit-asks-cleric/articleshow/62878486.cms
Mumbai: After being sacked by AIMPLB for suggesting the Babri masjid be shifted from the disputed site in Ayodhya to resolve the Ram Janmabhoomi row, Maulana Salman Hussaini Nadwi spoke to TOI on his future plans:"At the first meeting of the board in Hyderabad on February 9 (a day after I held talks with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for an out-of-court settlement), I was not allowed to keep my point across fully and in the manner that I wanted, which is when I made up my mind to get away from the board. I had by then also told the media in Hyderabad about my decision to quit. Today, AIMPLB is saying that it has sacked me. When I had already quit, how can the board sack me?" He added, "I have been a theology teacher for the past 40 years and it is by Islamic law that I am proposing a way out of the issue. If Islam gives the provision to move the mosque, why should we not do so for larger peace? In return we ask for an SC guarantee that all other Islamic religious sites will not be interfered with after this compromise and compensation would be given to people affected in the Babri riots."TOI
Salman Nadvi dancing to PM Modi's tunes, says Owaisi, calls for maulana's social boycott
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/salman-nadvi-dancing-to-pm-modi-s-tunes-says-owaisi-calls-for-maulana-s-social-boycott-1167561-2018-02-12
Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has called for a social boycott of Maulana Salman Hussain Nadvi. He also warned that once Muslim community gives up Babri Masjid's land, the right wingers will target other mosques which they claim were built after demolishing temples.Addressing a public meeting along with other prominent AIMPLB members at AIMIM HQRS in Hyderabad's Darussalam, AIMIM chief Owaisi slammed PM Narendra Modi's Govt for interfering in Muslim personal law and reiterated that AIMPLB will not compromise on the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid land dispute and will fight it in Supreme Court. "Who are you, dancing on the tune of Modi. You only signed fatwas in April 2001 saying as per 'Sharia' no talks is possible on Babri Masjid, now why you are only accepting it." Owaisi said.He further added, "First they interfered in sharia by bringing Triple Talaq Bill, now Babri Masjid, later they will target all those 1000, 2000 mosques which they claim were temples. Now, they have also started propaganda over Taj Mahal claiming it as a mandir. We need to understand the plot."Owaisi asked the Muslim community to understand the importance of Muslim personal law board and boycott those who are harming the supreme Muslim body."We believe in the constitution and we have faith in the Hon'ble Supreme Court regarding the Babri Masjid issue." Owaisi added.He also criticised the central Govt on Triple Talaq Bill and termed it an attack on sharia.indiatoday
AIMPLB spokesman Maulana Khalilur Rahman Sajjad Nomani clarifies remarks on RSS
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/feb/13/aimplb-spokesman-maulana-khalilur-rahman-sajjad-nomani-clarifies-remarks-on-rss-1772408.html
Hyderabad: AIMPLB spokesman Maulana Khalilur Rahman Sajjad Nomani on Monday clarified his remarks on visits to RSS camps, saying they were taken out of context to label him a friend and agent of RSS. The top cleric and executive member of AIMPLB issued a video statement to counter the allegations made by Maulana Salman Nadvi after latter was removed from the board over his Ayodhya proposal.Breaking his silence, Maulana Nomani gave a detailed background of his remarks that he visited RSS camps and personally knows some RSS leaders. He revealed that during riots over Babri Masjid issue in 1990 when Lucknow was under curfew, he had risked his life to reach a hospital to donate blood to an injured Hindu girl. The father of that girl thanked him for saving life of his only child. He was 'pracharak' of RSS and an incharge of 6 to 7 RSS 'shakhas'. The cleric said at the invitation of the 'pracharak', he visited RSS camps and discussed with their cadre issues like how the country can be taken on the path of development and how peace and brotherhood could be ensured.Playing a clip of his speech made in Aurangabad, Maulana Nomani said he cited the example of RSS to advise Muslims to inculcate their good qualities like simplicity and avoid ostentatious marriages and wasteful expenditure.He argued that there was nothing new in it as many religious scholars and leaders exhort Muslims to ponder over the reasons for the development of western societies and adopt their good qualities in public life like discipline and honesty. Nomani said his Rohingya remarks were also in the same context. He wanted Muslims to avoid ostentation in marriages by learning lessons from countries where the community is being massacred and to use their resources for constructive work. The board member said it was known to everyone that organizations like Bajrang Dal distributed weapons among their cadre in various parts of the country to prepare for Myanmar-like massacres."This has been widely reported in media. Everyone knows some organizations are giving terrorism training to their cadre. My remarks were not to provoke Muslims but to wake them from slumber," he said.IANS
Centre Trying To Split Us, Says Muslim Board As Salman Nadvi Defies Babri Stand
http://caravandaily.com/portal/centre-trying-to-split-us-says-muslim-board-as-cleric-defies-babri-stand/
Hyderabad: AIMPLB accused BJP Govt of making attempts to break its unity.AIMPLB at its 26th plenary, which concluded on Sunday, said the Govt and some individuals with vested interests were trying to breaking the unity of the board. “Board is fully aware of the attempts of the present-day Govt and some individuals with their vested interests to break this unity to the detriment of the entire community. It shall be our endeavour not to allow these unscrupulous deeds of some vested interests to destroy this unity,” said the Hyderabad Declaration passed by 3-day meet.At a massive public meeting organised by the board on Sunday night, the board leaders underlined the need for maintaining unity and targeted Maulana Nadvi without naming him.The board in its declaration noted that it is a united platform of all the Muslims created for the protection of Shariah laws and to bring unity among the Muslims. The board alleged that deliberate attempts are being made to sow the seeds of dissension and discord among Muslims by bringing to the fore such problems and issues which can create rift among various sections of the society and schools of thoughts. caravandaily
26 jawans killed in 44 days in Kashmir, what Pakistan receives is mere 'warning'
http://www.abplive.in/india-news/after-26-jawans-were-killed-in-44-days-in-kashmir-pakistan-receives-mere-warning-650387
New Delhi: After unending ceasefire violations by Pakistan, militants have stepped up attacks on the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in last one month. In last 44 days, 26 jawans have lost their lives in multiple incidents of cross-border firing and terror assault on the Indian forces.On Tuesday, security forces managed to neutralise two terrorists in a 30-hour long gun battle which began on Monday after the militants tried to attack a CRPF camp in Srinagar.The incident came two days after Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorists attacked an Army camp in Jammu's Sunjuwan, killing seven people, including six Army soldiers. Last week, an Army officer and three jawans were killed in heavy Pakistani shelling along the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri districts.Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had on Monday blamed Pakistan for the terror attack at the Sunjuwan army Camp and warned the country that it will pay the price for the "misadventure".abplive
Why silence on Muslims' death in J&K attack: Owaisi
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/why-silence-on-muslims-death-in-jk-attack-owaisi/articleshow/62903125.cms
New Delhi: Citing the five Kashmiri Muslims, including soldiers, killed in the terror attack on a Jammu Army camp, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed those who question the patriotism of Muslims, asking why they were silent on this issue."Every day at 9pm on tv the nationalism of Muslims is questioned and questions are also raised on Kashmiris."Out of the 7 killed in Jammu, 5 were Kashmiri Muslims including a woman who was pregnant. Now everybody is silent on their death," Owaisi said, asking "why such silence on this issue"? He said the people "who question the integrity of Muslims and those who call Muslims Pakistani" will have to take a lesson from this.IANS
Owaisi challenges Bhagwat to stand on border
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/asaduddin-owaisi-challenges-mohan-bhagwat-to-stand-on-border/articleshow/62903434.cms
Hyderabad: AIMIM leader and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has questioned how a 'cultural organisation' like the RSS could compare itself to the Indian army."It is an insult to the Army," he said in a reaction on Tuesday to RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat's statement that RSS would be ready to jump into war in three days before the Indian Army could prepare for it in six months."Bhagwat should stand on border with his cadre if he truly believes in what he said," Owaisi tweeted. Owaisi said PM Narendra Modi should be blamed for all the terror attacks that have been happening in the country. "Time and time the question is raised about the patriotism of Muslims to the country. In Jammu, five out of seven killed in the terror attack were Muslims, including a woman. Does this not show how patriotic Muslims are?" he commented.timesofindia
Bhagwat’s Army remark: Oppn seeks apology from RSS chief, O’Brien calls Kiren Rijiju ‘Minister of Sangh’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/mohan-bhagwats-army-remark-oppn-seeks-apology-from-rss-chief-obrien-calls-kiren-rijiju-minister-of-sangh-5061521/
New Delhi: Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks on the Army and the RSS met with severe criticism from opposition parties on Monday.While RSS said Bhagwat’s remarks were misrepresented, the Congress accused him of insulting the Army and the Tricolour, and sought an apology.Senior CPI leader D Raja said Bhagwat has undermined the Army’s competence and capabilities, and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, a senior CPI(M) leader, called the remarks a “challenge to the essence of Indian Constitution”.Trinamool Congress’s Derek O’Brien slammed MoS (Home) Kiren Rijiju for defending the RSS chief. He claimed that the Minister of State has become the “Minister of Sangh”.Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “RSS Chief’s speech is an insult to every Indian, because it disrespects those who have died for our nation. It is an insult to our flag because it insults every soldier who ever saluted it. Shame on you Mr Bhagwat, for disrespecting our martyrs and our Army.”Rahul stated, “He has to say that he has committed a mistake.”Kerala CM Vijayan posted on Facebook that organising a parallel military force amounts to an anti-national activity, and that the RSS should tender an apology to the nation by withdrawing the statement, which is “dangerous as well embarrassing”. He wrote that even the RSS’s reaction today to Bhagwat’s statement tried to “establish that the organisation is better-disciplined” than the Indian Army. Congress leader Anand Sharma said that Bhagwat’s remarks “disrespect Constitutional framework”. Sharma asked PM Narendra Modi to clarify whether he approves of a “private militia” to guard India’s frontiers and demanded an apology. CPI leader Raja said both CPI and the RSS were formed in 1925. “When Communists, along with other freedom fighters, were facing bullets, gallows and torture under the British rule, the RSS was nowhere in the freedom movement. Now Bhagwat is suddenly speaking about defending the country. It reflects the sinister design…to impose its divisive agenda of Hindu rashtra,” Raja said. indianexpress
Bhagwat says RSS can raise force in days, Army needs months
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rss-chief-says-can-raise-force-in-days-army-needs-months-hindutva-bjp-5060182/
Patna: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat Sunday said his organisation had the capability to raise a force, when the country needed it, in “3 days”, compared to the Army, which would take “6 to 7 months” to do the same.He said: “Ours is not a military organisation, but we have military discipline. And if the country requires it and the Constitution…then the Army would take 6 to 7 months to get ready, our volunteers will take 3 days. This is our capability.”In Bihar for 10 days, Bhagwat has held the review meeting of various Sangh wings and was speaking in Muzaffarpur where he met Sangh volunteers from Bihar and Jharkhand.indianexpress
'RSS Can Prepare An Army Within 3 Days', Mohan Bhagwat's Statement Sends Twitter Into a Frenzy
http://www.news18.com/news/buzz/rss-can-prepare-an-army-within-3-days-mohan-bhagwats-statement-sends-twitter-into-a-frenzy-1657893.html
'What's Wrong if RSS Wants to Defend Our Borders': Nitish Defends Bhagwat
http://www.news18.com/news/politics/whats-wrong-if-rss-wants-to-defend-our-borders-nitish-kumar-defends-mohan-bhagwat-1658473.html
Good that our country has two armies, says Azam on Bhagwat’s remark
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/good-that-our-country-has-two-armies-says-azam-on-bhagwats-remark/articleshow/62891278.cms
J&K's PDP-BJP alliance becoming increasingly untenable
https://www.thequint.com/news/hot-news/j-k-s-pdp-bjp-alliance-becoming-increasingly-untenable
Jammu: As security forces battled militants in both Srinagar and Jammu, CM Mehbooba Mufti reiterated that a dialogue between India and Pakistan still remained the only way out for lasting peace in J&K. While her ruling alliance partners in the BJP advocate a hardline approach and want to tell Pakistan that enough is enough, Mehbooba has consistently followed the peace approach.Accepting that she would come under strong criticism for her comments during television news channel debates, CM posted on her twitter page: "Dialogue with Pakistan is necessary if we are to end bloodshed.""I know I will be labelled anti-national by news anchors tonight but that doesn't matter. The people of J&K are suffering. We have to talk because war is not an option."A war of attrition has already started between the two ruling alliance partners, PDP and the BJP.BJP legislators on Monday strongly protested against the PDP's silence on the pro-Pakistan rant by opposition National Conference MLA, Muhammad Akbar Lone.IANS
Shopian firing: SC bars J&K from coercive action against Major
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/shopian-firing-sc-bars-jk-from-coercive-action-against-major-5061541/
New Delhi;The Supreme Court has stopped the Mehbooba Mufti-led J&K Govt from initiating any coercive action against Major Aditya Kumar, named in the FIR registered by state police in connection with the death of three people in Army firing in Shopian on January 27.Issuing notice to the state and Centre, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra ordered, “As an interim measure, it is directed that no coercive steps shall be taken on the basis of the First Information Report No. 26/2018 dated 27.1.2018 registered at P.S. (Police Station) Shopian under Sections 336, 307, 302 of Ranbir Penal Code against Major Aditya Kumar.” The court was hearing a petition filed by Kumar’s father, Lieutenant Colonel Karamveer Singh, a serving Army officer, seeking quashing of the FIR.indianexpress
SC order favouring Major who allegedly killed civilians shows Kashmiris can’t expect justice from Indian state: JKCCS
http://twocircles.net/2018feb12/420786.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Srinagar: Criticising the Supreme Court order favouring an Army Major accused of killing civilians in Shopian district on January 27 at the cost of the victims, J&K Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) said the order only strengthens the belief that there can be no expectation of justice from the Indian state and its institutions.JKCCS has said that the stay of investigations against Major Aditya Kumar is irregular and against the established norms of criminal procedure.“Courts rarely interfere in ongoing investigations. FIR is a recording of information of a cognizable offence (for example murder and other serious offences). When in receipt of such information, the police are duty bound to lodge FIR and begin investigations,” said JKCCS spokesperson in a statement.Terms like ‘self defence’ and other such justifications for an action, cannot be considered at the stage of registration of FIR and certainly cannot be a basis to quash the FIR (as the petition in the Supreme Court seeks). That is a question for investigations, and more importantly, trial. The army is entitled to its rival version of events (including in the form of a counter-FIR) but the claims of the army cannot be used to prevent the registration of an FIR at this stage and investigations on the version of the victims or other persons that the army firing was an act of murder.”JKCCS took a dig at SC previous record and termed it as favouring armed forces. “The Supreme Court’s own past record – in Kashmir related cases such as the 2000 Pathribal fake encounter and 2010 killing of Zahid Farooq – has appeared to favour the armed forces. TwoCircles
Beijing will take measures to stop India if it moves to intervene militarily: Chinese state media on Maldives crisis
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/beijing-will-take-measures-to-stop-india-if-it-moves-to-intervene-militarily-china-state-media-on-maldives-crisis-5061659/
New DelhiIn yet another editorial aimed at New Delhi, China’s state-run Global Times warned that Beijing will take ‘necessary measures to stop India if it intervenes militarily in The Maldives’. In the editorial titled ‘Unauthorized military intervention in Malé must be stopped’, the state-run media said, “Facing the tense situation in Malé, India should exercise restraint. The Maldives is trapped in turmoil. This is the country’s internal affairs and China firmly opposes outside interference. More than that, China should take necessary measures to stop India if New Delhi moves to intervene militarily.” The state-run Global Times is run by the Communist Party of China and is considered to often reflect Beijing’s views. The second op-ed comes a few days after The Global Times had on February 7 published another op-ed titled ‘India must stop intervening in Malé’ telling New Delhi to not intervene in Male’s affairs. indianexpress
NDA creating problem in foreign policy, India isolated: Rahul Gandhi
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nda-creating-problem-in-foreign-policy-india-isolated-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/62902828.cms
Kalaburagi:Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused NDA Govt of creating a "problem" in India's foreign policy and said the country stood "isolated" in the region. Underlining China's expanding influence, Gandhi said the most important part of a country's foreign policy was having a "good relationship" with others."Today India is actually isolated in the region," he told professionals and business people here during an interaction on the last day of his 4-day 'Janashirvad Yatra' in the northern region of poll-bound Karnataka.India should work for creating as many jobs as there are in China, he said, adding that New Delhi must find a peaceful and not aggressive way to counter Beijing."We have to find a way, not an aggressive way, not a military way, but a peaceful way to compete with the Chinese," he said.Gandhi referred to the "massive expansion" of Chinese presence in the region.PTI
Mani Shankar Aiyar: ‘I receive much more hatred in India than the love I receive in Pakistan’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/mani-shankar-aiyar-pakistan-karachi-islamabad-india-dialogue-5062530/
New Delhi : Suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar Tuesday said he receives “much more hatred in India” than the love showered on him by people in Pakistan. Aiyar, who is in Karachi to attend a literature festival, claimed that people applaud him in Pakistan because he talks of peace. “Thousands of people, whom I don’t know, hug me, wish me. I receive much more hatred in India than the love I receive in Pakistan. So I am happy to be here. They are clapping for me because I speak of peace,” Aiyar told ANI. On Monday, he called for “uninterrupted and uninterruptible” talks between India and Pakistan to resolve longstanding issues. indianexpress
India gets access to strategic Oman port Duqm for military use, Chabahar-Gwadar in sight
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-gets-access-to-strategic-oman-port-for-military-use-chabahar-gwadar-in-sight-5061573/
In a strategic move to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean region, India has secured access to the key Port of Duqm in Oman for military use and logistical support, top sources have said. This is part of India’s maritime strategy to counter Chinese influence and activities in the region. This was one of the key takeaways of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Oman over the last two days. He met Sultan of Oman Sayyid Qaboos bin Said Al Said and an annexure to the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Cooperation was signed between the two countries. Sources said following this pact, the services of Duqm port and dry dock will be available for maintenance of Indian military vessels.The Port of Duqm is situated on the southeastern seaboard of Oman, overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is strategically located, in close proximity to the Chabahar port in Iran. With the Assumption Island being developed in Seychelles and Agalega in Mauritius, Duqm fits into India’s proactive maritime security roadmap.Indian Express
Muzaffarnagar: Dalit man who threatened to convert to Islam attempts suicide
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/muzaffarnagar-dalit-man-who-threatened-to-convert-to-islam-attempts-suicide-5060494/
New Delhi :A Dalit man has been booked for allegedly attempting suicide by jumping before a train, days after he threatened to convert to Islam after his land was allegedly grabbed by a few influential people. The incident happened on Sunday when Sudesh Kumar, a resident of Kakda village, was being taken into preventive custody by Muzaffarnagar police. He was previously booked for breach of peace and creating public disorder.On Feb.10, Kumar and other members of the Dalit community staged a protest outside the magistrate’s office demanding justice. He alleged that his land has been illegally occupied by some influential people, police said. City magistrate Vaibhav Mishra said a case is pending before a court in connection with the land. indianexpress
NIA arrests Tamil Nadu man in terror case
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/nia-arrests-tamil-nadu-man-in-terror-case201802122359050002/
Chennai: NIA has arrested a person for allegedly involving in recruiting and facilitating travel of some persons to Syria to join ISIS.NIA said accused Ansar Meeran, 29, a resident of Thiruvithancode, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu has been arrested ISIS Chennai Case.Arrested accused Meeran has been produced before NIA Special Court Poonamalle, Chennai, seeking further NIA custody. ANI
Iranian President to offer Friday prayers in Hyderabad's Makkah Masjid
http://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/12266/iranian-president-to-offer-friday-prayers-in-hyderabad-mosque.html
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, who is visiting India this week, will offer Friday prayers at the historic Makkah Masjid here and will also address the gathering, officials said.Rouhani, who will be reaching here directly from Iran on Thursday, will attend various programmes during his two-day stay before proceeding to New Delhi.After his arrival on Thursday evening, the Iranian President will interact with selected 'ulema' or religious scholars of both Shia and Sunni sects, intellectuals, and academicians. The next day, Rouhani will offer Friday prayers at Makkah Masjid, a 17th-century mosque, located near the historic Charminar in the Muslim-majority old city. After 'Namaz-e-Juma', the Iranian leader will address the gathering, said an official at the Iranian consulate here.The Iranian President will also visit Qutub Shahi tombs, a historic monument near Golconda Fort. IANS
Hyderabad: President of Iran Hassan Rouhani to visit city, will address major gathering
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/hyderabad-president-of-iran-hassan-rouhani-to-visit-city-will-address-major-gathering-1168342-2018-02-13
Egyptian clerics’ support for triple talaq may embolden such voices in India:TOI
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/egyptian-clerics-support-for-triple-talaq-may-embolden-such-voices-in-india/articleshow/57261315.cms
New Delhi: The pronouncement of the Al-Azhar seminary in Cairo, seen as an authoritative voice in the Islamic world, that triple talaq has been undisputed since the era of the Prophet can play into the debate in India over the controversial method of divorce among Muslims.The council of senior clerics in Cairo has unanimously ruled that verbal divorce which "meets all requirements" has been an "undisputed" practice and rejected Egyptian President Abdel -Fattah el-Sissi's suggestion for a legislation to ban the tradition.In the backdrop of the legal challenge to triple talaq in the Supreme Court in India , Al-Azhar view can arm religious conservatives defending the practice and help them argue that it is in conformity with Sharia.According to reports, senior clerics at Al-Azhar, in a carefully drafted statement, said, "The man should document the verbal divorce immediately to serve the rights of the divorcee and children."When contacted, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind's president Maulana Arshad Madani reinforced that "triple talaq in one go is considered to be very bad but if a man resorts to this, it cannot be denied that divorce has happened." "The personal law has existed for hundreds of years+ and we will not accept any law that will interfere with what is in keeping with Islam," Madani said.
Violence in Allahabad over Dalit student's killing
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/violence-in-allahabad-over-dalit-students-killing?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
Allahabad: Angered over the killing of a Dalit student of Allahabad University, students on Monday went on a rampage, setting fire to a bus. The angry students also laid siege to the house of District Magistrate Suhas L.Y., police said. Brutally assaulted by four men, Dalit student Dilip Saroj died on Sunday night after slipping into a coma. He was attacked outside a restaurant in Colonelganj on Friday night. A waiter at the restaurant, Munna Singh Chauhan, has been arrested and two policemen have been suspended. Angry varsity students aligned to Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha (SYS) and the AISA took out a protest march on Monday and raised anti-Govt and anti-police slogans. Demanding immediate arrest of the culprits, the students also sought adequate compensation for the deceased student's family. IANS
Extra-judicial killing in Manipur: SC asks why FIRs against victims
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/extra-judicial-killing-in-manipur-sc-asks-why-firs-against-victims?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has slammed the CBI's SIT for not properly probing alleged extra-judicial killings by the Army, Assam Rifles and police in Manipur and asked why FIRs were lodged against the victims and not against officers. A division bench of Justices M.B. Lokur and Justice U.U. Lalit said it was "not satisfied" with the progress made by the SIT of the CBI in the investigation. "I am sorry but there is something terrible wrong... You (CBI) filed FIR against the victim (who are dead) saying he was insurgent. File FIR immediately. Enough is enough. We are not satisfied," the bench said. The court was hearing a PIL seeking a probe into as many as 1,528 cases of extra-judicial killings in Manipur. On July 14, 2017, the apex court had constituted the SIT comprising 5 CBI officers and ordered registration of FIRs and investigation into alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur.IANS
Advocate Shahid Azmi was remembered on his 8th death anniversary: IndiaTomorrow
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/advocate-shahid-azmi-was-remembered-on-his-8th-death-anniversary-?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi: Marking the death anniversary of Advocate Shahid Azmi, various programs was organized by human rights activists and lawyers across the country. On this occasion they remembered Shahid Azmi and his sacrifices and pledged to defend human rights in the country. Shahid Azmi was a human rights lawyer who was martyred on 11th Feb.2010 in his office at Taximan Colony in Mumbai's Kurla locality. Shahid, during his teenage was arrested by security agencies and spent seven years in Tihar Jail. From the jail itself, hepursued a degree in law and after his release he started practicing as a lawyer.Rihai Manch organized a conference in Lucknow where social activists from all across Uttar Pradesh gathered and shared their views on various ongoing issues. An important program was organized in Delhi by human right organization ANHAD. Here, Mohammad Amir Khan was the speaker. Amir was charged with 18 terror cases in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and after 14 years of confinement, finally he was acquitted by the court in Jan.2012. Amir had spent two years with Shahid Azmi in Delhi's Tihar Jail. Amir shared his memory with Shahid during Tihar days.In Delhi, a talk was also organized by a forum named Karvaan.
Hindu, Muslim and homeless: Gujarat’s nomadic tribe Mirs stuck in no man’s land
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hindu-muslim-and-homeless-gujarat-s-nomadic-tribe-mirs-stuck-in-no-man-s-land/story-GVzX0Jvt7BeEbwSomJ9TDP.html
Vagabhai Lalabhai Mir writes his name with his fingertip in the soft brown sand on the outskirts of Deesa, Gujarat. The patriarch of the Mir tribe is a turbaned, beedi-smoking septuagenarian with a sense of humour. Despite never having been to school, he can read and write Hindi, Gujarati, Arabic and Kathiawadi, a Devnagiri script in which he maintains records. The Mirs are illiterate on record, and sign all Govt documents with a thumb imprint. Ask him how he reads if he was never taught and Vagabhai taps his head. He trained his mind to. Where did he learn to write? He points to the ground, finger in the sand. Vagabhai asks his son to bring the book.The Book of the Mirs is a carefully wrapped, leather-bound sheaf of pages that has been updated for centuries by the tribe. Passed down from father to son, it maintains hand-written records of the tribe’s births and deaths, and important incidents in their lives. The book is wrapped in plastic, to protect it from the rain, and again in embroidered cloth, to protect it from the dust. It records what Govt fails to: that the Mirs belong to the nomadic de-notified tribes, or vicharti jati as they are known in Gujarat, with a rich 700-year-old tradition of being both Hindu and Muslim. The Renke Commission of 2008 updated the Gujarat state list of nomadic tribes with the Faqirs as only the Muslim tribe.The Mirs are classified instead as an economically and socially backward class, and tagged as Muslims, along with the Mirasis and Dholis. This does not only fail to record their true religious and social identity, leaving them open to pressure groups, it also takes from them the benefits of the nomadic status. Since they don’t have a permanent address, this would enable them to claim rations, reservations and loans.HT
Fresh trouble for Shahabuddin as charges framed in law exam ‘appearance’ case
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/fresh-trouble-for-shahabuddin-as-charges-framed-in-law-exam-appearance-case/story-9ej2hYOGlsboKGzAGV8eXJ.html
Muzaffarpur;A court in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district framed charges against controversial RJD Mohammad Shahabuddin on Monday in a case pertaining to his “appearance” at LLB examination while at large in 2005.The court of sub-divisional judicial magistrate Shailendra Kumar Rai framed the charges against Shahabuddin, a former Lok Sabha member from Siwan, after finding sufficient evidences against him. However, Shahabuddin, through video conferencing from Tihar jail in Delhi, where he is currently lodged, denied the allegations.HT
WORLD
US denies alleged West Bank settlement annexation plan
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/palestinians-condemn-alleged-settlement-annexation-plan-180212181214554.html
US has dismissed reported discussions between Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Washington officials over plans to annex Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank."Reports that the United States discussed with Israel an annexation plan for the West Bank are false," said White House spokesman Josh Raffel, late on Monday. "US and Israel have never discussed such a proposal."Raffel added "focus remains squarely" on US President Donald Trump's "Israeli-Palestinian peace initiative".Israeli PM was quoted as telling a meeting of Likud legislators: "On the subject of applying sovereignty, I can say that I have been talking to the Americans about it for some time."Netanyahu was referring to applying Israeli law to the settlements, which are currently under the jurisdiction of Israel's military.Netanyahu's office later sought to clarify what was discussed, saying in a statement PM "updated the Americans on the initiatives being raised in the Knesset".On Sunday, Netanyahu blocked a bill to annex settlements that was proposed by right-wing Likud lawmakers."The Americans expressed their unequivocal position that they are committed to advancing President Trump's peace plan," Netanyahu's office said.Responding to Netanyahu's reported comments, a senior Palestinian official said the statements confirmed "Israel's commitment to apartheid".Saeb Erekat of Palestine Liberation Organisation said any unilateral moves to annex Palestinian land would violate their right to self-determination and independence, while confirming "US complicity with Israeli colonial plans". aljazeera
'54 Palestinians die' as Israel refuses medical permits
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/palestinians-die-israel-refuses-medical-permits-180213122412689.html
Israel was responsible for at least 54 Palestinian deaths last year as it rejected hundreds of medical permit requests it received from Gaza residents seeking treatment outside the besieged strip, rights groups have said.In a joint statement on Tuesday, Gaza-based Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, Amnesty International, HRW, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), and Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), highlighted the immediate need for Israel to end its decade-long siege of the Gaza Strip.In 2017, Israeli authorities approved fewer than half the medical permit requests it received, which were tied to appointments and treatment sessions in hospitals across the occupied territories and Israel - the lowest level since 2008.More than 25,000 permit requests were submitted to Israeli authorities. Of those, 719 were refused, often under the pretext of security. aljazeera
Israel squares off for showdown with Iran in Syria:aljazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/israel-squares-showdown-iran-syria-180212121132930.html
A surge in Israeli-Syrian cross-border incidents has turned into the "biggest" confrontation between the two countries in decades and confronted Russia with a new dilemma: how to preserve its ties with both sides.The tit-for-tat attacks, which started on Saturday and continued until the following day, have been accompanied by a war of words, with Benjamin Netanyahu warning that Israel would continue to strike against any aggression."We dealt severe blows to the Iranian and Syrian forces," Netanyahu said, referring to Iranian bases present inside Syria.The toughest Israeli aerial assault on Syrian and Iranian bases was reportedly in response to Syrian forces shooting down an Israeli fighter jet on Saturday and claims that an Iranian drone entered Israeli airspace.
One in 4 Iraqi Children in Poverty After War on IS:Reuters
http://www.news18.com/news/india/one-in-four-iraqi-children-in-poverty-after-war-on-islamic-state-1657289.html
Baghdad: One in four Iraqi children are in poverty and four million are in need of assistance as a result of the country's war with Islamic State militants, UN children agency said. UN has verified 150 attacks on education facilities and 50 attacks on health centres and personnel since 2014, UNICEF said in a statement. Half of Iraq's schools need repairs and over 3 million children have had their education interrupted, it said.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: 'Alive but wounded' in Syria
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-alive-wounded-north-syria-180212150123915.html
ISIL's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is alive and being treated at a medical facility in northeastern Syria after being severely wounded in an air raid, a senior Iraqi official said. The head of ISIL sustained serious wounds to his legs during air raids, Abu Ali al-Basri, Iraq's intelligence and counterterrorism department chief, was quoted on Monday by the Govt -run al-Sabah daily as saying."We have irrefutable information and documents from sources within the terrorist organisation that al-Baghdadi is still alive and hiding with the help of his collaborators," al-Basri said.Al-Baghdadi - one of the world's most-wanted men with a $25m US bounty on his head - is currently in Syria's Jazeera desert, west of Deir Az Zor, he said. He suffers from "injuries, diabetes and fractures to the body and legs that prevent him from walking without assistance", said al-Basri. Despite a series of major military defeats over the past year, ISIL retains a significant presence in northeastern Syria's Hasakah province despite having lost most of its cross-border "caliphate", which al-Baghdadi announced in 2014 after his fighters' shocking military victories across the region.It was unclear what air force was responsible for targeting ISIL's leader. aljazeera
Yemen war ‘escalating’, says UN human rights chief
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180213-yemen-war-escalating-says-un-human-rights-chief/
There is an increasing rate of civilian casualties in Yemen with nearly 6,000 civilians killed in 3-year conflict, UN Human Rights office of High Commissioner reported yesterday.“The upsurge in fighting in the south-western Governorate of Taiz is of particular concern. Civilians are under fire on all sides, as Houthi and affiliated forces carry out sniper attacks and indiscriminate shelling, and the Saudi-led Coalition continues to conduct airstrikes,” Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein said.27 people were killed and 76 injured in Yemen between 1-8 February, more than double the confirmed number of civilian casualties from the previous week, Al-Hussein warned.“The actual figures are likely to be higher. Most of the casualties were attributed almost equally to the warring parties – 48 to the coalition, and 51 to Houthi forces. 2 were killed by drones, one by Al-Qaeda, and in 1 case the perpetrator is unknown.”middleeastmonitor
Oman to host Yemen peace talks, Houthis agree to join
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180213-oman-to-host-yemen-peace-talks-houthis-agree-to-join/
Oman will be hosting a new round of peace talks over the on-going 3 year Yemen civil war, Kuna news reported.Talks between the Houthi armed group and General People’s Congress party (GPC) are planned to take place as soon as the new United Nations Peace Envoy to Yemen is recruited. No other parties to the conflict were named to be part of the coming peace talks in Oman.The role of the envoy is to “facilitate” negotiations between parties who would then decide if they can go ahead with peace talks, the former UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh said. Ould Cheikh is to step down this month. Ould Cheikh described the situation in Yemen as “tragic and disastrous”, noting that nearly one million Yemenis are suffering from cholera. Qaeda
UN to take part in Rohingya repatriation, says Bangladesh
https://frontiermyanmar.net/en/un-to-take-part-in-rohingya-repatriation-says-bangladesh
Bangladesh has signed a deal to involve the UN in the controversial process of returning Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, a minister said Monday.Junior foreign minister Shahriar Alam said the Govt was involving the UN refugee agency so that it could not be accused of sending anyone from the stateless Muslim minority back against their will.He gave few details, but said refugees would be asked to fill out repatriation forms in the presence of UN officials. AFP
Bulldozed Rohingya villages deepen fears Myanmar is erasing history
http://www.dhakatribune.com/world/south-asia/2018/02/13/bulldozed-rohingya-villages-deepen-fears-myanmar-erasing-history/
Egypt to probe ex-army chief and aide over secret files
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/egypt-probe-army-chief-aide-secret-files-180213065038747.html
The Egyptian army has said it will launch an investigation into Sami Anan, the former Egyptian chief-of-staff and Hisham Genena, the country's former top auditor, who had served as Anan's presidential campaign manager prior to its suspension. The Supreme Committee of the Armed Forces (SCAF) said on Monday that the decision followed Genena's remarks on Sunday, in which he claimed that Anan was in possession of "documents and evidence" that would undermine the country and its leadership.In an interview with HuffPost Arabi, Genena said Anan was in possession of "secret" documents that would incriminate several people in power who were involved in deadly events that unfolded following the Jan.25 uprising. According to Genena, Anan threatened to leak those documents if he were to be legally charged. During the interview, Genena expressed concern over Anan's safety, saying he feared a potential assassination attempt.Army spokesman Tamer Rifai considered Genena's remarks a crime against the state and its institutions.aljazeera
Egyptian authorities detain ex-official Hisham Genena
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/egyptian-authorities-detain-official-hisham-genena-180213110125007.html
South's ANC says Zuma must leave office
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/south-africa-anc-zuma-leave-office-180213121740763.html
South Africa's ruling party, African National Congress (ANC), says it has decided that President Jacob Zuma must leave office, but said no deadline was set for him to resign.ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule said on Tuesday that the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) believes Zuma's removal "should be treated with urgency".However, he said that the NEC had not discussed any motion of no-confidence against the embattled president.aljazeera
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Indian judiciary could look at how Pak courts dealt with lynching of Mashal Khan:Faizan Mustafa
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/learning-from-a-neighbour-mashal-khan-lynching-5061357/
3 Days? RSS Had 22 Years to Form Army Against Brits, but It Didn’t:Manish Kumar
https://www.thequint.com/voices/blogs/rss-absence-from-india-freedom-struggle-mohan-bhagwat
Bhagwat’s army comment deserves to be condemned, but not for the reasons you thought:Hilal Ahmed
https://theprint.in/2018/02/13/bhagwats-army-comment-deserves-to-be-condemned-but-not-for-the-reasons-you-thought/
How Unemployment Inflamed Hindu-Muslim Tension in Kasganj:Chandan Nandy
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/kasganj-unemployment-republic-day-violence
Modi is making the mistakes Indira made in 1975-77 - of upsetting everyone;TCA Srinivasa-Raghavan
http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/modi-is-making-the-mistakes-indira-made-in-1975-77-of-upsetting-everyone-118021100144_1.html
Rafale: With U-turns and confidential deals, BJP really has become Congress plus cow:Rohan Venkataramakrishnan
https://scroll.in/article/868198/rafale-with-u-turns-and-confidential-deals-bjp-really-has-become-congress-plus-cow
‘I wish people learn the difference between forced marriage and choice’, says woman who converted to Islam to marry Iqbal
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/i-wish-people-learn-the-difference-between-forced-marriage-and-choice-says-woman-who-changed-faith-5060198/
Kasganj Violence: Fact-Finding Missions & Competing Narratives:KHEMTA H JOSE
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/kasganj-violence-fact-finding-teams-vs-police-version-unite-against-hate-aipf-report-kavita-krishnan
By repeatedly saying ‘Go to Pakistan’, BJP shows it wants to push Muslims into Ghettos: Asrarul Haque Jeelani
http://twocircles.net/2018feb12/420782.html
Who Is This Rizvi Suffering From a Bad Attack of Verbal Diarrhoea?MEHRU JAFFER and SEEMA MUSTAFA
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/2/13015/Who-Is-This-Rizvi-Suffering-From-a-Bad-Attack-of-Verbal-Diarrhoea
Myanmar signs ceasefire with rebel groups
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/myanmar-signs-ceasefire-with-rebel-groups/news-story/40d8834b6c79c417624c0e1f49fc840d
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:17 PM)
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