Evening NEWS DIGEST
15 Feb.2018:28 Jamadiul-1 1439:Vol:9, No:121
INDIA
Pune techie Mohsin murder: Can't assault and kill in name of religion, says SC warning courts against 'religious bias'
http://www.news18.com/news/india/cant-assault-kill-in-name-of-religion-says-supreme-court-warns-courts-against-religious-bias-1661105.html
New Delhi:A different religious identity can never be a justification for assaulting or killing a person, held the Supreme Court as it cautioned courts against passing any order which may smack of “bias for or against a community.” Strongly disapproving of hate crimes, the top court maintained that every court has to be mindful of the pluralistic character of the Indian society and hence its duty to objectively decide rights of different groups. “We have no doubt that a court fully conscious of the plural composition of the country while called upon to deal with rights of various communities, cannot make such observations which may appear to be coloured with a bias for or against a community,” ruled a bench of Justices SA Bobde and L Nageswara Rao in a recent order. The SC said this while cancelling the bail of 3 men, who were let out in a murder case after the Bombay High Court held that “the only fault of the deceased was that he belonged to another religion.”In the 2014 murder case, the HC had granted bail to the three accused after noting that they had killed the Muslim man as they were provoked in the name of religion. “The fact that the deceased belonged to another religion is in favour of the accused...The accused, otherwise, had no other motive, such as any personal enmity, against the innocent deceased. The only fault of the deceased was that he belonged to another religion,” Justice Mridula Bhatkar said in the Jan. 2017 order. When a relative of deceased Shaikh Mohsin challenged the bail order, the apex court said it was difficult to understand why the HC released the trio on bail by citing the religion of the deceased as the primary ground. “We find that the aforesaid reason can, on a fair reading, be understood or misunderstood almost as a mitigating circumstance or a kind of a justification for the murder...it is obvious that the fact that the deceased belonged to a certain community cannot be a justification for any assault much less a murder,” emphasised the Court. It said there was a possibility that the HC judge wanted to rule out a personal motive against the victim, but only emphasise communal hatred. The court thus set aside the HC order and asked all three accused, Ranjeet Shankar Yadav, Ajay Dilip Lalge and Vijay Rajendran Gambhire — all reportedly the members of Hindu Rashtra Sena, to surrender and seek bail afresh. The bench directed them to show up in HC on Feb.16 and apply for bail again, which will be decided within 6 weeks. The accused noticed Shaikh Mohsin, who was wearing a pastel green colour shirt and had sported a beard. They allegedly targeted him and his friend Wasim and assaulted them with hockey sticks, bats and stones. Mohsin later succumbed to his injuries.news18
Pune techie murder- Courts can’t make communally biased observations: Supreme Court
http://indianexpress.com/article/delhi/pune-techie-murder-supreme-court-observation-shaikh-mohsin-5065476/
2014 Pune techie murder: SC criticises Bombay HC order for involving religion
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/2014-pune-techie-murder-sc-criticises-bombay-hc-order-for-involving-religion/story-3NyeSsdbvpgs2rDnqdoNPM.html
Kerala CM Vijayan denies seeking ban on Popular Front of India, says RSS must be outlawed first
https://scroll.in/latest/868861/kerala-cm-vijayan-denies-seeking-ban-on-popular-front-of-india-says-rss-must-be-outlawed-first
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has denied reports that his Govt had asked the Centre to ban Popular Front of India, a Muslim organisation that is mostly active in Kerala and Karnataka.“It is not Kerala govt’s duty to ban any communal outfit,” Vijayan told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.He was reacting to a report by The Hindu published, that quoted Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju as saying, “Kerala has pressed for a ban on the PFI and we are examining the case.” Rijiju had reportedly said that Kerala DGP Lokanath Behera had discussed the matter at the annual DGP conference held in MP in Jany.On Thursday, Vijayan said, “If any outfit that creates riots in India and divides society on communal lines needs to be banned, then it should be the RSS first.” B Organisations like PFI cannot be countered with a ban, he added. “The threats that such communal and terrorist organisations pose and their ideology cannot be obliterated through a ban,” he said. The only way to counter such organisations was to take strict legal action against them, he said, adding that state Govt has cracked down on communalism and terrorism.DGP Behra also issued a statement on Thursday denying the reports on a proposed ban on PFI. There was a presentation on the topic “Radicalization – PFI, A Case Study” in DGP’s conference held in Jan.2018, at Tekanpur in MP, he said, adding that it was prepared by a group of DGPs from a few states and was presented by him.“In the presentation, there was neither a suggestion nor any recommendation to impose a ban on PFI,” Behra said.“Kerala Police have not proposed nor written for imposing such a ban on PFI till date.”scroll
Kerala has not sought ban on PFI:Vijayan
http://www.india.com/news/agencies/kerala-has-not-sought-ban-on-pfivijayan-2-2896782/
Kerala has pressed for ban on Popular Front of India: Govt
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-asks-centre-to-ban-pfi/article22754983.ece?homepage=true
PMO got complaint against Nirav Modi in July 2016; PNB says it discovered fraud in Jan 2018
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/nirav-modi-fled-to-switzeraland-pnb-scam-rapid-developments-disclosures-counter-allegations-opposition-bjp
Nirav Modi, an accused in Punjab National Bank fraud case, pictured along with other CEOs and PM Narendra in Davos, Switzerland on Jan.23, 2018.On Feb. 6, few in the country new much about Nirav Modi beyond billboards advertising his jewellery. On that day, a team of analysts tweeting from the handle @BrainandMoney put out this intriguing tweet: “Hearing from our Bookies big scam of Rs 9200 crore coming in #PNB. Big Bank official told us now.... Will it come Tomorrow or Day after ? Let's see”.Eight days later, on Feb.14,India’s 2nd largest public sector bank PNB said in a regulatory filing to the stock exchanges, that it had detected a massive fraud in one of its branches in Mumbai, “for the benefit of a few select account holders with their apparent connivance”. PNB said the quantum of such transactions was to the tune of a whopping $1,771.69 million(around ₹11,515 crore). The amount of fraudulent transactions is equivalent to eight times the bank's net income of about ₹1,320 cror. The bank said that: "The matter is already referred to law enforcement agencies to examine and book the culprits as per law of the land."It turned out that on February 5, the Central Bureau of Investigation had booked billionaire diamond service provider Nirav Modi, his brother, wife and a business partner for allegedly entering into a criminal conspiracy with the officials of Punjab National Bank to cheat PNB of over ₹280.70 crore in 2017. Following the complaint, the CBI registered an FIR under Indian Penal Code sections related to criminal conspiracy, cheating and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the four.The stock of PNB, which was trading at ₹149.20 per share on Feb. 14 morning, was down by 12.79% on the Bombay Stock Exchange, by the time of writing on Feb. 15.A flurry of new facts about the case emerged on Thursday, February 15.First, the ED in the early morning swooped down on multiple premises in Mumbai, Surat and Delhi belonging to Nirav Modi and other persons accused in the case. ED had filed a case under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after going through the CBI FIR.It emerged that the CBI had also raided the residence of Modi, his brother Nishal, wife Ami and Mehul Chinubhai Choksi, all partners of Diamond R US, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds and two bank officials—Gokulnath Shetty (now retired) and Manoj Kharat, who were also named in the FIR as accused. On February 14, the CBI received two fresh complaints from PNB allegedly against Modi and a jewellery company alleging fraudulent transactions worth about ₹11,400 crore.Then, CNN News 18 quoting ED sources, said that Nirav Modi was not in the country, but in Switzerland. The media house tweeted further that Nirav Modi had in fact fled India before the first CBI FIR was filed on Jan 31. Soon ANI, quoting “official sources”, reported that Nirav Modi left the country on Jan.1, 2018.Later on Feb.15, PNB MD Sunil Mehta, addressing the media, said that the scam had begun in 2011, was detected by PNB only in the third week of January 2018, and the CBI was informed in Feb.nationalheraldindia
PNB says won't spare anyone in $1.8 bn fraud as political parties blame each other
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/pnb-says-won-t-spare-anyone-in-1-8-bn-fraud-as-political-parties-blame-each-other-roundup-118021501311_1.html
PMO was aware of the PNB scam almost 2 years ago: Congress
http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/pmo-was-aware-of-the-pnb-scam-almost-two-years-ago-congress-118021500730_1.html
PNB fraud case: ED conducts raid, bank assures action; BJP fumes as Cong calls Nirav ‘Chota Modi’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-congress-ravi-shankar-prasad-nirav-modi-punjab-national-bank-fraud-case-5065386/
Sri Sri aid files complaint against Salman Nadwi for 'seeking' Rs 5,000 Cr to change stand in Ayodhya case
http://www.news18.com/news/india/complaint-filed-against-salman-nadwi-for-demanding-rs-5000-crore-for-changing-stand-in-ayodhya-case-1661607.html
Lucknow: General secretary of Ayodhya Sadbhavna Samanvay Samiti, Amarnath Mishra, has lodged a complaint against Salman Nadwi for allegedly demanding Rs 5000 crore as a bribe to change his stand in the Babri title suit.Mishra has alleged that he gave a written proposal to the expelled member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board who took it to the media. Mishra further alleged that he met Nadwi at Nadwa on 4th Feb. in the presence of Imam Council general secretary Haji Masroor Khan.Mishra said, “Maulana Nadwi wants to ‘islamicize’ Ayodhya and wants to convert Ayodhya in new Medina. That is why when he asked for a proposal and then demanded Rs 5000 crore, 200 acres of land and a Rajya Sabha seat.”He further alleged that Nadwi had put his demands in front of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar whose office in reply said that Ayodhya issue can only be resolved by brotherhood and harmony and refused to make any deal.Nadwi has rejected all these allegations and said that he is not familiar with Mishra or Haji Masroor Khan. He said Mishra was lying and his charges were baseless. Nadwi also said that it is all done as a part of conspiracy against him. He, however, said he will not take legal action against Mishra.Ayodhya Sadbhavna Samanvay Samiti was created on initiative of Ravi Shankar. Its main aim is to settle the Ayodhya dispute out of court.News18
Ex-AIMPLB cleric demanded money, RS seat for mosque, claims Sri Sri's aide
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/150218/ex-aiadmk-cleric-demanded-money-rs-seat-for-mosque-claims-sri-sris.html
Ayodhya dispute: Salman Nadvi denies bribery charges
https://www.oneindia.com/india/ayodhya-dispute-former-aimplb-member-salman-nadvi-denies-bribery-charges-2642097.html
Don't know Misra, says Salman Nadvi
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/dont-know-misra-says-salman-nadvi201802151737440002/
Babri case: Jain muni wants Ram temple in Ayodhya
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/babri-masjid-dispute-jain-muni-wants-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-1170325-2018-02-15
With the hearing for the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri masjid dispute in Ayodhya being pushed to March 14 by the Supreme Court, Jain monk Lokesh Acharya has asserted that Ram temple should be built in Ayodhya.Acharya Lokesh said: "If the Ram Temple is not built in Ayodhya, will it be built in Mecca-Medina?”. Acharya said that while the West thinks of the world as a market, Indians think of it as their extended family and keeping this in mind, he had decided to go out on a world tour to promote harmony in the worldIn reply to a question, Acharya Lokesh said that Ram does not belong to any particular religion as he is the representative of Indian culture. He said that the Ram temple is already there in Ayodhya and it just needs to be given a grand design.According to him, even Muslims have now begun to understand that the Ram temple will be built in Ayodhya whether they agree to it or not. Muslims who agree to the temple will be appreciated for their support.indiatoday
Muslim Board dancing to Owaisi’s tune: Salman Nadwi
https://www.siasat.com/news/muslim-personal-law-board-dancing-owaisis-tune-maulana-salman-nadwi-1318837/?utm_source=spotim&utm_medium=spotim_recirculation&spotim_referrer=recirculation
Lucknow: Maulana Salman Nadwi who was expelled from All India Muslim Personal Law Board made another attack on the AIMPLB, saying that it is dancing to the tune of Asad Owaisi. He further said that the Board is dominated by extremists, while the Ulama and elders remain silent.It was the same during the recent meeting in Hyderabad. I was not allowed to put forth my stand, while Maulana Arshad Madani, Maulana Syed Mohammed Rabey Hasni Nadwi also remained silent. Maulana Kalbe Sadiq didn’t turn up. People like Kamal Farooqui, Qasim Rasool Ilyas and Asaduddin Owaisi only spoke during the meeting, said Salman Nadwi.siasat
Congress cannot wash off its hands from Babri demolition: BJP candidate
http://www.uniindia.com/cms/gall_content/2018/2/2018_2$largeimg14_Feb_2018_165756670.jpg
Tripura:With Congress becoming a near dormant but yet an important player in this year’s elections in Tripura, Babri Masjid demolition of 1992 is back in public debate in some segments. BJP candidate from Kamalpur assembly segment, Manoj Kanti Deb, a former Congressman, has now sought to add a new twist to the debate saying Congress party cannot wash off of its hands for the demolition of the historic mosque.“I am a former Congressman....I cannot say and will not say that the Congress party is responsible for the demolition of the Babri Masjid. But can Congress really wash off its hands, after all the Congress party was in power in those days?,” Deb told UNI.UNI
Waseem Rizvi claims he has filed police complaint against AIMPLB spokesperson Sajjad Nomani
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/shia-waqf-board-chief-claims-he-has-filed-police-complaint-against-aimplb-spokesperson-118021501400_1.html
Lucknow: UP Shia Waqf Board chief Waseem Rizvi claimed that he has filed a police complaint against spokesperson of AIMPLB Maulana Khalilurrahman Sajjad Nomani at a police station here for his alleged inflammatory remarks. However, police did not confirm receiving any such complaint. In a statement issued here today, Rizvi said, "In my complaint I have stated that All India Muslim Personal Law Board supports the ideology of the terrorists, and they never want that Ayodhya issue be resolved."Rizvi referred to Nomani's Feb.9 statement made in Hyderabad during AIMPLB meet, and alleged, "Nomani through his statement is conspiring to wage a civil war in the country by instigating the Muslims.This amounts to sedition." SHO Hazratganj Anand Shahi, when contacted, said that he has not received any such complaint. Despite repeated attempts, Nomani could not be contacted for comments.PTI
Sohrabuddin case: Discharged officer played same role as juniors on trial, says Rubabuddin’s lawyer
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sohrabuddin-case-discharged-officer-played-same-role-as-juniors-on-trial-says-rubabuddins-lawyer5064382/
Mumbai:The lawyer of Sohrabuddin Shaikh’s brother Rubabuddin on Wednesday pointed to the “integral role” of Dinesh M N, the Superintendent of Police in Udaipur during the alleged fake encounter, and told the court that while the officer got discharged from the CBI court in the case, his juniors who were allegedly part of his team were not given a discharge. The court was hearing three applications filed by Rubabuddin challenging the discharge of former deputy inspector-general 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.Rubabuddin’s lawyer Gautam Tiwari of Probus Legal continued his arguments over the discharge of Dinesh. One of the reasons for the CBI court discharging him on Aug. 1, 2017, was that the agency had failed to get sanction or special permission to prosecute him.indianexpress
Gulberg massacre case: Gujarat Govt denies nod to SIT to file appeal in High Court
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/gulberg-case-govt-denies-nod-to-sit-to-file-appeal-in-gujarat-high-court/
Ahmedabad : BJP Govt in Gujarat has denied permission to SIT to file an appeal in the High Court seeking more stringent sentence in the Gulberg Society massacre case — one of the 9 biggest cases of 2002 post-Godhra riots which the SIT had investigated and in which 69 people were killed, including MP Ahsan Jafri, by a mob.SIT had sought the Govt ’s permission to move High Court with the contention that the life imprisonment awarded to 11 convicts by the trial court should be enhanced to death penalty, and the acquittal of the 14 other accused be challenged.“We received one-page order of the state Govt last month denying us permission to move the High Court against the (trial court’s) judgment. The letter in Gujarati, which has been signed by an undersecretary, mentions that the state Govt accepts the verdict and that there is no ground to file appeal in the High Court,” said a senior officer of the SIT on condition of anonymity.“Legally, state Govt is the prosecuting agency, and without its nod the SIT alone can not move the High Court. We will be submitting the state Govt ’s decision in our progress report in SC later this month. Also, we have to inform the judges (of HC) that we will not be filing appeals,” the officer added. SIT sends quarterly progress report to the apex court since it was formed in 2008.While SIT was awaiting govt’s response, 12 appeal petitions have already been filed, including by the 16 convicts who have challenged their sentences on various grounds. The convicts who have filed the appeals are Dharmesh Shukla, Atul Vaidya, Kapil Mishra, Dilip Parmar, Suresh Dhobi, Manish Jain, Mukesh Sankhla, Ambesh Jinger, Mangilal Jain (all sentenced to seven years of imprisonment), Bharat Rajput, Krishan Kumar, Jayesh Parmar, Kailash Dhobi, Raju Tiwari, Jayesh Jinger and Yogendra Shekhawat (all sentenced imprisonment for life). indianexpress
Enquiry must be made into RSS’ military goals, Bhagwat’s remark exposes party’s secret agenda
https://www.siasat.com/news/enquiry-must-made-rss-military-goals-bhagwats-remark-exposes-partys-secret-agenda-1318235/
New Delhi: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s controversial remark that, while Indian Army would take up to 6-7 months to prepare for war, they can do it in 3 days, has sparked controversy. WPI and PFI has termed the remark as worrisome and unfortunate. They demanded an enquiry into RSS’s military goads. Bhagwat claimed that “Ours is not a military organisation. But we have discipline like the military. If the country needs it and the Constitution permits…it takes six or seven months to prepare an Army… swayamsewaks, if asked, can do it in three days… this is what we are capable of.”National president of WPI Dr Qasim Rasool Ilyas said RSS chief’s remark is not only insulting to the army but also exposes RSS’ secret agenda. Earlier also members of RSS were accused of terrorism, extremism and violence, now RSS chief himself has admitted they are capable of that.Dr Ilyas said RSS’ key members were accused in some major terrorist incidents. We demand an apology by Mohan Bhagwat on this shameful remark and Govt through its secret agencies must find out whether the party is secretly preparing armed military.Chairman PFI E Abubakr said for Mohan Bhagwat his party is more than India.These are not the ordinary words but mirrors the real mindset of RSS. He said, in fact, more than praising his party Mohan Bhagwat has insulted army. While army is fighting against foreign enemies, RSS is fighting against citizens. It has developed hostility against Dalits,religious minorities and secular people.siasat
Slain CRPF Jawan Mujahid 's Family Returns Rs 5 Lakh to Nitish Govt, Says He Did Not Die of Liquor Consumption
http://www.news18.com/news/india/slain-crpf-jawan-mujahid-khans-family-returns-rs-5-lakh-to-nitish-govt-says-he-did-not-die-of-liquor-consumption-1660771.html
Patna: Family members of Mujahid Khan, CRPF jawan who was killed during a gun battle with militants in Karan Nagar area of Srinagar on Monday, returned a cheque worth Rs five lakh to the Bihar Govt , saying it is an insult to Khan’s martyrdom.Mujahid Khan succumbed to injuries at a Srinagar hospital on Monday night. A terror attack early on Monday morning was thwarted by guards at Karan Nagar CRPF camp but the militants managed to escape and holed up at a nearby building. On Wednesday, a large crowd gathered at his native village Peero in Arrah district of Bihar when his body reached the family. While the Nitish Kumar govt wanted Khan to be given full state honour during his last rites, locals were seen fuming over the absence of any political leaders and officials at the ceremony.A sub-divisional officer offered the Rs 5 lakh cheque to the grieving family during the funeral procession, which they turned down immediately. Mujahid’s brother Imtiaz Ahmad said, “My brother sacrificed his life for the country and see how he is being treated. Has he died consuming liquor? What will we do with this money?”Meanwhile, the absence of any minister or Govt officials during the last rites soon turned into a political battle with opposition RJD accusing CM Nitish Kumar of insensitivity.When asked, state Urban Development Minister, Maheshwar Hajare feigned ignorance about anyone from the state dying in J&K. RJD National Vice-President Shivanand Tiwary immediately demanded an apology from the minister and asked for all kinds of support to the bereaved family.Away from the politics, Khan’s wailing father remembered how Mujahid turned down a marriage proposal and instead wanted to serve the country. news18
Mecca Masjid blast case: Lt Colonel Purohit turns hostile, denies meeting Swami Aseemanand
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/lt-colonel-purohit-turns-hostile-denies-meeting-swami-aseemanand/articleshow/62924024.cms
Hyderabad: Lieutenant Colonel Shrikant Purohit, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case and a NIA witness in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case, turned hostile on Wednesday.Shrikant Prasad Rao Purohit appeared before the fourth additional metropolitan sessions judge-cum-special court for NIA cases amid tight army security. He was cross-examined by the NIA counsel, before the prosecution declared him a "hostile witness".While deposing before the court, he denied knowledge of the Mecca Masjid blast or any investigating agency recording his statement as a witness in the case. The reinstated officer denied meeting Swami Aseemanand alias Nabakumar Sarkar, the prime accused in the Mecca Masjid blast case, and spoke about Sunil Joshi, who was responsible for the bomb blast at Ajmer Dargah. Around 1.25pm on May 18, 2007, a bomb blast on the Mecca Masjid premises during Friday prayers had killed nine people and wounded 58.Prior to handing over the investigation of the Mecca Masjid blast case to NIA in 2007, CBI, which had filed a chargesheet against the arrested culprits, had cited Purohit as prosecution witness number 106 and said he would prove that Aseemanand had called him on Dec.29, 2007 and told him that Sunil Joshi was murdered and was "apna banda". NIA had abated the action against Sunil Joshi, since he had died. Purohit, deposing before the court, said he had served in the counter-intelligence cell of the Indian Army and met several people, but did not have any knowledge about the accused allegedly involved in Mecca Masjid blast case.The officer also disowned the 'Abhinav Bharat Trust' and told the court that he never founded it. Purohit, however, said he knew Ajay Rahirkar and Kulkarni, accused in Malegaon-II bomb blast case.TOI
Makkah Masjid Bomb Blast case: Lt. Col. Purohit turns back from his confession
https://www.siasat.com/news/makkah-masjid-bomb-blast-case-lt-col-purohit-turns-back-confession-1318526/
Kasganj violence: Probe deadline extended as none come with proof by last date
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kasganj-violence-probe-deadline-extended-as-none-come-with-proof-by-last-date-5064432/
Lucknow : Kasganj additional district magistrate has decided to extend the deadline for the public to submit evidence in a case connected to the communal clash that happened here in January. This comes after no one came forward to meet the previous deadline, which ended Tuesday.The case is related to the murder of Abhishek Gupta and injuries to Naushad.The new deadline has not been decided but notices will be issued soon. Additional District Magistrate (Judicial), Kasganj, Manish Kumar Nahar, who is heading the inquiry, said, “Soon after inquiry was handed over to me, I published notices in local newspapers on January 29 inviting private persons and Govt officials to give oral or written statement within 15 days in connection with the incident on January 26,” said Nahar. “No one turned up.” “I have now decided to put up notices at all Govt offices in the district. They will be asked to come to my office at Collectorate and give statement orally or written and can also deposit evidence regarding the January 26 incident,” he said. “Since no private person has forward so far either, I have decided to publish the notice in newspapers too. I hope people will come forward this time.”indianexpress
Bengal: Hindu outfit calls for ‘ghar wapsi’, shows ‘reconverted’ 14 members of Muslim family
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bengal-hindu-outfit-calls-for-ghar-wapsi-shows-reconverted-muslim-family-5064373/
Asking Hindus in the state to have more children to tackle the demographic imbalance in future, a Hindutva organisation on Wednesday gave the call of “ghar wapsi” — to “reconvert” Muslims — and presented 14 members of a Muslim family who have ostensibly “returned” to the Hindu fold at a rally in Kolkata on Wednesday. Four members of Hindu Samhati, an outfit established in Bengal about a decade ago, were arrested in the evening for physically assaulting mediapersons who tried to pose questions to the family after the rally at Rani Rashmoni Road in central Kolkata. Two journalists were injured in the incident. CM Mamata Banerjee condemned the assault on scribes and said strong action will be taken against those involved. Addressing the crowd, Tapan Ghosh, chief adviser of Hindu Samhati, said, “Hussain Ali and his wife Moyna Bibi, as well as 12 family members, have been reconverted. Their ancestors were converted, and now we welcome them as Hindus on stage. Earlier we used to do this (conversion) secretly, but now we will do this in public.”Emphasising that the family’s address will not be divulged, Ghosh said, “I give a call of ghar wapsi [used by Hindutva organisations to refer to conversion from Islam to Hinduism]. When you return, initiate this movement in your districts and blocks — let us welcome all Muslims to Hinduism.”Ali and Moyna Bibi’s family members, including children, were given Hindu Samhati’s saffron flag on the stage, cheered by the crowd. Maj Gen GD Bakshi (retired) was among the guests on stage. State Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim said, “Such organisations demean Hindu religion, just as the Taliban demeans Islam. The Govt will take proper action against those who beat up journalists.” JCP Praveen Tripathi confirmed that four people from Hindu Samhati were arrested. During rally, Ghosh called for Sealdah station to be renamed Shyamaprasad Mukherjee terminal, and demanded installing a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose near Parliament. indianexpress
14 members of Muslim family allegedly converted to Hinduism in Kolkata, journalists attacked
http://www.newsnation.in/india-news/14-members-of-muslim-family-allegedly-converted-to-hindu-in-kolkata-journalists-attacked-dharmatala-article-191946.html
Muslim girls mark Valentine's Day as 'Haya Day' in Nagpur
https://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20180214/3276828.html
Nagpur: The members of Girls' Islamic Organisation ofIndia on Wednesday marked the Valentine's Day in city as 'Haya Day'.On the Valentine's Day, when the city folks were soaked up incelebration, some young girls from Muslim community made it a pointto show that the day is not really meant for showing your loved oneshow much you love them, but also some amount of shyness.Many of the girls from the organisation took to streets withplacards displaying Haya Day 14th February. The placards furtherread the word 'Haya' (means 'sharm' in Hindi and shyness in English)embedded into a heart. The caption read 'Haya' is the part of their faith.The girls were seen consciously wearing burqas, holding the placardsas they took silent march through city streets.UNI
'Danga ho Jayega': VHP Threatens Parents of Muslim Boy for Going on Valentine's Day Date with Hindu Girl
http://www.news18.com/news/india/danga-ho-jayega-vhp-threatens-parents-of-muslim-boy-for-going-on-valentines-day-date-with-hindu-girl-1660819.html
New Delhi: In western UP’s Shamli District, Bajrang Dal disrupted a Valentine’s Day date between a Muslim boy and Hindu girl by terming it “Love Jihad”. Vivek Premi, VHP convener for Shamli, Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat districts, claimed he and a group of Bajrang Dal vigilantes were out on a round of the city and found an inter-faith couple on a date on the outskirts of Shamli. VHP disrupted the date, beat up the boy and called his parents to the restaurant.“Days before Valentine’s Day, we had declared No Love Jihadi should be seen on the streets. But that is what happened. We caught a Love Jihadi. We will not tolerate Love Jihad at any cost,” said Premi.News18 had earlier reported that the VHP and Bajrang Dal had created an information network among restaurant employees such as waiters, cashiers and kitchen staff across the communally sensitive, riot-scarred districts of Western Uttar Pradesh. One such “informant” called Premi when he saw the couple on a date.news18
2 child policy not 'un-Islamic' in Iran, we can implement it too: BJP
http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/two-child-policy-not-un-islamic-in-iran-we-can-implement-it-too-bjp-118021400473_1.html
BJP supported the implementation of 2-child policy in India. Citing Iran's example,BJP spokesperson Ashwini Upadhyay wrote on Twitter that Iran implemented the 2-child policy, in early 1990s, declaring that Islam favoured families with two children.He attached his post with a snippet, which explained how Iran's demography had changed after the implementation of the two-child policy.A PIL was filed in the Supreme Court, seeking direction to Union Govt to implement the 'two-child policy' across the country.The petition also stated that Govt should promote family planning and adopt all such measures to motivate the people of the country to follow 2-child policy.ANI
BJP bats for two-child policy in India
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bjp-bats-for-two-child-policy-in-india201802141434180002/
Hassan Rouhani's Muslim leadership outreach in strategic Hyderabad visit:TOI
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/rouhanis-muslim-leadership-outreach-in-strategic-hyderabad-visit/articleshow/62924423.cms
Hyderabad: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's visit to Hyderabad and his proposed interaction with the city's Muslim elite is seen as a strategic move by Iran to emerge as a world leader of Muslims. Cultural and historical ties between Iran and Hyderabad are over 500 years old and dates back to the period of Safavid dynasty in Iran and Qutub Shahi regime in Hyderabad. There were times when rulers of Hyderabad were more affiliated to rulers of Iran rather than the mighty Moghul Empire in Delhi.Some local Muslim groups, however, feel the visit will help Iran consolidate its move to emerge as the world leader of Muslims. In fact, only Iran and Turkey have been raising the cause of Muslims, particularly the Palestinian issue.Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan was hailed in the city as a world Muslim leader when he opposed the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. In this backdrop, the visit by the Iranian President gains significance.Incidentally, Hyderabad is the only major city in India where Sunnis and Shias live in harmony. Sufism, which is widely practised in Hyderabad, was introduced to India through Iran. This Islamic school of mysticism has Iranian influence. timesofindia
Iranian President to address Friday congregation at Makkah Masjid, first in 325 years
http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2018-02-14/Iranian-President-to-address-Friday-congregation-at-Makkah-Masjid-first-in-325-years/358961
Apologise to nation, sack managing editor Abhijit Majumder: Delhi CMO asks ABP News, India Today Group for communal coverage of Ankit murder issue
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/apologise-to-nation-sack-managing-editor-abhijit-majumder-delhi-cms-office-asks-/308319
The Delhi CM ’s office has written a strongly worded letter to India Today group and the ABP News Network asking them to apologise to the nation and to sack the Mail Today managing editor Abhijit Majumder for their coverage of the issue of compensation to Ankit Saxena’s family by “trying to give the story a communal colour with the intention of disturbing the social fabric of Delhi.” CMO has demanded sacking of Abhijit Majumder, who has reportedly been shortlisted by Prasar Bharati for top edit job, for his tweet.The letter said, “Managing editor of Mail Today newspaper Mr Abhijit Majumder tweeted a story from the newspaper stating: “CM Kejriwal leaves Ankit Saxena’s prayer meet midway after family asks for Rs 1 crore compensation he paid to certain ‘Muslim victims’ in the past. He has offered Ankit’s family Rs 5 lakh. outlook
Muslims split over proposal to make Sanskrit optional language in madrassas across Uttarakhand
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/feb/15/muslims-split-over-proposal-to-make-sanskrit-optional-language-in-madrassas-across-uttarakhand-1773564.html
Dehradun: As the sun is about to set, Mufti sahab and about 20 youngsters are about to end their impromptu ‘chai pe charcha’ and go for evening prayers. Seated on the verandah inside the Madrasa Arabia Rahmania in Roorkee,they have been discussing religious affairs and other issues.As the conversation veers towards Sanskrit and Ayurveda, Mufti sahab appears uncomfortable. “Chaliye...namaz ka waqt ho gaya hai (let’s go, it is time for namaz),” he declares.A proposal to make Sanskrit an optional language in madrasas across Uttarakhand — lying on the table of CM Trivendra Singh Rawat at present — has not only sparked off a debate among the Islamic scholars, it seems to have divided the younger generation from the traditional and older Muslims.newindianexpress
Triple talaq verdict a lesson for Muslim community on reforms: Congress' Salman Khurshid
https://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national-triple-talaq-verdict-a-lesson-for-muslim-community-on-reforms-congress-salman-khurshid-428045
New Delhi:The triple talaq bill is a step towards imposing a Uniform Civil Code and the judicial verdict on the practice is a lesson for the Muslim community that matters such as polygamy and nikah halala might similarly end up in court if reformative steps are not taken, Congress leader Salman Khurshid has said. Khurshid, who has written a book "Triple Talaq: Examining Faith", said a bill on the subject that is pending in parliament "does not make sense" as the practice has been outlawed by the Supreme Court. Khurshid, a former External Affairs Minister, accused the BJP-led Govt of pursuing a "divisive agenda." "What is the effect of taking away triple talaq? This is what I have tried to say in my book -- that triple talaq is bad. We are not for it. It's a silly way of giving talaq. "But there is no difference between talaq and triple talaq, except that talaq is reversible and triple talaq is irreversible," Khurshid told IANS. Asked if the reform on triple talaq should have come from within the Muslim community, Khurshid said: "I agree that this is something that the Muslim community, through its chosen leaders, should have addressed before the court took hold of it. And, therefore, this is a lesson about other matters that might similarly end up in court if the community does not take steps to reform." Indiatvnews/IANS
Muslim women take out morcha against triple talaq bill
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/muslim-women-take-out-morcha-against-triple-talaq-bill-118021501393_1.html
Malegaon : Thousands of Muslim women participated in a silent march to protest proposed Triple Talaq bill.The morcha was organised by AIMPLB local chapter and various religious organisations.Political parties like NCP, Congress and Janata Dal had extended their support to the morcha which started from ATT High School around 2 PM and culminated at the office of the Additional Collector.The participants demanded that the bill be scrapped and that the Govt should not interfere in the Islamic law.A memorandum was submitted to Additional Collector by a delegation.Police deployed extra personnel to avoid any untoward incident, an official said. PTI
Talaq: Legislation is interference in Islamic Shariat; Maoists
https://www.siasat.com/news/triple-talaq-legislation-interference-islamic-shariat-says-maoists-1318588/
Hyderabad: Govt. has no jurisdiction for the enactment of Triple Talaq issue. It is dreaming to make India a Hindu State under the influence of “Brahmins” and higher castes. Maoists extended full support against the ongoing efforts of the Govt. to get this bill passed. They issued a press note in which they said that they fully understand the issues of the Muslim women who are the victims of “Triple Talaq” but Govt has no right to interfere in Islamic Shariat.Central Committee of Maoists advised Muslim community to resolve this issue mutually. Now that the Sunnis are also opposing “Triple Talaq”, there is a need to create awareness among Muslims.Comrade Abhay, spokesman of CPI-M in his press statement addressed the people and said that the present Govt is under the influence of Hindutva forces. It is making an attempt to implement Uniform Civil Code, construction of Ram Mandir and repealing Article 370.He further told that Hindutva forces are shedding crocodile tears on Muslim issues.Siasat News
Telangana: HC stays construction of market on Wakf land
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2018/feb/15/telangana-hc-stays-construction-of-market-on-gajwel-wakf-land-1773575.html
Hyderabad: High Court has stayed construction of a vegetable market yard on Wakf land belonging to Kali Gumbad in Gajwel town in Siddipet district.Justice A V Sesha Sai was admitting a petition filed by Mohammed Muqtar from Gajwel challenging the action of the Telangana Govt and the state Wakf board in leasing out the land belonging to Muslim graveyard for construction of market yard. He directed the authorities that no construction shall be carried out in the subject land till further orders. While the counsel for Wakf Board brought to the notice of the court that some persons were trying to encroach the subject land and, with an intention to protect the land, the board decided to lease out the land. New Indian Express
You value a rape at Rs 6,500: ‘Shocked’ SC asks MP
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/you-value-a-rape-at-rs-6-500-shocked-sc-asks-madhya-pradesh/story-LBDavLOgEZAzpOGa1eEWfL.html
New Delhi:Is rape worth Rs 6,500?That’s how a shocked Supreme Court Thursday asked the Madhya Pradesh Govt while questioning the state whether it was doing a “charity” by giving this meagre amount to the victims of sexual assaults.The SC said it was shocking that Madhya Pradesh, which was among the states which had received maximum funds from the Centre under the Nirbhaya fund scheme, was disbursing Rs 6,000-6,500 only to each rape victim. Nirbhaya Fund scheme was announced by the Centre in 2013 after the sensational Dec. 16, 2012 gang-rape and murder case in Delhi to support the initiatives of Govt s and the NGOs working for women’s safety.A bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta, while perusing the affidavit filed by Madhya Pradesh, said, “According to you (Madhya Pradesh) and your affidavit, on an average, you are paying Rs 6,000 to a rape victim. Are you doing a charity? How can you do so. ... You value a rape at Rs 6,500?”PTI
NIA arrests man from UP in RSS leader killing case
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/nia-arrests-man-from-uttar-pradesh-in-rss-leader-killing-case-5064210/
New Delhi ; NIA has arrested a suspected arms supplier from Uttar Pradesh in connection with its probe into the killing of RSS leader Ravinder Gosain in Punjab’s Ludhiana in Oct. 2017. An agency spokesperson said Parvez alias Farru, who had been on the run, was arrested last night from his house in Kotwali area in Meerut. “Parvez was wanted in connection with supplying arms to Hardeep Singh alias Shera, one of the main accused in the cases related to targeted killings in Punjab in 2016-2017,” the spokesperson said.Parvez is eleventh person to be arrested by the agency during its probe.PTI
Kerala: Now, slain Youth Congress leader’s voice message confirms he was being stalked
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/now-slain-youth-congress-leaders-voice-message-confirms-he-was-being-stalked-5064224/
Kochi :Two days after a Youth Congress leader was slain by 4 men outside a roadside eatery in politically-raging Kannur district of Kerala, a voice message on WhatsApp has now emerged in which the leader purportedly talks about being threatened and stalked.In a voice message in Malayalam, TH Shuhaib, slain Congress worker was heard saying, “There are threats. I am getting big threats. I just haven’t told anyone.They have been threats through the phone. Yesterday, they followed me in a vehicle.”The voice in the WhatsApp message belonged to Shuhaib, his close friend Asarudhee confirmed. “He was talking to a relative in Gulf,” he said.indianexpress
Centre set to get 4 new ASGs, triple talaq advocate under consideration
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/centre-set-to-get-four-new-asgs-triple-talaq-advocate-under-consideration-5064416/
New Delhi: Centre is set to elevate at least 4 more advocates as Additional Solicitors-General. Those being considered for the office are advocate Madhavi Goradia Divan and senior advocates Aman Lekhi, Sandeep Sethi and Vikramjit Banerjee, sources said.Divan played a key role in helping the Centre firm up its stand in the instant triple talaq case in the Supreme Court. indianexpress
India assures Iraq of commitment to rebuilding process
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-assures-iraq-of-commitment-to-rebuilding-process-5064099/
Dubai : India assured Iraq of its commitment in rebuilding the war-torn country even as it hailed Baghdad’s success in curbing the ISIS . Addressing the International Conference for Reconstruction of Iraq in Kuwait, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar said the world must congratulate the people and Govt of Iraq for their “historic victory” over a vicious contemporary menace – ISIS and its allies.“We must recognise this achievement in the best way possible: through meaningful assistance that fashions a reborn Iraq on the ashes of war. Our focus must be on both Iraq and the Iraqi, and in particular the youth. We must win both the battle and the argument,” he said. “The answer to terrorism lies in security, prosperity and reaffirmation of sovereignty. The three sustain each other; any indifference or complacency towards any side of this triangle will make the rehabilitation process infructuous.PTI
China slams Modi’s visit to Arunachal
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-slams-modis-visit-to-arunachal-pradesh/article22763216.ece?homepage=true
Beijing: China has slammed PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday, saying it was not helpful in creating “enabling conditions” for boundary talks and improvement of Beijing-New Delhi ties.Xinhua news agency quoted foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang as saying on Thursday that China was “firmly opposed” to Modi’s visit to the “disputed area.”“China’s position on the China-India boundary question is consistent and clear-cut,” Geng said.“The Chinese Govt has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader's visit to the disputed area,” the spokesperson observed.He added: “We will lodge stern representations with the Indian side.”thehindu
NIA gets custody of 5 accused behind LeT militant’s escape from Srinagar hospital:HT
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nia-gets-custody-of-5-accused-behind-let-militant-s-escape-from-srinagar-hospital/story-DNDTRAfdZ1BZaou8KBFomK.html
Srinagar: NIA got the custody of the five men arrested for allegedly helping LeT militant Naveed Jhatt escape from a hospital in Srinagar earlier this month.The court of Srinagar’s chief judicial magistrate granted the agency a transit remand of two days of Shakeel Ahmed Bhat, Tika Khan, Syed Tajamul Islam, M Shafi Wani and Jan Mohammad Ganai - all residents of Pulwama in south Kashmir.The central agency will produce the five accused before the special court in Jammu on Friday.“We will seek police remand of the five accused for further interrogation,” NIA inspector general Alok Mittal said.
WORLD
Egypt detains ex-presidential candidate Aboul Fotouh
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/egypt-detains-presidential-candidate-aboul-fotouh-180215051039286.html
Egyptian police have arrested Abdul Moneim Aboul Fotouh, a leading opposition figure and former presidential candidate, over his alleged ties with the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group. On the orders of the country's public prosecutor, six other senior members of Aboul Fotouh's Strong Egypt Party were also detained on Wednesday, local media reported. Aboul Fotouh's son confirmed his father's arrest from his home in Cairo on his Facebook page.Other party members detained were Ahmed Abdel Jawad, Ahmed Salem, Mohamed Osman, Abdul Rahman Haridi, Ahmed Imam, and Tamer Gilani. The arrests come days after an Egyptian lawyer submitted a complaint to the public prosecutor, calling for the arrest of Aboul Fotouh after the latter appeared on an Al Jazeera TV show from London.In his complaint, lawyer Samir Sabry accused Aboul Fotouh of "spreading fake news" and demeaning Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.A former member of the Muslim Brotherhood and leader of the centrist Strong Egypt Party, Aboul Fotouh ran as an independent candidate in the 2012 presidential elections, gaining nearly a fifth of the vote in the first round.Aboul Fotouh becomes the latest detainee in a string of arrests of political figures, Govt critics and former officials. Egyptians will go to the polls next month in a presidential election in which incumbent President Sisi looks poised to extend his term in office. Aljazeera
Egypt works to create group to replace Brotherhood
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180215-egypt-works-to-create-group-to-replace-brotherhood/
Egyptian intelligence and security forces have been working to build a new movement to counter and replace the Muslim Brotherhood. New Khaleej news site reported “informed sources” as saying that the Egyptian security agencies have been trying to create divisions within the group since the country’s first democratically elected President, and Muslim Brotherhood member, Mohamed Morsi was ousted in a coup in July 2013. They have been unsuccessful.According to the sources, dissident Muslim Brotherhood leader Mokhtar Noah has been a prominent supporter of these efforts. Noah is said to be supported by group members who are dissatisfied with its performance and believe the solution is to create an alternative that does not clash with Egyptian state.Sources close to the election campaign of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said the process of forming an alternative group to the Brotherhood began in prisons which led to attracting dozens of the group’s youth and convincing them that the group had failed in managing the country’s affairs.middleeastmonitor
Islamic-Christian committee condemns building project near Al-Aqsa Mosque
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180215-islamic-christian-committee-condemns-building-project-near-al-aqsa-mosque/
The High Islamic-Christian Committee in Jerusalem warned on Wednesday that new settlement projects being built near the western wall of the Noble Sanctuary of Al-Aqsa are clear evidence of Israel’s plot to “Judaise” the holy city’s Arab, Islamic and Christian identity, Safa News Agency has reported.The Head of the Committee, Hanna Issa, called for all peace-loving countries to offer “serious support” for the city. The Christian leader, who lives in Jerusalem, called upon the world to recognise the city as a religious capital and the capital of Palestine. This, he said, would help to rein-in the Israeli occupation authorities, which are working to impose their own vision on the city, including the building of a Jewish temple on the ruins of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The latest museum project next to Buraq Wall, Issa added, is part of this scheme. middleeastmonitor
Prisoners held without charge boycott Israeli courts
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/prisoners-held-charge-boycott-israeli-courts-180214160954608.html
Hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons without charge or trial have launched an open-ended boycott of Israel's military courts.In a joint statement announcing move, 450 people jailed under Israel's controversial practice of administrative detention said their decision had been taken "collectively and unanimously"." Core of resisting administrative detention policy comes from boycotting this Israeli legal system," detainees, held in various locations, it said.aljazeera
Abbas does not want reconciliation with Hamas: Senior Fatah official
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180215-abbas-does-not-want-reconciliation-with-hamas-claims-senior-fatah-official/
A senior Fatah member and ex Palestinian Authority Justice Minister claimed that PA President Mahmoud Abbas does not really want reconciliation with Hamas. According to Fraih Abu Middain, PA leader told him that, “Hamas has to understand that it must give up everything, including the Govt , control, money and weapons if it wants a reconciliation.” When asked about the salary cuts for PA employees in the Gaza Strip, Abbas apparently replied, “I will not cancel the punitive measures and will not offer any initiatives until under the aforementioned conditions [have been met].” PA President pointed to a ring on his finger, explained Abu Middain, and said, “Gaza must be in my hand like this ring on my finger, otherwise I will not go for a reconciliation.”He said that Abbas will continue with his punitive measures against Gaza and that this is all part of the same manoeuvres started by US President Donald Trump, who took Jerusalem off the negotiation table.
Israel starts new museum project near ‘Wailing’ Wall
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180215-israel-starts-new-museum-project-near-wailing-wall/
Israeli occupation authorities started work on a new multipurpose museum project near the western wall of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday, Quds Press has reported. Known to Jews as “Western (or Wailing) Wall” and to Muslims as “Buraq Wall”, the museum is being built in East Jerusalem and so has the same illegal status in international law as Israeli settlements scattered all over the occupied city and West Bank. Govt -supervised Museum of Beit HaLiba is said to include cinema screening rooms, a library for tourists, a tourism information centre and a police station.middleeastmonitor
Muslim leader urges Macron not to meddle too much in French Islam
https://in.reuters.com/article/france-islam/muslim-leader-urges-macron-not-to-meddle-too-much-in-french-islam-idINKCN1FY2HU
Paris: A leading representative of French Muslims urged Emmanuel Macron not to meddle in the organisation of France’s second-largest religion, days after the president said he would try to redefine relations between Islam and the state. The rebuke came from the leader of an organisation set up 15 years ago in a bid to defuse concern about radical preachers and foster a more homegrown form of Islam that would fit better with France’s traditional separation of church and state affairs.“Everyone must stick to their role,” Ahmet Ogras, president of the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM), told Reuters in an interview. Reuters
Florida teen charged with 17 murders in school attack
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/florida-teen-charged-with-17-murder-counts-in-school-attack/article22763422.ece?homepage=true
Parkland:An orphaned 19-year-old with a troubled past and his own AR-15 rifle was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder Thursday morning after being questioned for hours by state and federal authorities following the deadliest school shooting in the US in 5 years.14 wounded survivors were hospitalised as bodies were recovered from inside and around Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.Nikolas Cruz, still wearing a hospital gown after being treated for labored breathing, and weighing in at 5-foot-7 and 131 pounds, was ordered held without bond and booked into jail.That’s when police say Cruz, equipped with a gas mask, smoke grenades and multiple magazines of ammunition, opened fire with a semi-automatic weapon, killing 17 people and sending hundreds of students fleeing into the streets.AP
UN special envoy : Civilians killed on horrific scale in Syria
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/de-mistura-civilians-killed-horrific-scale-syria-180215071158342.html
The UN special envoy for Syria has given warning that violence in the country is the worst he has seen since taking the job four years ago.Staffan de Mistura's remarks on Wednesday came as the US and Russia again traded blame at the UN over the ongoing conflict."Civilians have been killed on a horrific scale - reports suggest more than 1,000 civilians in the first week of February alone," he told the UN Security Council."I have been now four years as the special envoy. This is as violent and worrying and dangerous a moment as any that I have seen in my time of tenure so far."De Mistura mentioned all the countries now fighting in Syria, including the Turkish operation around Afrin and the Syrian Govt 's continued bombardment of Eastern Ghouta and Idlib.He talked of developments in recent days, including the US attack on Assad's forces near Deir Az Zor and Israeli air attacks in Syria including on Iranian targets. But both these operations were later defended by Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN. Aljazeera
US calls on Iran to withdraw from Syria
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180215-us-calls-on-iran-to-withdraw-from-syria/
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson yesterday called on Iran to withdraw its troops and allied militia from Syria.“We are quite concerned about the recent incident involving Israel and Iranian assets inside of Syria. And I think this again illustrates why Iran’s presence in Syria is only destabilising to the region,” Tillerson said during a press conference in Amman.He added that the US has a sophisticated plan for peace in the Middle East, which has been under development for several months and is now in advanced stages.Remarking on the US official’s statement, Ali Akbar Velayati, chief adviser to Iran’s spiritual leader Ali Khamenei, said: “Iran’s presence in Syria is legitimate, and it is the United States that should leave.”MEMO
Civilian victims of Afghan war exceed 10,000 in 2017
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/civilian-victims-afghan-war-exceed-10000-2017-180215070732833.html
Afghanistan suffered more than 10,000 civilian casualties in 2017, as deadly suicide and complex attacks killed and injured more people than any previous year in the war-torn country, according to the UN. In its annual report released on Thursday, UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN Human Rights Office, documented 3,438 deaths and 7,015 injuries - a decline from the record-high figure in 2016."The chilling statistics in this report provide credible data about the war's impact, but the figures alone cannot capture the appalling human suffering inflicted on ordinary people, especially women and children,"Tadamichi Yamamoto,secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan, said in a statement.aljazeera
53 militants killed in massive security operation: Egypt
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/egypt-says-53-militants-killed-in-massive-security-operation/article22763764.ece?homepage=true
Cairo: Egyptian security forces killed 53 militants since the beginning of a massive security operation, mainly in restive northern Sinai Peninsula, the epicenter of a years-long Islamic insurgency, the armed forces said Thursday.Spokesman Col. Tamer el-Rifaai said that forces also arrested five militants and 680 others including “criminal elements” and people suspected of supporting militants. He spoke at a press conference in the presence of senior military and Interior Ministry officials.AP
S. African parliament elects Ramaphosa as new president
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/south-african-parliament-elects-ramaphosa-as-new-president-5065461/
Johannesburg : Cyril Ramaphosa was on Thursday elected unopposed as South Africa’s new president, hours after longtime president Jacob Zuma resigned. Ramaphosa was elected unopposed in the National Assembly this afternoon. The announcement was welcomed by singing in National Assembly.65-year-old leader was elected as the new President of the African National Congress (ANC) two months ago.Zuma, 75, last night stepped down after he was ordered by the ANC’s national leadership to quit or face a no confidence emotion in Parliament. ANC has a large majority in parliament.PTI
KP Sharma Oli appointed Nepal's new PM
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/kp-sharma-oli-appointed-nepal-prime-minister-180215113017547.html
Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli from the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) has been sworn in as the 41st PM of Nepal, formally concluding the long-delayed democratic transition. President Bidya Devi Bhandari administered the oath of office at Sheetal Niwas at 4:30pm on Thursday in the capital, Kathmandu, hours after she appointed Oli to the post.aljazeera
Ethiopia PM Hailemariam Desalegn resigns
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/ethiopia-prime-minister-hailemariam-desalegn-resigns-180215115215988.html
Hailemariam Desalegn says he has submitted his resignation as both Ethiopia's PM and chairman of the country's ruling coalition.Hailemariam's announcement comes amid a political crisis and lingering unrest in the Horn of Africa country, which has been releasing thousands of political prisoners to ease tensions."Unrest and a political crisis have led to the loss of lives and displacement of many," Hailemariam said in a televised address on Thursday.aljazeera
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Chandrashekhar Azad’s Release Is Becoming a Rallying Point for Dalit-Muslim Unity:KABIR AGARWAL
https://thewire.in/224085/chandrasekhar-azad-bhim-army-dalit-muslim-unity/
How an RSS Event, Inert Cops & Youth Fervour Fuelled Kasganj Riots;CHANDAN NANDY
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/how-an-rss-event-inert-cops-and-youth-fervour-fuelled-kasganj-riots
Kasganj Riots: What Happens When the Violence is No Longer a ‘Hot News’ For the Media:Newsclick
https://newsclick.in/kasganj-riots-what-happens-when-violence-no-longer-hot-news-media
CDs, video cassettes, books among mountain of evidence in front of SC in Ayodhya case;APURVA VISHWANATH
https://theprint.in/2018/02/14/cds-video-cassettes-books-among-mountain-evidence-front-sc-ayodhya-case/
UPSC notifies lowest number of vacancies in 10 years. Is this the Modi effect at play?KUMAR ANSHUMAN
https://theprint.in/2018/02/15/upsc-notifies-lowest-number-vacancies-10-years-modi-effect-play/
What you should know about Bahmani empire that the BJP doesn’t want celebrated;VANDANA MENON
https://theprint.in/2018/02/15/who-the-bahmanis-are-and-why-they-matter/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:58 PM)
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