Evening NEWS DIGEST
12 April 2018:24 Rajjab 1439:Vol:9, No:163
INDIA
Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims have lowest mean age of death among Indians: report
https://www.firstpost.com/india/adivasis-dalits-muslims-have-lowest-mean-age-of-death-among-indians-reveals-new-report-4428879.html
Mumbai: At 43 years, the mean age of death for adivasis (scheduled tribes or STs) was the lowest, meaning they were more likely to die before other Indians, according to a new paper. Apart from adivasis, if you feature on the bottom of the social ladder in India, or are dalit (schedule caste or SC) or Muslim, you are more likely to die younger, suffer poor health and have low access to healthcare compared to those belonging to the non-Muslim upper class, found the analysis “Caste, Religion, and Health Outcomes in India, 2004-14” by economist Vani Kant Borooah, published in the Economic & Political Weekly on March 10, 2018.Over the decade to 2014, all social groups, except adivasis, were living longer than in 2004–the mean age of death for STs had reduced since 2004 when it was 45 years. Dalits, whose average lifespan was 42 in 2004, were likely to live six years longer by 2014, the analysis found.on-Muslim households of the upper classes appear to live the longest among the six groups with a mean age of death of 60 years in 2014–up from 55 years in 2004.“The point about group membership is that while it may not be the primary factor behind health inequality, it is the main cause of health inequity,” Barooah wrote, adding that the inequity refers to the inequality an individual suffers because of factors beyond their control.To evaluate the relative role a person’s economic and social status plays in determining his/her health status in India, Barooah used National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) datasets from 2004 and 2014. Combining the NSSO “social group” and “religion” categories, households were split into six groups: adivasis of which 56 percent were Hindu and 33 percent were Christian; dalits of which 93 percent were Hindu; non-Muslim other backward classes; Muslim other backward classes; and non-Muslim upper classes.Despite adivasis dying younger than other social groups, least among them felt they were in ill-health (24 percent), though the numbers reporting sick had risen from 19 percent since 2004, according to the study, which also analysed NSSO data on the perception of current health status among senior citizens (aged 60 years and above) across social groups. This was the same among persons of the non-Muslim upper-class group, which had minimally changed since 2004 (23 percent).The status showed whether these persons reported to be in excellent, very good, fair, or poor health, allowing the study to calculate a predicted probability of poor health (PPPH).Most to report being in poor health, or 35 percent, were Muslims–both OBC and upper class–the data showed.firstpost/ IndiaSpend
Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims die earlier than other communities:IndiaSpend
http://www.indiaspend.com/cover-story/adivasis-dalits-muslims-die-earlier-than-other-communities-18994
Religious heads should explain why loudspeakers are used in Mosques and Temples: HC
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/religious-heads-should-explain-why-loudspeakers-are-used-in-mosques-and-temples-hc/articleshow/63729625.cms
New Delhi; Allahabad High Court today asked religious leaders of both Islam and Hinduism as to what is the religious necessity behind use of loudspeakers in Mosques and Temples.Taking the matter of loudspeakers with extreme seriousness, the HC made religious heads of both the communities, party to a lawsuit concerning the issue.The court ordered issuance of notice to private litigants who need to explain the logic behind deployment of loudspeakers.Before passing this order, HC highlighted the problems emanating from the usage of loudspeakers.Recognizing the case as a PIL, the court issued notices to Sunni Central Waqf Board, Muslim Personal Law Board and Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad.Along with religious institutions, the court also asked state government why loudspeakers are installed in places of worship and shouldn't the need for it be revaluated and discussed again.As per HC, loudspeakers pose unsolicited problems to people staying nearby and nobody addresses their issues. The court asked state government how does it intend to prevent noise pollution due to loudspeakers. The court asked every party to respond by May 2.TOI
Justice Chelameswar refuses to hear petition on CJI role, alleges ‘tirade’
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-judge-chelameswar-refuses-to-hear-petition-on-cji-role-alleges-tirade-against-him/story-LuRejvIVlAoY2ziLCIMf9K.html
New Delhi:Justice Jasti Chelameswar, the second senior most judge of the Supreme court, on Thursday declined to hear a petition questioning CJI’s role as the ‘Master of the Roster’.“For reasons too obvious, I will not deal with this case,” said Chelameswar.“I do not want another reversal of my order in 24 hours. I am going to retire in few days and I cannot hear your PIL on allocation of cases,” he said. Chelameswar was referring to his order on Nov.9, 2017 that called for setting up a constitution bench to hear a case in which judges are accused of taking bribes from an educational trust. His order was reversed the next day by a bench led by CJI Dipak Misra.Chelameswar’s comments once again brought to fore infighting among the judges of the Supreme Court. 4 senior-most judges of the court -- Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan Bhimrao Lokur Lokur and Kurian Joseph--on Jan.12 this year -- held an unprecedented press conference to express their disagreement with Misra on the manner of work allocation and constitution of benches in the apex court.“Someone is carrying out a tirade against me that I am waiting to grab some office,” said Chelameswar. His comments came when senior advocate Prashant Bhushan requested a bench led by Chelameswar to take up his PIL which the Supreme Court’s registry was not accepting.hindustantimes
Govt sits on proposals, history won’t pardon us if we do not respond: Justice Kurian Joseph to CJI Misra
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/justice-kurian-joseph-to-cji-dipak-misra-govt-sits-on-proposals-history-wont-pardon-us-if-we-do-not-respond-5133773/
The “very life and existence” of the Supreme Court is under threat and “history will not pardon us,” if the court doesn’t respond to the government’s unprecedented act of sitting on the collegium’s recommendation to elevate a judge and a senior advocate to the apex court, Justice Kurian Joseph has written to Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.He was referring to the collegium’s decision in February to recommend the names of senior advocate Indu Malhotra and Justice K M Joseph, Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court, for appointment as judges of the Supreme Court.In a strongly worded appeal, Justice Kurian Joseph said that “it is the first time in the history of this court where nothing is known as to what has happened to a recommendation after three months.” He urged the CJI to establish a bench of seven seniormost judges to suo motu take up the matter of the government sitting on the two names.If this demand is accepted, it would, effectively, mean an open court hearing by seven seniormost judges of the Supreme Court who could pass orders asking the government to decide on the pending recommendations of the Collegium. They could even ask the government to issue the warrants for appointments of the judges within a stipulated time frame and failure to do so would make the government liable for contempt of court.indianexpress
Option to impeach CJI Dipak Misra still open: Congress
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/option-to-impeach-cji-dipak-misra-still-open-says-congress/story-ghjeW3t4rrkAD6l3ABIY8L.html
Congress said the option of moving an impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra were still open.“We are very concerned about what is happening (in the SC). The issues, which were raised by four SC Judges, have not been addressed yet. The option (impeachment) which is available to us is still open,” senior party leader and noted lawyer Kapil Sibal said.He was asked whether the Congress would move an impeachment against the CJI.Asked why the motion was not moved during the just-ended budget session of Parliament, he said “Nothing has come in the way. This is not instant coffee. We are dealing with an institution. It will be a sad thing if the opposition parties have to take the step. And we have to take the step with a very heavy heart but that does not mean that option is foreclosed. This is a very serious matter.”IANS
CJI Misra assigns Jay Shah case against The Wire to different SC bench
https://thewire.in/media/chief-justice-misra-assigns-jay-shah-case-against-wire-to-different-sc-bench
The Wire‘s petition seeking quashing of the criminal defamation case initiated against it by Jay Shah, son of BJP chief Amit Shah, will be heard by another bench of the Supreme Court, a 3-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said on Thursday.Though the bench was not specified, the date of April 18 has been set for final arguments.Jay Shah filed the criminal defamation case in October last year following the publication of a story in The Wire on his business affairs. He also filed a separate civil defamation suit seeking Rs 100 crore in damages from The Wire, its editors, its ombudsman – whose task is to address reader complains post-publication – and the journalist who wrote the story, Rohini Singh.The Wire is appealing the Gujarat high court’s refusal to quash the criminal proceedings.thewire
Kathua rape-murder case gets Hindu-Muslim twist, J&K police say let 2 Sikhs be prosecutors
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kathua-rape-murder-case-gets-hindu-muslim-twist-jk-police-say-let-two-sikhs-be-prosecutors-5133778/
With the rape and murder of an eight-year-old Bakherwal Muslim girl in Kathua sparking outrage and the case being given a communal twist by a Hindu outfit and Jammu-based politicians and lawyers rallying in support of the accused, police in J&K, hoping to check further polarisation, have sought the appointment of two Sikh police officers as special prosecuting officers in the case.J&K Police, sources said, want the Crime Branch case to be represented by Bhupinder Singh and Harminder Singh. While Bhupinder Singh is Chief Prosecuting Officer in J&K Police prosecution wing, Harminder Singh is Chief Prosecuting Officer, Samba.DGP SP Vaid has already written to the Principal Secretary (Home) in this connection. “Yes, I have written to the Home department,’’ Vaid said. “For me, they are police officers whose profession, and not religious identity, is important. In fact, the people who were opposing Crime Branch probe into the case were also trying to raise accusations against our team. I gave them the same answer.”Sources said the police “want to have prosecuting officers from their own ranks” but from a “neutral faith” to avoid further communal division.“So much communal politics has been played in Jammu over this case that the entire atmosphere is polluted. Those who are campaigning in favour of the accused have been questioning Crime Branch probe only on communal grounds,’’ a police officer said.“The J&K Police is a nationalist force in Kashmir where it is at the forefront of counter-insurgency operations, but here (in Jammu), it is being considered anti-national because a few members of the Crime Branch investigation team happen to be Muslims. Ironically, the SSP monitoring the probe is a Kashmiri Pandit. We want to avoid unnecessary controversy. Our priority is to ensure that the 8-year-old gets justice,” officer said.indianexpress
Kathua Rape Case: Lawyers’ bodies condemn blocking of charge-sheet by Kathua lawyers
http://www.livelaw.in/kathua-rape-case-lawyers-organizations-condemn-blocking-charge-sheet-kathua-lawyers/
Kathua rape: Demand for CBI probe continues to polarise J-K; nation shocked by gruesome incident
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kathua-rape-murder-case-jammu-kashmir-bar-association-cbi-probe-rahul-gandhi-mehbooba-mufti-bjp-congress-5134788/
Kathua rape, murder exposes ‘India’s religious friction’, says foreign media
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kathua-rape-murder-exposes-india-s-religious-friction-says-foreign-media/story-jQmTjTA3J6PCp9oTSs9ewN.html
New Delhi:India’s terrible record in crimes against women is once again international headlines after the gang-rape, torture and death of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.The girl was abducted and savagely attacked to terrify the Bakarwals, a Muslim community of nomadic herders she belonged to, into leaving Kathua, the police have alleged. International news organisations’ reports speak about how the crime has “split” Jammu and Kashmir along communal lines and that it was another instance of “battleground in India’s religious wars”.These organisations noted that news about the crime in Kathua came as India was debating a 17-year-old woman’s allegation of rape against a legislator in UP’s Unnao.HT
Unnao rape survivor demands MLA’s immediate arrest, says she fears for her uncle’s life
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/unnao-rape-survivor-demands-mla-s-immediate-arrest-says-she-fears-for-her-uncle-s-life/story-PMf0C5gb4Xsc3W4VEcJsYK.html
New Delhi:A 17-year-old girl, who has accused Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar of raping her in 2017, said on Thursday the politician should be arrested immediately for her uncle’s safety.Her comments came after UP govt said CBI will decide the course of action against Sengar after he was formally charged in the case late Wednesday.“We have no objection to the inquiry but he should be arrested first ... Why is he being shielded?” she told reporters.HT
Sengar to Prajapati: UP politicians accused of crimes against women
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sengar-to-prajapati-up-politicians-accused-of-crimes-against-women/story-kZMFgiMh88DF0mLAm0kCcN.html
Why hasn’t BJP MLA been arrested yet, Allahabad high court asks UP govt
https://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/why-hasn-t-kuldeep-sengar-been-arrested-yet-allahabad-court-asks-up-govt/story-CidRFkeyXhFaQXLJJzzrvI.html
Allahabad:Coming down strongly on the Uttar Pradesh government for not arresting Unnao rape accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar despite FIR registration, Allahabad high court on Thursday said the administration’s stand would force it to declare that “law and order has collapsed in the state”.A bench comprising chief justice D B Bhosale and justice Suneet Kumar made the observation when state advocate general Raghvendra Singh sought more time for the police to complete the investigation to make the arrest.Singh said three persons, including the MLA’s brother have been arrested in the case, but when asked about Sengar’s arrest, he said the police will proceed in accordance with law only, and repeatedly asserted that it would happen only after investigations.Amicus curiae and senior advocate, Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi, who had sought a court-monitored investigation into the rape and death of the rape victim’s father in custody, said an SIT had conducted preliminary probe and filed a report after which an FIR was lodged, but the state government wanted to conduct further investigation before arresting the MLA.HT
Not arresting rape accused BJP MLA Sengar is breach of law: legal experts
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/not-arresting-rape-accused-bjp-mla-sengar-is-breach-of-law-legal-experts/story-akoxBkGLFPOX7YD7Nna6bM.html
Massive outrage over Kathua, Unnao rape incidents
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/massive-outrage-over-kathua-unnao-rape-incidents/articleshow/63733000.cms
Eight-year-old Asifa was grazing the cattle owned by her nomadic Muslim herder family when she was kidnapped. A week later, her raped and mutilated body was found in the woods of Kathua in J&K. Since the incident came to light less than two days ago, the country has been reeling from shock and outrage. Anger is also building over inaction against the accused in the Unnao rape case, with the Allahabad high court reprimanding the state government for 'collapse of law and order'. People from all walks of life — politicians, sportspersons and actors — have spoken out on the horrific crimes and demanded strict action against the culprits. timesofindia
First time as PM, Modi faces mass protests in Chennai, roadshow cancelled
http://caravandaily.com/portal/first-time-as-pm-modi-faces-mass-protests-in-chennai-roadshow-cancelled/
Chennai: Perhaps first time as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Thursday had to face massive black protests in Chennai as he landed in the Tamil Nadu capital to inaugurate a defence expo. As the PM was to start his typical roadshow from the airport to the event venue, hundreds of people emerged from their homes and lined up on both sides of the completely deserted road with black flags in their hands. Ultimately, the PM had to cancel his roadshow and took aerial route to the defence expo.The message #GoBackModi was inscribed on the black flags and black balloons. The people were protesting over the Cauvery water issue.The opposition DMK and several other groups protested, expressing anger against the central government’s failure to form a Cauvery Water Management Board. A number of film personalities and politicians led protests.Caravan News
#GoBackModi: United on Cauvery Tamil Nadu Forces PM Off Its Roads, Into the Air
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/2/13522/GoBackModi-United-on-Cauvery-Tamil-Nadu-Forces-PM-Off-Its-Roads-Into-the-Air
Allahabad HC dismisses Zakir Naik’s petition challenging non-bailable warrant
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/allahabad-hc-dismisses-zakir-naik-s-petition-challenging-non-bailable-warrant/story-bUPSrZedqmxlpsqML0cweM.html
Allahabad: Allahabad high court has dismissed a petition filed by Islamic preacher Zakir Naik challenging the 2010 order of a local court in Jhansi, which summoned him on several charges, including waging war against the state, and the subsequent order of a non-bailable warrant against him.Interim order earlier granted in his favour now stands vacated with the dismissal of the petition.Justice Amar Singh Chauhan had reserved the judgement on March 28, 2018, on the petition filed by Naik, president of IRF.A person called Mudassir Ullah Khan had filed a complaint on Jan.9, 2008, before the chief judicial magistrate X in Jhansi alleging that Naik had allegedly hurt the religious sentiments of a particular community in a TV programme telecast on Jan.21, 2006.Khan said that Naik had published and distributed a pamphlet to incite hatred and ill will among different communities.Naik’s plea was that he is head of an organisation that clarifies Islamic viewpoints and clears misconceptions about Islam and the allegations against him were baseless. Bombay high court on Monday refused to restore his passport, saying no relief can be granted to a proclaimed offender absconding from India. The court adjourned the petition by 2 weeks on his lawyer’s request.hindustantimes
NIA Court Grants Bail to Riyas, Accused in 'Forceful Conversion' of Gujarat-based Woman
https://www.news18.com/news/india/nia-court-grants-bail-to-accused-in-forceful-conversion-of-gujarat-based-woman-1716561.html
Thiruvananthapuram: Mohammed Riyas, main accused in the alleged forceful conversion of a 25-year-old Gujarat-based woman, has been granted bail. NIA had earlier arrested Riyas for forcefully converting and trying to sell off the woman to the Islamic State in Syria.The complainant had also alleged that she was used as a sex slave in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Kerala High Court granted him bail on the condition that he would not travel to any area outside the investigating agency’s jurisdiction.NIA took Riyas into custody from Chennai airport on Feb.2 when he was coming back from Jeddah. Sources had told News18 that they had not found any proof of his involvement with the IS.Riyas's cousin Fayas was also arrested along with real estate agent Siyad for allegedly helping the accused rent a house. They were both granted bail earlier by NIA court.Riyas had filed an affidavit in the Kerala High Court denying all allegations and stating that they were legally wedded. He also clarified that the charges of him planning to take her to Syria and make her watch Zakir Naik’s videos were also false and baseless.The affidavit further stated, "There was only some marital discord between us and she went to Gujarat as her father had some health issues. The petition also stated that in a habeas filed by Riyas in 2017, the girl herself had told the court that she wants to go with Riyas and they went to Jeddah because his family was there. His father was working there for the past 25 years."CNN-News18
“Ban on PFI communally and politically motivated”
https://www.oneindia.com/india/ban-on-pfi-communally-and-politically-motivated-2676340.html
PFI has termed the decision of the Jharkhand government to ban it as unfortunate. In a press release, PFI says that the state and central governments have the responsibility to protect their rights and respond to their demands, rather than silencing their voices. "Unfortunately, in a complete abdication of its duty to protect and uphold fundamental rights of all citizens, Jharkhand state government has banned PFI, alleging some of its members influenced by ISIS. It is an unfortunate development and unconstitutional action, and there is no evidence suggesting that PFI itself identifies with or condones the activities of ISIS in any manner whatsoever.PUCL Karnataka condemns banning state Jharkhand PFI unit." It is an organized attempt by ruling BJP govt to misuse the constitutional systems and structures," the release elaborated further. "Therefore, it is time for Governor as constitutional head of the state of Jharkhand to protect the fundamental rights and democratic rights of minorities living in the state. Thus PUCL - Karnataka urges the Honorable Governor of the Jharkhand to revoke the ban on PFI in the state," the release also added. oneindia
Disabled barred from Haj as they may go and beg, Centre tells Delhi High Court
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/disabled-muslims-barred-from-haj-as-they-may-go-and-beg-centre-tells-delhi-high-court-5133802/
New Delhi:Centre has said that differently-abled people have been barred from going for Haj “in view of instances of many such people indulging in begging, which is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia”.In an affidavit filed in the Delhi High Court, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has said that the “screening” was advised by the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Jeddah in 2012. The case came up for hearing on Wednesday. Incidentally, Saudi Arabia imposes no such ban, but has, in fact, enhanced facilities for the elderly and differently-abled.The ministry was responding to a notice served by a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar on a petition challenging the new Haj Policy 2018-2022, which bars differently-abled people from undertaking the pilgrimage through Haj Committee of India. The petitioner, Gaurav Kumar Bansal, a Supreme Court advocate, said the policy violates the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016 as also Articles 14, 21 and 25 pertaining to equality, personal liberty and religious freedom.The petitioner also pointed out that the policy says that persons who are “lunatic” and “crippled” are barred for going for Haj. Justifying the use of the language, the Centre said: “It is important to understand the clientele which these guidelines target, a large number of whom are not educated and understand only Urdu or Hindi. Given this background, these wordings might have been used for understanding of the common applicant.”indianexpress
Modi govt makes U-turn on Haj policy for disabled, is accused of being discriminatory
https://theprint.in/governance/modi-govt-makes-u-turn-on-haj-policy-for-disabled-is-accused-of-being-discriminatory/49128/
Calcutta HC suspends Bengal panchayat poll processes till April 16
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/calcutta-high-court-suspends-bengal-panchayat-poll-processes-till-april-16-tells-ec-to-file-report/story-PU1btVLRN2uQC0uKeYnLdK.html
Kolkata: Calcutta high court on Thursday suspended till April 16 all processes, including withdrawal of nomination and scrutiny, connected to the Bengal panchayat polls.Justice Subrata Talukdar delivered the order on a petition by the Bengal unit of the BJP, which has alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress is using violence and strong-arm tactics to prevent their candidates from filing nominations.The decision is unprecedented in the history of the rural elections that started in the state in 1978.Justice Talukdar also imposed a cost of Rs 5 lakh on the BJP for misrepresentation. He held that the BJP had moved both the high court and the Supreme Court on similar pleas and likened its conduct to “forum hopping”.West Bengal will vote in 3 phases for the panchayat polls — on May 1, 3 and 5. Counting will take place on May 8.HT
Verdict on SC/ST Act resulting in "great damage" to country, sense of disharmony: Centre to SC
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/verdict-on-sc-st-act-resulting-in-great-damage-to-country-sense-of-disharmony-centre-to-sc-118041201192_1.html
New Delhi:The Centre today bluntly told the Supreme Court its verdict on the SC/ST Act is resulting in "great damage" to the country and causing "anger and a sense of disharmony" among the people, as it vehemently urged for a review and recall of its order.In an apparent damage control move days after the violent nationwide protests against the verdict, the Centre also dubbed the entire judgement on an issue of "very sensitive nature" as "vitiated" and a "judicial legislation". It reminded the apex court of separation of powers between the legislatures, the executive and the judiciary.The Modi government has come under intense attack from dalit groups and opposition parties including Congress for its alleged failure to defend the act in the top court. But it maintained it was not a party to the case which resulted in the apex court issuing guidelines that bar automatic arrest in cases registered under the law.PTI
SC/ST Act is like an umbrella, it ensures we are safe, say Mirchpur Dalits
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-st-act-is-like-an-umbrella-it-ensures-we-are-safe-say-mirchpur-dalits/story-VU2Un2FgNcXKEDZgWwDR7O.html
Hisar:Gulab Singh, 80, is frail and bent with age. He hobbles around with a wooden stick at the makeshift camp he lives in, outside Haryana’s Hisar city. But on April 2, defying his body and age, he marched with thousands of others for the Bharat Bandh called by Dalit groups. The nationwide protest was called in the wake of a Supreme Court order which put checks on arrests under the Scheduled Caste and Tribe Act (SC/ST Act), citing its misuse.“We are alive due to the Act. If they take it away, do you think they [upper-castes] will spare us?” he asks. Singh is a beneficiary of the Act that won him victory in court, but is angry, because the battle for social justice is far from over. He and other Dalit families may never return to the village of Mirchpur, which has always been home.HT
4 killed during J&K encounter: groom-to-be, two teenagers among dead
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/four-killed-during-jk-encounter-groom-to-be-two-teenagers-among-dead-5133848/
Khudwani;Two weeks before her wedding, Mehjabeen was sitting in front of the lifeless body of her fiancé, weeping. Mehjabeen and Sharjeel Ahmad Sheikh had been preparing for their April 23 wedding. On Wednesday morning, she got a call that Sharjeel (26) had been hit by a bullet.Sharjeel lived near the site of the encounter at Khudwani village of Kulgam, in which four persons were killed as security forces opened fire on protesters. Sharjeel’s relatives said he was not part of the protest and was targeted by soldiers.“He was going to the washroom inside the compound of his house. As he stepped out, he was shot at,” said his cousin Owais Ahmad.“For some time, they (soldiers) didn’t even allow us to pick him up,” he said. Sharjeel was hit in the abdomen and taken to nearby Qaimoh hospital, where he was declared brought dead.indian express
Restrictions imposed in Srinagar as separatists protest civilian deaths in Kulgam encounter
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/restrictions-imposed-in-srinagar-as-separatists-protest-civilian-deaths-in-kulgam-encounter/story-Q1B2mJ86wlevOadzQUupjL.html
Srinagar:Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar city on Thursday due to protests called by separatists against the killing of four civilians in a gunfight on Wednesday.The shutdown has been called by the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), a separatist conglomerate headed by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik.The police said restrictions were imposed in Srinagar’s old city and also in the uptown areas falling under the jurisdiction of Maisuma and Kralkhud police stations.Cancelling a cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday in Jammu, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti returned to Srinagar on Wednesday to take stock of the situation in the aftermath of the gunfight in Kulgam district.Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer have been placed under house arrest while Yasin Malik is in police custody.Authorities have ordered the closure of all educational institutes in the Valley except north Kashmir Ganderbal district.IANS
When consulted, RBI had warned Centre demonetisation wasn’t a good idea:Raghuram Rajan
https://scroll.in/latest/875457/when-consulted-rbi-had-warned-centre-demonetisation-wasnt-a-good-idea-says-raghuram-rajan
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan on Wednesday clarified that he never said the government had not consulted the central bank before demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8, 2016. Rajan said the RBI had, indeed, been consulted and had made it clear that scrapping 87.5% of the currency in circulation was “not a good idea”, Mint reported.“I did not ever say that I was not consulted [on demonetisation],” he said at Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge. “In fact, I have made it quite clear that we were consulted and we did not think it was a good idea.”Rajan said demonetisation “was not a well-planned, well thought-out, useful exercise” and he had “told the government that when the idea was first mooted”. Any macro-economist would have advised the government to ensure that it was ready to put back into circulation an equal amount of notes before implementing the note ban, he added. scroll
Delhi: Bike rally stopped at 4 mosques, with swords and saffron flags
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-bike-rally-stopped-at-four-mosques-with-swords-and-saffron-flags-5133727/
New Delhi;A bike rally to mark Hanuman Jayanti on April 1 was marred by at least four incidents of hooliganism outside four mosques in east Delhi and Shahdara, with some members of the procession allegedly brandishing swords, lighting firecrackers, throwing colour and planting saffron flags near the religious sites.The Anand Vihar councillor and BJP leader, Gunjan Gupta, who flagged off the rally from Prachin Hanuman Mandir in Madhu Vihar, however, said there was “nothing wrong” with what happened. Gupta has been named in a police complaint, along with the Mandawali councillor Shashi Chandana for allegedly inciting the crowd, escalating tensions.Gupta said, “I did not take part in the bike rally and was present for the flagging off ceremony. There was no violence in the rally as the organisation conducting it is a disciplined outfit. It was a religious sentiment just like it happens in Muharram.”Chandana did not respond to calls seeking a comment. Additional DCP (East) Jasmeet Singh said the ‘Bajrang Shakti’ rally was organised by the Akhand Bharat Morcha, which had taken permission for a bike rally.indianexpress
Taj Mahal’s stone minarets collapse after heavy storm, rain
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/stone-minarets-at-taj-mahal-gate-collapses-after-heavy-storm-rain-5134193/
New Delhi:Heavy storm and rainfall damaged the stone minarets on the south and royal gates of the Taj Mahal on Wednesday. 12 feet metal pillar at the entry gate which is known as Darwaza-e-Rauza, collapsed as winds with velocity of over 130 km per hour swept the city.The incident happened around 7:30 pm on Thursday. The pillar fell due to rain and no casualties have been reported as of now, according to ANI. Darwaza-i-rauza is one of the components of the monument complex, which includes the mausoleum, the mosque and the guest pavilion. The first sight of the Taj Mahal is seen from this gate only. Being called as the ‘Great Gate’, it is also the gateway to the gardens which, symbolically, represents Paradise.Rain lashed Agra and other cities of Uttar Pradesh including Kanpur, Mathura, Kannauj, Farukkhabad, Etawah and Mainpuri on Wednesday for nearly 30 minutes which claimed three lives in Mathura district. The incident happened after a tin roof of their one-room house collapsed.indianexpress
Taj Mahal’s gates damaged in thunderstorm
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/taj-mahal-s-gates-damaged-in-overnight-thunderstorm/story-BPNdUKx8HyxOxxBuavRRJI.html
Manipur Muslims protest against BJP-led state govt’s move to evict them from their lands
http://twocircles.net/2018apr11/422470.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Imphal East: Muslims in Manipur are angry with attempts of the BJP-led state govt to evict the community members from Kshetri Bengoon Mamang Ching, Mantripukhri and adjoining areas in Imphal East district which the government claims is ‘protected’ and ‘forest’ land. The government claims that it is implementing the Manipur Conservation of Paddyland & Wetland Act 2014.The eviction row brought Muslim community and BJP at loggerheads in the state with the All Manipur Muslim Organizations’ Coordinating Committee (AMMOCC) calling for 32-hour general strike on Tuesday, April 10. The agitation was called off on Tuesday evening after a memorandum of understanding was signed between Government of Manipur and AMMOCC.“The Chief Minister appreciated the sentiments of the affected people and appealed to call off the agitation. Thereafter, both the parties agreed to continue the talks to find an amicable solution to the concerns of AMMOCC in three weeks and in turn the AMMOCC agreed to call off the agitation with immediate effect in public interest,” reads the memorandum signed by Dr. J. Suresh Babu, Chief Secretary and the Muslim leaders.TCN
AMC should use 'Ahmedabad', instead of 'Amdavad': PIL
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/amc-should-use-ahmedabad-instead-of-amdavad-pil-118041101297_1.html
Ahmedabad:A PIL has been filed in the Gujarat High Court seeking a direction to the municipal body to use 'Ahmedabad' instead of 'Amdavad' in its official documents.Sunni Awami Forum, a trust, has stated in the PIL that the city got its name, 'Ahmedabad', from Ahmed Shah, who founded it in 1411, and the civic body be asked to use "correct" name in it official communication.Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) uses the name 'Amdavad' in official documents, letterheads, advertisements, etc., in India and abroad, and uses 'chabutara' (a raised platform) as a symbol of the city in "blatant disregard of the city's highly significant Indo-Islamic architecture", PIL says.A division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice VM Pancholi today asked the petitioner to get more details on the process of naming a city before it issues notices to the AMC and the state government.PTI
Indian-origin man in US pleads guilty to financing al-Qaeda leader, sentenced to 60 months in jail
https://scroll.in/latest/875420/indian-origin-man-in-us-pleads-guilty-to-financing-al-qaeda-leader-sentenced-to-60-months-in-jail
An Indian-origin man, accused of financing an al-Qaeda leader has pleaded guilty to supporting terrorism in the United States, AP reported.Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad is one of four people accused in July 2015 of sending money to Anwar al-Awlaki in Yemen. Al-Awlaki was designated a terrorist and killed in a drone strike in 2011. Mohammad and Al-Awlaki had been raising money through fraudulent credit card charges since 2005.Mohammad has been sentenced to 60 months in prison, but will receive credit for the 30 months he has already been in jail, according to local daily The Blade. United States District Judge Jeffrey Helmick told Mohammad that he would be deported to India. “You ultimately will be removed from this country and told you are not welcome back,” the judge said.scroll
Telangana Muslim students selected for NASA conference
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/telangana-muslim-students-selected-for-nasa-conference-118041201206_1.html
Hyderabad: 6 students of Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TMREIS) have been selected to attend the 2018 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) International Space Development Conference to be held in the US.The chair of Executive Committee of National Space Society have selected the students of government-run TMREIS schools for submission of "TMREIS Fusion L5" project.This project was selected in association with Planetary Society of India and got an invitation from the National Space Society to attend the 2018 International Space Development Conference (ISDC) to be held from May 24 to May 27 at Los Angeles, California, according to a statement from the office of Telangana Chief Minister on Thursday.Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao congratulated the team comprising Syed Ibrahim Ali, Mahaveen Mohammedi, Safa Maheen, Feroz Hussanin, Muskaan Tabassum and Feroz Ahmed, all students of Class 7, 8 and 9.IANS
WORLD
Greater Jerusalem means no churches and no mosques: Palestinian Muslim-Christian Committee
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/jerusalem-means-churches-mosques-180411192421173.html
Palestinian interfaith officials have warned against monopolising the city of Jerusalem by the Israeli government and the effects that would have on Christianity and Islam.Hanna Issa, secretary-general of the Palestinian Authority's Muslim-Christian Committee said that more than 95 percent of Jerusalem had already been "Judaised" by Israel, and that "Greater Jerusalem" would alter the city's identity and importance to Christianians and Muslims."Israel wants to establish its so-called 'Greater Jerusalem' on an area of 600sq km, which would mean the destruction of the city's churches and mosques," Issa said.The warning came during the 9th International Conference on the Holy City of Jerusalem on Wednesday, which kicked off in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.The conference was attended by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and numerous delegations from across the Arab and Muslim world.Munib Masri, chairman of the Jerusalem Endowment, stressed Jerusalem's importance for both Muslims and Christians."The world must understand that there can never be peace until the Jerusalem file is satisfactorily resolved," he said.aljazeera
Afghanistan: District governor and 13 officials killed in Taliban raid
https://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/afghanistan-district-governor-killed-in-taliban-raid/1116373
KABUL;A district governor and 13 officials, including police officers, were killed in a Taliban attack in Afghanistan's central Ghazni province, officials confirmed on Thursday.Ramzan Ali, security director at the provincial police headquarters in Ghazni, told Anadolu Agency that a group of Taliban militants stormed the district administration compound in the Khwaja Umari district Wednesday night, killing Governor Ali Shams Dost and 13 others.The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack with the group’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed tweeting that a number of checkposts had been overrun and over 20 security personnel killed.Confirming the attack, the administration in the provincial capital discarded the Taliban’s claims of overrunning the Khwaja Umari district. Afghan National Police (ANP) in Ghazni said in a statement that over 40 Taliban militants had been killed in this raid.Anadolu
One killed as Israel hits Hamas-linked site in Gaza
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180412-israel-hits-hamas-linked-site-in-gaza-reports/
Israeli warplanes bombed a Hamas military position in Gaza city early Thursday, according to local reports. Israeli aircraft hit a military site affiliated with the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, in the northern Gaza Strip.Ayman al-Sahabani, head of the emergency department at a hospital in Gaza, said one Palestinian, 31-year-old Mohammed Hicile, was killed and another person was injured during the attack.middleeastmonitor
Israel has intensified airstrikes over the Gaza Strip as tensions rise
https://www.businessinsider.in/Israel-has-intensified-airstrikes-over-the-Gaza-Strip-as-tensions-rise/articleshow/63724730.cms
International journalists’ body accuses Israel of ‘lies and cover-up’ over killing
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180412-international-journalists-body-accuses-israel-of-lies-and-cover-up-over-killing/
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has accused the Israeli government of “fabricating lies to justify murder”, in a statement responding to the killing of Yaser Murtaja on 6 April.IFJ hit back at unsubstantiated claims made by Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman that Murtaja was a secret member of Hamas’ armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades. Noting that the IFJ had previously documented a complaint made by Murtaja in 2015 concerning mistreatment by Hamas-controlled security forces in Gaza, the global body also referred to media reports that the US State Department had recently vetted the journalist to receive a grant.IFJ General-Secretary Anthony Bellanger accused Lieberman of engaging in propaganda and a cover-up.MEMO
‘With tears in our eyes’: Israel advances plan to destroy Umm Al-Hiran area
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180412-with-tears-in-our-eyes-israel-advances-plan-to-destroy-umm-al-hiran/
Israeli authorities announced yesterday that the residents of Umm Al-Hiran, an “unrecognised” Bedouin village in the Negev targeted for demolition, have signed a relocation agreement.But local residents and rights activists decried the deal as effectively signed under duress, in light of authorities’ declared intention of destroying the village to make way for a new Jewish community.According to the agreement, Umm Al-Hiran residents will be relocated “to a community adjacent to the Bedouin town of Hura”, which must take place by September. They will also receive (an unspecified) amount of compensation for their current homes.Haaretz cited a source “involved in the negotiations”, who said they were conducted late Tuesday night, and involved the commander of the police’s Southern District.middleeastmonitor
Trump: I never said when Syria attack would take place
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/trump-syria-attack-place-180412103850997.html
US President Donald Trump tweeted that he never "said when an attack on Syria would take place," claiming it could it could "be very soon or not so soon at all!"The tweet, sent early on Thursday morning, comes after a previous message in which Trump told Russia to prepare for missile attacks on Syria, which Russians officials in turn promised to shoot down.The tweet caused many across the world to suspect that a US attack on Syria was imminent.Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded to Trump's tweet by saying that "missiles should fly towards terrorists, not [Syria's] lawful government, which has spent several years fighting against international terrorism on its territory."The social media back-and-forth came as the US and several European countries threatened to take action against Syrian government forces in response to a suspected chemical weapons attack on the rebel-held town of Douma.aljazeera
Erdogan, Putin discuss developments in Syria
https://aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/president-erdogan-putin-discuss-developments-in-syria/1116308
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday discussed the recent developments in Syria with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the phone.According to presidential sources, Erdogan and Putin agreed to stay in close contact.On Saturday, Douma, a Damascus suburb, was hit by a suspected chemical attack that left at least 78 people dead, according to the White Helmets civil-defense agency.The local civil defense agency blames Bashar al-Assad regime forces for the attack.French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday there was "proof" chemical weapons were used by the Syrian regime in eastern Ghouta's Douma district.Anadolu Agency
Israel minister calls for assassination of Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180412-israel-minister-calls-for-assassination-of-syrias-bashar-al-assad/
Israeli Housing Minister Yoav Galant has called for Syrian regime President Bashar Al-Assad to be assassinated, Sky News reported.Israeli media reported that Al-Assad has left his presidential palace yesterday morning accompanied by a Russian military convoy for fear of an American strike, reports Russia has denied.In preparation for a possible US-led strike on Syria, Russia Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) yesterday recommended all Russia flights exercise caution while travelling through the eastern Mediterranean region. middleeastmonitor
UAE academic: GCC is defunct, new body taking shape
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180412-uae-academic-gcc-has-been-dissolved/
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is over but there will be an alternative, an Emirati political academic close to Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince said on Tuesday.Abdulkhaleq Abdulla announced on Twitter that the US-Saudi Arabia-UAE Committee, which was formed on 26 March and is set to convene once a month to coordinate mechanisms among these countries, “will henceforth be an alternative for the annual US-GCC meeting”.The Saudi-UAE committee, Abdulla added, which was formed on 5 December will be an alternative for the GCC “until further notice”.middleeastmonitor
Ilham Aliyev reelected as Azerbaijan’s president
https://aa.com.tr/en/politics/ilham-aliyev-reelected-as-azerbaijan-s-president/1116175
Ilham Aliyev has been reelected as Azerbaijani president for the fourth time, according to the preliminary results.In a news conference on late Wednesday, Mazahir Panahov, the head of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan, announced that Aliyev received 86.09 percent votes in the elections.Panahov noted that the voter turnout in the election was 74.51 percent. Addressing the nation, Aliyev said: “In this election, the people of Azerbaijan voted for stability, security, development, prosperity, and highly appreciated what has been done over the past 15 years. We have achieved this success together with you.”AA
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
An imam who lost his son in the communal violence in Asansol brings peace with his timely intervention: Ziya Us Salam
http://www.frontline.in/the-nation/voice-of-sanity/article10106632.ece
Divisive agenda: Suhrid Sankar Chattopadhyay
http://www.frontline.in/the-nation/divisive-agenda/article10106629.ece
Opinion: The Kathua case has become the perfect example of the communalisation of rape:Shujaat Bukhari
https://scroll.in/article/875205/opinion-the-kathua-case-has-become-the-perfect-example-of-the-communalisation-of-rape
Naroda Gam riot case: In middle of trial, a ‘smile, scoff’ grab attention
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/naroda-patiya-riot-case-in-middle-of-trial-a-smile-scoff-grab-attention-5133930/
After Kathua, BJP Is Deploying Both Silence and Noise as Part of a Strategy:Monobina Gupta
https://thewire.in/politics/kathua-rape-bjp-narendra-modi-silence
During the four years of BJP rule, Dalits seem to be losing the gains they had made earlier:
Sukhadeo Thorat
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/broken-promises-narendra-modi-dalits-sc-st-bjp-manifesto-2014-lok-sabha-elections-5133608/
After pulverising Gaza, Netanyahu has not permitted almost any rebuilding:Kiran Nagarkar
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/alone-ness-of-being-palestine-jounalist-yasser-murtaza-death-5133603/
What Does it Mean for Indian Democracy When the Police Has to Appoint Investigating Officers From a ‘Third’ Religion:SEEMA MUSTAFA
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/13516/What-Does-it-Mean-for-Indian-Democracy-When-the-Police-Has-to-Appoint-Investigating-Officers-From-a-Third-Religion
'Anti-Muslim bigotry has been normalised under Modi':by Nehal Ahmed
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/bigotry-normalised-modi-180411100651759.html
'Let Us Live in Peace, We Don't Want Riots And Hatred in the Name of Religion';Tarique Anwar
https://newsclick.in/let-us-live-peace-we-dont-want-riots-and-hatred-name-religion
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:16 PM)
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