NEWS DIGEST, MID-DAY
16 May 2018:28 Shaban 1439: Vol:10, No:22
INDIA
Live | Congress, JD(S) submit list of 117 MLAs to Governor; 'Governor refuses parade of MLAs'
http://www.thehindu.com/elections/karnataka-2018/live-updates-karnataka-government-formation-congress-jds-bjp/article23900838.ece
JDU(S)-Congress combine and the BJP have submitted the list of MLAs supporting them. JD(S) and BJP have also completed the process of electing the leaders of their respective Legislature Parties.The day has also seen the JD(S) accusing the BJP of indulging in horse-trading, which latter dismissed as imagination. Members of the Congress and JD(S) met the Governor at around 5 pm.KPCC President G. Parameshwara, who met the Governor along with JD(S) chief H. D. Kumaraswamy, said letters with signature of 117 MLAs were submitted to the Governor. .All eyes are now on the Governor Vajubhai Vala, an old BJP hand. According to Indian Express, all the 78 MLAs of the Congress and 37 MLAs of JD(S) along with Kumaraswamy have reached Raj Bhavan. Meeting with Governor Vajubhai Vala ends. Congress MLAs have given to the governor in writing about their support to JD(S). However, reports said governor has refused to accept the parading of MLAs by the two parties. Governor has given us the assurance that he will take the decision based on the constitution, says Kumaraswamy after meeting with Vajubhai Vala.JD(S) leader says party MLAs are safe.the hindu/ indian express
JD (S) accuses BJP of horse-trading, says MLAs being offered Rs 100 cr
https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/karnataka-election-2018/story/cabinet-posts-rs-100-crore-bjp-s-price-for-defection-kumaraswamy-s-horse-trading-charge-1234293-2018-05-16
HD Kumaraswamy, JD(S)'s legislative party leader in the Karnataka assembly, claims the BJPoffered some of his lawmakers cabinet posts and Rs 100 crore to defect.BJP has been appoaching "several" MLAs since Tuesday evening, he told reporters in Bengaluru. Kumaraswamy asked where the money came from. "I appeal to [PM ] Modi and even question [the] President of India whether they are promoting horse trading? Let [BJP chief] Amit Shah also answer," ex CM said earlier at a press conference.In the interregnum occasioned by Saturday's hung mandate,both JD(S) (supported by Congress), and PM Narendra Modi's BJP -- which emerged as the single largest party -- have made competing claims to power.BJP's legislative party leader, BS Yeddyurappa, said Governor Vajubhai Vala told him he'd take an "appropriate" decision "as early as possible". Like Kumaraswamy, Yeddyurappa is an ex Karnataka CM .Kumaraswamy said it was a sign of BJP's "frustration" that it was "openly" saying it wouldn't allow his post-poll alliance to come to power."Without the numbers, how can they [BJP] form Govt?" he asked.Earlier, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said many MLAs were unhappy with the Congress- JD (S) alliance.indiatoday
MLAs missing from JD(S)-Congress camp? False news, says ex minister
http://indianexpress.com/elections/jds-congress-coalition-mlas-missing-yeddyurappa-siddaramaiah-kumaraswamy-5178699/
As the drama continues to unfold in Karnataka a day after the electorate delivered a split verdict, reports of MLAs going missing from JD(S) and Congress camps have been dismissed as rumours by leaders from both sides. “We are all together. All this is false news. In fact, there are 6 BJP people who are in touch with us,” ex-Congress minister MB Patil said.With JD(S) and Congress coming together to deny BJP a shot at forming Govt in Karnataka, 2 parties are wary of their MLAs being poached.2 JD(S) MLAs are reported to be missing from the party legislative party meeting which is underway at a hotel in Bengaluru. MLAs have been identified by ANI as Raja Venkatappa Nayaka and Venkata Rao Nadagouda. There are also unconfirmed reports that around three Congress MLAs are incommunicado.Efforts by party leadership to contact the legislators were in vain, according to NDTV report.indianexpress
Karnataka: Congress to move SC if Governor invites BJP to form govt
https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/karnataka-assembly-elections-2018/congress-move-court-if-the-karnataka-governor-gives-bjp/1170094/
Congress has said that it will move court if Karnataka Governor gives BJP an opportunity to form the govnt in the state.Senior lawyer and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, “We hope Governor will take the correct decision according to Constitution. If Congress-JD(S) combine is not called, it will be illegal. We hope politics will not trump legality and morality. If it does, we have no option but to move court,” he said.financialexpress
Drama after mismatch in vote counts in EVM, VVPAT in a seat, EC finally declares BJP’s Shettar winner
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/drama-after-mismatch-in-vote-counts-in-evm-and-vvpat-in-hubli-dharwad-central-ec-finally-declares-bjps-jagdish-shettar-winner/185989/
Election Commission on Tuesday said that there was a mismatch between actual votes cast and actual votes reflected on the EVMs in this Hubli-Dharwad Central, forcing the poll body to withdraw the result temporarily.BJP’s Jagdish Shettar was being shown leading by more than 20,000 votes when he was announced as the winner.However, following the mismatch in the EVM count and paper trail, EC had temporarily withdrawn the result. It reportedly showed 207 votes more than the actual number. A statement by EC said, “If there is difference between EVM count and paper slip count, paper slip count prevails. Winning margin in Hubli Dharwad seat is more than 20000 and VVPAT slips counted in polling station no 135 A is only 459. Hence, in accordance with the rule 56 D(b), returning officer has announced the result after proper and complete verification and counting of the voter slips and declared Jagadish Shettar as the winner.”The news of the mismatch in EVM count and the number reflected on VVPAT machine dominated the social media conversation with many casting doubts on the reliability of EVM.jantakareporter
Congress alleges EVM rigging after Karnataka verdict, Oppn pushes for return to ballot voting
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/congress-alleges-evm-rigging-after-karnataka-verdict-oppn-pushes-for-return-to-ballot-voting/story-eTYU4ijNUUvb9bykIhLawJ.html
New Delhi: Congress has decided to escalate its demand for restoration of ballot paper-based voting in future elections in the wake of allegations of tampering of EVMs. Congress alleged that in Karnataka, too, electoral process was rigged.“Every survey showed Siddaramaiah as Karnataka’s first choice but that did not get reflected in the results. People voted for one party but the votes went to another. Every political party should contemplate where the country is headed,” Congress general secretary Mohan Prakash said. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray also challenged the BJP to hold elections through ballot papers to clear doubts over the use of EVMs. “If you (BJP) trust yourself, hold elections through ballot papers once,” he said in Mumbai after the Karnataka results. “When so many people are asking for it, it will clear apprehensions once and for all.”MNS chief Raj Thackeray agreed with his cousin. “This is a victory for the EVM,” he tweeted.A Congress strategist, who refused to be identified, said the party would try to bring all the opposition parties on board and make the move to return to ballot papers a national campaign.“We have been raising this issue but will take it forward vociferously now,” he said.HT
It’s official: For patriotism, MP school students will now answer roll call with ‘Jai Hind’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/its-official-madhya-pradesh-school-students-to-now-answer-roll-call-with-jai-hind-5178787/
Bhopal:BJP Govt in MP has issued a circular making it compulsory for school children to answer roll call with ‘Jai Hind’. The move comes more than 5 months after the Govt made this decision, in a bid to instil patriotism in children. The Govt has already instructed schools to hoist the Tricolour and sing the national anthem daily in schools.“Different words are used to mark the attendance. To instil patriotism among students it has been decided by the Govt that ‘Jai Hind’ should be used while marking attendance in school,” the circular issued on Tuesday read.School Education Minister Vijay Shah had first made an announcement to this effect while addressing NCC cadets from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on the occasion of NCC Day at Shaurya Smarak in Bhopal.The present practice of saying “yes sir, yes madam” does not foster patriotism, the minister had said on the occasion while announcing that the patriotic slogan will be made compulsory in all 1.22 lakh Govt schools and advisory will be issued to private schools. In September, he had announced that the slogan will be used on an experimental basis in Govt schools in Satna from Oct.1.indianexpress
Govt declares conditional ceasefire in J&K during Ramzan
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/government-declares-ceasefire-in-jk-during-ramzan/articleshow/64190307.cms
Union govt today declared a conditional ceasefire in J&K during the holy month of Ramzan.It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror, says Centre.Govt expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties, the statement added.Centre has asked the security forces to not launch operations in the region during the next thirty days.However, security forces reserve right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people, it said. J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti has been informed about the decision, MHA said.Mufti welcomed the Centre's decision and said that the decision will help in "creating a peaceful and amicable environment for a sustainable dialogue".Earlier this month, CM had urged the Centre to consider a unilateral ceasefire in J&K starting from Ramzan in mid May till the completion of Amarnath yatra in Aug.TOI
Kathua rape-murder: Hindu outfit seeks donation to engage counsel for accused
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kathua-rape-murder-hindu-outfit-seeks-donation-to-engage-counsel-for-accused-5178381/
Jammu:Hindu Ekta Manch has sought donations from public to engage counsels on behalf of the accused in seeking CBI inquiry into the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Kathua district of J&K in Jan.When contacted, Manch president Vijay Sharma said a decision to make public appeal for donations was taken at a meeting of the organisation. However, it has not evoked much response so far, he said, adding that they would have to personally contact their friends and well wishers to raise funds.“We have to mobilise enough resources so that the best legal team is mobilised to successfully plead the case before the Supreme Court. We appeal to everybody to come forward and donate generously so that a corpus of fund is created to meet the legal expenses,’’ according to a message posted by the outfit on social media.indianexpress
Sack Assembly Speaker Nirmal Singh for anti-Army remarks: Jammu traders’ body to PM Modi
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sack-nirmal-singh-for-anti-army-remarks-jammu-traders-body-to-pm-modi-5178379/
Jammu:Adding to the woes of J&K Assembly Speaker Dr Nirmal Singh, Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry — a frontal organisation of traders and industrialists — here on Tuesday asked PM Narendra Modi to “sack him immediately’’ for his utterances against the Indian Army.Expressing shock and anguish over the recent statement of Singh accusing Indian Army of harassing people, a written communiqué sent by Chamber general secretary Manish Gupta to PM said, “irresponsible utterances’’ by a person “holding second highest constitutional post in the state’’ against the credentials of the Indian Army was “not in national interest’’.indianexpress
J&K: Little Maryam Lost Her Mother in Firing, Now Father Arrested for Stone-Pelting
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/3/13822/Little-Maryam-Lost-Her-Mother-in-Firing-Now-Father-Arrested-for-Stone-Pelting
Srinagar: J&K Police has arrested the father of 7 month old girl, Maryam, whose mother was killed during an encounter between militants and security forces in North Kashmir last Dec,on charges of stone-pelting.Ishfaq Ahmad Wani, a resident of Chowgal in Handwara, has been arrested on stone-pelting charges, officials said, “He has been filmed leading stone throwers during 2 protests in Handwara. He was called for questioning and arrested later,” reports said.Wani's wife, Misra Bano, was killed in Unisoo village on Dec.11 when forces had laid siege of the area following inputs about the presence of militants there. Wani then said his wife was shot by security forces after ordering them to come out of their home on the night of encounter.“His (Maryam's father's) arrest goes against all the norms of humanity. Only 5 months ago, her mother was snatched from her. Now she has been separated from her father also. How can an infant live without her parents,” one of her relatives said.thecitizen
Separatists plan protests against PM Modi’s J&K visit
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/separatists-plan-protests-against-pm-narendra-modis-jk-visit-5178366/
Srinagar : Separatists leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), will march to Lal Chowk in Srinagar to protest against PM Narendra Modi’s impending visit to the state on May 19. JRL has also called for a shutdown on May 21.The decision to call for the protest march was taken after a meeting of the three top separatist leaders at Geelani’s Hyderpora residence on Tuesday.Separatist leaders claimed Govt has turned Kashmir Valley, especially the four districts of south Kashmir including Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag, into a battlefield.“(But) he (Modi) would try to give an impression to the outside world, as well as the people of India, that people in Kashmir are living happily with India… The fact on ground is that Kashmir is like hell,”JRL said.indianexpress
All sides to Ayodhya dispute must observe restraint, Hindu side not observing this, Dhavan to SC, also seeks to refer case to larger bench
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/may/15/all-sides-to-ayodhya-dispute-must-observe-restraint-hindu-side-not-observing-this-supreme-court-to-1815122.html
New Delhi:All sides must observe restraint in expressing their views in the sub-judice Babri Masjid-Ram Temple land dispute and the Hindu side was not observing this, the Supreme Court was told today. A special bench headed by CJI Dipak Misra, which is seized of a total of 14 appeals filed against the high court judgement delivered in 4 civil suits pertaining to Ayodhya title dispute, was told by senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan that Hindu side has not been observing restraint and also not refraining from inciting the public on the sensitive issue."It is extremely important that people should restrain themselves, especially the Hindu side. So far as Hindu side is concerned, it has not observed restraint," Dhavan, appearing for M Siddiq who has died but is being represented through his legal heir, said. Some leaders said they would go to Parliament to ensure construction of a Ram Temple, which was "contemptous and amounted to pre-judging and pressurising the court", Dhavan told the bench,which also included Justices Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer.He then assailed certain findings of the 1994 verdict in the case of M Ismail Faruqui, holding that a mosque was not integral to the prayers offered by the followers of Islam, and said these have been referred to and relied upon by Allahabad HC in its judgement in Ayodhya title dispute. Referring to a 7-judge bench judgement of 1954 on the integral and essential practices of a religion, the senior lawyer said the 1994 verdict was "founded on a confusion regarding the application of the essential and/or integral test which needs to be resolved as a matter of constitutional significance.It is submitted that these issues need to go to a larger bench of 5 or 7 Judges. Ex-Attorney General K Parasaran, appearing for Ram Lalla Virajman, opposed Dhavan's plea and said his client (Siddiq) was a party to the litigation in the courts below and hence, cannot seek reference of the case to a larger bench.At the outset, Dhavan said there were issues which were to be decided by the larger bench."Is a mosque and prayer in it a part of the essential practice of the Muslim faith," he asked."Is it consistent with Indian secularism to evaluate the comparative significance of religious practices of different faiths to the detriment of another," Dhavan said, adding it was a key question needed to be answered."Once Babri Masjid suit existing at the time of the Ismail Faruqui judgement stood fully revived, could it be said that the issues in it stood limited by observations in Ismail Faruqui case," he asked. Referring to the status quo at the site, he also asked "could it be said that the issue of Muslim ownership of the graveyard and other claims was rendered not adjudicatable". He said on one hand, it has been observed that mosques are not integral to practice of Islam, while on the other, the present Haryana CM says that Muslims should offer 'namaz' in mosques and not on roads. India has the third largest Muslim population in the world and we are telling them that the mosques are not integral to Islam, he pondered.The court posted the matter for further hearing on May 17 when Parasaran would advance arguments on the issue whether Ayodhya case be referred to a larger bench.PTI
Refer Ayodhya case to larger bench: Muslim bodies to SC
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/refer-ayodhya-case-to-larger-bench-muslim-bodies-to-sc/articleshow/64181290.cms
Gurgaon Villagers form 'khap panchayat', call for boycott of all who oppose namaz in the open
http://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/gurgaon-citizens-form-khap-panchayat-call-for-boycott-of-all-who-oppose-namaz-in-the-open/228599
Gurgaon: People from a number of villages in the district have formed a "Sarva Khap Panchayat" and called for a "boycott" of those who object to the offering of namaz in the open. Group was formed in the wake of Hindu outfits disrupting offering of namaz at public spots in Gurgaon recently. Members of the khap panchayat have called for "boycott of forces responsible for communal flare-ups" in the city.They have also called a "mahapanchayat" in Jharsa village on May 27 to identify those disturbing peace. "We have called a mahapanchayat to identify those responsible for communal tension in the district and boycott them," said Mahendera Singh Thakran, the president of the Sarva Khap Panchayat. Thakran said preventing people of a particular community from offering prayers cannot be justified. "There are other ways to register objection after consultation with the administration and the police," he said. "The way the members of Hindu organisations are forcibly stopping namaz and shouting slogans is actually disturbing," Thakran added. Hindutva outfits that went around shouting slogans like 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Banglasdeshi wapas jao' allegedly disrupted namaz congregations at several places in Gurugram earlier in May.timesnownews
Villagers in Gurgaon form 'khap panchayat' to boycott those objecting to namaz at public spots
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/villagers-in-gurgaon-form-khap-panchayat-to-boycott-those-objecting-to-namaz-at-public-spots-118051600025_1.html
Varanasi: 18 dead and dozens injured as under-construction flyover collapses
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/at-least-12-dead-and-dozens-feared-trapped-as-flyover-collapses-in-varanasi
At least 18 persons were killed when a section of an under-construction flyover collapsed in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of PM Narendra Modi, an official said on Tuesday.2 dozen persons were injured in the tragedy near the Cantonment railway station here. Flyover was being constructed by the UP State Bridge Corporation.Many cars were buried under the collapsed structure, district officials said, adding that the death toll could go up once the debris was cleared.Most of the trapped persons are reportedly labourers, who were working at the site.nationalheraldindia
Delhi's Madanpur Khadar fire: Over 50 families, mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims from Assam, say lost everything as blaze guts slum
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/madanpur-khadar-fire-over-50-families-say-lost-everything-as-blaze-guts-slum-5178307/
New Delhi: A fire in a slum in Madanpur Khadar razed 58 houses to the ground late Monday night. Cause of the blaze, which started a little before 1 am, has not been ascertained so far. While no casualties were reported, there has been extensive loss of property and cash. Rulina Khatoun (40), a resident of the slum, said, “We were asleep at the time… The moment we realised what was happening, we rushed out and left many important things behind, like our mobile phones. Within an hour, everything was destroyed.”Mahmood, the ADO of the Delhi Fire Services, said the fire department received a call from the Police Control Room at 12.55 am. He said seven fire tenders were sent, and the situation was brought under control by around 3 am.Most residents of the burnt settlement are Bengali-speaking Muslims from Assam who had been living here for the last seven years. The shanties they had built were made of tin and bamboo.While the men work as waste-pickers in different parts of the city, the women segregate the collected waste at home. Most families made sure they saved the wooden carts they use to collect and carry waste, though four carts were lost in the fire.Another major source of income that was lost are chickens, which most families rear to sell in the market. According to Hamida Begum (34), each family owned 100-200 chickens, almost all of which died in the fire. According to Rakip Sheikh (16), almost half of the residents were not present at the site when the fire broke out as they had gone to Assam to sort out issues regarding National Register of Citizens. With their homes locked, they lost everything they had left behind.Residents said they are currently living in a tent they have made with bamboo and cloth, and that no aid has come their way so far.indianexpress
Sohrabuddin ‘fake encounter’: Constable declared hostile, says didn’t give statement to CBI; so far 58 witnesses turned hostile
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sohrabuddin-fake-encounter-case-constable-declared-hostile-says-didnt-give-statement-to-cbi/
Mumbai:A police constable from Rajasthan on Tuesday denied that CBI had taken his statement in the alleged fake encounter cases of Sohrabuddin and Tulsiram Prajapati. The constable, a prosecution witness, was declared hostile after over an hour of his deposition.According to CBI, in 2006, the constable was posted in Surajpole police station in Udaipur, which had the jurisdiction of Udaipur central jail. CBI claims that on Nov.11, 2006, the constable was told by his senior at the police station that the then Superintendent of Police, Udaipur, Dinesh MN, had ordered for a police escort team to be sent to Ahmedabad along with two prisoners.Witness on Tuesday accepted that his senior, circle inspector Himmat Singh, had told him that he was to join him as part of an escort team to take 2 prisoners – Mohammed Azam and Prajapati – to Ahmedabad but denied being told that it was on the direction of Dinesh MN. Dinesh MN, who was named as an accused in the case, was discharged in Aug.2017.An appeal against his discharge is pending before Bombay HC. So far, 85 prosecution witnesses have deposed of which 58 have turned hostile.indianexpress
Saharanpur Cops: Bheem Army district chief’s brother killed in accidental firing
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/saharanpur-cops-bheem-army-district-chiefs-brother-killed-in-accidental-firing-5178367/
Noida: 5 days after the death of Bheem Army’s Saharanpur district president Kamal Walia’s brother, which sparked tension between the Dalits and Thakurs in the western UP district, the police on Tuesday said the youth had died in an “accidental firing” and there was no caste angle to it.Sachin Walia (24) had been allegedly shot dead on May 9 in Ramhagar area of Saharanpur – exactly a year after the district witnessed violent clashes between the 2 groups, which resulted in a death and left at least a dozen injured.indianexpress
National NGO Network Opposes Ex-NIA Chief's Proposed Appointment as NHRC Member
https://thewire.in/rights/national-ngo-network-opposes-ex-nia-chiefs-proposed-appointment-as-nhrc-member
With media reports suggesting that former director general of NIA Sharad Kumar may be appointed member of NHRC, All India Network of NGOs and Individuals working with National and State Human Rights Institutions (AiNNI) has submitted a memorandum to President Ramnath Kovind expressing “serious concerns” about the move. Memorandum states that “appointment of Kumar at a juncture when most of the cases handled by the NHRC are against police and security agencies sends a wrong message to the people of India.”thewire
Indian Minister in Pyongyang as N. Korea Slams US Again
https://thewire.in/diplomacy/india-north-korea-leaders-to-hold-talks-today
New Delhi: In the highest level ministerial visit from New Delhi in two decades, Indian minister of state for external affairs V.K. Singh is currently in Pyongyang to hold talks with the North Korean leadership.Even as Indian minister is in Pyongyang, the much-hyped North Korea-US summit seems to be in danger, with a senior North Korean official stating on Wednesday morning that it has no interest in a meeting if it is based on “one-sided” demands to give up its nuclear weapons programme. Singh’s trip is the first visit by a minister from Indian Ministry of External Affairs to visit North Korea in over four decades and first minister since 1998.Sources confirmed to The Wire that the minister of state travelled from China and arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday. He will hold talks with North Korean counterparts today. It is not yet clear if he will call on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.thewire
Does V. K. Singh’s visit to North Korea mean India is okay with its nuclear links with Pakistan?
https://theprint.in/opinion/is-vk-singh-visit-to-north-korea-a-sign-of-growing-distance-from-trumps-us/59223/
Ramadan 1st day in Saudi, GCC states, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia tomorrow; India, Pak, Bangladesh to sight moon today
http://www.ummid.com/news/2018/May/15.05.2018/ramadan-2018-saudi-arabia-uae-qatar-kuwait-moon-live.html
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia and UAE Moon Sighting Committee on Tuesday said the new moon has not been sighted. Hence Wednesday will be the 30th Shaban and the first day of Ramadan will be on Thursday. Royal Court of Saudi Arabia made the announcemt after a special meeting held to judge the moon sighting reports,if any, coming from the Kingdom today i.e. Tuesday corresponding to 29th Shaban of Islamic Calendar.Various moon sighting committees in UAE, Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, Palestine, Muscat and other Arab states also conducted meetings of moon sighting committees to decide the commencement of Ramadan and declare Thursday as the first day of Ramadan.Elsewhere in the world, authorities in Malaysia and Australia announced that first day of Ramadan in the two countries will be Thursday. In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries, the new moon of the month of Ramadan, will be sighted on Wednesday in the region. If the new moon is sighted then the Holy month of fasting will begin on Thursday. In case the new moon is not sighted then Ramadan in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries will begin on Friday.ummid.com
WORLD
Protesters march in major cities across the world to commemorate the Nakba
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/protesters-march-major-cities-commemorate-nakba-180515193245097.html
Demonstrations have taken place in cities around the world in commemoration of the Nakba, or catastrophe, the day Israel was formally recognised as a state on May 15, 1948. Tuesday's protests coincided with the killing of more than 60 Palestinians on Monday by Israel's security forces as they gathered near the Israel Gaza border.Palestinians in the enclave had been protesting for several weeks, demanding that Palestinian refugees be granted the right to return to their ancestral lands.About 70 % of Gaza's population, estimated at two million, are either refugees or descendants of refugees. Palestinians in Lebanon - which hosts a sizeable population of refugees - gathered in the thousands at Shkeef Fortress in the country's south to mark the 70th anniversary of the event that saw hundreds of thousands of their ancestors kicked out of their native homeland. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Cape Town and Johannesburg on Tuesday to denounce Israel's use of violence against unarmed protesters in Gaza. Students and activists gathered in a university campus on Tuesday in New Delhi to commemorate Nakba.The mood was sombre as a few young men and women spoke in an open courtyard at JNU, with Free Palestine posters and the Palestinian flag as a backdrop."UN is a puppet now, it's toothless. These people are struggling for 70 years without results. US and Israel are playing with bodies like UN. It's a disgrace," Rizwan Ahmed said. Maphaz Ahmed Yousef, a Palestinian who lives in New Delhi,said she is "hopeful". "Palestine will never lose hope in India because our shared history cannot be damaged by a Govt. The solidarity of Indians for Palestine means a lot. Govt s will come and go, but our history cannot be erased,"Yousef said. Solidarity rallies around the world will pressure Govt s to limit ties with Israel.aljazeera
Guatemala president opens embassy in Jerusalem
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180516-guatemala-president-opens-embassy-in-jerusalem/
Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales this morning inaugurated his country’s embassy in occupied Jerusalem, two days after the US relocated its mission from Tel Aviv. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu joined Morales to cut a blue and white ribbon at the site of the new embassy.middleeastmonitor
Chief Rabbi of Neturei Karta: ‘If you want to help Jewish people … withdraw your ambassador’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180516-chief-rabbi-of-neturei-karta-if-you-want-to-help-the-jewish-people-withdraw-your-ambassador/
Anti-Zionist Neturei Karta organization has delivered a message of support and solidarity to Palestine as well as one of criticism and condemnation to Israel over its treatment of Palestinian civilians.In a meeting with President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, Elahanan Beck, chief rabbi of Neturei Karta, said “we have to realize and understand – helping the state of Israel is not in the favor of Jewish people”. “Zionists say they want to make a safe haven for Jewish people, they want to help Jews… but this is untrue. The most dangerous place today for Jewish people – not to speak for Palestinians, but even for Jews – is in the state of Israel,” Beck said.MEMO
UN Spl Rapporteur: Israel’s actions against Palestinians amount to ‘war crime’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180516-un-special-rapporteur-israels-actions-against-palestinians-amount-to-war-crime/
Professor Michael Lynk, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, condemned Israel’s excessive use of force towards largely unarmed demonstrators at the Gaza fence on Monday, which has left 61 Palestinians dead, and almost 2,800 wounded. He expressed grave fears this figure could rise sharply in coming days unless Israeli authorities uphold their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.“This blatant excessive use of force by Israel – an eye for an eyelash – must end, and there must be true accountability for those in military and political command who have ordered or allowed this force to be once again employed at the Gaza fence,” he said.middleeastmonitor
Turkey expels Israel’s consul in Istanbul over Gaza
https://english.palinfo.com/news/2018/5/16/Turkey-expels-Israel-s-consul-in-Istanbul-over-Gaza-border-massacre
Turkey asked Israel's consul-general in Istanbul, Yossi Levi Safri, to leave the country on Tuesday night following Israel’s Monday massacre against Palestinian marchers on the Gaza border.The move is a further volley in a round of diplomat expulsions that has seen many countries kick out Israel’s ambassadors as relations soured over brutal killings by the Israeli military on the Gaza Strip border.An increasingly acerbic war of words has flared between Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan and Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu after dozens of Palestinians were killed during confrontations with Israeli forces on Gaza border. Earlier, Turkey recalled its ambassadors to Israel and the US for consultations on the situation.PIC
Extraordinary summit of OIC on Palestine on Friday
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180516-extraordinary-summit-of-oic-on-palestine-to-be-held-in-istanbul-friday/
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold an extraordinary summit in Istanbul on Friday to discuss “the latest serious developments in the State of Palestine.”The organization, which comprises 57 member nations, said in a statement that the summit will be held at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the chairman of the 13th session of the Islamic Summit Conference.MEMO
Ex-CIA director: Trump, Netanyahu responsible for Gaza massacre
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180516-former-cia-director-trump-and-netanyahu-responsible-for-gaza-massacre/
A former director of CIA held US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu responsible Israels massacre of Palestinians in Gaza, Monday.John Brennan, who was the head of the CIA between March 2013 and January 2017, tweeted that “Deaths in Gaza result of utter disregard of Messers Trump & Netanyahu for Palestinian rights & homeland.”He went on to critique moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and explain that the president has “Destroyed” the US’ role as “peacemaker”.middleeastmonitor
8-month-old baby Laila becomes the face of Gaza carnage
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/laila-anwar-al-ghandour-face-gaza-carnage-180515063150518.html
Laila Anwar al-Ghandour, an 8-month-old baby girl, died of tear-gas inhalation at dawn, Gaza's Ministry of Health says, highlighting international outrage over the killings by Israeli soldiers of 60 Palestinians who joined in a massive protest against the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.Laila was the youngest fatality of the demonstrations on Monday, which were held in the run up to 70th anniversary on Tuesday of the Nakba, or Catastrophe, day the state of Israel was established on May 15, 1948, forcing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes.aljazeera
Gaza's Hospital 'on brink of collapse' as injuries mount
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/gaza-al-shifa-hospital-brink-collapse-injuries-mount-180515102023155.html
NKorea suspends talks with South, threatens to cancel US summit
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/nkorea-suspends-talks-south-threatens-cancel-summit-180515193856760.html
North Korea said it was suspending high-level talks with South Korea scheduled for Wednesday because of US-South Korean military exercises, which it said threatened warming ties on the divided peninsula.North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) also cast doubt on whether next month's summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump would go ahead as planned, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported."This exercise, targeting us, which is being carried out across South Korea, is a flagrant challenge to the Panmunjom Declaration and an intentional military provocation running counter to the positive political development on the Korean Peninsula," Yonhap quoted KCNA as saying."US will also have to undertake careful deliberations about the fate of the planned North Korea-U.S. summit in light of this provocative military ruckus jointly conducted with the South Korean authorities."aljazeera
Malaysia: Anwar Ibrahim released after getting full pardon
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/malaysia-anwar-ibrahim-released-full-pardon-180516050149731.html
Malaysia's former Deputy PM Anwar Ibrahim has been released from prison after receiving a full pardon from the king on Wednesday.Speaking after being freed following the royal pardon, he thanked the Malaysian people for standing by "the principles of democracy and freedom"."Now there is a new dawn for Malaysia.I must thank the people of Malaysia. Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Iban; the entire spectrum of our Malaysians, regardless of race and religion ..."They demand change and it is our duty now to ensure that this mandate given to Pakatan Harapan [political alliance] will honour this commitment,"politician added. Anwar, who was initially scheduled to be released on Tuesday, walked out of the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital, where he was temporary confined after a surgery, and later arrived at the residence of the king, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V. An image published by the Bernama showed Anwar, 70, greeting newly elected PM Mahathir Mohamad, his ally-turned-foe-turned-ally.Another image showed the king welcoming Anwar and his wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the deputy PM -designate.Earlier, Mahathir arrived at the royal palace for the royal pardons board meeting to discuss Anwar's release. "I know how Anwar feels. It was during my administration that he was sent to [prison]. It is not easy for him to accept me and shake my hand," The Malaysia Insight quoted Mahathir as saying."And it's not just Anwar but his family as well who felt pressure when he was jailed.They suffered for 20 years. "Anwar's pardon paves way for his political comeback, following his alliance's stunning election victory.aljazeera
Egypt court puts 135 Brotherhood loyalists on terror list
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-05/16/c_137181425.htm
Cairo:An Egyptian top court upheld on Tuesday putting the names of 135 loyalists of the currently outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group on terrorist lists, official MENA news agency reported.The Court of Cassation declined the appeal of the defendants against their addition along with 90 others to terror lists by Cairo Criminal Court over accusations of forming pro-Brotherhood "Helwan Battalions" militant group to carry out attacks against police personnel and premises as well as public service farcilites.Xinhua
Bangladesh: Former PM Khaleda Zia granted bail
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/bangladesh-prime-minister-khaleda-zia-granted-bail-180516071806587.html
Bangladesh's Supreme Court has granted bail to the country's former PM and leader of the main opposition party, Khaleda Zia, 3 months after she was imprisoned over a corruption conviction. The top court upheld an earlier High Court decision in the capital, Dhaka, on Wednesday, granting bail to Zia, who sentenced to 5 years for fraud.Lawyers from both sides said the ruling does not necessarily mean Zia, chairperson of BNP, will be released from jail because she has been arrested in connection with three other cases.aljazeera
Watchdog confirms chemical weapon use in Syria
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/watchdog-confirms-chemical-weapon-use-in-syria-s-douma/1147760
An international chemical weapons watchdog has said that a recent report confirmed “chlorine was likely used as a chemical weapon” in Syria’s Douma region. The suspected chemical attack took place on April 7, leaving at least 78 civilians dead, according to White Helmets, a local civil defense agency.“FFM [fact-finding mission] determined that chlorine was released from cylinders by mechanical impact in Al Talil neighbourhood of Saraqib,” the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said.“ conclusions are based inter alia on the presence of 2 cylinders, which were determined as previously containing chlorine; witness testimony; environmental samples that demonstrated unusual presence of chlorine in the local environment; and the number of patients at medical facilities shortly after the incident who showed signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to chlorine and other toxic chemicals,” said the OPCW, which is headed by Turkish diplomat Ahmet Uzumcu.Anadolu Agency
More than 30,000 evacuated from Syria’s Homs
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/more-than-30-000-evacuated-from-syria-s-homs/1147813
Idlib:A ninth convoy of evacuees carrying people from the northern countryside of Homs province in western Syria arrived on Wednesday in Aleppo’s western countryside and Idlib province, according to our correspondents on the ground.The convoy of dozens of buses carried 6,800 civilians and armed groups members and their families from northern Homs as the number of people evacuated has exceeded 30,000 so far.The evacuees will be sheltered in refugee camps, schools, and mosques in the two provinces.Anadolu Agency
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
CIC Order Puts Spotlight on 'Mysterious' Death of Lal Bahadur Shastri:Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar
https://thewire.in/Govt /cic-order-puts-spotlight-on-mysterious-death-of-lal-bahadur-shastri
Hindutva’s anti-Dalit aggression,upper castes’ hegemony over national political alternatives:Sanjay Kumar
https://newsclick.in/hindutvas-anti-dalit-aggression-and-upper-castes-hegemony-over-national-political-alternatives
Varanasi flyover collapse: Agency was probed for two incidents but no action taken
https://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/varanasi-flyover-collapse-agency-was-under-probe-for-two-incidents-but-no-action-taken/story-qFsbGpeKuA1LabGu5nnlEP.html
Assam protests should persuade Centre to reconsider the citizenship bill:Ipsita Chakravarty
https://scroll.in/article/879158/the-daily-fix-assam-protests-should-persuade-centre-to-reconsider-the-citizenship-bill
Global protests grow after Israeli killing of Palestinian demonstrators
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/15/palestinians-to-bury-58-people-killed-in-us-embassy-protests?CMP=share_btn_fb
Biggest ever loss in PNB Q4 results! How stressed is India’s 2nd largest PSU bank: 5 key points
https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/banking-finance/pnb-q4-results-biggest-ever-quarterly-net-loss-pain-points-stress-post-nirav-modi-fraud/1169870/?utm_source=FBFE_Nirav_Modi&utm_medium=Social
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 2:11 PM)
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