NEWS DIGEST, MID-DAY
26 June 2018:11 Shawwal 1439: Vol:10, No:52
INDIA
India most dangerous country for women due to high risk of sexual violence: Global Poll
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-most-dangerous-country-for-women-due-to-high-risk-of-sexual-violence-reuters-poll/story-FAblqSjpXc2MoCA2ZXX9jI.html
London:India is the world’s most dangerous country for women due to the high risk of sexual violence and being forced into slave labour, according to a poll of global experts released on Tuesday.Experts said India moving to the top of poll showed not enough was being done to tackle the danger women faced, more than 5 years after the rape and murder of a student on a bus in Delhi made violence against women a national priority.“India has shown utter disregard and disrespect for women...rape, marital rapes, sexual assault and harassment, female infanticide has gone unabated,”said Manjunath Gangadhara, an official at Karnataka state Govt .“The (world’s) fastest growing economy and leader in space and technology is shamed for violence committed against women.”Govt data shows reported cases of crime against women rose by 83% between 2007 and 2016, when there were four cases of rape reported every hour.The poll was a repeat of a survey in 2011 that found experts saw Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo,Pakistan, India, and Somalia as the most dangerous countries for women.The survey asked respondents which 5 of 193 UN member states they thought were most dangerous for women and which country was worst in terms of healthcare, economic resources, cultural or traditional practices, sexual violence and harassment, non-sexual violence and human trafficking. Respondents also ranked India the most dangerous country for women in terms of human trafficking, including sex slavery and domestic servitude, and for customary practices such as forced marriage, stoning and female infanticide.Reuters
Rahul slams Modi in tweet: PM tiptoes around garden making yoga videos, while India leads Syria in rapes
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-gandhi-slams-modi-in-tweet-pm-tiptoes-around-garden-making-yoga-videos-while-india-leads-syria-in-rapes/articleshow/64746188.cms
New Delhi: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today ridiculed PM Narendra Modi for his exercise clips video and hinted that like Nero fiddling when Rome burned, the PM "tiptoes around his garden making yoga videos" even as the situation for women in India goes from bad to worse. "While our PM tiptoes around his garden making Yoga videos, India leads Afghanistan, Syria & Saudi Arabia in rape & violence against women. What a shame for our country!," tweeted Rahul.TOI
Assam: As draft NRC faces delay, questions grow over 'exclusions'
https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2018/06/26/assam-draft-nrc-faces-delay-questions-exclusions.html
The biggest enumeration exercise that any Indian state has seen after independence is fast nearing completion with the complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam set to be published soon. The Supreme Court had fixed June 30 as the date for publication of the complete draft NRC, but in view of the devastating floods in Assam, work in 3 Barak Valley districts suffered for around 10 days. It is, therefore, all but certain now that the complete draft NRC will not be published on June 30 and will be delayed by a few days.NRC-updating exercise has understandably generated a lot of heat both within and outside the country and several questions have resulted. NRC authorities had made it clear that claims and objections could be filed by people whose names do not figure in the final draft. But, what will be the time limit for disposal of claims and objections? Again, after the disposal of claims and objections, when can one expect the final updated NRC? And, the most important question, can those people whose names do not figure in the final NRC be automatically regarded as illegal migrants or foreigners and what will be their fate?So far, there are no concrete answers to these valid questions. The only common thread running through all Govt and non-Govt organisations is one word: apprehension.theweek
BJP uneasy about 30 June NRC list, fears unrest in Assam: E-x CM Tarun Gogoi
https://theprint.in/governance/bjp-uneasy-about-30-june-nrc-list-fears-unrest-in-assam-former-cm-tarun-gogoi/74765/
New Delhi: Ex-Assam CM and senior Congress leader Tarun Gogoi has expressed apprehensions over the process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) ahead of the 30 June deadline of releasing the complete draft.Gogoi has claimed that BJP-led state Govt too seems to be uneasy about the whole process as the deadline nears.The crucial exercise, aimed at weeding out illegal immigrants from the voter list, is being monitored by the Supreme Court.“We are apprehensive about the NRC exercise. Even BJP Govt in Assam itself seems apprehensive,” Gogoi told ThePrint.theprint
Harsh Mander resigns as special monitor, cites NHRC silence on encounter killings
https://thewire.in/rights/citing-nhrc-silence-on-encounter-killings-harsh-mander-resigns-as-special-monitor
New Delhi: Citing NHRC “continued silence” on the issue of “encounter killings targeting minorities in UP and Haryana” as well as on the report he had authored on the critical question of those declared as foreigners in Assam by Office of the State Coordinator of National Registration(NRC), civil rights activist Harsh Mander has resigned from the post of NHRC special monitor.In a letter to NHRC chairperson Justice (Retd.) HL Dattu, the former IAS officer who took to activism to work with the homeless, street children and survivors of mass violence and hunger, recalled how he had been invited “to act as a special monitor of NHRC on the issues of minorities.”“Given the very difficult situation faced by minorities, and my faith in the mandate of the NHRC in a democracy, I was happy to accept your kind invitation.I believe that human rights defenders should try their best to strengthen the NHRC when the NHRC seeks such support,” he wrote explaining why he took up the offer.Providing an insight into his past work on the issue of minorities and communal violence, Mander further wrote that “in the past, in the context of 2002 Gujarat massacre, and for a number of human rights issues related to mental hospitals, bonded labour, right to food and others,” he had “supported NHRC in many capacities, and therefore was happy to accept the invitation as special monitor.”thewire.in
Shujaat Bukhari murder threat to free speech, says NHRC
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/shujaat-bukhari-murder-threat-to-free-speech-nhrc-5233409/
New Delhi:Observing that murder of senior journalist and editor of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari was “serious threat” to free speech and freedom of press in J&K, NHRC Monday issued notices to the state Chief Secretary and Director General of Police seeking a detailed report on the investigation into the killing.Bukhari and his 2 personal security officers (PSOs) were gunned down by unidentified gunmen at Press colony in Srinagaron June14. NHRC, headed by Justice H L Dattu asked J&K Govt to provide details of the attacks on media persons in the past 2 years and measures taken by the state Govt to prevent such incidents.indianexpress
J&K: Shutdown in Valley, youth injured in CRPF firing
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-kashmir-shutdown-in-valley-youth-injured-in-crpf-firing-5233361/
Srinagar:Amid a shutdown in the Valley called by separatists to protest against “civilian killings”, a student was injured on Monday when CRPF personnel fired on protesting students in Baramulla.In south Kashmir, a large number of people participated in the funeral of LeT commander Shakoor Ahmad Dar, who was killed in an encounter Sunday.The joint separatist leadership comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik had called the shutdown to protest against the killings in the Valley. In Srinagar, all business establishments remained closed while few public transport vehicles plied. Attendance in schools and Govt offices also remained thin. In south and north Kashmir too, all business establishments remained closed and public transport remained off the roads.In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, a student was injured when CRPF personnel opened fire on protesting students at Nadihal village. Villagers said the students took to streets at Nadihal to protest against “civilian killings”.They said the students blocked a road and threw stones at a CRPF vehicle passing by. CRPF personnel fired at the protesters, leaving Class XI student Ubaid Manzoor injured. Ubaid, who was hit in the thigh, was rushed to District Hospital, Baramulla, from where he was shifted to Srinagar.In south Kashmir, a large crowd attended the funeral of Lashkar commander Dar at Sopat, Tangpora, in Kulgam district. A divisional commander of Lashkar, Dar was killed in an encounter at Qaimoh village of Kulgam.indianexpress
Empty rhetoric by Pakistan will not change that J&K is an integral part of India: New Delhi tells UN
https://scroll.in/latest/884143/empty-rhetoric-by-pakistan-will-not-change-that-j-k-is-an-integral-part-of-india-new-delhi-tells-un
India has objected to Pakistan’s reference to alleged “egregious crimes” in J&K at the UN General Assembly. No amount of “empty rhetoric” by Pakistan will change the reality that the state is an “inalienable” part of India, the Indian representative said.The reference to alleged killings in J&K was made by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi during a debate on “Responsibility to Protect and the Prevention of Genocide, War Crimes, Ethnic Cleansing and Crimes against Humanity”.Exercising his right of reply, First Secretary in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu said: “While we are having this serious debate for the first time in a decade on an issue that is of importance to all of us, we have witnessed that one delegation has, yet again, misused this platform to make an unwarranted reference to the situation in the Indian state of J&K .”scroll.in
Govt likely to go after Kashmiri separatists for 'terror funding', 'money laundering': Officials
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/govt-likely-to-go-after-kashmiri-separatists-for-terror-funding-money-laundering-officials/articleshow/64737086.cms
New Delhi: With the imposition of governor's rule in J&K, Govt is expected to tighten the noose around Kashmiri separatist leaders who were allegedly involved in terror funding and money laundering, officials said on Monday.This would be done through coordinated action by NIA and ED, they said.The issue was discussed threadbare at a high-level meeting chaired by Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by director general of NIA Yogesh Chander Modi, director of the ED Karnal Singh besides others.A coordinated action is likely to be taken against Kashmiri separatists who were allegedly involved in terror funding and money laundering, an official privy to the meeting said.TOI
India set to seal $500mn deal with Israel to buy 4,500 Spike missiles
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-set-to-seal-500mn-deal-with-israel-to-buy-4-500-spike-missiles/story-wdT2IufrQ4ldybZFX76X5K.html
New Delhi:India is on the verge of finalising a $500 million deal with Israel for Govt-to-Govt purchase of around 4,500 Spike anti-tank guided missiles for the army ahead of Israel defence secretary Udi Adam’s visit to New Delhi for the annual joint working group discussion on bilateral defence cooperation. South Block officials and Israeli diplomats confirmed to Hindustan Times that both sides were awaiting the final seal of approval from the Modi Govt for the deal, which was initially conceptualised as one with a significant “Make in India” component. That component has now been reduced on grounds of commercial consideration.Major General (Retd) Udi Adams arrives in India on July 2 and leaves a day later after holding meetings with his counterpart Sanjay Mitra; he is also expected to pay a courtesy call to defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Army’s effort to purchase Spike missiles, which have a range from 800 metres to 8 km, has seen several twists and turns.Israeli defence contractor Rafael won the contract to sell more than 8000 Spike ATGMs to India in a deal which included manufacture of 3000 of the missile systems in India through the “Make in India” route. This contract was cancelled in November last year amid furore from the Israeli side. The procurement was changed to Govt-to-Govt route after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visited India this Jan. Contract has now been revised to direct purchase of 4500 weapon systems with a small quantity being manufactured in Hyderabad.HT
Scheme for quality madarsa education voluntary, clarifies HRD Ministry
https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/scheme-for-quality-madarsa-education-voluntary-says-hrd-ministry/story-geVjVogA3Ks7cqQfp8yD5J.html
(HRD ministry has clarified that scheme for providing quality education in madarsas (SPQEM) is voluntary and applicable only to those who want to provide modern education.Under the scheme, madrasas can be affiliated to any recognised board, including state board, CBSE, madrasa board, National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).“Affiliation to any board will help the students passing out of these madarsas to progress to higher levels of education when they complete their schooling. Provision of Rs5 lakh has been kept for strengthening and activities of madrasa boards also,” said Maneesh Garg, joint secretary at HRD ministry.There is also a provision of UDISE and GIS coordinates of madarsas to ensure accountability in respect of funds released by Govt, which is applicable to other institutions too,Garg said.“Scheme will focus on improvement of quality of education in the madarsas”. HT
No Funds without board affiliation: Govt to madrasas
http://www.freepressjournal.in/india/no-funds-without-board-affiliation-govt-to-madrasas/1304032
‘Ram temple will be built in Ayodhya,’ Adityanath promises religious leaders
https://scroll.in/latest/884109/ram-temple-will-be-built-in-ayodhya-adityanath-promises-religious-leaders
UP CM Adityanath has said “there should be no doubt” that a temple will be built in Ayodhya. “Lord Ram is the master of this universe. It is obvious that when Ayodhya has his blessings, the Ram temple would be built in Ayodhya,” Adityanath told a group of religious leaders in Ayodhya, Indian Express reported. “There should be no doubt about this.”The Supreme Court is currently hearing decades-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case.Adityanath’s comments came after a religious leader, Ram Vilas Vedanti, declared that they will build a temple at the disputed site irrespective of the court’s order. Vedanti is part of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, an outfit of religious leaders that have been at the forefront of a campaign to build a temple at the site. It is one of the main litigants in the case, and has links to VHP. “Ram temple is an issue for every Hindu in our country,” NDTV quoted Vedanti as saying. “A temple will be built where Ram resides and we won’t wait for any court. If the court allows it, then fine but even if it doesn’t, a temple shall still be built. It is certain that the temple will be built before 2019.”In response, Adityanath asked them to be patient for some more time. CM also claimed that there will be several hurdles while building a temple at the site, especially in view of 2019 Lok Sabha polls.scroll.in
Want to build Ram Mandir lawfully; no mosque: VHP
https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-want-to-build-ram-mandir-lawfully-no-mosque-vhp-449367
Yogi urges seers to be patient, says Ram temple will definitely be built in Ayodhya
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/yogi-adityanath-urges-seers-to-be-patient-says-ram-temple-will-definitely-be-built-in-ayodhya/story-WTezWqrRhshah8t7W3gUgL.html
Modi has time to visit mosques abroad, not for Ayodhya darshan: Togadia
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/modi-has-time-to-visit-mosques-abroad-not-for-ayodhya-darshan-togadia-5234070/
Ex-VHP leader Pravin Togadia has attacked PM Narendra Modi for doing “nothing so far” for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying he had not even found time for a darshan of Ram lala there.“PM doesn’t have time to come to Ayodhya and have a darshan of Ram lala but has time to visit mosques in foreign countries,” the Hindutva leader who has now floated his own Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP) said. “Modi Govt has done nothing so far for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya,” he told reporters here.“They have betrayed crores of Hindus by failing to enact a law for the construction of temples in Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi,” he added.Togadia said since the Govt is busy with other issues he has himself prepared a draft bill for this, and Govt can get it passed in Parliament.“I will present this draft before Ram lala,”he said.Togadia was heading for Ayodhya later in the day, his first visit there after floating the new outfit. He said his organisation planned a march from Lucknow to Ayodhya in Oct.on Ram temple issue.PTI
AMU Teachers Association dubs Adityanath statement on quota for Dalits an election stunt
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/amuta-dubs-cm-statement-on-quota-for-dalits-an-election-stunt/articleshow/64737457.cms
A day after UP CM Yogi Adityanath said minority-run institutions like AMU and Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi should reserve seats for Dalits, AMU Teachers Association (AMUTA) secretary Najmul Islam dubbed the statement as an “election stunt”.Reacting to the CM’s statement, Islam wondered why the CM had not raised this issue 18 months ago when BJP came to power in UP. “What was the need for this at this time,” he said, adding that it had been done with an eye on 2019 polls.AMUTA secretery said all politicians should stay away from educational institutions and not play politics with it. “They should stay focussed on development and other issues rather than politicking over education,” Islam said.If Govt wants to make good its intentions, then it should open an academic institution solely for Dalits, Islam suggested. There, Dalits could begiven admission as well as better employment opportunities, AMU teacher pointed out. However, the truth is that the Govt does not want to resolve the problem but instead make an issue of it, he added.Another former head of AMU students union, Mashkoor Usmani, termed CM’s statement as “irresponsible”. According to officials, there is an “internal” quota of 50% for those who pass out of Class XII from AMU schools. “No reservations is there on basis of religion and caste,” said an AMU official.TOI
Yogi remark on quota in AMU, Jamia a bid to break Dalit-Muslim solidarity: Dalit leader
https://theprint.in/politics/yogi-remark-on-quota-in-amu-jamia-a-bid-to-break-dalit-muslim-solidarity-dalit-leader/74853/
New Delhi: A prominent Dalit leader has questioned the intentions of UP CM Yogi Adityanath in calling for Dalit reservation in minority institutions such as AMU and Jamia Millia Islamia.“BJP is just trying to break the newly-emerging Dalit-Muslim solidarity in the country with an eye on elections. Neither Dalits nor Muslims will get swayed by the BJP’s crocodile tears for Dalits,” said Ashok Bharti, the chairman of National Confederation of Dalit Organisations (NACDOR), and chairman of the International Commission for Dalit Rights.“If he (Yogi) is so sincere about reservation, why doesn’t he ensure adequate representation for Scheduled Castes and Tribes in other universities and his own Govt ,” asked Bharti, who was among the Dalit leaders who had called for the Bharat Bandh on April 2 this year, when Dalits protested the alleged dilution of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.Tahir Mahmood, former chairman of the law commission, argues that it is not “logical” for minority institutions to have reservation for Dalits, unless, “to balance it out”, there is reservation for minorities in general universities.According to Article 30(1) of the Constitution, all religious and linguistic minorities have right to run educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities.theprint
Congress spreading 'illusionary fear' among Dalits, minorities, says PM Modi; while rebel BJP leaders accused ruling regime for imposing “undeclared Emergency”
http://www.newsnation.in/india-news/congress-spreading-illusionary-fear-among-dalits-minorities-says-pm-modi-on-emergency-debate-article-197746.html
New Delhi:On the 43rd anniversary of the imposition of Emergency, PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed Congress for spreading “illusionary fear” about the Constitution, Dalits and minorities facing danger in the country under BJP-led NDA Govt .“People who trampled upon the constitution, jailed the country's democracy, are today spreading illusionary fear that Modi will interfere in the constitution,” said Modi while addressing a meeting organised by BJP to observe the Emergency anniversary.Modi said that the Emergency imposed in 1975 by then PM Indira Gandhi was a black spot on India’s history and the black day should be observed to protect the Constitution.“Emergency is a black spot on the golden history of the nation. Observing black day today is not just to criticise the Congress for its sin of imposing Emergency but also to create an awareness for the protection of Constitution and democracy,” Modi said.Modi went full throttle and accused the Congress party of turning the country into a jail by imposing Emergency for personal interests.While Modi took on the Congress for Emergency declared 43 years ago, rebel BJP leader and former finance minister Yashwant Sinha accused the ruling regime of imposing an “undeclared Emergency” in the country.“There is an "undeclared Emergency" in the country which is more dangerous than the one declared by the Indira Gandhi Govt in 1975,” Sinha said while addressing an AAP rally in Varanasi over the phone. Another top Rajasthan BJP leader Ghanshyam Tiwari went a step ahead and quit the party on Monday citing "undeclared Emergency" in the country under Modi regime.News Nation
Restrictions on judiciary, legislature and media under BJP: Rajasthan MLA who quit
https://thewire.in/politics/restrictions-on-judiciary-legislature-and-media-under-bjp-says-rajasthan-mla-who-quit
Jaipur: Senior BJP MLA from Rajasthan and a staunch critic of Vasundhara Raje Govt, Ghanshyam Tiwari, submitted his resignation yesterday to party chief Amit Shah after being associated with Sangh for 66 years.In 2013 assembly polls, Tiwari had won with the highest margin in the state, defeating his Congress rival by over 65,350 votes.In his letter to Shah, 5-time legislator said that he had brought large-scale corruption in the state by Raje dispensation to BJP chief’s attention time and again.“Constantly brought to your attention the conversion of Rajasthan BJP into a private shop of one person but you never did anything. On the contrary, when you came to power, you disrespected and tried to defame the loyal people.”He also insinuated that the present conditions in the nation and the state is that of an ‘undeclared Emergency’, and said that an “undeclared Emergency at present is more dangerous than the declared Emergency”.thewire
A year after dramatic breakup, Nitish wants to get back together with Lalu
https://theprint.in/politics/a-year-after-breakup-nitish-kumar-wants-to-get-back-together-with-lalu/75200/
New Delhi: Almost a year after he walked out of Bihar mahagatbandhan (grand alliance) on the issue of “serious corruption charges” against his main ally RJD and joined hands with BJP, Nitish Kumar seems ready for ghar-wapsi.Sources who have been part of the back-channel talks told ThePrint that the Bihar CM ’s emissaries have reached out to RJD chief Lalu Prasad as well as other key opposition figures and broached the subject of the JD(U)’s re-entry into the UPA fold.At least one meeting has taken place between Lalu Prasad and one of Nitish’s key aides, the sources said. The issue of a possible patch-up was also discussed at an iftar party held last month in Mumbai.The possibility of Nitish unilaterally announcing a break from his alliance with the BJP was also discussed. Further, the emissaries have indicated to RJD leaders that they have opened lines of communication with the Congress.Sharad Yadav, ex JD(U) president who was suspended from the Rajya Sabha after a bitter break-up with Nitish and has now formed his own party, has also been sounded out by Nitish’s emissaries. The strong possibility of another NDA ally, who has grown close to Nitish in recent months, jumping ship along with JD(U) was also discussed at one of the meetings.theprint
Lynching of a Muslim in name of cow a "thunderclap" in Kashmir:Arun Shourie
http://www.indiasamvad.co.in/top-stories/arun-shourie-calls-modi-Govt -a-one-trick-horse--28339
New Delhi: Taking a dig at Modi Govt, ex Union Minister Arun Shourie on Monday said that it was a "one-trick horse" with no policy either on Kashmir or Pakistan. "There is no Govt and no policy regarding Kashmir or Pakistan or even the banks ... What we have is a one-trick horse that only knows how to divide the Hindus and Muslims of this country," he said at the launch of the book "Kashmir: Glimpses of History..." penned by senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz.Terming the Modi Govt as "event-oriented and election-oriented", Shourie said that the focus was on organising events and winning elections with little heed to policy or governance.He also took a dig at the much publicised surgical strike against Pakistan and termed it as "farzical" (fake) strike.Commenting on the Kashmir unrest, the former Union Minister said the situation has been hurting the whole country and not just the Kashmiris and people should realise that fact.On the Centre's newly-declared "all out action" stance on Kashmir, Shourie said that what he understood of it was there would be "more aggressive target killings of individuals" but stressed that it would not be wise to use "foolish force" against the people.IANS
Jashodaben Batting for Indo-Pak Peace Rally Defies Modi Govt's Hypernationalism
https://thewire.in/politics/jashodaben-batting-for-indo-pak-peace-rally-defies-modi-govt-hypernationalism
New Delhi: A march in north Gujarat is getting all the attention these days. Flagged off by Socialist Party (India), which socialist ideologue Ram Manohar Lohia had founded after Independence, yatra meant to promote peace between India and Pakistan created a stir when Jashodaben, the estranged wife of PM Narendra Modi, decided to join the march in support for the cause. At a time, when the Modi Govt has taken strong positions against Pakistan, Jashodaben’s support to the yatra may be seen as a possible defiance. The yatra, which began in Ahmedabad on June 19, will end on June 29 near the border in Banaskantha district. It was when the march was passing through Patan district when Jashodaben rallied with the team of 8 which has been walking along the region to promote greater interaction between the two nations.“Our coordinator Kausar Ali Sayyad approached Jashodaben for support. Upon hearing our mission, she readily agreed. She and her brother Ashok Modi joined us for half an hour at a village called Sihi in Patan district. She categorically said that the borders of India need peace and the war rhetoric should stop. Yuddha Nahin, Shaanti Chahiye (Not war, we want peace) was her slogan. She said that the violence at the border should stop and we must not sacrifice our soldiers unnecessarily,” social activist and Magsaysay award winner, Sandeep Pandey, who is leading the yatra, told The Wire.thewire
Islamic Development Bank seeks tie-ups for infrastructure investments
https://www.livemint.com/Companies/jV4pnYaZjvkM8qOg62ydgN/Islamic-Development-Bank-seeks-tieups-for-infrastructure-in.html
Mumbai: Islamic Development Bank Group, one of the largest lenders to Muslim countries, is interested in exploring joint opportunities with other multilateral development banks to invest in India’s infrastructure sector, said Islamic Development Bank president Bandar M.H. Hajjar.The development is significant given India’s infrastructure requirements and the need to access capital at competitive rates. Infrastructure development has been one of the focus areas of the Modi Govt. Starting with an allocation of around ₹1.81 trillion in 2014-15, expenditure towards infrastructure reached ₹4.94 trillion in 2017-18. India plans to invest as much as ₹5.97 trillion in creating and upgrading infrastructure in the current financial year.Hajjar said the Jeddah-based bank is exploring joint opportunities through a line of guarantees and pooled and blended financing.With 57 member countries, IDB has financed $130.8 billion since inception. According to information available on its website, the top 5 beneficiaries are Bangladesh (14.9%), Pakistan (8.9%),Egypt (8.8%),Turkey (8.3%)and Morocco (5%).India has been seeking Saudi investment in its infrastructure sector. Mint reported on 14 June that Public Investment Fund of Saudi, which has invested in SoftBank’s Vision Fund and ride-hailing firm Uber, is looking to invest in India. Also, the world’s biggest oil producer, Saudi Aramco, has partnered with a consortium of Indian state-run companies to set up the largest global refinery and petrochemical complex by capacity at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra at an investment of $44 billion. Saudi Arabia is a crucial source of energy for India and hosts a number of expatriate Indians.livemint
Pregnant Woman Killed In UP For Accidentally Touching An Upper Caste Woman's Bucket
https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/pregnant-woman-killed-in-up-for-accidentally-touching-an-upper-caste-woman-s-bucket-332401.html
In the Khetalpur Bhansoli village of UP, with a population of as much as 3,500, about 30% of them are Dalits.There have admitted to frequent fights with upper castes in the village. In one such incident, a pregnant woman was killed in this village for 'defiling' a bucket of a woman from the upper caste, reported the Indian Express. On Oct.15 morning, an over-8-months pregnant Savitri Devi, like most days, was collecting garbage from homes in Khetalpur Bhansoli village in Bulandshahr district of UP. While she was at one of the homes, a rickshaw caused her to lose balance and ‘touch’ a bucket belonging to Anju, an upper caste Thakur.According to Kusuma Devi, Savitri's neighbour, Anju stormed towards her, punched her repeatedly in the stomach and banged her head on a wall.She kept accusing Savitri of defiling her bucket by touching it. Later, Anju’s son Rohit also joined in and beat her with sticks.6 days later, both Savitri, a Dalit, and her unborn son were dead. indiatimes
Gujarat barber beaten up for ‘cutting hair of Dalits’, 4 booked
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-barber-beaten-up-for-cutting-hair-of-dalits-four-booked-5233465/
Ahmedabad : 4 persons belonging to upper caste were booked on Monday for allegedly attacking a barber for “cutting hair of Dalits” at Umrecha village of Satlasna taluka of Mehsana district.In a complaint lodged with Satlasna police station, Jasiben Bhagwandas alleged that her son Jigar, who runs a hair cutting salon in the village, was attacked by 4 persons on Sunday. She identified the attackers as Govind Chaudhary, Nanji Chaudhary, Rajesh Chaudhary and Vasant Chaudhary, all residents of same village.Jasiben has alleged that about 10 days ago, Jigar was warned by the accused persons that he should not cut hair of Dalit men. But Jigar didn’t pay heed to it. The allegation is that Jigar was attacked by the accused just for entertaining Dalits at his shop,” said Sub-Inspector Ratilal Makwana,who is investigating the case.Makwana said that when he went to the village and recorded statements of several Dalits, all said that they never faced any issue with Jigar.“They told me that no one ever threatened them for going to the barber’s shop,” Makwana added.indianexpress
Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Nagpur increased our membership:RSS leader
https://scroll.in/latest/884112/pranab-mukherjees-visit-to-nagpur-increased-our-membership-says-rss-leader
The number of applicants seeking to join RSS has increased several times since ex President Pranab Mukherjee attended an event at the organisation’s headquarters earlier this month, the outfit’s senior leader Biplab Roy said.“From June 1 to June 6, on an average, we used to receive 378 requests everyday on our website ‘Join RSS’ at the national level,” Roy said at a press conference in Kolkata, PTI reported. “On June 7, the day Mukherjee addressed our Shiksha Varg, we received 1,779 requests. After June 7,we have been receiving 1,200-1,300 requests everyday.”About 40% of these requests are from Mukherjee’s home state, West Bengal, Roy said.scroll.in
Vice President cautions against intolerance in the name of cow, Love Jihad
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/vice-president-cautions-against-intolerance-in-the-name-of-cow-love-jihad-?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday cautioned against practising intolerance in the name of cow protection, Love Jihad and eating habits, saying such actions spoil the name of the country and people can't take law into their hands. "... We need to guard against intolerance on the part of certain misguided citizens. We have been occasionally witnessing such words and deeds of intolerance by some citizens in the name of so-called cow protection, Love Jihad, eating habits, watching films. "Such incidents lead us to the point that individual freedoms can be in full play only when every citizen respects such freedoms of fellow citizens. Post-Emergency, the State apparatus would think twice before riding roughshod over the liberties and freedoms of citizens. But it is enlightened citizens who would enable fuller manifestation of such liberties and freedoms," Naidu said.IANS
Rohingya are internal, external security threat: VHP resolution
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rohingya-are-internal-external-security-threat-vhp-resolution-5233309/
VHP on Monday passed a resolution at the meeting of its governing council, terming the increasing number of Rohingya Muslims in the country as an “internal and external security threat”. VHP working president Alok Kumar said that in order to neutralise the “infiltration” problem, Govt should make a law, seal the Indo-Bangladesh border, deploy additional security agencies with BSF, constitute a Parliamentary Committee and deport the “infiltrators” without delay. VHP appealed to people of the country to boycott the “infiltrators” economically and socially and hand them over to police.indianexpress
Hapur lynching: Qasim attacked with screw drivers and sickles, died of blood loss
https://theprint.in/politics/hapur-lynching-qasim-attacked-with-screw-drivers-and-sickles-died-of-blood-loss/75169/
Hapur: Cattle trader Mohammad Qasim, 45, lynched last week in Hapur, was assaulted by suspected cow vigilantes for over an hour — his body pierced with screw drivers and skin scraped with sickles — until he lost too much blood for his heart to keep going.Qasim’s autopsy report, accessed by ThePrint, paints a horrific picture of how he was allegedly mauled by a mob that suspected him of cow slaughter. According to the report, Qasim, who was brought dead to the hospital, sustained 18 grievous external injuries, with the medical examiner noting contusions on his legs, arms, and knees. There were multiple bruises all over his back, his ribs were fractured, and there were deep cuts on his shoulders, knees, near the abdomen, and on his head. The cause of death was haemmorhagic shock.“It appears that he was beaten up with blunt but heavy objects and attacked with sharp metallic objects till he collapsed and became semi-conscious. The death was due to immense shock,” a doctor at Saraswati hospital, where Qasim’s autopsy was conducted, told ThePrint.“It also appears that he sustained several internal injuries…on his private parts. There were several abrasions suggesting that he was kicked around,” doctor added.theprint
Change FIR or case can collapse in trial, says man who lodged FIR in Hapur lynching
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/change-fir-or-case-can-collapse-in-trial-says-man-who-lodged-fir-in-hapur-lynching/articleshow/64741603.cms
Govt. responsible for killings in the name of cow slaughter: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
https://www.siasat.com/news/govt-responsible-killings-name-cow-slaughter-hindu-spiritual-leaders-1373617/
New Delhi: Art of Living supremo Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and President Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Maha Sabha Swami Chakrapani spoke to each other and decided to convene a meeting to discuss killings in the name of cow slaughter. Strongly condemning the Hapur incident in which Muslim was lynched by a mob, Swami Chakrapani said if such elements continue to do whatever they want in the name of religion the integrity of the county will be at stake.Swami Chakrapani talked to Sri Sri on phone and discussed issues like Gau Raksha, Ayodhya issue and preservation of Ganga. They agreed to call a meeting of all religious leaders. They expressed concern over communalisation in the country and said Muslims are killed in the name of cow somewhere their beard is pulled. Someone asks all Muslims to become Hindu someone asks all to become Muslims; how long will it continue? He asked. siasat
Mangaluru: Students protest ban on hijab in classrooms
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/mangaluru-students-body-protests-ban-on-hijab-in-classrooms/articleshow/64736444.cms
Mangaluru:Alleging that the management of St Agnes College had been denying students permission to wear hijab, Muslim girl students on Monday staged a protest in front of the college at Bendorewell in Mangaluru.“Hijab is our dignity. It is our protector. Who are you to remove it,” said the students, during a protest organised by the Campus Front of India.“We are not allowed to wear hijab in the college this year onwards. When our Constitution and Govt allows us to wear hijab, how can the college remove our right,” questioned Fathima, a student.“All Muslim girls studying at St Agnes Institutions will boycott classes until institution gives us back our right to wear hijab,” she said.Riyaz, a member of the state committee of Campus Front of India, said a delegation representing female Muslim students arrived at the campus two days ago to “politely” speak to the principal and get the issue resolved.However, neither the principal nor any lecturer was willing to talk. Meanwhile, the institution in a communique stated that it was committed to respect every student.“St Agnes College is a minority institution catering to women’s education in particular. We respect every student who chooses to study here. The management has framed rules and regulations to maintain order and discipline. Accordingly, the college rule states that the students are not permitted to wear headscarf inside the classrooms only. However, we have no objection if they wear it outside. The students and their parents are aware of this rule before seeking admission in our college. Yet, a few students have gone on a protest without even submitting memorandum. If there are any issues with any student, the management will settle the matter with the students and their parents,” Sr Jeswina, principal, St Agnes College said.TOI
Intellectuals, Artists, Academicians, come together to condemn arrest of 5 accused in Bhima-Koregaon Case
https://thewire.in/caste/condemn-arrests-bhima-koregaon-clashes-dalit-rights
New Delhi:Over 200 intellectuals, artists, academicians, lawyers, journalists, and students have issued a statement condemning the arrests of 5 human rights activists, professors and lawyers in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon clashes. The signatories to the statement have described the arrests as “a clear manifestation of state terror to crush the voices of dissent in this country”. Criticising the misuse of the IPC and UAPA to keep the accused in jail, the statement has pointed out that the accused worked “for the assertion of oppressed and marginalised communities against majoritarian forces, spoke out against Brahmanical patriarchy.” And that while they are being shut in jail over outrageous charges, “the perpetrators of violence during the Bhima-Koregaon clashes enjoy the protection of the state”.thewire
Sohrabuddin Fake Encounter Case: After 72 Witnesses Turn Hostile, Another Claims Threat to Life
https://thewire.in/law/sohrabuddin-fake-encounter-case-after-72-witnesses-turn-hostile-another-claims-threat-to-life
New Delhi: Just days after the number of witnesses in the alleged fake encounters of the Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulasiram Prajapathi turning hostile climbed to 72, another key witness has now claimed that he is facing pressure and even threat to his life.According to the Indian Express, 40-year-old prosecution witness, who along with Sohrabuddin and Prajapati was accused in the Hamid Lala murder case, has sent a letter to the court claiming that he’s been pressurised to not depose before the court.The witness in question was apparently close to Sohrabuddin. He was also an inmate of Prajapati in Udaipur central jail till his death in an alleged fake encounter in 2006. While he has previously been summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation for being an accused in several cases in Rajasthan, he has so far remained untraceable.The daily further reported that on June 25, the wife of the witness in question appeared before the court to depose as a prosecution witness, following which she handed over a one-page letter apparently written by her husband.thewire
Sohrabuddin fake encounter: Witness says under pressure not to depose before court, threat to life
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/sohrabuddin-fake-encounter-witness-says-under-pressure-not-to-depose-before-court-threat-to-life-5233539/
Disturbed Areas Act in Gujarat: A Tool to Discriminate Against Muslims
https://thewire.in/rights/disturbed-areas-act-in-gujarat-a-tool-to-discriminate-against-muslims
Ahmedabad: VHP leader Pravin Togadia in a speech in 2014 at Bhavnagar, Gujarat, had suggested spitting on a Muslim man and throwing tomatoes at him. This, while attending to a complaint reportedly about a Muslim man who had bought a property in a ‘Hindu area’. Evoking the Disturbed Area Act in his speech, Bhagwat had stated,“This is a long-time conspiracy that Muslims have been executing in cities and villages of India. How can we stop this? There are two ways – one, to impose Disturbed Areas Act everywhere, 2 – consult a lawyer, barge into a house, occupy it forcefully and hang the board of Bajrang Dal. We can handle a case later.” His audience had cheered and clapped.Disturbed Areas Act was enacted in the year 1986 and replaced with a new Act in 1991. It empowers Govt to declare riot-prone areas as ‘disturbed’. Property sale or transfer in areas where Act has been imposed requires additional permission from the collector’s office affirming free consent. The motive of the Act was to prevent distress sales. It was also to prevent house owners of one community from selling to another in case of social distress. However, for three decades, the implementation of the act has translated into a very different ground scenario. Evoking the Act to drive Muslims residents away from areas that have a mixed population is not uncommon in Gujarat.Munir Sheikh was an employee of LIC when he bought a flat in Paldi, Ahmedabad in 1995 – a house where Sheikh and his family could never live in and eventually had to sell.“Over the years, more and more Muslims have either been forced out or for the sake of safety moved to Muslim dominated areas like Juhapura or Jamalpur. If Muslims try to buy property in areas of mixed population, a problem crops up in most cases. There are elements in society who will create ruckus and reach every Govt office to evoke Disturbed Areas Act. The officials then inevitably find some loophole under the Act to harass the buyer,” shares Sharif Khan, a builder residing in Ahmedabad.In May 2018, Disturbed Areas Act was challenged in HC by Danish Qureshi, an activist working for minority rights.“State Govt has been bringing more areas under the Act not because it is necessary but because it serves the political agenda,” stated Qureshi.thewire
New guidelines for Modi’s security: even Ministers, officers won’t be allowed to come too close to him
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/new-guidelines-for-modis-security-ministers-officers-wont-be-allowed-to-come-close/article24262056.ece?homepage=true
Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new security guidelines to States in the wake of an “all-time high” threat to PM Narendra Mod.As per the communication, not even Ministers and officers will be allowed to come too close to the PM unless cleared by the Special Protection Group (SPG).The communication cited an “unknown threat” to Modi. He is the “most valuable target” in the run-up to the 2019 general election, officials privy to the development said.SPG is believed to have advised Modi, who is the main campaigner for the ruling BJP, to cut down on road shows, which invite a bigger threat, in the run-up to the 2019 poll, and instead address public rallies, which are easier to manage, an official said.thehindu
Rajnath to visit Bangladesh next month, hold talks on terrorism, radicalization of youths
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajnath-singh-to-visit-bangladesh-to-discuss-anti-terror-cooperation-radicalisation-5232911/
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit Bangladesh next month and hold discussions on anti-terror cooperation and ways to check radicalization of youths, an official said. During the 3-day visit beginning July 14, the home minister is also expected to meet Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and discuss various bilateral issues.In his meeting with Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Singh will discuss how to strengthen the anti-terror mechanism between the two countries and check radicalisation of youths by terrorist groups, a home ministry official said.indian express
WORLD
Egypt, Saudi, UAE, Jordan 'support US plan' for peace in the Middle East
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/arab-states-support-plan-peace-middle-east-180625151853119.html
4 Arab states have backed the US plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace process, regardless of the position of Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, an Israeli paper reports.Israel Hayom daily interviewed officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan who confirmed to Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law, and Jason Greenblatt, US envoy to the region, their support for the yet to be announced "deal of the century". Kushner and Greenblatt conducted a week-long tour of the Middle East, where they visited Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Israel.The paper, which is owned by American billionaire couple Sheldon and Miriam Adelson (who are also supporters of Israeli PM), said that the officials interviewed by the daily also expressed their displeasure with Abbas's insistence on refusing to meet Kushner and Greenblatt.The PA officials have rejected meeting US officials since the Trump administration controversially recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, accusing Washington of pro-Israeli bias and as unfit to mediate in peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.According to Daniel Siryoti, Arab affairs commentator for the paper, the leaders of Arab countries Kushner visited were the ones who advised him give an interview to the Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds on Sunday, where he sharply criticised Abbas' ability to make a deal and said that US plan will be presented with or without his consent.Siryoti quoted an unnamed senior Egyptian official as saying that the leaders of the Arab countries visited by Kushner and Greenblatt stressed that the official Arab positions conveyed to US officials reflect the "unanimous" positions of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and UAE.According to the official, the leaders would also not oppose any attempt by Washington to override Abbas' interests.Israel Hayom also quoted a senior Jordanian official, who warned of the Palestinian leadership being rendered "irrelevant with respect to the peace process." Osama Hamdan, member of the Hamas movement's politburo in Lebanon, said the Arab states are being used by the US to exert pressure on the Palestinian Authority."There is an American insistence on not dealing with the Palestinian side in order to create an overwhelming pressure on them internally and through the regional Arab states," he said.aljazeera
UN calls on member states to support UNRWA amid funding shortages
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/calls-member-states-support-unrwa-funding-shortages-180626083947352.html
UN has asked member states to fill a critical funding gap caused by the US govt's decision to cut more than half of its funding to UN agency that assists Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.On Monday, a conference held by UN to raise money for basic services including food aid, medical care and sanitation, commenced in an attempt to help over 5 million refugees in the occupied West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and war-torn Syria.It is unclear how much was pledged by which countries against this year's shortfall of $250m facing UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). aljazeera
Hamas calls on UN to approve UNRWA budget
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180625-hamas-calls-on-un-to-approve-unrwa-budget/
Hamas has called on UN to approve the budget of the UNRWA as part of the global body’s main budget.“UN should take a responsible decision by approving the agency’s budget as part of its primary budget,” Palestinian group said.It went on to stress the need to find “radical solutions”to the refugee agency’s chronic financial woes.MEMO
Hamas hails removal of gates placed at refugee camps in Lebanon
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180626-hamas-hails-removal-of-gates-placed-at-refugee-camps-in-lebanon/
Hamas has praised the Lebanese army’s decision to remove the electronic gates which were placed at the entrance of refugee camps in Lebanon.In a statement posted on Hamas’ official website it stressed that it was confident the Lebanese army “will respond to its request, as Lebanon has always been a supporter of the Palestinian people and their cause”.The statement also added: “Hamas expresses its appreciation to the response of the Lebanese military to the demands of the Palestinian people through its decision to remove the electronic gates.”Hamas thanked all Palestinian and Lebanese officials who made the effort to meet the demands of Palestinian people.MEMO
Syrian regime tightens noose around Daraa; 29 killed
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/203457/syrian-regime-tightens-noose-around-daraa-29-killed
At least 29 people were killed over the past 24 hours in attacks carried out by the Assad regime in Syria’s southern Daraa province.On Monday evening, the regime and its allies launched a ground offensive -- supported by Russian air power -- following four earlier attempts to storm Daraa’s northeastern town of Busra al-Harir.Recent days have seen Syrian regime forces and their Iran-backed allies advance to the town’s outskirts, where they have continued to clash with armed opposition groups.According to local civil-defense sources, at least 29 people have been killed by repeated regime attacks, especially in the towns of Busra al-Harir, Al-Hirak, Al-Sourah and Nahtah.Busra al-Harir is of particular strategic value, as it represents the only means of accessing Daraa’s eastern countryside.worldbulletin
Syrian army offensive in southwest displaces 45,000: UN
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syrian-army-advances-southwest-monitor-hezbollah-media-1284408973
The Syrian army has seized a chunk of territory from rebels in the southwest, Syrian state media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Tuesday, the first major government advance in an offensive near the Jordanian border.The capture of the area including the towns of Busra al-Harir and Mlehat al-Atash cuts across an opposition-held finger of territory in northeastern Daraa province, where President Bashar al-Assad has pressed his assault despite US warnings.A military source cited by Syrian state television said the army had seized both Basr al-Harir and Mlehat al-Atash - a move confirmed by the Observatory.A total of 29 rebels and 24 pro-government fighters have been killed so far. At least 32 civilians have also lost their lives, the UK-based monitor, which relies on sources in Syria, estimated. middleeasteye
UN alarmed by escalating hostilities in SW Syria
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/203464/un-alarmed-by-escalating-hostilities-in-sw-syria
Syria assault in Deraa intensifies as thousands continue to flee
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/thousands-continue-flee-deraa-syria-assault-intensifies-180625115803218.html
Yemen: 70 Houthi prisoners freed by Saudi, UAE
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180626-yemen-70-houthi-prisoners-freed-by-saudi-uae/
A major prisoner swap deal has occurred between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi armed group in Yemen, Al-Jazeera reported today.Saudi-led coalition released 70 Houthi prisoners in exchange for some 40 prisoners held by the Houthis. The deal insinuates that both warring parties are on negotiating terms, ideal for a United Nations backed political process.The news comes as the Yemen National Army announced the capture of seven experts belonging to the Lebanese Hezbollah in the Houthi stronghold Saada governorate, northern Yemen yesterday. Although it is the first time Lebanon’s Hezbollah has been mentioned in the Yemen civil war, Colonel Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, claims it was “not the first time” that such forces were killed in Yemen, according to Arab News. Early on in the conflict, allegations surfaced that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were training the Houthis in northern Yemen.middleeastmonitor
Egypt: Beltagy calls on Mubarak to provide testimony
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180625-egypt-beltagy-calls-on-mubarak-to-provide-testimony/
A leading member of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood has asked that ousted president Hosni Mubarak offer his testimony as a witness in the court case in which he and former President Mohamed Morsi are accused of breaking into prisons during the 2011 uprising and spying for Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.Mohamed Beltagy was standing before Cairo Criminal Court yesterday along with former president Morsi, who was ousted in a military coup in 2013, and others. The court adjourned the trial until 19 July when former interior minister Mahmoud Wagdy is set to offer his testimony in court.Beltagy asked for Mubarak and a number of former ministers and PM s to testify in court.MEMO
Egypt’s Grand Mufti slams researcher for citing Sayed Kotb in his PhD research:EGYPT TODAY
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/2/52774/Grand-Mufti-criticizes-researcher-for-citing-Sayed-Kotb
CAIRO; Egypt’s Grand Mufti, Shawki Allam, criticized an Al-Azhar researcher for using the writings of Sayed Kotb, a former leading Muslim brotherhood figure, as a reference in his PhD research. While formally examining a PhD research, Allam criticized that some Al-Azhar scholars depend on the writings of some extremists and cite them in their researches, considering that such action distorts the image of Islam and paves the way for intellectual extremism. MP Mohamed Abu Hamed of the Social Solidarity Committee said that state and Islamic institutions have to warn against Kotb’s thoughts, claiming that some elements inside the Islamic institutions tend to adopt Muslim Brotherhood’s thoughts. Omar Hamroush, Secretary of the Parliament’s Religious Affairs and Endowments Committee affirmed that his committee made sure that Al-Azhar books were devoid of extremist ideas after a committee from Al-Azhar worked on removing extremist thoughts from books in 2014. egypttoday
China Steps up Surveillance With Flock of Robotic Doves in Muslim-majority Xinjiang
https://www.news18.com/news/world/china-step-ups-surveillance-with-flock-of-robotic-doves-in-muslim-majority-xinjiang-1790157.html
Beijing: China has deployed a flock of high-tech drones disguised to look like birds to step up surveillance levels in the troubled Muslim-majority Xinjiang region, according to a media report.More than 30 military and Govt agencies have deployed the birdlike drones and other devices in at least five provinces in recent years, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.Each drone is designed to move like a bird with flapping wings and carries on board a small camera that will beam images back to its controllers.One part of the country that has seen the new technology used extensively is the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in China's far west, which borders Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, the report said.Resource-rich Xinjiang, bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Afghanistan, is on the boil for years following unrest among Uyghur Muslims over the increasing settlements of majority Han Chinese from other provinces.PTI
Taliban calls Islamic Scholars conferences a US process
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/taliban-calls-islamic-scholars-conferences-a-us-process-118062600371_1.html
Kabul: Afghan Taliban has denounced the so-called Islamic Scholars conferences in Asia and the Middle East as an "American process" and urged clerics to reject the gatherings.The Taliban says in a statement Tuesday the US first gathered religious scholars for a conference in Indonesia in May, and have since organized similar conferences in Kabul, Islamabad, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.No date has been set for a conference in Saudi.Taliban consider the conferences to be anti-Islamic and led by the U.S., the group said in the statement. It says the U.S. is using them to seek justification for its "military occupation" of Afghanistan."Islamic Emirate urges religious scholars to reject these conferences which are a scheme of the invaders," it said.AP
General involved in Rohingya crackdown fired after EU sanctions
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/general-involved-rohingya-crackdown-fired-eu-sanctions-180626075100833.html
Myanmar's military has fired a top general who was named in a fresh European Union sanctions against security officials accused of serious rights violations against the Rohingya minority, including killings and sexual violence.The military, also referred to as Tatmadaw, announced late on Monday in a Facebook post that Major General Maung Maung Soe, the former head of the western command in Rakhine, had been "purged" for poor performance.The announcement came after the EU said Soe was among seven security officials hit with travel bans and asset freezes, but Myanmar did not link his sacking to the new sanctions.aljazeera
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
In run-up to 2019, polarised J&K will add fuel to BJP fire:Kapil Sibal
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/choreography-of-a-break-up-narendra-modi-mehbooba-mufti-pdp-bjp-alliance-jammu-and-kashmir-5233142/
Five Myths and Misconceptions About the UN Report on Kashmir:Aman
https://thewire.in/rights/kashmir-un-report-ohchr-human-rights
Hapur horror: Muslims had prevented cow slaughter in Pilakhua in 1857:Amaresh Misra
http://www.indiasamvad.co.in/viewpoint/muslims-had-prevented-cow-slaughter-in-pilakhua-in-1857--28347
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:01 PM)
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