NEWS DIGEST, MID-DAY
27 June 2018:12 Shawwal 1439: Vol:10, No:53
INDIA
US wants India to stop Iran oil imports by Nov.4, no waiver on sanctions
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-wants-india-other-countries-to-stop-oil-imports-from-iran-by-november/story-kO8iymp3yEddfn8AI0ldSO.html
Washington:US will insist India and all other buyers of Iranian crude must cut imports to “zero” by Nov.4 when sanctions go into effect against Iran, a senior state department official said on Tuesday and warned there will be no waivers, unlike the previous round.The official said the message has been delivered already to allies in Europe and Asia and an interagency team of state and treasury department officials will be visiting India, China and other countries in the coming weeks. The official, who spoke to reporters on background, said India and China “will be subject to the same sanctions that everybody else’s is… and yes, we will certainly be requesting that their oil imports go to zero, without question.”“I would be hesitant to say zero waivers ever. I think the predisposition would be no, we’re not granting waivers,” the officials said to a question about granting waivers.Importers of Iranian crude face the risk of being hit by “secondary sanctions” by the US that could take various forms, but the most significant of which would be being blocked from the American financial system, which no country, developed or underdeveloped, can afford.India is the second largest buyer of Iranian crude after China, and Iran is the third largest supplier to India after Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and New Delhi has watched with familiar misgivings the Trump administration’s decision to tear up the Iran deal past May and announcement that sanctions will be back in force in two tranches by Nov.4.It was not immediately clear what kind of conversation will the US team have with Indian officials. But external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said that “India follows only UN sanctions, and not unilateral sanctions by any country” days after President Donald Trump pulled out of the Iran deal.More clarity is likely in New Delhi on the extent of cuts and waivers and all other related issues after discussions with the US team that the state department official said could be visiting soon. And these issues may even figure in discussions at the inaugural 2+2 meeting of the foreign and defence ministers of the two countries on July 6 in Washington DC.HT
'Go to Zero': US Pushes India, China, Other Allies to Halt Iran Oil Imports
https://thewire.in/world/us-india-china-oil-iran-imports
Saudi, UAE and India agree on huge oil project despite protests
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180626-saudi-the-uae-and-india-agree-on-huge-oil-project-despite-protests/
Saudi Arabia, UAE and India have agreed on a huge oil project despite ongoing protests from local farmers and fisherman near the Indian port of Ratnagiri. The deal worth an estimated $44 billion has been agreed by Aramco, the state-owned oil company of Saudi Arabia; ADNOC, the national oil company of Abu Dhabi; and a consortium of three Indian oil companies to develop a massive refinery and petrochemicals complex.The project agreed on Monday is slated to be one of the largest refineries in the world. Operations are predicted to begin by 2022 with the aim of producing around 1.2 million barrels of oil per day.It’s reported that the required seizure of 15,000 acres of land needed for the project will have a negative impact on as many as 22,000 farmers and 4,500 fishermen. Despite the effects of the land seizure on the local population, the Indian Govt has emphasised the project’s benefits, claiming that it will boost the national economy and create jobs. Saudi Aramco will supply 50% of the fuel to the refinery. However, the company’s ambitions don’t just stop at the refining process. It wants to cover everything in the downstream value chain, say market experts. Riyadh is desperate to tap into the Indian market; as the third largest consumer of oil after the US and China, and supplying New Delhi’s oil demands is an opportunity to regain any market share that it has lost to US shale.Locals in India have been up in arms, protesting for months over the impact that the refinery will have on their lives. Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding last year, thousands of farmers took to the streets for seven days in a row to oppose Govt’s attempts to carry out a joint measurement survey.MEMO
Freedom of religion as important as freedom of rights and freedom of people: Nikki Haley on India visit
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nikki-haley-us-envoy-india-visit-narendra-modi-5235638/
US Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley today said her purpose of visiting India is to ‘solidify’ the Indo-US relations and develop stronger ties between two of the oldest democracies in the world, especially in counter-terrorism and military cooperation. Haley, who is on her first visit to India after becoming US envoy to UN, told PTI at Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi, “I am here to once again solidify our love for India, our belief in the friendship that India and the US have and our willingness to make that relation even stronger.”Accompanied by US ambassador to India Kenneth Juster, Haley termed her visit as coming back home. “It makes my heart happy to be back in India, it is as beautiful as I remember it to be. It’s always good to be back home,”said Haley.Haley, who is scheduled to visit religious places in the city on Thursday, asserted the importance of religious freedom.“We think freedom of religion is as important as freedom of rights and freedom of people,” she said.During her 3-day visit, she will meet PM,senior Indian officials, business leaders and students, underscoring America’s ‘strong alliance’ with the country. PTI
BJP Committed to Issues of Cow, Article 370 and Ram Temple: general secretary Anil Jain
http://caravandaily.com/portal/bjp-committed-to-issues-of-cow-article-370-and-ram-temple-anil-jain/
Jammu:Days after BJP withdrew its support to PDP-led Govt in J&K, its national general secretary and lawmaker Anil Jain said his party is committed to 5 things including revocation of Article 370 which accords a special status to the state.Listing “Uniform Civil Code, Ram Mandir, the Ganga and cow,”as other subject matters of party’s commitment, Mr Jain said these issues can only be delayed for some time depending on the developing situation in the country.“I am serious of my words…BJP is committed to issues of cow, Ganga, Uniform Civil Code, Article 370 and Ram Mandir. Given the emerging situation, one or the other might take time to get fulfilled,” Mr Jain told reporters here.He said BJP has not forgotten anything and it is committed to the revocation of the Article 370. BJP and PDP had agreed to an status quo on the issue in their Agenda of Alliance, chalked out before the formation of the coalition Govt in the state.On withdrawal of support to the PDP, Mr Jain said it was not sudden and the “bitter decision” was taken after Mehbooba Mufti paid no heed to its warnings.PTI
Crucial executive meeting of AIMPLB on Ayodhya, other issues in Lucknow on July 15
http://www.uniindia.com/~/crucial-executive-meeting-of-aimplb-on-ayodhya-other-issues-in-lucknow-on-july-15/States/news/1272435.html
Lucknow:Amid pressure building session started by the Hindu leaders and saints for construction of grand Ram Temple at Ayodhya, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), has called for an executive committee meeting here at Nadwa on July 15 to discuss the relevant issues, including Ayodhya and women-related matters.Though the meeting is expected to endorse the old decision to abide by the Supreme Court decision on the Ayodhya matter, but the meeting could discuss the political and social atmosphere in view of the coming 2019 Lok Sabha election in the country. AIMPLB member and one of the vocal executive committee member Maulana Khalid Rahid Firangi said here on Wednesday that the executive committee meeting of the Board is scheduled on July 15."It is a regular meeting held from time to time and several matters would be discussed in the meet, including Ayodhya," he said.However, there is a speculation that the expulsion of Maulana Sayeed Salman Nadvi, could be revoked in this meeting but no officials were ready to confirm it.UNI
Not a single brick can be laid in Ayodhya without SC’s permission: Zafaryab Jilani
https://www.siasat.com/news/not-single-brick-can-be-laid-ayodhya-without-scs-permission-zafaryab-jilani-1373954/
Aligarh: Not a single brick can be laid in Ayodhya without the permission of Supreme Court, if Ram Vilas Vedanti has courage let him lay a single brick, said Zafaryab Jilani convener of Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC).He said BJP raises this issue before elections, it aims at making the voters believe that they are serious over the issue while they fully know that without Supreme Court’s permission they cannot lay a single brick. The rhetoric will continue till the 2019 elections. Zafaryab Jilani told about Ram Vilas Vedanti that he is the same person who had made remark that I demolished the Babri Masjid and Lal Krishna Advani has nothing to do with it. When I asked him during a TV debate will you tell this in the Court, he said yes. But after a month he retracted from his statement and said I am no way related to it. siasat
Uma Bharti pushes for Ram temple to be built at Ayodhya ‘at the earliest’
https://scroll.in/latest/884259/uma-bharti-pushes-for-ram-temple-to-be-built-at-ayodhya-at-the-earliest
Union minister Uma Bharti has pushed for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, a day after UP CM Adityanath promised that the temple would be built there. Bharti said the temple should be built “at the earliest” and that constructing a “magnificent temple” in Ayodhya is “a matter of national pride”, Indian Express reported.“Yogiji is CM with absolute majority, Modiji is PM with absolute majority,” the report quoted her as saying.“...So many pracharaks, swayamsewaks, Ram bhakts, and all connected with the party line are waiting for the moment that we take some courageous decision and make the national resolve a reality.” Bharti said this was a “great opportunity” to build the temple.scroll.in
I will quit BJP if Ram temple is not built by 2019: BJP MLA Raja Singh
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2018/jun/27/i-will-quit-bjp-if-ram-temple-is-not-built-by-2019-bjp-mla-raja-singh-1834276.html
Hyderabad: “If Ram mandir isn’t constructed before 2019, I am going to resign from the BJP and start a yudh (war) of my own,” said BJP MLA Raja Singh in Goshamahal. MLA, who is not a stranger to controversial statements, said, “If Muslims in Ayodhya have agreed to construct the temple, what is the problem with the rest of India?”Singh’s statements have come a day after UP CM Yogi Adityanath, at a gathering to felicitate Sadhus, assured that the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya would be constructed before 2019 general elections. Singh too had attended the gathering. He also said that the one in Ayodhya is not the only temple that is going to bebuilt. “After the construction of the Ram Mandir, we will move on to Kashi and Mathura where Mughals constructed many mosques by breaking down temples.”Singh said that a “mosque has been built in the jail where Lord Krishna was born.” He also criticised AIMIM supremo Assaduddin Owaisi and his brother by calling them, traitors. “Muslims in Telangana know that the two brothers only care about money. I urge Muslims from the rest of India to come to Telangana and see how AIMIM has destroyed the state, “ MLA said, adding that BJP would win the next state elections. This is Singh’s first statement after a case was registered against him for his statements on Iftar parties.newindianexpress
BJP is helping the churning within the PDP, trying to form Govt in J&K: Omar Abdullah
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/interview/bjp-is-helping-the-churning-within-the-pdp-trying-to-form-Govt -in-jk-omar-abdullah/article24265424.ece?homepage=true
Following the withdrawal of the BJP from its alliance with the PDP, and the subsequent imposition of Governor’s Rule in J&K , there could be more political turmoil in the State, says National Conference leader Omar Abdullah. Abdullah, ex-J&K CM, says restoring the security situation to 2014 levels must be the first priority for the Governor. Abdullahsaid, "We are the third-largest party in the Assembly. If the voters of J&K had intended for us to be part of the Govt , they would have given us a healthier number of seats. Having accepted our mandate as an Opposition party, it would seem power-hungry on our part to try to form a Govt now. Plus, the BJP and the PDP are highly discredited among their vote banks in Jammu and the Valley, respectively. So any fresh coalition cobbled out of this Assembly would only add to the general air of suspicion about political powers." He continued, "Given the sheer extent of the misgovernance under PDP-BJP alliance, we felt a stint under Governor NN Vohra, who is known to be an able administrator and who pulled the State back from the brink in 2008, would not be a bad thing. The only error of judgment we made, which we would like to correct, is to not to have asked for the dissolution of the Assembly. At that time we felt that possibly having the MLAs staying in place could fill the political vacuum, which is otherwise formed during Governor’s Rule. But that was formed under the assumption that we could take the BJP at its word when they said that they were not interested in Govt formation.But that doesn’t seem to be the case. Our reports and inputs now suggest that contrary to what the BJP general secretary said publicly, BJP is helping the churning within the PDP with the possibility of party splitting, and then perhaps trying to form another Govt ." thehindu
UN Report on Human Rights Abuse in Kashmir Motivated: Army Chief Bipin Rawat
https://www.news18.com/news/india/un-report-on-human-rights-abuse-in-kashmir-motivated-bipin-rawat-1792139.html
New Delhi: Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat on Wednesday strongly denounced report from the UN that called for an international investigation into the alleged incidents of human rights abuse by Indian forces in Kashmir, saying such reports are “motivated”.“No need to speak about this human rights report. The human rights record of Indian Army is above board. These reports are motivated,” said Rawat.Earlier, a statement from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the first-ever UN report on human rights situation was “fallacious.”“It is a selective compilation of largely unverified information. It is overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative. The report violates India’s sovereignty and integrity... it is disturbing that those behind this report have chosen to describe internationally designated and UN-proscribed terrorist entities as ‘armed groups’ and terrorists as ‘leaders.’ This undermines UN-led consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism,” MEA statement said. The ministry also said that such “malicious reports” could not undermine the will of the people and the Govt of India to protect the territorial integrity of the country. The report also slams India for using pellet guns and also condemns the “arbitrary detentions and arrests”.It also asked India to repeal AFSPA and to establish impartial and credible investigations to probe all civilian killings.news18
Amarnath pilgrims our guests, won’t target them, but they should not interfere in Kashmir issue: Hizbul Mujahideen
https://www.newsx.com/national/hizbul-mujahideen-chief-amarnath-pilgrims-guests-target-kashmir-issue
As 1st batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra commenced on Wednesday, from Jammu base camp amidst tight security, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) assured that pilgrims are the guests and not their targets. In a video clip, which went viral on social media, the chief of HM Riyaz Naikoo said, pilgrims come there for religious rituals and they are guests. He also added that the organisation has never attack Amarnath pilgrims.“Our war is against the Indian state and not against the people of India,” the chief concluded in the video, reported Zeenews.In the video, HM Operations Chief also said that the pilgrims can also visit the Valley but they should not intervene in the Kashmir dispute. The 14-minute video was released on Tuesday.newsx
Hizbul Mujahideen purportedly releases audio clip assuring Amarnath Yatra pilgrims of safety
https://scroll.in/latest/884242/hizbul-mujahideen-purportedly-releases-audio-clip-assuring-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-of-safety
Shujaat Bukhari murder: J&K Police identify killers in major breakthrough
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/shujaat-bukhari-murder-jk-police-identify-killers-in-major-breakthrough-5235496/
Srinagar :In a major breakthrough, J&K Police have identified the attackers who killed senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari on June 14. Police sources say that two of the attackers are from South Kashmir and another is a Pakistani national.“We have identified the attackers,”a top police officer privy to the investigation told Indian Express. “2 of them are local militants from south Kashmir while the third one is from Pakistan”.Police sources say that the Pakistani militant involved in the attack is Naveed Jatt, who escaped from police custody from Shri Maharaja Hari Singh hospital in Feb.this year.Naveed, a Paki national, is associated with LeT.Police sources say they have also identified the Pakistan-based blogger who had “started a smear campaign” against Bukhari. They say the blogger is a militant from Srinagar, who is settled in Pakistan. indianexpress
MHA orders fresh FIR against Asiya Andrabi for ‘unlawful acts’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mha-orders-fresh-fir-against-dem-chief-asiya-andrabi-for-unlawful-acts-5235008/
New Delhi: Union Home Ministry ordered a fresh FIR against Dukhtaran-E-Millat (DEM) chief Asiya Andrabi by NIA on Tuesday for allegedly using “various media platforms to spread insurrectionist imputations and hateful speeches that endanger the integrity, security and sovereignty of India.” DEM is a banned outfit under UAPA and its chairperson Andrabi is alleged to be involved in organising anti-India rallies and stone pelting on security forces in South Kashmir.Andrabi’s bail was canceled by the J&K High Court earlier this month as security agencies moved to tighten the noose around her outfit. Home Ministry official said, “Andrabi along with her associates namely Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen have been booked under various sections of IPC and UAPA that includes waging war, sedition, promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, criminal conspiracy and being a member of banned outfit.”indianexpress
Security agencies launch covert operations to dismantle financial support to Maoist terror: Firstpost report
https://www.firstpost.com/india/exclusive-security-agencies-launch-covert-operations-to-dismantle-financial-support-to-maoist-terror-4601871.html
Days after PM Narendra Modi announced its decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in 8 November, 2016, security agencies quietly registered case number '185/2016' to launch an operation against a Maoist leader identified as Rohit. The operation was approved through memorandum number '3208/Ops', and authorities detected and cut off the transfer of more than Rs 25 lakh that was allegedly being moved to perpetrate terrorist attacks.Since first operation on 21 November, 2016, to latest one launched on 12 April, security agencies have carried out hundreds of covert operations to identify new sources of terror financing and methods of Left-Wing Extremists (LWE), swiftly moving to choke the funds to disrupt their atrocities and lethal attacks. Firstpost has accessed the latest dossier on operations to stop the flow of funds towards India's biggest internal security threat.With the help of financial intelligence,security establishment analysed the structure of terrorist groups, activities of most-wanted Naxalite commanders, and their logistics and networks spread across hinterlands and urban areas.They adopted measures to combat money laundering by small terrorist cells.Details of at least 9 covert operations Firstpost reviewed shows that agencies had seized more than Rs 8 crore in cash that was being moved to Maoist-infested areas.These operations targeted top-level functionaries considered part of Central Military Commission of CPI (Maoist), which holds the central responsibility of the manufacture and supply of arms, politico-military training,recruitment and control of ultras and preparation of the budget for guerilla operations. "There are at least 10 cases being worked out with the help of local police against regional committee members of group,"dossier said.
Jharkhand: 6 Jaguar Force jawans killed in Maoist landmine blast
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jharkhand-six-jaguar-force-jawans-killed-in-landmine-blast-5234630/
Ranchi :6 personnel of the Jharkhand Jaguar Force, a special unit of the state police department, were killed in a landmine blast carried out by Maoists on the border of Latehar and Garhwa districts on Tuesday.DIG of Police Vipul Shukla said the police had information that some Maoists were present in Chinjo area of Garhwa districtindianexpress
‘There’s only danger for us’: Latur Dalits fleeing boycott explain why they don’t want to go home
https://scroll.in/article/884056/theres-only-danger-for-us-latur-dalits-fleeing-boycott-explain-why-they-dont-want-to-go-home
On the night of 7th June, 12 Dalit families left a village in Maharashtra’s Latur district, citing caste atrocities and ostracism by people belonging to the dominant Maratha caste. Among those who fled was the village sarpanch. They took shelter in the abandoned hostel building of an engineering college around 18 kilometres from their village.“Why should we go back?” asked Shalubai Shinde, the sarpanch, when Scroll.in met her and others on Saturday. “There is only danger for us there.”On Sunday, district administration persuaded nine of the families to return to the village. But Shinde and her family have refused to go back.What led to one of the largest exoduses of Dalits from a village in Maharashtra in recent years? Scroll.in travelled to Rudrawadi village in Udgir block in Latur to find a pattern of long-simmering exclusion that finally resulted in their leaving.“Though I am the sarpanch, I have no rights at all,” said Shalubai Shinde. “When there are meetings they don’t allow me to sit on a chair. Or they hold meetings without calling me. I am a sarpanch only by name. How many days are we supposed to sort out things and let them go?”scroll.in
UP : Man ‘beats 65-yrs-old Dalit woman to death’ after her goats stray into his field
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/uttar-pradesh-man-beats-dalit-woman-to-death-after-her-goats-stray-into-his-field-5234939/
Lucknow:A 30-year-old man was arrested on Monday for allegedly beating to death a Dalit woman after her goats strayed his field at Datauli village in Fatehpur district. The incident took place in Lalauli police station area on Sunday evening.SHO Rajesh Maurya said Rani Devi (65) was grazing her two goats when the animals entered the field of the accused, Shalu Singh. He then allegedly started abusing her. When the woman raised an objection, an “inebriated” Singh beat her up with a stick.Woman then rushed home, nearly 500 metres away, and died soon after, SHO said. Rani Devi is survived by husband Raja Ram and 4 married daughters.indianexpress
Woman lynched over child-lifting rumours in Gujarat
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-woman-lynched-over-child-lifting-rumours-5234887/
Ahmedabad :A 40-year-old woman beggar was lynched by a mob on the suspicion of being a child lifter in Vadaj area of Ahmedabad on Tuesday afternoon.The victim, identified as Shanta Devi, a resident of Sumerpur taluka in Rajasthan’s Pali district, was accompanied by three more women in an auto-rickshaw when a mob of 40 to 50 people chased the vehicle and attacked them, said police. The 3 other women were also injured in the attack and have been admitted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.The lynching is said to have been triggered by a rumour of “child lifters in the area” that has been doing the rounds on social media for the past couple of days.According to the complaint filed by the victim’s sister-in-law Ansi, she and the 3 women — Shanta, Ashu and Leela — had left their relative’s home in Sardarnagar area of Ahmedabad for seeking alms. “Around 2.25 PM, we took an autorickshaw at Naranpura crossing and headed towards Juna Wadaj. At that time, we saw some people chasing our autorickshaw, and at Wadaj circle they stopped us,” the complainant told the police. According to her, the people, who stopped them, were shouting “(you are the gang of child-lifters”. They were dragged out of the autorickshaw and brutally beaten up. The autorickshaw was also damaged by the violent mob.The autorickshaw driver, who was spared by the mob, said the mob gathered as they were passing through Juna Vadaj circle. “People attacked the autorickshaw and started beating up the women, shouting at them to come out. When the women didn’t come out, they started dragging them out of the vehicle,” said Ghani Khan, the auto-driver.indianexpress
Prakash Raj on Gauri Lankesh killers ‘planning’ to kill him: They will not get away with hate politics
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/prakash-raj-gauri-lankesh-killers-planning-to-kill-him-hate-politics/
New Delhi :Reacting to the reports that the killers of author Gauri Lankesh had planned to kill him as well, actor Prakash Raj on Wednesday said his voice will grow stronger. Sharing a news report of the SIT, probing Gauri killings, investigations findings that there were plans to eliminate him on Twitter, Raj hit out at his haters and expressed concerns over forces trying to silence his voice. “Bengaluru: Gauri killers planned to eliminate actor Prakash Rai, reveals SIT probe…….Look at the narrative to silence voices..my VOICE will grow more STRONGER now .. you cowards …do you think you will get away with such HATE POLITICS,” tweeted Raj.According to the SIT findings, as reported by a Kannada news channel, Gauri’s killers had conspired to kill Raj after he targeted PM Narendra Modi and the BJP on public platforms.indianexpress
61 children die every day in MP, shows official data
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/61-children-die-every-day-in-mp-shows-official-data?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
Bhopal: Contrary to the claims of MP Govt of protecting children from malnutrition and various diseases, official data shows that every day no less than 61 kids in the 0-9 age group die for the same reasons.This information was given by Minister for Woman and Child Development Archana Chitnis in the state Assembly in response to a question by Congress MLA Ramnivas Rawat. Congress MLA had sought to know how many children were found under-weight and how many of them died between Feb.and May 2018.Chitness replied that a total of 1,183,985 children were found to be under-weight, out of which 103,083 were critically low on weight.IANS
Doors of grand alliance shut on turncoat Nitish:Tejashwi
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/doors-of-grand-alliance-shut-on-turncoat-nitish-kumar-says-tejashwi-yadav
There is no chance of extending an invitation to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for joining the Grand Alliance in the state ahead of the 2019 general elections, said RJD leader and Leader of Opposition in Assembly Tejashwi Yadav,putting to rest all speculation about Nitish being a part of the alliance.“Despite being the single largest party in Bihar assembly, we made him the CM but he changed sides within 17 months. How can we trust him?” said Tejashwi said.“He has committed four mistakes in four years. Before elections he formed a coalition with us and said that it was a mistake to form Govt with BJP. After 18 months he once again said that he committed a mistake (by forming a Govt with RJD). He has been changing sides constantly since 2010. Who, after all, is being affected by it? The people of Bihar, the development of Bihar, where four Govt s have been formed in four years with only one CM who has struck a deal with every party and betrayed them too,” emphasised Tejashwi.When reporters had asked him whether allies of RJD—Congress and HAM—had invited Nitish to join Grand Alliance with certain conditions, Tejashwi, son Lalu Prasad, categorically said that the doors of the Grand Alliance were closed for Nitish Kumar. “People also want this as he has proved to be a ‘palturam’ (a turncoat).”nationalheraldindia
After Housing Controversy, BJP Struggles with New Complaints of Corruption in West Bengal:thewire
https://thewire.in/political-economy/bjp-rss-west-bengal-housing-corruption
Kolkata: Allegations of corruption are building up within BJP in West Bengal, with party workers complaining of being duped by top district and state leaders who promised them distributorships of LPG in exchange for bribes.Some of the complaints are against state BJP leaders and officials who are allegedly close to oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Leaders of RSS within the state are also believed to be involved.“These people who collected money and duped our workers should be first thrashed publicly for tarnishing the party’s image. Then there should be a CBI inquiry along with our internal probe,” Biswajit Mondal, newly-elected BJP panchayat samiti member from the state’s Murshidabad district told The Wire. “We are in the forefront battling against all odds to expand the party.These leaders who collected funds violating all procedures should be exposed and both party and CBI should take action against them,” he said.Mondal, who recorded his phone conversation with a district BJP leader about LPG scam, added,“The men who had paid the money are now scared as they have been threatened with dire consequences after they vent their ire for not getting the distributorships.They are BJP workers and expected a fair deal. Now the people should know the truth.”The Wire understands that over the last month, a number of BJP workers and party activists have approached West Bengal BJP president with complaints. In recent weeks, audio clippings – like the one Mondal recorded, which allegedly contain conversations between workers that have been cheated and senior BJP leaders in the state – have made their way into the public domain.
MP BJP MLA weeps in House, claims harassment at minister’s behest
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/madhya-pradesh-bjp-mla-weeps-in-house-claims-harassment-at-ministers-behest-5234909/
Bhopal :BJP MLA Neelam Mishra has alleged that she and her family members were being harassed by the police at the instance of “a local minister” who wanted to take revenge as she had raised the issue of illegal mining, prompting the home minister to assure her of protection on the floor of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly.During zero hour,Semaria MLA suddenly got up to speak and broke down after a flurry of accusations against the police and “a local minister”. She mentioned Mining and Industry Minister Rajendra Shukla while talking to reporters outside.“Under the influence of local minister,police administration is harassing my husband and family members…Because I had raised the issue of illegal mining he is taking revenge,”she claimed in Assembly.indianexpress
UGC overhaul in offing: New law, new name, and no funding role
https://indianexpress.com/article/education/hrd-ministry-proposes-to-restructure-ugc-repeal-act-5235463/
New Delhi:HRD Ministry is working on a proposal to restructure the University Grants Commission (UGC) by repealing its Act of 1956 and replacing it with a new law that downsizes the higher education regulator’s scope, including stripping the Commission of its funding role. The draft Act proposes to re-christen UGC as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) and the regulator, in its new avatar, will only focus on setting, maintaining and improving academic standards in universities.The ministry will take over UGC’s grant-giving function. Govt made the draft law public on Wednesday and has sought feedback by July 7. “Just like how the ministry funds all technical institutes like the IITs, NITs and IISERs and the AICTE focuses on maintaining standards, the Govt can easily take over funding of central universities. We want to downsize the regulator’s role. There won’t be any interference in the management issues of educational institutions,” said a ministry official, who did not wish to be identified.indianexpress
Kafeel Khan’s brother writes to President, PM; alleges laxity in probing attack on family member
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kafeel-khans-brother-writes-to-president-pm-alleges-laxity-in-probing-attack-on-family-member-5235118/
Gorakhpur :A brother of Dr Kafeel Khan, an accused in the Gorakhpur medical negligence case, has alleged police laxity in probing a recent attack on another member of their family.In a letter to the president and the PM , Adeel Khan said, “My brother (Kashif Khan) was shot at on June 10 and since then, the police have not been able to get any clue about the miscreants.”He alleged that the case was related to BJP MP Kamlesh Paswan and the police were not able to take action against him and his accomplices.At a press conference in Lucknow on June 17, Dr Kafeel Khan had expressed suspicion that Paswan was behind the attack on his brother, which was termed “baseless” by the Bansgaon MP.PTI
Sushma Swaraj hosts Eid celebrations for envoys, says India won’t allow forces of hatred to disrupt ties
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sushma-swaraj-hosts-eid-celebrations-for-envoys-says-india-wont-allow-forces-of-hatred-to-disrupt-ties-5235096/
New Delhi:External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday hosted Eid celebrations at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra for officials from several countries. Addressing Ambassadors and High Commissioners, she said the festival brings together people of all faiths in India as the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — meaning the world is one family — is ingrained in the ethos of the country. She added India will never allow the forces of hatred and violence to disrupt our (the countries’) societies.“India is home to one of the largest population of Muslims. Our celebrations of Eid are as diverse as our regions, languages, cuisine and traditions, as vibrant as our clothes and festivities, and as sweet as our traditional meethi sevaiyan and a host of savoury dishes,” Swaraj said. “We in India have grown up believing that the world is indeed one family. The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is ingrained in our ethos,” Swaraj added. “We will never allow the forces of hatred and violence come anywhere near our peoples, and disrupt our societies.”Swaraj also said Ramzan, apart from abstaining from eating and drinking, was a month of abstention from worldly temptations. “It is a month to practice self discipline and self control – a test of our inner strength. It is a month where one’s behavior and outlook on life are cleansed, free of materialism that surrounds us. It is a month for sacrifice and charity, bringing out our innate empathy and selflessness towards those who are less fortunate than ourselves. And above all, it is a month for prayers and spiritual reflection,” she said.Quoting from a speech of the King of Jordan, Swaraj said the values of compassion, mercy and tolerance, shared by billions of Muslims and non-Muslims, require us to act together for a common future.indianexpress
Shooter Tara Shahdeo granted divorce from Raqibul alias Ranjit Kohli
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/love-jihad-shooter-tara-shahdeo-granted-divorce-from-raqibul-alias-ranjit-kohli-5234981/
Ranchi :A family court on Tuesday granted divorce to national level rifle shooter Tara Shahdeo from her husband Raqibul Hassan alias Ranjit Singh Kohli, with whom she got married in 2014. The divorce petition was filed last year and both sides appeared in person in this connection.Principal Judge (Family Court) Brajesh Kumar Gautam granted divorce after hearing both the sides. It had reserved the judgement on June 4, when Raqibul had presented his arguments. Tara had submitted affidavit running into several pages seeking divorce primarily on the ground that the marriage was conducted on the basis of false information and, subsequently, led to domestic and physical abuse.Raqibul alias Kohli, who was arrested in 2014 following FIRs registered against him and his mother is currently in jail. He appeared in this matter in person and had not hired any lawyer.Apart from Raqibul alias Kohli, there are two other accused in the case – Mushtaq Ahmed, an officer in the High Court, and Kohli’s mother, Kaushal Rani. Ahmed was accused of helping Raqibul change his identity to Kohli. While Ahmed’s bail plea has been rejected by the High Court, his mother is on bail.Tara was married to Raqibul, who had then allegedly posed as Ranjit Singh Kohli, in June 2014, at a high-end hotel in the capital. However, subsequently, she walked out alleging that Kohli was actually one Raqibul, leading to uproar and registration of FIR against him. Initially, the state police had registered FIRs under sections pertaining to inflicting cruelty for dowry.indianexpress
11 people from Kerala go missing in Dubai, families fear IS link:HT
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/11-people-from-kerala-go-missing-in-dubai-families-fear-islamic-state-link/story-d5XVRZhGHNxQmgLypQpcAP.html
Thiruvananthapuram: 11 people from north Kerala are said to have gone missing from Dubai, and family members fear they may have joined the Islamic State like 21 others two years ago.The missing people belong to two families, sources in the Kerala police said. The first complaint filed by Abdul Hamid, a resident of Chemnad in Kasaragod district, stated that six people including his 28-year-old daughter Nazeera have been missing since June 15. The second complaint mentioned five names – Nazeera’s husband Mohamad Sabad (35), his second wife Rahanath (28) and their three children (all below six years of age). Kerala police have filed two cases in this regard.Relatives in Kerala said Sabad ran a mobile repair and perfume shop in Dubai, and his family members had left for Dubai last month to meet him. There has been no contact with them since June 15, they added.“Sabad seemed a little radicalised, given how he would always talk about the so-called holy war. We fear he may have slipped into Yemen with 10 others, including his two wives and eight children,” a relative of Nazeera said.Another relative said he has received an audio message from Sabad, stating that he has joined a religious school in Yemen and will be back after completing his course. Police are yet to verify the claim.HT
WORLD
Top US court backs Trump travel ban on Muslim-majority countries
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/supreme-court-upholds-trump-travel-ban-180626142504629.html
US Supreme Court has upheld President Donald Trump's controversial order blocking entry by people from several Muslim-majority countries, a decision described as "disappointing" and "worrying" by advocacy groups.In a 5-4 decision on Tuesday, the high court found that Trump's action was "squarely within the scope of presidential authority" under US immigration law and rejected a challenge that it discriminated against Muslims or exceeded his authority.The current ban, announced in September and widely criticised by human rights and refugee advocacy groups, prohibits entry into the US by most people from Iran , Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. It also affects two non-Muslim majority countries, blocking travelers from North Korea and some Venezuelan Govt officials and their families.A sixth majority Muslim country, Chad, was removed from the list in April after improving "its identity-management and information sharing practices," Trump said in a proclamation.Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, joined by his four conservative colleagues. He rejected the challengers' claim of anti-Muslim bias, but was careful not to endorse either Trump's provocative statements about immigration in general and Muslims in particular."We express no view on the soundness of the policy," Roberts wrote.Human rights activists said court's decision represented "a dreadful day for our country".Nihad Awad, national executive director of Council on American-Islamic Relations described the court's decision as "disappointing"."The Supreme Court decision today has given the Trump administration a free hand to reinject discrimination against a particular faith back to our immigration system which was rejected more than 50 years ago.Debra Hauser, President of Advocates for Youth, said in a statement that association was appalled with court's decision to uphold the ban. Muslim advocates said they also concerned that the administration will target other countries as well as American citizens and lawful, permanent US residents of a Muslim background.Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, first Muslim elected to Congress said the decision "will someday serve as a marker of shame", comparing the ban and ruling to the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.Trump hailed decision as "a moment of profound vindication" following "months of hysterical commentary from the media and Democratic politicians who refuse to do what it takes to secure our border and our country".aljazeera
'A real human cost': American Muslims decry travel ban
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/real-human-cost-american-muslims-decry-travel-ban-180626183212736.html
Egypt court puts 187 Brotherhood loyalists on terror list
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-06/27/c_137282634.htm
Cairo:An Egyptian court placed 187 loyalists of the currently outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group on terrorist list for 5 years on Tuesday, official MENA news agency reported.The blacklist was made by Cairo Criminal Court, including cleric Wagdy Ghoneim, TV hosts Moataz Matar, and Mohamed Nasser who fled Egypt to Qatar and Turkey following the military removal of Brotherhood-oriented president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.The court also ordered to put the Brotherhood and its affiliate "Hasm Vanguards" militant group on the list of terrorist entities. Egyptian prosecution explained that the blacklisted figures and entities are involved in plans for toppling the regime through anti-state campaigns, blasts and assassinations as well as attacks against policemen, soldiers and vital institutions inside the country.Xinhua
Prominent Muslim Brotherhood -affiliated media figures placed on terror list
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/52851/Prominent-MB-affiliated-media-figures-placed-on-terror-list
Dutch MPs pass law banning face veils in public buildings
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/dutch-mps-pass-law-banning-face-veils-public-buildings-180626134501443.html
Dutch upper house of parliament has passed a law banning face veils in public buildings, including schools, Govt offices and hospitals.The lower house passed the law in 2016, after attempts to impose a more general ban on burqas and other face-covering veils failed.Proponents of the law say it is meant to make schools, hospitals and public transport safer, but critics say its only aim is to get rid of veils, such as the burqa and niqab.The Dutch Govt 's main advising body in 2015 said the choice to wear a veil is protected by the constitutional right to freedom of religion, and that it saw no ground to limit that right.Existing legislation in the Netherlands already limits the wearing of burqas and other total face-coverings on public transport or in schools.Measures against the wearing of veils or headscarves have already been taken in Belgium, France, Denmark and Spain, among others.The ban does not apply to public streets, although police can ask an individual to remove face-covering clothing for identification."This is actually virtually a complete ban because the only spaces that are still available for women (who wear face-covering clothing) are the street and private sector," said Annelies Moors, professor of Anthropology and Sociology at University of Amsterdam."And, of course, the private sector can also have their house rules, they could also possibly legislate against their presence. So this leaves women very little space.""It is completely disproportionate and the only effect will be that many of these women will stay at home even more," said Green Party senator Ruard Ganzevoort."They will not have an opportunity to go to school. They will not have an opportunity to go to learn to swim, and all those things."aljazeera
UN:Saudi-led coalition behind most Yemen kid casualties
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/saudi-coalition-51-percent-yemeni-child-casualties-180626170234907.html
A Saudi-led coaltion was responsible for more than half of child deaths and injuries in war-torn Yemen last year, according to a new United Nations report exclusively obtained by Al Jazeera.The annual Children and Armed Conflict report, which shines the spotlight on child victims around the world, found that a total of 1,316 children were killed and maimed in the Arab world's poorest country in 2017. Saudi Arabia, together with several other Arab nations, launched a military campaign in 2015 in support of Yemen's internationally recognised Govt , aiming to roll back advances made by Houthi rebels after they overran much of the country in 2014.Most countries have since withdrawn their forces from the US-backed coalition, with only Saudi Arabia and UAE conducting attacks in Yemen.aljazeera
Qatar blockade case to appear before International Criminal Court: aljazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/qatar-blockade-case-international-criminal-court-180627081742617.html
Qatar is set to present its case against UAE in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, over a now year-long blockade against the Gulf nation. UAE and 3 other countries imposed a blockade against Qatar in June 2017, which Doha argues violates human rights of both Qatari and Emirati citizens.On Wednesday, lawyers for Qatar get to present their cases in front of the ICC, while representatives of UAE will present their arguments on Thursday. "Qatar is accusing UAE of discrimination against Qatar and its citizens and for violating the 1965 International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of racial discrimination of which the UAE is a signatory,"our reporter said from The Hague.
Myanmar military leaders guilty of 'crimes against humanity': Amnesty
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/myanmar-military-leaders-guilty-of-crimes-against-humanity-amnesty-118062700123_1.html
New York :Myanmar's military chief and other top brass have been accused by Amnesty International of crimes against humanity for overseeing a "systematic" attack against Rohingya Muslims, according to a report by the rights group today calling for prosecution at the International Criminal Court. A new report from Amnesty said army commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing and 12 other senior military and security officials oversaw an orchestrated campaign of violence in the restive state where Rohingya have been historically marginalised."The ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya population was achieved by a relentless and systematic campaign in which the Myanmar security forces unlawfully killed thousands of Rohingya, including young children," said the report.It also accused security forces of sexual violence, torture, forced displacement and burning markets and farmland that starved communities and forced them to flee."These crimes amount to crimes against humanity under international law, as they were perpetrated as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the Rohingya population," the report said.The report said some senior military figures and border guard police oversaw units that directly carried out alleged atrocities, while others knew of subordinates' actions and failed to prevent, stop or punish the crimes.The 186-page document is the first attempt to name and implicate senior figures in the widespread violence that sparked the mass exodus and humanitarian crisis that followed.The report is the most detailed account of the crisis to date and follows fresh sanctions from the European Union this week against 7 security officials accused of serious crimes including sexual violence and killings.AFP
UN rights envoy urges Myanmar to end discrimination against Rohingya
http://morungexpress.com/u-n-rights-envoy-urges-myanmar-to-end-discrimination-against-rohingya/
UN human rights investigator on Myanmar called on the Govt on Wednesday to “dismantle the system of discrimination” against the Muslim Rohingya minority and to restore their rights to citizenship and property.Yanghee Lee, addressing the U.N. Human Rights Council, said conditions were not ripe for 700,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to go home and regretted that a memo of understanding on repatriation agreed this month between Myanmar and two U.N. aid agencies had not been made public. Reuters
Myanmar Rejects Citizenship Reforms for Rohingyas, Suggested by Western Diplomats
https://thewire.in/south-asia/rohingya-ethnic-cleansing-myanmar
Yangon: A senior Myanmar official has told Western diplomats that a proposal to review a citizenship law that effectively renders most Rohingya Muslims stateless could not be implemented, five people present at the meeting in Denmark in early June told Reuters.At a meeting in Copenhagen on June 8, Myanmar‘s Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye told a group of diplomats, analysts and members of a commission chaired by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan that eight of its recommendations – including one that asks authorities to take steps to amend the 1982 law – were problematic in the current political climate and could not be immediately fulfilled, the people present said.“He made it very clear that citizenship reform was a non-starter,” said one of the people at the meeting. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because Myanmar had requested the talks be confidential.Win Myat Aye and Govt spokesman Zaw Htay did not answer calls seeking comment.Reuters
Poland: E. Europe remains firm on anti-migrant stance
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/poland-eastern-europe-remains-firm-anti-migrant-stance-180626141653561.html
Poland's interior minister said on Tuesday that his country and three others from Eastern Europe were right in their stance of opposing mass migration into Europe.Interior Minister Joachim Brudzinski said that "we have to declare unequivocally that in this debate, the Visegrad Group was right", referring also to Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.Speaking after a meeting in Budapest, Brudzinski said that the four countries were united "against the uncontrolled influx of migrants". Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter, who hosted the meeting, said Visegrad Group was helping Balkan countries like Serbia, Macedonia, Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina to oppose migration and tackle human trafficking.The upcoming EU summit on migration policy will take place on June 28 and 29.Yet German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was not optimistic about the prospects of finding consensus among all EU members.aljazeera
Saudi prince Khaled: Only a matter of time before Bin Salman is toppled
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180627-saudi-prince-only-a-matter-of-time-before-bin-salman-is-toppled/
Saudi Crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s effort to ensure America’s “deal of the century” comes in to affect quickly is an effort to improve his relations with Israel, a dissident Saudi prince who has taken refuge in Germany said.Khaled Bin Farhan Al-Saud said Bin Salman has been working to ensure a concept of absolute obedience in order to facilitate his arrival to power.In an exclusive interview with Alkhaleej Online Bin Farhan revealed that “Bin Salman chose one of the sons of Prince Faisal bin Bandar in Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the current Prince of Riyadh, as the next crown prince in preparation for his crowning as king as a successor to his father.” He noted: “The new crown prince’s personality is weak and blind reliance on Bin Salman.”“There is great anger amongst the ruling family at Bin Salman’s actions,” said Bin Farhan, adding, “it is only a matter of time before he is removed from power.”MEMO
Over 200 killed in weekend violence in central Nigeria: governor
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/over-200-killed-in-weekend-violence-in-central-nigeria-governor-118062700725_1.html
Jos:Over 200 people were killed in violence against farming communities last weekend in Plateau state, central Nigeria, according to a speech by the governor published today.Simon Lalong said after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in the state capital Jos last night that the clashes had left "the painful loss of over 200 people".The police, who blame suspected cattle herders, have said 86 people were killed.However, multiple local sources from the communities affected maintained more than 100 people died.The main association representing the largely nomadic herders has denied its community had any involvement in the killings and said its members had been repeatedly targeted for months.The clashes are rooted in tensions over access to land between pastoral herders and sedentary farmers but have generated sectarian friction between Muslims and Christians.AFP
Gaza: 1,000 UNRWA employees to lose their jobs
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180627-gaza-1000-unrwa-employees-to-lose-their-jobs/
Deputy Head of UNRWA’s Workers Union, Amal Batch, warned yesterday that up to 1,000 employees are expected to lose their jobs due to the financial crisis hitting the international organisation, Al-Resalah newspaper reported.Batch said that the emergency programme, which includes food assistance, temporary work opportunities and others, is at stake due to the financial crisis.UNRWA has no budget for the third and fourth rounds of its programme, she said, noting that the organisation is suffering from a $246 million deficit. If funding is not allocated, she warned, the school year and other programmes would come to an end, this would have “catastrophic” consequences on the Palestinian cause.middleeastmonitor
45,000 Syrians flee their homes after Assad strikes Daraa
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180627-45000-syrians-flee-their-homes-after-assad-strikes-daraa/
At least 45,000 Syrians have fled their homes in Syria’s south-western Daraa province after the resumption of regime strikes in the area, the United Nations said in a statement.The Syrian regime strikes, backed by Russian air forces, have recently started again in the Syrian province a year after the de-escalation agreement between Washington and Moscow. According to UN report, the Syrian refugees headed towards the Syrian border with Jordan, but the Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi wrote on Twitter: “Jordanian border with Syria will remain closed,” calling for the UN to help the displaced Syrians.middleeastmonitor
Calls to reveal fate of Palestinian victims of torture in Syria
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180627-calls-to-reveal-fate-of-palestinian-victims-of-torture-in-syria/
Action Group for Palestinians of Syria has called for revealing the whereabouts of all Palestinian refugees detained in Syria and to facilitate contact with them, Al-Resalah paper reported yesterday.According to the paper, the organisation placed responsibility for the suffering of the Palestinians in Syria on all parties to the conflict.The group’s coordinator Ahmed Hussein told Al-Resalah that the organisation, along with 54 Syrian rights groups, had addressed the UN regarding the victims of torture in Syria.“We sent the letter to many rights groups and international bodies, including the UN and the UN Council for Human Rights,” Hussein said.middleeastmonitor
Report doubts whether Israel army is ready for future wars
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180627-report-doubts-whether-israel-army-is-ready-for-future-wars/
A new report from the Israeli army Ombudsman Major General Yitzhak Brick has revealed dangerous findings about how prepared the Israeli army are for a future war, Quds Press reported yesterday.According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the news agency reported Brick presenting “a disturbing picture of the organisational culture in the army, as well as its ability to face the current challenges”.Brick noted that a lot of units, especially the reservists, do not take care over the maintenance of military equipment and tanks. He also found that a civil cleaning company was hired to clean military equipment after training at one of the military bases.He also noted that the reservists, who form the majority of the Israeli military forces during wars, do not receive the right training. He revealed that there is a lack of professionals among them, as well as a lack of equipment.middleeastmonitor
Pak Taliban blames Musharraf for Bhutto's assassination
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistani-taliban-blames-musharraf-for-bhuttos-assassination/articleshow/64752713.cms
Islamabad: Tehreek-e-Taliban-Pakistan(TTP) has alleged to be part of the cell that assassinated former Pakistani PM Benazir Bhutto, has denied its involvement in the attack. In a video released by the group, TTP has instead blamed Pakistan’s ex President Pervez Musharraf for Bhutto’s assassination. Ikramullah was believed to have been a “back-up suicide bomber”, and was allegedly tasked to detonate his explosive vest if the first attacker failed. According to investigators, he walked away after the first bomber blew himself up, killing Bhutto and at least 20 others at a rally in the garrison city of Rawalpindi in Dec.2007 at Liaquat Bagh, a venue where Pakistan’s first PM Liaquat Ali Khan was also murdered on Oct.16, 1951.The video in which Ikramullah made his first public statement on Bhutto’s assassination was obtained by BBC. It is believed to have been filmed in eastern Afghanistan by TTP’s splinter group. Sitting next to Sheharyar, the group’s commander, Ikramullah repeatedly stated in the video that he was neither “involved” nor “aware of” plot to kill Bhutto. Sheharyar, however, claimed that TTP were not involved in the attack, and blamed it on the country’s then military ruler Pervez Musharraf and intelligence services. “Attempts to link Ikramullah to the killing of Benazir is the work of the infidel media and apostates,” Sheharyar said. timesofindia
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Reaction of Indian authorities to UN report on Kashmir was disappointing but also puzzling:Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/jammu-kashmir-nhrc-human-rights-violations-un-report-5234644/
UP CM's talk of Dalit reservations in Jamia, AMU, misunderstands nature of minority institutions:Faizan Mustafa
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/yogi-adityanath-reservation-amu-jamia-5234620/
Judicial Report on 'Encounter' of SIMI Undertrials Reads Like Police Press Note:Rakesh Dixit
https://thewire.in/rights/judicial-report-on-encounter-of-simi-undertrials-reads-like-police-press-note
Bhopal Jailbreak: Unanswered Questions in Killing of 8 Simi Men:Kashif Kakvi
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/bhopal-jailbreak-unanswered-questions-in-killing-of-simi-men
Turkish president Erdogan has many cheerleaders among Muslims in the subcontinent: Ipsita Chakravarty
https://scroll.in/article/884243/turkish-president-recip-tayyip-erdogan-has-many-cheerleaders-among-muslims-in-the-subcontinent
Fake social media messages fuel latest mob lynchings in India: Murali Krishnan
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/fake-social-media-messages-fuel-latest-mob-lynchings-in-india
Aadhaar challenge: 3 features that put constitutional rights at risk;Madhav Khosla And Ananth Padmanabhan
https://theprint.in/opinion/the-aadhaar-challenge-3-features-that-put-constitutional-rights-at-risk/75576/
Conflicting Views on Minority Status in Assam:Vivan Eyben
https://newsclick.in/conflicting-views-minority-status-assam
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 6:20 PM)
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