NEWS DIGEST, MID-DAY
26 Aug 2018:13 Zilhajj 1439: Vol: 10, No:92
INDIA
Maharashtra terror plot: ATS Arrests Another Man from Mumbai; 5 Held So Far
https://www.news18.com/news/india/explosives-haul-ats-arrests-another-man-from-mumbai-5-held-so-far-1856563.html
Mumbai: Maharashtra ATS, which is investigating the recent seizure of explosives and arms in the state, has arrested one more person from Ghatkopar on Saturday. Avinash Pawar (30) was arrested on Friday night and will be produced before a court on Saturday, the official added. According to the ATS, Pawar was involved in the conspiracy to carry out blasts in the state with Vaibhav Raut, Sharad Kalaskar, Sudhanwa Gondhalekar and Shrikant Pangarkar, who were earlier arrested in this case. Pawar's name cropped up during the interrogation of the arrested accused, the official added."We have arrested Pawar under sections 4, 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, read with section 9(B) of the Explosives Act, section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC and sections 16 (punishment for terrorist act), 18 (conspiracy for terrorist act) and 20 (being a member of terrorist gang) of the UAPA," he said.ATS had on August 10 arrested Raut (40), who ran the "Hindu Govansh Raksha Samiti",a little-known pro-cow protection outfit, at Nallasopara in Palghar district.After Raut's arrest, ATS had nabbed Kalaskar (25) and Gondhalekar (39), following raids in Palghar and Pune districts. Pangarkar, former Shiv Sena corporator from Jalna, was arrested on August 19. ATS had claimed to have recovered 20 crude bombs, 2 gelatin sticks, four electronic and 22 non-electronic detonators, 150 gms of explosive powder and some other materials, which according to the police, were to be used to trigger blasts at various places in the state. PTI
Hindu Terror Suspect's Code Name Was Bhaijaan
https://www.mid-day.com/articles/hindu-terror-suspects-code-name-was-bhaijaan/19739152
Here's How Right-Wing Terror Suspects Were Recruited
https://www.mid-day.com/articles/heres-how-right-wing-terror-suspects-were-recruited/19736190
Hindu Maha Sabha sets up ‘Hindu courts’, plea filed in Allahabad HC seeking their dismantling
http://caravandaily.com/portal/hindu-maha-sabha-sets-up-hindu-courts-plea-filed-in-hc-seeking-their-dismantling/
Lucknow:Allahabad High Court has been approached with a plea to order dismantling of ‘Hindu Courts’ because their establishment “is a defect way of dividing the country and creating secession.” The petitioner has urged the court to restrain the Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Maha Sabha from constituting such courts in the future.According to the Public Interest Litigation, the Hindu Maha Sabha has set up a ‘Hindu Court’ on 15th August and appointed its National Secretary Ms. Pooja Shakun Pandey as the first judge of the Hindu Court. The Hindu-right outfit has planned to establish 5 more ‘Hindu Courts’ on 15th November this year.As per a report in LiveLaw.in, PIL has been filed by Allahabad-based lawyer Ankit Singh through Advocate Rohan Gupta.“…the establishment of such ‘Hindu courts’ is a defect way of dividing the country and creating secession. It endorses an unhealthy precedent of mainstream religion-based justice system in secular India. Therefore, the establishment of such courts is clearly against the spirit of secularism, which is deeply embodied in our Constitution and forms a part of its basic structure…the ‘Hindu Courts’ are wholly illegal, an outrage to the Constitution and an affront to the Judiciary and must be stamped out ruthlessly,” contends the PIL.It further asserts that establishment of a “religion based Hindu Judicial System” would be “an affront to the judicial system and the Constitution of the Country, while tarnishing the secular character of the nation”. The petitioner has alleged that Hindu Maha Sabha is setting up such courts “seemingly to capitalize on the communal atmosphere prevalent in the state”.caravandaily
Indian Govt Revokes Al Jazeera's Security Clearance
https://thewire.in/media/indian-govt-revokes-al-jazeeras-security-clearance
New Delhi: The Qatar Govt’s state-funded broadcaster Al Jazeera has had its security clearance revoked by the home ministry, according to a report in Economic Times today. Sources told the Economic Times that the decision has been made over a documentary the channel did on militancy in Kashmir, which the Govt viewed as “biased”.In May this year, the foreign ministry reminded foreign journalists that they would need prior permission to travel to areas such as J&K, as well as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and parts of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. These are considered “protected and restricted areas”.Foreign channels need a security clearance from the home ministry and a broadcasting clearance from the information and broadcasting ministry. Al Jazeera’s security clearance was valid from 2010 and expired in 2018.Al Jazeera has reportedly filed a petition for reviewing this decision.The channel has run into controversy with the Indian Govt before: In 2015, they had published an incorrect map of J&K. The channel was then suspended for 5 days in which time they carried a blank screen with a message running on it saying, “As instructed by the ministry of information and broadcasting, this channel will not be available from 00.01 hours on April 22 till 00.01 hours on April 27, 2015″.Some other channels who have been rejected security clearances recently include ABC News, Voice of Nation, Focus NE TV, Jhankar News, Maa TV, Bhakti Sagar, M Tunes and Lemon News, according to the Economic Times.Channels have their permissions withdrawn for other reasons too such as owners seeking cancellations, non-operationalisation of channel, non-submission of documents.thewire
Govt Cancels Al Jazeera’s License After Docu on J&K
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/al-jazeera-banned-jammu-kashmir-media-freedom-of-expression
Jamaat-E-Islami Hind urges Muslims to come forward to improve current situation in the country
http://caravandaily.com/portal/jamaate-islami-urges-muslims-to-come-forward-to-improve-current-situation-in-the-country/
New Delhi:The situation of the country is the same today which prevailed at the time of Eid ul Fitr in June. In fact it has deteriorated further. Lawlessness has become rampant. Whoever has power thinks that he is above the law, said Jamaate Islami chief on Wednesday. Delivering his sermon on the occasion of Eid-al-Azha at the Masjid Ishat-e-Islam, Jamaate Islami headquarters in New Delhi Maulana Jalaluddin Umari said:“Incidents of mob lynching are taking place continuously. Organized groups come out and lynch anyone they find. Women are not safe even in their homes and families. Women are not safe anywhere in the world and especially so in our country. Efforts are being made to legalize homosexuality. The economy of the nation is in the hand of a few capitalists. Freedom of expression is being curtailed.“The question is – should we remain silent in these circumstances and become mere mute spectators? Should we allow things to unfold and events to occur as they are? Undoubtedly our problems are graver. But we must make efforts to solve them. It is our responsibility not to remain aloof from them. As sincere well-wishers of our nation it is our duty to struggle for the improvement in the current situation prevalent in the country’’. Jamaat Chief, however, urged the audience not to lose heart at the prevalent situation in the country and to remain on the right path and focussed towards Allah. Maulana mentioned that the conditions in Arabia were much worse when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was given Prophethood.Maulana Umari also urged people to donate generously for the Kerala Flood Relief. The people of Kerala have always led from the front whenever any natural calamity has occurred anywhere in the country. Now it is our duty to extend a helping hand to them in their hour of crisis. Caravan daily
Bohra women's group defends 'khafz', says it does not amount to female genital mutilation, which should be banned
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/aug/25/bohra-womens-group-defends-khafz-says-female-genital-mutation-should-be-banned-1862685.html
Mumbai: An organisation representing women of Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community today defended the practice of female circumcision prevalent in the community saying it does not amount to female genital mutilation (FGM), which needs to be banned.The organisation issued a statement today in the wake of Court of Criminal Appeal in New South Wales in Australia overturning the conviction of three people accused of FGM.The court ruled that the traditional Dawoodi Bohra practice of 'khafz' (female circumcision) does not amount to FGM. Dawoodi Bohra community is a Shia sub-sect of traders hailing predominantly from Gujarat and spread across the world. Dawoodi Bohra Women's Association For Religious Freedom (DBWRF), said that khafz was a harmless religious ritual that was being followed for centuries, FGM was unwarranted and it should be abolished.In a statement issued today, secretary and spokesperson of DBWRF, Samina Kanchwala, said, "Khafz is a completely harmless religious ritual followed for centuries and this historic judgement will be welcomed by Dawoodi Bohras around the world, who are struggling to inform public opinion that is intent on denying women their right to practise their religious observance." According to her, khafz was a part of their religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution and that the procedure does not amount to FGM.Khafz is a very small procedure and not female genital mutilation, Kanchwala said adding, "But we consider FGM as totally unwarranted and want the end of it. The SC bench headed by CJI, which was hearing a plea seeking a ban on the practice,also referred to fundamental rights including Article 15 under the Constitution and said a person has the right to "have control over her body".PTI
Govt panel findings: ‘Its hip implant recalled in Australia, in same month Johnson & Johnson got registration certificate in India’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/its-hip-implant-recalled-in-australia-in-same-month-johnson-johnson-got-registration-certificate-in-india/
New Delhi: On Dec.23, 2009, Indian arm of Johnson & Johnson obtained a fresh registration certificate for its ASR hip replacement implants from the national regulator for medical devices. On Jan.11, 2010, the firm applied for an import licence on the basis of that certificate. However, the company did not inform authorities at the time that the product had been recalled in Australia in Dec.2009, a committee set up by the Union Health Ministry has found.In its report that details the timeline, the committee also states that in documents submitted during its probe on the “faulty” implants, the global pharma major “themselves have admitted about the product failure”. The product was globally recalled on Aug.24, 2010. On Friday, the Indian Express reported on the key findings of the committee leading to its conclusion that the company “suppressed” key facts on the harmful aftermath of hip replacement surgeries conducted on hundreds of patients using the implants it imported and sold. Its report states that over 3,600 patients with the implants remain untraceable, and that at least 4 deaths have been reported from those who underwent surgeries using these devices. J&J imported and sold ASR XL Acetabular Hip System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System in the country until they were globally recalled in 2010.When contacted, a company spokesperson said: “We would like to clarify that DePuy Australia made the decision to discontinue sale of the ASR Hip System in Australia because of declining demand. There was no recall in Australia in 2009. In fact, ASR Hip System was voluntarily recalled by DePuy across the globe in Aug.2010.”Govt committee stated in its report it was informed of the recall by Australian authorities. It said that the company may have violated Indian laws by applying for a fresh licence later to sell the devices in the country.“The firm had applied for import licence on the basis of the registration certificate on 11 Jan, 2010. However, the fact ASR was already recalled in Australia in Dec.2009, was not informed to CDSCO even at the time of application for import licence. That the committee observes that there appears to be suppression of material facts by the firm to CDSCO. This is construed as serious breach of a condition of approval,” the committee’s report states.Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is the regulator for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. According to CDSCO rules, when a registration certificate is granted to a medical device, it is mandatory for the manufacturer to inform the regulator about any adverse reports on the product globally.indianexpress
Top official sought CBI probe into hip implants sold by Indian arm of Johnson & Johnson: ‘Failure of govt’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/top-official-sought-cbi-probe-failure-of-govt-5323983/
New Delhi: Over 5 years ago, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner asked the state Govt to seek a CBI probe into complaints by patients against ASR hip implants sold by the Indian arm of Johnson & Johnson. 3 years later, Vijay Anant Vojhala, a patient who underwent a hip replacement surgery using this device, asked the central govt for a CBI probe into the “faulty” implants.But the Centre decided in July 2015 against such a probe on the grounds that “referring the case to CBI may not help the compensation claim” of patients.Mahesh Zagade, Maharashtra FDA Commissioner in 2013, said there was a “whole thought process” behind his recommendation and it is the “failure of the Govt machinery that leads to this type of thing”.Zagade alleged that his “officials were hand in glove and they did not pay any heed to the complaint (of patients)… and this was a case of failure of FDA machinery.”Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan did not respond to the queries sent by the paper. Johnson & Johnson did not respond to requests for comment on the Maharashtra FDA’s recommendation. Indianexpress
Kerala floods: No confusion over UAE aid, hope it is accepted, says CM Vijayan
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-floods-no-confusion-over-uae-aid-hope-it-is-accepted-says-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-5323948/
A day after UAE Ambassador Ahmed Albanna said his country had not announced “any specific amount as financial aid” for flood-hit Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan maintained on Friday that there was “no confusion over the aid”.Speaking to mediapersons, the Chief Minister said: “There is no confusion over the aid from UAE. The issue was discussed between two persons. UAE ruler has spoken to our Prime Minister. Both parties have communicated that matter to the world. Whether to accept it or not is an issue of our country. I still hope that the assistance will be accepted.”indianexpress
Kerala floods: State considers interest-free loans for traders
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-floods-state-considers-interest-free-loans-for-traders-5323848/
Kerala govt has announced more relief measures for the flood-hit people of the state even as it tried to restore its ravaged civic infrastructure.CM Pinarayi Vijayan told the media that the Govt was considering interest-free loan up to Rs 10 lakh for traders, dairy farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs who had suffered massive losses in the flood. “The traditional industrial and trade sectors have faced a severe setback. The govt has asked banks to give moratorium for one-and-a-half years on loans,’’ he said.indianexpress
Kerala Floods: Muslim NGOs donate Rs 10 lakh as Eid gift to flood-hit people
http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/kerala-floods-muslim-ngos-donate-rs-10-lakh-as-eid-gift-to-flood-hit-people/1341057
Mumbai: Following an extensive donation drive for the Kerala calamity, students from Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) Maharashtra along with members of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and other local NGOs are back on the occasion of Eid collecting more than Rs 10 lakh from Eidgahs and Mosques after the Eid prayers.Earlier the student-led National organisation, SIO carried out a nation-wide fundraising campaign, wherein they collected nearly 3.5 lakhs from Maharashtra alone. The local wings of the organisation are working day in and out at the affected sites alongside some other NGOs.At present there is a huge need of food supplies, medical aid and shelter for the displaced. Based on the list of requirements, the organisation is carrying out this second round of nation-wide fundraising campaign. Earlier Khizer Shabibi, a student of Mechanical Engineering and Programme Coordinator of flood relief drive in Maharashtra has raised an appeal for all countrymen to come forward and help their fellow citizens with financial aid in their time of need. Raafid Shahab the State general secretary of SIO added, “On Wednesday, Muslims in Maharashtra celebrated their Eid by sharing the pain of our brothers by sending massive donations to Kerala, funds were collected at more than 100 mosques and Eid-Gahs after Eid prayers.”freepressjournal
Mumbai’s religious institutions extend helping hand to victims of Kerala floods
https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/mumbai-s-religious-institutions-extend-helping-hand-to-victims-of-kerala-floods/story-oAP1L7qGhM31eClUS1WjyL.html
Mosque Gives Shelter to Hindu Families Displaced by Kerala Floods
https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/kerala-floods-wash-away-caste-barriers-mosque-offers-shelter-to-hindus-351684.html
Kerala floods might have killed hundreds and displaced lakhs of people but they have also washed away caste barriers and discrimination. A mosque in the flood ravaged state opened its doors to provide shelter to Hindus, who were stuck in floods. Juma Masjid in northern Malappuram, which is one of the worst affected districts is celebrating Eid this year in the most diverse way possible. The mosque has provided shelter to 17 displaced Hindu families including women, children and the elderly.Chaliyar village panchayat chief PT Usman, told PTI, "There were 26 families who had sought refuge in the mosque, a majority of them Hindus. Though we opened the relief camp at the mosque on August 8, the activities started in full swing only after August 14, following a series of landslides that rocked the district.”Victims were given space to sleep, proper food from the canteen consisting of rice, pulses and other essential materials. Many families later returned home because water had receded from their homes. They took part in Bakrid today, after which they left for their respective homes.indiatimes
Kerala: Temple hall hosts Eid prayers for members of flooded mosque
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-temple-hall-hosts-eid-prayers-for-members-of-flooded-mosque/articleshow/65504854.cms
Thrissur: In a refreshing development, the hall attached to temple at Eravathur near Mala became the venue for the Eid prayers on Wednesday for the devotees from the nearby mosque which is still remaining flooded.The office-bearers of the Purappullikkavu Rathneswari Temple run by SNDP Yogam happily volunteered when they realized that priests at the nearby Kochukadavu Juma Masjid were looking for a place to organize the community prayer session on the Eid day."We were hoping that the water will recede by Wednesday and we will be able to offer the Eid prayers at the Masjid itself . However, two days back itself we realised that this may not be possible. When we discussed the issue with the temple office-bearers, they immediately offered their hall for the prayers,’’ said PA Khalid, president of the Masjid Mahallu committee."We thought offering the temple hall for Eid prayers will be an expression of the secular lineage of this land. We had also arranged all other facilities like water for cleaning for the devotees who had come for offering prayers," said P K Sabu, who is the president of SNDP Union Mala.About 200 Muslims had assembled to offer prayers at the temple hall.TOI
Muslims in Kerala Clean Flood-Hit Temples; Provide Shelter to Shelterless Hindus Inside Mosques
http://caravandaily.com/portal/muslims-in-kerala-clean-flood-hit-temples-provide-shelter-to-shelterless-hindus-inside-mosques/
Kerala floods: No jobs, relief camps closing, scores of migrant workers leave for home
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-floods-no-jobs-relief-camps-closing-migrant-workers-leave-for-home-5323847/
Kochi :Scores of migrant workers from the north and northeastern India have left Kerala since the devastating floods. 2 special trains have ferried migrants to the northeastern regions in the last 10 days, but many others are still waiting to leave.The labour department accommodated stranded migrants in relief camps in many parts of Kerala along with local residents. As local residents are shifting back to their houses and camps are being shut, some migrant workers are leaving for their home states.“One camp at Aluva in Ernakulam had 150 migrants from West Bengal. After the camp was shut, most of them left for their home state on Friday. There were migrant workers in camps in Perumbavur and Kothamangalam regions. Those who are leaving Kerala had been staying in affected areas. Once trade and construction is normal, they will come back,” said a revenue department official.indianexpress
Muslim students cleaned Temple in Kerala after floods
https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/setting-example-of-harmony-muslim-students-cleaned-an-ayyappa-temple-in-kerala-after-floods-351762.html
Kerala is recovering from one of century's worst natural disasters. Floods have drowned the state, and people are in desperate need of help and it will take some time for normalcy to return to the citizens of Kerala. However, in order to rehabilitate and lend a helping hand to one another, people are putting away differences to speed up the clean-up process in the state. One such case is that of a group who helped clean up a temple. The noble gesture was undertaken by workers of Wiqaya, a dedicated 17 member team of Muslim students in the state.They volunteered to clean an Ayyappa temple at Kolpadam near Mannarkkad in Palakkad district.According to a report by News 18, the volunteers are from one of the largest Muslim student organisation in Kerala - the Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SKSSF). The cleaned the Ayyappa temple and made it ready for devotees to enter.Habeeb Faizy Kottopadam, who headed the relief work in Palakkad district said about a dedicated team called Wiqaya who volunteer for helping the needy. "They have been indulging in rescue and relief work across the state during the floods,” he said.indiatimes
Kodagu floods: Joint operation by RSS, NGO run by Muslims gives hope to flood-hit people
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kodagu-floods-joint-operation-by-rss-ngo-run-by-muslims-gives-hope-to-flood-hit-people-5324470/
Madikeri (karnataka):They walked for miles on slippery trails, crossing cascading streams and braving landslides. Many were aged men and women, whose lives had gone awry in the wake of the torrential rains that lashed Kodagu district in Karnataka, bordering Kerala, claiming at least 17 lives and leaving a trail of destruction since Aug 12.Several people were carried on shoulders to the relief camps, where they sat waiting for their names to be called to receive food and other relief materials. The residents of Kodagu not only lost their homes due to the incessant rains and floods, but were also cut off from the rest of the world due to frequent landslides.Since August 16, the villagers living in and around Madikeri were rescued and taken to the relief camps. The much-needed support was a result of a joint relief-and-rescue operation undertaken by the RSS-affiliated Seva Bharati and the Usmaniya Charitable Trust (Bhadravati),NGO run by Muslims.Mussavvir Basha, general secretary, Usmaniya Charitable Trust said they spent Rs 5 lakh for providing rice packets, water bottles, biscuits, free ambulance service, first-aid kits etc. to the marooned people.“There was a barrage of fake news and hatred being spread on Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms. Some mediapersons too, I am sorry to say, are dividing the country into north and south. “In this backdrop, the joint operation should serve as an inspiration to people to bring unity in this hour of crisis,” he said. Basha and 5 others of the trust visited the RSS camp at Madikeri and proposed the joint operation.Both the organisations took part in the rescue-and-relief work from August 21 to 24, before the members of the Usmaniya Charitable Trust returned to Bhadravati in Shivamogga district. indianexpress
Delhi HC convicts 20 for Mirchpur Dalit killings: ‘Grim reminder of absence of equality, fraternity in society’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mirchpur-dalit-killings-delhi-hc-says-planned-attack-by-jats-5322626/
New Delhi:Observing that atrocities against Dalits by upper castes have shown no signs of abating even after 71 years of independence, the Delhi High Court Friday held 20 people guilty of burning alive a 60-year-old Dalit man and his differently-abled daughter at Mirchpur village in Haryana in 2010.A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and IS Mehta said that the incident in Hissar district is a grim reminder of the complete absence of “equality” and “fraternity” in Indian society. “How long shall we continue to live this life of contradictions,” the High Court observed and asked till when will we deny the principle of one man, one value. “Millions of Dalits including the Balmikis of Mirchpur ask even now.”In a 209-page verdict, the High Court overturned the trial court acquittal of 20 people and upheld the conviction of 13 others in the case saying there is no doubt that it was indeed members of Jat community which made a “coordinated and premeditated” attack on the Balmiki basti. The trial court ruling on Sept.24, 2011, had held 15 of 97 accused guilty and acquitted 82.While 13 people had approached the HC challenging their conviction, families of the victims and the police had also moved the HC seeking enhancement of the sentence awarded to the convicts and appealing against the acquittal of the others.On the morning of April 21, 2010, homes of 18 Dalits were torched and 18-year old Suman and her father Tara Chand were burnt alive. The violence had led to the displacement of 254 Dalit families from Mirchpur village. The trigger was an incident 2 days earlier when a dog which belonged to a Balmiki resident barked at a group of Jat youth.indianexpress
Maharashtra govt prepares draft bill, outlines role of proposed cow commission
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-govt-prepares-draft-bill-outlines-role-of-proposed-cow-commission-5323911/
Mumbai:The Govt has prepared a draft bill to set up a Maharashtra Cow Service Commission with a view to prevent illegal cow slaughter, increase the breeding of local cows through gaushalas and monitor the functioning of gaushalas in the state. Besides, the draft bill says, the commission should suggest schemes to the Govt for the setting up of industries to “generate power and bio-gas from cow milk, urine and dung”.Officials from the state animal husbandry department said the proposed commission, to be headed by the animal husbandry minister, would be a 23-member body, including Govt officials and representatives from NGOs.“The commission would be responsible for protecting cows seized by the police on suspicion of being taken for slaughter and for initiating legal action against those involved in such acts,” said an official.The official added that the commission would be tasked with ensuring effective implementation of Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1995 and The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. “Commission will have powers to impose a fine of Rs 50,000 for the first offence and Rs 1 lakh for the second offence for violations of the provisions of the bill under which it would be constituted,” said official.indianexpress
Rumours sent mob to a Delhi mosque on Bakrid, probe on: Police
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/rumours-sent-mob-to-mosque-on-bakrid-probe-on-police-5322018/
New Delhi : It took a message, sent by a volunteer from the VHP, for 500 people to reach Noorani Masjid at outer Delhi’s Nangloi on Bakrid, alleging that a cow had been slaughtered on the premises. Despite assurances by police that no such thing had happened, the rumour spread quickly and soon a crowd gathered outside the waste disposal site where animal carcasses are dumped. A man transporting carcasses was stopped as people made videos, some calling him a cow slaughterer.Police stationed at the masjid, meanwhile, sought to placate the crowd, so the festival would not be disrupted.“In Delhi, slaughter of cows is prohibited. Our men were stationed at the mosque and if anything illegal would have taken place, we would have acted,” said DCP (Outer) Seju P Kuruvilla. Despite police assurances, the group shouted slogans and pelted stones towards the 30-year-old mosque.VHP leader Onkar Prasad Bhardwaj, said, “A mosque is a place of worship and not a slaughterhouse. We were just making sure no illegal activities were taking place. A volunteer stationed at the mosque site for security maintenance on Bakrid tipped us off and we mobilised. But the crowd which came later got out of control. We are cooperating with police and want peace in the area.” As a contingent of Delhi Police intervened,mob dispersed, only to return in larger numbers, until reinforcements – 200 personnel, some in anti-riot gear — from around 10 police stations arrived. The short advances and retreats by the crowd lasted around 5 hours, before the police managed to pacify them.Police seized over 2 kg of carcasses and sent them for forensic examination. A counter-complaint was sent by the mosque’s committee members, requesting action against the crowd and better security.Amid the tension, the hundred-odd families in Nihal Vihar spent Bakrid locked up inside their homes, with the 10-odd shops shut.indianexpress
RSS is like Muslim Brotherhood in Arab world:Rahul in UK
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rss-is-like-muslim-brotherhood-in-arab-world-says-rahul-gandhi-in-uk-1322579-2018-08-24
London:Congress President Rahul Gandhi once again hit out at PM Narendra Modi during his Europe trip. Speaking in London, during an event at the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), Rahul Gandhi questioned Modi's foreign policy towards China and Pakistan.Rahul also hit out at the RSS saying that the organisation is "trying to change nature of India"."Other parties haven't tried to capture India's institutions. RSS's idea is similar to the idea of Muslim brotherhood in the Arab world," Rahul Gandhi said while speaking at the IISS in London today.Rahul Gandhi accused PM Narendra Modi of usurping the powers of the External Affairs Minister. Speaking about how the functions of the External Affairs Minister were overtaken by the prime minister, Rahul Gandhi said that EAM Sushma Swaraj, "has got nothing to do except issue visas".IndiaToday
Minority Definition Needs Revisiting, Says RSS Worker's Report Critiquing Sachar Committee
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/concept-and-definition-of-minority-needs-to-be-revisited-says-rss-workers-report-1855027.html
New Delhi: An RSS worker, Durga Nand Jha, who was also a former member of the BJP’s National Minorities Coordination Committee during 2014, has prepared a report on Indian minorities titled: ‘An Enquiry Into India’s Minority Policy’ and ‘Analysis of Socio-Economic Status of Muslim Community in India. The report suggests sweeping changes in the way minorities are defined and benefits are distributed among them. Ready with his report, Jha is now waiting to have it released by a prominent BJP leader. The plan is to get BJP chief Amit Shah to do the honours.“With the Sachar Committee report a very wrong narrative was shaped in India about Muslims being backward. I am not denying that. Yes, Muslims are backward but only in some states, say, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh. And if you see the data available you will find that Muslims are backward in poor states, where even Hindus are backward. The report communalised economic development,” Jha tells News18. He adds, “But if you see Muslims in Kerala, you will find that they are well off. With this report we want our findings and suggestions to come in public domain, where right now the Sachar Report is. It will bring to light the internal factors responsible for backwardness of Muslims. The Govt is already trying to make changes through the Triple Talaq Bill etc.”“This is a negative propaganda. One has to dispassionately read the Report that has over 375 charts and graphs culled from Govt sources. It is the most authentic report on Muslims in India after the Independence. But some people are constrained to look at the issue objectively since 1925,” says Dr Syed Zafar Mahmood, former member of Sachar Committee and President of Zakat Foundation. news18
Namazis at Taj Mahal drop from 15,000 to 5,000
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/after-restrictions-on-outsiders-praying-at-taj-mosque-namazis-no-on-bakr-eid-falls-from-15k-to-5k/articleshow/65506997.cms
AGRA: With the Agra district administration being strict in implementing its directive of allowing only local Muslims to offer prayers at the mosque inside the Taj Mahal complex, Bakr-Eid celebrations witnessed a huge fall in the number of namazis on Wednesday. According to local Muslim clerics and leaders of the community, the number of namazis has fallen by almost 66% this Eid. President of Tajmahal Intezamiya Committee, Syed Ibrahim Hussain Zaidi said, “Usually approximately 15,000 people used to come for prayers on Bakr-Eid , but this year the number was not more than 5,000.”Attributing this decrease in number to the “confusion” over the administration’s order of allowing only local residents, president of Rashtriya Smarak Samiti, Syed Munnawar Ali said, “Since the Supreme Court had also issued directions in this regard, people stayed away. Sometimes right-wing activists also target the community.”CISF commandant for Taj Mahal, Brij Bhushan said, “There were no restrictions on entry into the complex for anyone today. It was free for all visitors for 3 hours from 7am to 10am and all Muslims who came were allowed to perform namaz during this period.”A namazi, Aarif Taimuri, who came to offer prayers at the monument said, “Taj Mahal has become controversial and every day something new happens here. Since people do not want to face harassment on grounds of security, many preferred to perform namaz at nearby mosques rather than at Taj.” TOI
Rajasthan: Day after attack on kanwariyas, fresh violence erupts at Malpura in Tonk; curfew imposed
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/malpura-news-tonk-district-rajasthan-live-latest-news-today-kota-to-tonk-distance-kanwar-yatra-kanwariyas-attacked-curfew/274479
Jaipur: A day after locals pelted stones at kanwariyas, fresh violence was reported on Friday in Malpura area of Tonk district in Rajasthan. Following the violence, curfew was imposed in the area. ASP Goverdhan Sekaria said an “unruly mob” tried to set fire to a shop in the town.Sekaria added that the Rajasthan Police dispersed the crowd assembled in Malpura and imposed a curfew. On Thursday, people belonging to the minority community had hurled stones and attacked the kanwariyas while they were crossing a Muslim-dominated area in Malpura.The incident had led to tension in the area. In the wake of the incident, a furious crowd torched a vehicle. Section 144 of CrPC, which prohibits the gathering of crowds, was imposed thereafter and mobile Internet services were blocked in the area.Fifteen pilgrims on Kanwar Yatra were injured in the clash.Times Now
Calm restored in Ranchi area after rumours
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/calm-restored-in-ranchi-area-after-rumours/articleshow/65525547.cms
Delhi : Police restored calm in Ranchi's Badgai locality after rumours about the presence of beef at a household led to a minor clash on Thursday. Officials rushed to the spot with large contingent of policemen, including Rapid Action Force, to maintain peace. Police said they have seized some pieces of meat from the house and they will be sent to a lab to ascertain if it is beef. There were reports of several people being taken into custody, but police refused to confirm or deny the reports. DSP (sadar) Vikas Pandey said normalcy has been restored in the area. SP (city) Aman Kumar said that efforts were on to stop spread rumors regarding the incident.TOI
Gujarat: Cops broker peace in Kathada, mosque gets loud speakers
https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/cops-broker-peace-in-kathada-mosque-gets-loud-speakers/articleshow/65535997.cms
Ahmedabad: On Friday, azan, the prayer call for Muslims, played from loud speakers of the mosque at Kathada village of Kutch probably for the first time. The devices were installed as a sign of compromise between the Gadhvi and the Muslim communities, following a clash earlier this week. As per the police complaint, both groups had entered into an altercation on the night of August 20 after a member of the Gadhvi community reportedly objected to the azan.A few people were injured in the ensuing violence. Ibrahim Halepotra, chief of Akhil Kutch Sunni Muslim Hitrakshak Samiti, said, “Muslims in the village were not permitted to give a prayer call on loudspeaker for last 2 decades. So we used to do it on a small speaker installed inside the mosque. On August 20, members of our community were attacked and 5, including a 70-year-old, were injured. We decided to protest in a silent manner, so we invited Muslims across Kutch to Kathda.”On getting information about arrival of so many Muslims, the district administration as well as the police reached the village and negotiated a compromise. Umar Chauhan, a community leader, said, “We have been living in harmony for ages in the village. So we decided to protest in our own way. Mandvi police inspector M R Gameti intervened and a consensus was arrived at to allow Muslims to give the prayer call on loud speaker.”Loudspeakers were installed at mosque in the presence of Gadhvi community leaders and police. Ahmedabad Mirror
Had opposed Vajpayee tribute: Jailed AIMIM corporator posed threat to public order, say police; family calls him a victim of political conspiracy
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/he-had-opposed-vajpayee-tribute-jailed-aimim-corporator-posed-threat-to-public-order-say-police/
Aurangabad: 2 days after he was sent to jail for one year, the Aurangabad police have defended the invoking of the stringent Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Slumlords, Bootleggers and Drug Offenders Act (MPDA) against AIMIM corporator Sayyed Mateen, saying he had 9 cases against him and that he was a “danger to public order”. MPDA was invoked against Mateen days after he opposed a resolution to pay tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at an Aurangabad Municipal Corporation meeting on August 17. Then, he was also assaulted allegedly by BJP corporators and was rushed out of the meeting by police.After the incident, 2 separate offences were registered against Mateen, including one under Section 153A of the IPC (promoting enmity between different groups). A separate case of vandalism was registered later. Mateen was arrested on August 18 and was kept in custody till August 21, while 5 BJP corporators were arrested and later released on bail. Minutes after Mateen was granted bail on August 21, he was held again, this time under the MPDA. His family has said that he is a victim of a “political conspiracy” and that they would approach the courts. AIMIM MLA from Aurangabad, Imtiaz Jaleel, said, “We have already clarified that what he said in the corporation meeting on August 17 is not the party’s stand. It was his own action. Having said this, we condemn the brutality against him and also invoking the stringent act.This is police excess. We will not only challenge the bail granted to BJP corporators but also be looking at legal remedies against the preventive detention.”A purported video of the incident on August 17 shows Mateen was beaten up with footwear and even kicked by some corporators present on the floor. The video also shows police rushing Rashid out of the hall.Irshad Fatema, Mateen’s mother, said:“They showed that video repeatedly on TV. Someone even counted how many times he was beaten. And now he being sent to jail for one year. What will happen to his wife and children? This is a conspiracy against my son by some people who did not want him to succeed in politics. He was not even released for Eid.”According to his father Sayyed Rashid, they plan to approach the courts. “We have been told that we can apply for bail. We are in touch with AIMIM leaders and we will approach court after taking legal opinion,” he said.indianexpress
Maharashtra: AIMIM corporator, who opposed resolution on Vajpayee, sent to jail under MPDA for one year
https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/maharashtra-aimim-corporator-who-opposed-resolution-on-atal-bihari-vajpayee-sent-to-jail-under-mpda/1289836/
Muslim man offers namaz inside gurdwara, video goes viral
https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/muslim-man-offers-namaz-inside-gurudwara-video-goes-viral-1322796-2018-08-24
New Delhi:In a video that has been going viral on social media, a Muslim man was seen offering namaz while a gurbani was being recited in a gurdwara in Malaysia. And the Sikhs inside the gurdwara didn't seem to mind at all.In fact, the popular Facebook page Sikh Inside, which posts activities from gurdwaras around the world and shared that video, was actually pretty supportive of the Muslim 'brother', saying that 'god is one'.This has been winning thousands of hearts online. Although, many people were triggered by the praying man's actions, the video mostly received love and support, showing the world that religious harmony exists.In the video that was recorded by a local at the Gurdwara Sahib Bercham in Ipoh, the Muslim man was seen completing his prayers for two minutes and then leaving."Yesterday (Aug.20), a Muslim brother spotted doing Namaz. Probably he couldn't find a mosque and drop by Gurdwara to complete his Namaz (sic)," Sikh Inside wrote on their Facebook.IndiaToday
Ahmedabad records lowest Measles-Rubella vaccination cover in Muslim-dominated areas
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/ahmedabad-records-lowest-measles-rubella-vaccination-cover-in-muslim-dominated-areas-5324045/
Ahmedabad:The low coverage of the Measles-Rubella vaccine in Ahmedabad city, which has reported the second lowest coverage in Gujarat at 37 per cent against the state average of 64 per cent, has been attributed to the low coverage in Muslim dominated areas of the city. According to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation(AMC) figures, certain areas with high Muslim population reported as low as seven per cent vaccine coverage, since the drive began on July 16. For the campaign, set to conclude by August end, out of a target population of 1.6 crore in the state, Ahmedabad has a target of 14.8 lakh. An estimated number of 2,414 schools have been identified for the vaccination drive. Among the reasons cited for the low percentage, are the rumours about the side-effects of the vaccine, which the authorities tried to dispel to have the community accept the vaccine as safe, officials said. One such rumour was that the vaccine led to “impotency”. AMC medical officer Dr Bhavin Solanki said, “This (low coverage among Muslims) is among one of the reasons for a low percentage of MR vaccination in AMC area as there are cases where there is not an encouraging response in affluent areas either.”indian express
Sohrabuddin ‘fake’ encounter: FSL officer identifies signatures on ATS vehicle logbook belonging to 2 cops
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sohrabuddin-shaikh-fake-encounter-fsl-officer-identifies-signatures-on-ats-vehicle-logbook-belonging-to-2-cops-5323903/
Mumbai :In the Sohrabuddin Shaikh alleged fake encounter case, a forensic expert deposed on Friday about the handwriting of the accused policemen in a vehicle logbook in November 2005. The expert, prosecution witness number 171, identified the signatures made in the logbook, identifying them to having the same authors as the specimen signatures of accused policemen Balkrishna Chaubey and Naresh Chauhan. CBI has claimed that the logbook maintained at the Gujarat ATS office proves that 2 vehicles were allotted to Chaubey and Chauhan in the days after the alleged fake encounter of Sohrabuddin in Gujarat on Nov.26, 2005. It had alleged that the two vehicles were used by the accused policemen to travel to Illol, where Sohrabuddin’s wife Kausarbi was allegedly killed and her body disposed of. While the logbook does not mention the details of where the vehicles were taken, it has signatures of the 2 policemen identified by the witness.The witness, an expert in document examination, on Friday identified the specimen signatures to be the same as on the logbook for the dates Nov.26, 20 and Dec.1, 2005.indianexpress
UP: APCR ensures freedom for seven marginalised prisoners on Independence day
http://twocircles.net/2018aug24/425526.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
7 prisoners got back their freedom on the occasion of Independence Day this year through Association for protection of Civil Rights (APCR). Of the 7 prisoners, 6 were from Lucknow District Jail and one was from Fatehpur Jail. They are: Rajkumar from Raibareli; Mohd Akram from Fatehpur; Ashok Kumar from Saraswati; Sonu from Santkabir Nagar; Gobind from Sitapur; and Mohit and Mangal from Lucknow. APCR provides legal aid to undertrials from economically poor backgrounds who cannot afford a lawyer, and prisoners who even after serving the sentence are not released because they are unable to afford the penal amount. People from different religious backgrounds are provided legal assistance without any discrimination by the association.Their economic background and their criminal background is checked thoroughly and if they are genuinely poor and are not habitual criminals their cases are taken up by APCR.Most of the prisoners released are Dalits, Adivasis and Muslims engaged in low-income jobs such as rickshaw pulling and daily wage labourers and hence unable to hire a lawyer.In the last six months alone, 56 prisoners have been released with help from APCR in UP which has its chapters in 17 states viz., Jharkhand, Karnataka, Goa,Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Telangana, MP, Kerala and Haryana.TCN
Bengal Panchayat: SC refuses to cancel polls in seats that TMC won unopposed
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bengal-panchayat-sc-refuses-to-cancel-polls-in-seats-that-tmc-won-unopposed-5323856/
New Delhi:The Supreme Court on Friday refused to set aside the elections to the 20,159 seats won unopposed by Trinamool Congress candidates in the local body polls in West Bengal. The opposition had accused the ruling party of resorting to violence to prevent its candidates from filing nominations. The court said that each case will have to be examined separately by way of an election petition and it cannot make a “general assumption”.“For this court to set aside elections to over 20,000 seats would be to prejudge the basic issue as to whether in each of those constituencies, the election stands vitiated by obstruction having been caused to candidates from filing their nominations. A general assumption of this nature cannot be made. Ultimately, whether this is correct would depend upon the evidence adduced in the facts of individual cases where such a grievance has been made in an election petition,” a bench of CJI Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud ruled.indianexpress
Govt Flouted Defence Procurement Procedure in Rafale Deal: Chidambaram
https://thewire.in/security/Govt-flouted-defence-procurement-procedure-in-rafale-deal-chidambaram
Kolkata: Upping the ante against the Govt over Rafale fighter jet issue, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram today accused the Centre of ignoring the defence procurement procedure and “bypassing” several committees to secure the deal.The former finance minister also alleged the Cabinet Committee on Security was not taken into confidence by the Govt before signing the deal.“Why was the defence procurement procedure ignored in the Rafale deal… and why were the Contract Negotiation Committee and the Price Negotiation Committee kept in the dark about it? The Cabinet Committee on Security was also not taken into confidence,” he told reporters at the Congress office here.PTI
Editors Guild Slams Patna HC Gag Order on Muzaffarpur Shelter Abuse Case
https://thewire.in/media/patna-high-court-media-muzaffarpur-shelter-abuse-case
New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India today condemned a Patna high court order restraining the media from reporting on the probe into the Muzaffarpur shelter abuse case and appealed to its and Supreme Court’s chief justices to review the decision.In a statement, the media body said such restrictions on reporting on matters of public importance are counterproductive as it decried the recent growing trend of courts issuing such restraint orders on the media that undermine one of the pillars of democracy.The guild is distressed to note that the court, instead of protecting media freedom, has issued an order that has effectively curbed it, it said.“It condemns such orders as it believes that such restrictions on reporting on investigations into a matter of public importance are counterproductive,” the statement said.PTI
After Pranab, industrialist Ratan Tata shares stage with RSS chief
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/ratan-tata-shares-stage-with-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-pranab-mukherjee-rahul-gandhi-rss/274603
New Delhi: After Pranab Mukherjee, industrialist Ratan Tata shared the stage with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Tata was seen attending the event marking completion of 50 years by an RSS- affiliated NGO- Nana Palkar Smruti Samiti in Mumbai. According to the invite shared by Nana Palkar Smruti Samiti on their Facebook page, the year marked the birth centenary of Nana Palkar, an RSS functionary. The event was telecast live on the NGO's Facebook page.Tata's presence at an RSS event came on a day Congress president Rahul Gandhi targetted the RSS saying, "RSS is trying to change the nature of India. Other parties haven't tried to capture India's institutions. RSS's idea is similar to the idea of the Muslim Brotherhood in the Arab world." Times Now
‘If I was born before Godse, I would have killed Gandhi’, says Hindu Mahasabha’s Pooja Shakun Pandey
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/pooja-shakun-pandey-akhil-bharatiya-hindu-mahasabha-mahatma-gandhi-nathuram-godse-shariat-courts-all-india-muslim-personal-law-board-hindu-court/274834
Aligarh:Kicking up a fresh row, Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) national secretary and lady judge of the country's first 'Hindu Court' in UP's Meerut Dr. Pooja Shakun Pandey has said that if she was born ahead of Nathuram Godse, she would have killed Mahatma Gandhi with her own hands. She also issued a warning to followers of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and said that she would shoot anyone if they try to be another Mahatma in this Independent India. Dr. Pandey also blamed Gandhi for the partition of the country and killings of several lakhs of Hindus during the Partition."If I was born before Godse, I would have killed Gandhi with my own hands. He was responsible for the division of India and killings of several lakh of Hindus during Partition. I will murder anyone who talked about further division of the country," announced Dr. Pandey. She, who is a professor of Mathematics, believes that Mahatma Gandhi should not be called Father of the Nation.Calling Godse a devout patriot, the firebrand Mahasabha woman leader said that the new generation was misled as they are being taught wrong history which glorified Gandhi and demonised Godse.. timesnownews
Narada Laws & Godse 'Sacrifice': How Mahasabha Wants to Bring 'Ram Rajya' With 1st 'Hindu Court'
https://www.news18.com/news/india/naradas-laws-godses-sacrifice-how-mahasabha-wants-to-establish-ram-rajya-with-1st-hindu-court-1856433.html
Lab-grown meat may end violence over cow slaughter, says Union minister Maneka Gandhi
https://scroll.in/latest/891831/lab-grown-meat-may-end-violence-over-cow-slaughter-says-union-minister-maneka-gandhi
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi on Friday said meat grown in a laboratory from animal cells, or “clean meat”, may help solve the problem of lynching, assault and intimidation by cow protection groups, which is creating “a pervasive air of violence”.“It is the most important thing to create alternative sources of meat,” Gandhi said, according to The New Indian Express. “We must have clean meat...People are being lynched for taking cows for slaughter. Why this terror?” The minister was speaking at a seminar on ‘Future of Protein Summit’ at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad. The summit discussed the expansion and feasibility of “clean meat” in the country.scroll.in
No one should try to scrap Article 35A: Shankar Aiyar
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-one-should-try-to-scrap-article-35a-mani-shankar-aiyar/articleshow/65543266.cms
Srinagar: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar said no one should attempt to scrap Article 35A of the Constitution and expressed hope that the Supreme Court would decide the matter in the "national interest"."I think no one should touch this issue. Article 35A is part of our Constitution and no one should make attempts to remove it," Aiyar said on the sidelines of a seminar here titled "Discussion on J&K and Indo-Pak relations” organised by Centre for Peace and Progress."This issue is being raked up unnecessarily which is not in anyone's interest,” added the Congress leader, whose suspension from the basic membership of the party was recently revoked.PTI
WORLD
Saudi 'detains' Mecca imam Sheikh Saleh al-Talib who 'challenged mixed gatherings'
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/08/saudi-detains-mecca-imam-challenged-mixed-gatherings-180822105619043.html
Saudi Arabia has detained a prominent imam and preacher at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, activists said, after he reportedly delivered a sermon criticising mixed public gatherings. The social media advocacy group Prisoners of Conscience, which monitors and documents arrests of Saudi preachers and religious scholars, said on Sunday that Sheikh Saleh al-Talib was arrested after he delivered a sermon on the duty in Islam to speak out against evil in public.Khaleej Online reported that in his sermon, Talib, who also serves as a judge in Mecca, derided the mixing of unrelated men and women at concerts and other mixed entertainment events.While there was no direct criticism of the Saudi royal family in his speech, the kingdom has in recent months relaxed laws on female attendance at public events.Saudi has yet to issue an official statement on the issue.Hours after his reported arrest, both of al-Talib's Engish and Arabic Twitter accounts were deactivated. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Yahya Assiri, a UK-based Saudi human rights activist, said the kingdom's "authorities are looking at everyone that's influential and has a presence on the scene".He added: "Even those that have kept quiet or pledged allegiance to the state, even those that have been drumming up the authorities and their initiatives, even these are not safe. "Since Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, became the Saudi crown prince in June 2017, dozens of imams, women's rights activists and members of the ruling royal family have been detained.Among those arrested are prominent Islamic preachers Salman al-Awdah, Awad al-Qarni, Farhan al-Malki, Mostafa Hassan and Safar al-Hawali.Al-Awdah and al-Qarni, who have millions of followers on social media, were arrested last September and accused of having links to the Muslim Brotherhood, a group Saudi blacklisted as a "terror organisation".Meanwhile, al-Hawali, 68, was detained after he published a 3,000-page book attacking bin Salman and ruling family over their ties to Israel, calling it a "betrayal". Al Jazeera
US cancels over $200 million in aid to Palestinians
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-cancels-over-200-million-in-aid-to-palestinians/1238682
Washington:US on Friday cut more than $200 million in aid to Palestine following a review initiated by President Donald Trump.A senior State Department official confirmed the move, saying that the funds originally intended for the West Bank and Gaza will instead by used for "high-priority projects elsewhere.""At the direction of President Trump, we have undertaken a review of US assistance to the Palestinian Authority and in the West Bank and Gaza to ensure these funds are spent in accordance with US national interests and provide value to the US taxpayer," official said."As a result of that review, at the direction of the President, we will redirect more than $200 million in FY2017 Economic Support Funds originally planned for programs in the West Bank and Gaza," the official added, referring to the 2017 fiscal year.Anadolu
Egypt rounds up regime critics amid calls to protest
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/egypt-rounds-up-regime-critics-amid-calls-to-protest/1238259
Cairo: Egyptian state prosecutors on Friday remanded Masoum Marzouk, a prominent opposition figure and former diplomat, along with 6 others, in custody for 15 days, pending investigation into charges against them.Those charges include “inciting unrest” and “membership in a terrorist organization”, Tarek al-Awadi, a lawyer for the defendants, told local media outlets. On Thursday, security forces detained Marzouk, economist Raed Salama, academic Yehia al-Qazzaz, and four other critics of the regime of President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. Earlier this month, Marzouk called for a popular referendum on whether al-Sisi should step down and for public demonstrations on Aug. 31 should the authorities refuse the demand. Anadolu
Dozens of civilians killed in Saudi-UAE bombing in Yemen
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/08/war-yemen-dozens-civilians-killed-saudi-uae-bombing-180824173922900.html
Houthi rebels say at least 30 people were killed in an air raid near Hodeidah, at least 20 of them children.The latest civilian casualties come 2 weeks after an aerial bombardment that destroyed a school bus, killing 40 children.Saudi Arabia declared earlier attack an appropriate military strike, but has promised to investigate. Charity Save Children has estimated that an average of 140 children have been killed every day since Saudi and UAE began their bombing campaign against Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen. aljazeera
Rohingya mourn first anniversary of Rakhine massacre
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/rohingya-mourn-first-anniversary-of-rakhine-massacre/1238780
Rohingya refugees in makeshift camps in southeastern Bangladesh are recalling their plight on the first anniversary of Myanmar’s brutal crackdown on the Muslim minority group in Rakhine state. More than 750,000 refugees, mostly children and women, fled Myanmar and crossed into Bangladesh after military forces launched a crackdown on the minority Muslim community on Aug. 25, 2017. Anadolu
Pakistan: New Govt abolishes PM’s discretionary fund and first-class travel by ministers
https://scroll.in/latest/891869/pakistan-new-Govt-abolishes-pms-discretionary-fund-and-first-class-travel-by-ministers
The Pakistan Govt has banned first-class travel by leaders and discretionary funds of the prime minister, federal ministers, and members of the National Assembly as part of its austerity drive, Dawn reported on Saturday. The decision was taken on Friday at a Cabinet meeting presided by Prime Minister Imran Khan.The decision was announced five days after Khan banned all non-essential foreign tours by his ministers and senior bureaucrats.The president, prime minister, chief justice, Senate chairman, speaker of the National Assembly and chief ministers will now have to travel business class in international flights, said Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry. These top constitutional officials used to travel in first class before.Imran Khan will also travel business class and will not use a special plane for foreign tours. “For domestic travelling, the protocol [use of special plane by PM] will not be changed,” The Express Tribune quoted Chaudhry as saying.scroll.in
‘It takes two to tango’: Pakistan’s foreign minister again expresses willingness to improve ties
https://scroll.in/latest/891858/it-takes-two-to-tango-pakistans-foreign-minister-again-expresses-willingness-to-improve-ties
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said the Govt of PM Imran Khan is willing to improve ties with India. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, Qureshi said the Govt wanted to address all outstanding matters, including Kashmir, through dialogue.Qureshi said India’s Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj had congratulated him on his appointment. “It takes two to tango,” Qureshi said. “You cannot clap with just one hand. We have a positive stance and will remain hopeful.”scroll.in
China aims to build houses, roads in Sri Lanka north to extend sway
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/china-aims-to-build-houses-roads-in-sri-lanka-north-to-extend-sway/articleshow/65531801.cms
Colombo: China wants to build houses and roads in Sri Lanka's north, much of which is in a state of disrepair nearly a decade after the end of civil war, Chinese and Sri Lankan officials said, in a bid to expand its influence beyond the island's south.China's latest push in the Indian Ocean island nation comes despite criticism that a big Chinese port project and related infrastructure in the south are dragging the country of 21 million people deep into debt.Luo Chong, chief of the political section at China's embassy in Colombo, said China wanted to help with reconstruction in Sri Lanka's north and east, the centre of a 26-year war between the Govt and ethnic minority Tamil separatists that ended in 2009.
FLASH VIEWS & NEWS
Another Eid Lost to Burnt Mosques & Empty Lanes in Muzaffarnagar:thequint
https://www.thequint.com/videos/news-videos/muzaffarnagar-riots-2013-victims-speak-about-relief-camps
Muzaffarnagar Riots Cases: Hostile Witnesses and Zero Convictions:thequint
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/muzaffarnagar-riots-2013-cases-investigations-status
Data flows away from ordinary citizens, to those who collect and may misuse it:Shashi Tharoor, indian express
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/to-plug-the-data-spill-5323759/
Anti-NRC campaigns refuse to acknowledge that Assam’s people are losing land, economic space:Harekrishna Deka, indian express
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/a-feeling-of-homelessness-5323767/
A decade after anti-Christian violence took a toll, there are no signs of remorse:Apoorvanand, indian express
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/kandhamal-without-closure-5323775/
‘They treated our men like goats’: Guards in Afghan blast sue employers and Canada:New York Times
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/nepali-contract-guards-afghanistan-kabul-bombing-5324056/
For This National Award-Winning Artist, Auto Driving Was More Feasible Than His Craft:Farooq Shah, The Wire
https://thewire.in/the-arts/for-this-national-award-winning-artist-auto-driving-was-more-feasible-than-his-craft
NRC: Tested frequently since Partition, the Indian theory of citizenship has faltered once again:Tanweer Fazal
https://scroll.in/article/890206/nrc-tested-frequently-since-partition-the-indian-theory-of-citizenship-has-faltered-once-again
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:07 PM)
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