NEWS DIGEST, Afternoon
15 Nov. 2018:06 Rabiul-I 1440: Vol: 11, No:55
INDIA
Rafale Deal: Did IAF officers lie to the SC at the behest of the Modi govt? National Herald India
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/rafale-deal-did-iaf-officers-lie-to-the-supreme-court-on-the-behest-of-the-modi-govt
Did the Air Force officials lie to the Chief Justice of India at the behest of central government. In the Supreme Court, the Air Force officials had said that after 1985 the air force did not get any fleet of fighter planes. The statement is quite far away from the truth as the Sukhoi aircraft was included in the IAF in 2004.Air force officials told the Supreme Court that no fighter jets have been included in the fleet after 1985.During the hearing by the bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi in the SC on Rafale case, it appears that the Air Vice Marshal J Chalapathi and Air Marshal VR Chaudhary (Deputy chief of Air Staff ) deliberately misled and tried to hide facts?Air Force and Defense specialists are in a shock over this.This serious error came up in the Supreme Court during the hearing process on Wednesday when the bench asked Air Marshal VR Chaudhary and Vice Chief T Chalapathi, “Until now, which are the aircrafts which are being manufactured in India?” In response to this question, the reply of Air Force officers present in the court was: “The fleet of Sukhoi 30 aircraft is the latest consignment which was included in Air Force in 1985.”This is the statement which has sent the Defence experts in a shock. The truth is that in 1985, no Sukhoi aircrafts were even manufactured. The design of Sukhoi aircraft was ready only in 1995.During the hearing, Chalapathi described the Sukhoi series as a 3.5-generation fighter aircraft. Air Vice Marshal T Tulipi, who was totally convinced of the entire process of Rafael deal, informed the bench of the importance of this whole agreement in view of India’s security needs. In this sequence, the bench asked question in curiosity, “This means that since 1985, no new fighter aircraft have been included in the Indian Air Force.”To this question, both the top IAF officers answered in the affirmative before the SC. So did these two officials intentionally not amend the wrong assessment by the judges?In the strategic circles, this misrepresentation by the Air Force’s top officials in the Supreme Court is being considered to be a serious case. They have been stating that it was the responsibility of Air Force officers to truthfully express that an agreement was signed with Russia for the Sukhoi-30-class fighter aircraft in 1996. And that was 22 years ago.It should be remembered that then there was a United Front govt at the Centre formed with the support of the Congress. HD Deve Gowda was the Prime Minister and Mulayam Singh Yadav was the Defence Minister. Then there was a new agreement with Russia in Oct.2000. It was decided that Russia will provide 140 and modern Sukhoi aircraft to India and transfer technology too.Sukhois were considered to be the world's most advanced fighter aircraft at that time. These aircrafts were upgraded with air-to-air capability, modern radar systems and with a capability to be refueled in air.It was included in the terms of agreement with Russia that Sukhoi Aviation was to manufacture them in India in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL). After the agreement, in 2000, technology was transferred to India. After that, the first fleet of India-made Sukhoi aircrafts was inducted into IAF in 2004. According to the Indian Air Force records, in Dec.2012, 42 fleets of India-made Sukhoi aircrafts were inducted in the Air Force.The dispute over the statement of the Air Force officials was clarified from the Air Force on Wednesday evening, that the officers had mistakenly said it. nationalheraldindia
Rafale pact is not a govt-to-govt deal: Kapil Sibal
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rafale-pact-is-not-a-govt-to-govt-deal-kapil-sibal-5446520/
New Delhi : As the legal battle over the Rafale fighter jet deal played out in the Supreme Court, the Congress on Wednesday alleged that the deal is not a “government-to-government” pact between India and France as is being suggested by the government.It said the Centre should not have signed the contract with Dassault alleging that it was a “non-complaint” vendor as it had not given assurances on aircraft quality and on man-hours required for manufacture of the jets.Congress, however, did not ask the government to scrap the contract. Addressing a press conference, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal claimed France has never done a govt-to-govt contract on defence. “This is not a government to government contract. Dassault should make a public statement if they ever had a Government to Government contract prior to this. In fact, there is no such procedure in France,” he said.“In this case…the people who negotiated the deal were Dassault representatives along with Eric Trappier himself….That is on the side of Dassault and on the Indian side Ministry of Defence and Air Force officials negotiated the deal. The only thing that happened was that the Government of France gave a confirmation letter. The negotiations were done by Dassault. How could it be a Government to Government contract?” he asked.Sibal claimed Dassault was a non-compliant vendor.indianexpress
Sabarimala opens tomorrow: Kerala CM says will abide by SC verdict, Opposition walks out of all-party meet
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ahead-of-sabarimala-opening-tomorrow-kerala-cm-convenes-all-party-meeting-cong-bjp-in-attendance/
Even as the Kerala government reiterated that it will abide by the Supreme Court order and not dilute its stand on the Sabarimala issue, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday proposed that certain arrangements can be made — like fixing of designated days — to let women of menstrual age enter the shrine. The suggestion, however, did not go down well with Congress-led UDF and BJP, who walked out of the all-party meeting called by the CM to discuss the issue.The meeting comes 2 days after the Supreme Court decided to review its decision allowing women of all ages to enter the hilltop shrine. The SC, however, had iterated that it was not putting a stay on the decision and that women will be allowed to enter the temple when it opens tomorrow. Congress and BJP — the Opposition parties in the state — had welcomed the SC’s decision to hear review petitions. A total of 48 review petitions will be taken up by the SC on Jan.22.Calling the meeting “a drama”, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said the government was not ready for a compromise and remained stubborn on its stance. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Kerala CM Vijayan mocked Chennithala, saying he “walked out” after the meeting was over.Vijayan reiterated the govt’s stance that the state has no option but to implement the Supreme Court ruling.indianexpress
Ayodhya Muslims Fear for Their Lives Ahead of VHP, Shiv Sena Rally: Babri Masjid Litigant
https://www.news18.com/news/india/ayodhya-muslims-fear-for-their-lives-ahead-of-vhp-shiv-sena-rally-says-babri-masjid-litigant-1939439.html
Lucknow:Days ahead of VHP and Shiv Sena’s proposed rallies in Ayodhya, one of the litigants in the Babri case, Iqbal Ansari, has expressed fear for his community in the city.The rallies are scheduled for November 25.Speaking to the media, Ansari said, “The Muslims of Ayodhya, including me, are feeling unsafe ahead of VHP rally. We want the administration to beef up security or we will have to migrate before the rally.”Iqbal Ansari is the son of Hashim Ansari, who was the main litigant in Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit.Expressing his community’s growing apprehension, Ansari explained how Muslims in the city were feeling unsafe as lakhs of people would be gathering in Ayodhya. “A crowd had gathered in 1992 also and razed the Babri mosque; my house was also torched,” he said.Meanwhile, UP DGP OP Singh has assured safety to everyone “including minorities”. Saying he was not aware of Ansari’s statement, Singh said:“I do not know about his statement but the responsibility of 23 crore people, including minorities, rests on the UP Police. If anyone feels unsafe, then they should immediately contact the regional police. We will provide them the needed security.”VHP claimed on Wednesday that at least one lakh people will come to Ayodhya on Nov.25 to show their discontent towards the Supreme Court’s proceedings in the matter. Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray will also join the rally to address a gathering for the first time in the temple town.News18
Kathua rape & murder case: Victim's family removes Deepika Singh as attorney citing threat to her life
https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/kathua-case-8-year-old-victims-family-removes-advocate-deepika-singh-rajawat-as-attorney/314224
Srinagar: Family of 8-year-old Kathua gangrape and murder victim has reportedly removed Advocate Deepika Singh Rajawat as their attorney while citing her security issues, general non-interest and appearance during court proceedings as the reason.The power of attorney given in her favour has been withdrawn by the family. Rajawat had shot to fame after she fought the case initially in spite of having received threats from various parties. She was also recognised at various forums and international platforms for standing up against all odds in order to provide justice to 8-year-old rape and murder victim. Rajawat has appeared only 2-3 times in the case even as it is proceeding day to day as per the Supreme Court's order for the last five months at Pathankot. Her appearance and apprehension were kept in view that she has a threat to her life whenever she visited Pathankot. The family has submitted before the Pathankot Sessions Judge Court that the case of the prosecution is to be dealt further by special public prosecutors SS Basra and District Attorney Jagdishwar Kumar Chopra who would be assisted by KK Puri, Harbhajan Singh, Mubeen Farooky and other advocates. The minor victim in the infamous Kathua rape-cum-murder case was allegedly abducted, intoxicated and brutally gang-raped inside a place of worship by as many as seven accused.Mirror Now
J&K: Madhav says governor rule to continue, asks NC, PDP to clear stand on participating in state polls
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jk-ram-madhav-governor-rule-nc-pdp-to-clear-stand-state-polls-5446393/
Kathua:Accusing the NC and the PDP of trying to scuttle the democratic process, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav has asked them to clear stand on whether they would participate in state assembly elections or boycott them, like they did during the local bodies polls.Asked about any proposal to dissolve the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Madhav said the Governor’s rule will continue till the middle of December and what happens next will be discussed then. “We are happy with it and that is why BJP has decided to continue the Governor rule for sometime,” he said at a function here to felicitate the newly-elected BJP councillors late last night.Under the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, there is no provision for extension of Governor’s rule. Sources have told PTI that the central government might recommend a spell of President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir when the Governor’s rule expires on December 19.Without naming the NC or the PDP, Madhav said their hypocrisy stands exposed as they first boycotted the ULB polls but are now pressing for dissolution of assembly for fresh elections.“On one hand they say they will not take part in elections to safeguard Article 35A, on the other, they demand dissolution of assembly and fresh elections. Tomorrow if assembly elections are held, will you will fight or go by your boycott?” he said.PTI
NIA files charge sheet against Andrabi, two others
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nia-files-charge-sheet-against-kashmiri-separatist-aasiya-andrabi-two-others-5446680/
New Delhi :NIA has filed a charge sheet against pro-Pakistani separatist and Dukhtaran-e-Millat head Aasiya Andrabi and two of her associates for allegedly “waging war” against the country using Internet platforms, officials said. In a statement, the NIA’s spokesman said Andrabi, Sofi Fehmeeda and Naheeda Nasreen were using various social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and TV channels including some in Pakistan to spread “insurrectionary imputations and hateful messages and speeches against India”.PTI
‘Pakistan does not want Kashmir’: Shahid Afridi alleges Indian media misconstrued his comments
https://scroll.in/latest/902185/pakistan-does-not-want-kashmir-shahid-afridi-says-indian-media-misconstrued-his-comments
Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi sparked a controversy on Wednesday when he reportedly suggested that Kashmir should be independent, Hindustan Times reported. He later blamed the Indian media for misconstruing his comments to students at the House of Commons in England. “I say Pakistan does not want Kashmir,” Afridi is heard saying in a video clip. “Don’t give it to India either.Let Kashmir be independent. At least humanity will be alive. Let people not die. Pakistan does not want Kashmir. It cannot even manage its four provinces.” Afridi said humanity was most important. “Any death, be it from any community, is painful,” he added.Afridi later said his comments were “misconstrued by Indian media” and that Kashmir belongs to Pakistan. “My clip is incomplete [and] out of context as what I said before that is missing,” he tweeted. “Kashmir is unresolved dispute [and] under brutal Indian occupation. It must be resolved as per [the] UN resolution. Myself along with every Pakistani support Kashmiri freedom struggle. Kashmir belongs to Pakistan.”Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asked why sections of Indian media were celebrating Afridi’s statement. “Forget what he said about Pakistan’s four provinces, the byte I saw clearly had him supporting freedom for Kashmir [and] criticising human rights violations, so how is that a victory for India?” Abdullah tweeted.scroll.in
Afridi is right, Pakistan can’t handle its own country, how will they manage Kashmir: Rajnath
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/shahid-afridi-kashmir-pakistan-remark-rajnath-singh-india-5447495/
New Delhi :Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said that he agrees with former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi’s remarks that his country cannot manage Kashmir. “What he has said is right. They are not able to manage Pakistan, how could they manage Kashmir. Kashmir is a part of India and shall remain so,”ANI quoted the Home minister as saying.indianexpress
India Likely to Abstain on UNGA Panel Resolution on Myanmar’s Treatment of Rohingya
https://thewire.in/diplomacy/india-vote-unga-panel-resolution-myanmar-rohingya-treatment
New Delhi: India will likely abstain again in a vote in a UN General Assembly committee on the Rohingya issue on a resolution that Bangladesh considers crucial for keeping up the international pressure on Myanmar to ensure quick repatriation.On Nov.15,UNGA’s 3rd committee – which deals with human rights issues – will vote on a resolution on “Human Rights Situation in Myanmar”. The draft resolution, co-sponsored by countries part of the European Union and Organisation for Islamic Conference, calls for the “dignified, voluntary and sustainable return” of Rohingya refugees and accountability for human rights violations. The resolution will be submitted to the third committee on the same day that Bangladesh will begin the repatriation process of the first batch of refugees.Last year, the third committee had also passed a similar resolution on“Situation of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar” in Nov., which was adopted by 135 countries in favour, ten against and 26 abstentions. A month later, on Dec.24, full UN General Assembly voted on the resolution with 122 countries in favour, ten ‘nays’ and 24 abstentions. In both of these resolutions, India had abstained.Official sources indicated that India, neighbour to both Myanmar and Bangladesh is likely to repeat its voting record when the resolution will be introduced to the floor in the third committee this week – and in UNGA next month. India had traditionally voted against any resolutions on human rights situation in Myanmar in UN General Assembly.thewire
Quota for Marathas? Commission made ‘favourable recommendations’ in report to Maharashtra govt
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maratha-reservation-commission-submits-report-to-maharashtra-government-5447980/
Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission submitted on Thursday its report on social and economic conditions of the Maratha community to state Chief Secretary D K Jain, news agency PTI reported.A source in the state government told PTI that the report has made “favourable recommendations” on the demands of the Maratha community for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, without disturbing the quota granted to OBC.“We have received the report, which is based on the economic, social conditions of the Marathas. Appropriate decision will be taken after studying it,”Jain told reporters at Mantralaya after receiving the report.The commission reportedly went through 2 lakh memorandums submitted to it, surveys of about 45,000 families as well as empirical data on the social, financial and educational backwardness of the Maratha community.“The commission went through old historical records, old verdicts, studied constitutional provision, writings by noted anthropologist, sociologist Irawati Karve and several organisations like Pune’s Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics and others,” the source said.The panel is headed by Justice NG Gaikwad (retired). A senior cabinet minister of BJP said the party cannot afford to lose their core base, the OBCs, ahead of the Lok Sabha and state Assembly polls next year.“Govt has to provide Maratha community 16%reservation. We cannot go below that. However currently, 52% quota is in place. Therefore, the total reservation will go up to 68%,” the minister told PTI.He further said the govt is expecting that those opposing the decision will approach the High Court, after cabinet gives nod to the recommendations and tables it in Legislative Assembly during its winter session. indianexpress
Triple talaq to top agenda during Parliament’s Winter Session: HT
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/triple-talaq-to-top-agenda-during-parliament-s-winter-session/story-q7KJISqESdgp7t1JOKAcRN.html
New Delhi:Parliament will hold its Winter Session, widely seen as the government’s best chance of pushing key bills including the legislation making instant triple talaq a punishable offence, from Dec.11 to Jan.8.Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) met on Tuesday night to recommend the schedule. The first day of the month-long session will coincide with the counting of votes cast in the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.The last full session of Parliament before the next Lok Sabha polls will take place amid a raging debate on the Rafale jet fighter deal with France and an agrarian crisis the Opposition is expected to use to target the Narendra Modi government.For the Centre, clearing two pieces of legislation, one seeking to disband the Medical Council of India and one making the practice of instant talaq by some Muslim men, declared illegal by the Supreme Court, an offence punishable with up to three years in prison will be the top priorities.Among the other bills pending in the lower house are the The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018, the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2018, DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2018, and The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018.HT
After strong protests, EC removes Shashank as Mizoram CEO; Kundra to take charge
https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/mizoram/election-commission-mizoram-sb-shashank-ceo-ashish-kunaar-5447653/
New Delhi: Election Commission has replaced Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer SB Shashank after protests in the state demanding his ouster. Ashish Kundra has been appointed in his place.The crisis in the poll-bound state stems from Shashank alleging interference by the state govt in preparations for the polls, scheduled on Nov.28. He wrote to the EC in the last week of Oct, mentioning an “active role” played by the state Home Department in this interference.The department was then headed by Principal Secretary (Home) Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, a Gujarat-cadre IAS officer serving in Mizoram on an inter-cadre deputation.Less than a week after receiving the letter, the poll panel issued orders to the state government to remove Chuaungo with immediate effect. Chuango’s removal led to demands for Shashank’s removal as the CEO.indianexpress
MP elections: BJP expels 53 rebel leaders
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/madhya-pradesh-elections-bjp-expels-53-rebel-candidates-5447502/
Bhopal :BJP has expelled 53 rebel leaders who refused to withdraw their nominations ahead of the deadline, at 3 pm Wednesday. The ruling party was hoping to persuade them and tried various means over the last few days to win them over, but decided to throw them out when the rebels dug in their heels.Former ministers Ramkrishna Kusmaria and K L Agrawal, three former MLAs and a former mayor were among those axed by the party, which has faced more dissidence than the Congress over distribution of tickets for the assembly elections. The Congress, which faced rebellion in 12 seats, expelled former MLA Xavier Meda yesterday.BJP, however, is most worried about the Damoh seat, which is represented by state finance minister Jayant Malaiyya. Kusmaria has filed nominations from Damoh and neighbouring Patharia.indianexpress
BJP braces for trouble as second Rajasthan poll list leaves out 3 ministers, 15 MLAs
https://theprint.in/politics/bjp-braces-for-trouble-as-second-rajasthan-poll-list-leaves-out-3-ministers-15-mlas/149792/
New Delhi: BJP has denied tickets to 3 Rajasthan ministers and 15 incumbent MLAs in its second list of 31 candidates announced Wednesday.The move is likely to trigger more trouble for the ruling party, which is already witnessing resignations and rebellion by party leaders who did not find their names in the first list of 131 candidates. The party is yet to announce candidates for 38 of the state’s 200 assembly seats. Rajasthan votes on 7 Dec.Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah, BJP is known to deny tickets to sitting legislators to beat anti-incumbency.The situation in Rajasthan is different though. It’s chief minister Vasundhara Raje, and not just the MLAs, who is said to be the principal factor for strong anti-incumbency against the BJP government.Those denied tickets in the second list include Gyan Dev Ahuja, Ramgarh MLA who had courted controversy for alleging that 3,000 used condoms were found daily at Delhi’s JNU, where “students danced naked”.He had also allegedly backed the cow vigilantes accused of lynching Rakbar Khan in Alwar, saying police should be held responsible for his death as they delayed taking him to hospital.theprint.
Rajasthan: Denied party ticket, BJP MLA Habibur Rahman joins Congress
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-denied-party-ticket-bjp-mla-habibur-rahman-joins-congress-5446743/
Jaipur:In a setback to Rajasthan’s ruling BJP ahead of the Dec.7 Assembly polls, party’s Nagaur MLA Habibur Rahman on Wednesday returned to the Congress after a decade. Rahman joined Congress at the party’s office in Jaipur in presence of Ajmer MP Raghu Sharma and other leaders, the same day BJP’s Dausa MP Harish Chandra Meena joined the grand old party in New Delhi.Rahman was initially a member of the Congress and was a state minister between 2001 and 2003 during Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government. He joined BJP in 2008 after he was denied a ticket by Congress.PTI
Tremors in Telangana Congress: Muslim leaders plan to quit over raw deal
https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/tremors-in-telangana-congress-muslim-leaders-plan-to-quit-over-raw-deal/articleshow/66624356.cms
Hyderabad: Even as the Congress Party is in the process of finalising the third and final list of its candidates for the Telangana Assembly elections, Muslim leaders are upset with the high command and are contemplating to quit en masse. Senior leaders belonging to the community met late on Wednesday evening and have decided to announce their decision on Thursday. They feel BJP gave the Muslims a better deal than the Congress.Muslims in the Congress have been asking for 14 seats in proportionate to their population in the newly-created Telangana state. But only four names figured in the initial two lists released till Wednesday afternoon for 75 constituencies. The Congress, which has formed a Grand Alliance with TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS), is contesting for 94 seats out of the total 119 seats in the Assembly.Of the four seats given to the Muslims, three were for Hyderabad Old City and the fourth is in Kamareddy where from former minister Shabbir Ali has been representing for long. The leaders who met under the leadership of senior leader Abid Rasool Khan, felt that even the three seats in Old City are strongholds of MIM party and thus are ‘unsafe’ for any Muslim from any party. One of them, Esa Bino Baid Misri, tipped for Chandrayanagutta is not even a member of Congress party, the disgruntled leaders pointed out. Feroz Khan has been named for Nampally and Mohammed Ghouse for Charminar constituency.bangaloremirror/TOI
ASI, local Muslims spar over SC order on Taj Mahal
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/asi-muslims-taj-mahal-namaz-ban-inside-5446990/
New Delhi:A grey area in July 2018 Supreme Court order barring outsiders from offering namaz inside Taj Mahal premises on Fridays has become a bone of contention between Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and members of Masjid Taj Mahal Intezamia Committee, which manages the mosque.ASI contends the SC order implies that namaz can only be offered on Fridays by local residents, whereas the committee members say the order means that free entry for locals is on Fridays, while on all other days, anyone who has bought a ticket can offer namaz. The SC had upheld a local administration’s Jan.order barring non-residents from offering Friday prayers in the mosque on security ground. Members of the committee allege that around 10 days ago, ASI locked the vazu tank, where namazis wash hands and feet before prayers, and even asked the imam to show up only on Fridays. ASI counters the claim, saying that after the SC order, the vazu tank is opened only on Fridays, and “might have been left accidentally open that day”. They added that upon realising it was open, they moved to lock it down and also prevented some people from offering namaz.ASI officials say that “ever since they noticed people walking in to offer namaz on that day, they have ensured this doesn’t happen again, as the SC order bars namaz at the mosque on any other day except Friday”.The move has invited ire of the local Muslims, who contend that they have been offering namaz inside the mosque for 400 years now and can’t be stopped by the ASI. They contend that the SC order merely bars non-locals on Fridays while there is no word on not allowing namaz on other days.A memorandum has now been submitted to the office of Vasant Swarnkar, Superintending Archeologist, ASI-Agra circle, by Syed Ibrahim Hussain Zaidi, president of the committee, saying members of the community will continue to buy tickets and offer namaz on other days as well.indianexpress
‘Over 50 cases of violation in Advani, Abdullah, Azad security cover,’ NSG Writes to Delhi govt, police
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/more-than-50-cases-of-violation-in-advani-abdullah-and-azad-security-cover-nsg-writes-to-delhi-govt-police-5447027/
New Delhi : NSG has written to the Delhi govt and the state police flagging over 50 instances of “violations” in the security cover of 3 senior politicians– Lal Krishna Advani, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Farooq Abdullah. In its letter, dated Nov.2, DG of NSG listed the specific nature of the violations, along with location details and dates.The report, detailing the violations registered in Oct, observed that in view of the prevailing threats being faced by them, security violations of such nature were “risk prone”.The violations range from jammer and ambulances being not provided to their carcades, private security officers “not allowed” in vehicles of the protectees, and multiple “unauthorised persons” being allowed to sit in their vehicles. While Advani has served as the Deputy PM, Azad is the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Abdullah has served as J&K’s CM thrice.According to the letter, on Oct.17, “ambulance and protectee spare vehicle” were not provided in the carcade of Advani. “Three unauthorised persons were allowed to sit in protectee vehicle… ACP- or DySP-rank officer of Delhi Police was not present in the tail car,” it said.In the case of Azad, most of the violations refer to the absence of jammers and ambulances in his cavalcade. The security violation report says that on Oct.4, “4- or 5-door vehicle was not provided in the carcade for NSG escort…One unauthorised person was allowed to sit in protectee vehicle…”Besides Delhi, similar violations were listed in case of Abdullah in Mumbai and Srinagar among other places.indianexpress
Assam: ULFA(I) warns of ‘armed revolution’ if Centre does not scrap Citizenship Bill
https://scroll.in/latest/902091/assam-ulfa-i-warns-of-armed-revolution-if-centre-does-not-scrap-citizenship-bill
The banned United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) has warned of an “armed revolution” if the Centre goes ahead with its move to amend the Citizenship Act, PTI reported on Wednesday. “We have already made it clear to the government that they cannot be partial towards the people supporting the citizenship bill and that if the bill is passed then a lot of our youth will join the armed revolution,” said the militant outfit’s General Secretary Anup Chetia. “The Assamese people are scared that their legacy will be erased due to the bill.”The militant group is suspected to be responsible for the November 1 killings of five Bengali-speaking men in the state’s Tinsukia district, although it has denied any involvement. One person was injured in the attack.The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, was introduced in the Lok Sabha in July 2016 and aims to make crucial changes to the Citizenship Act of 1955. If passed, it would make undocumented immigrants – Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains and Parsis – from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh eligible for citizenship. It would also ease the terms for naturalisation of individuals from these groups.Both the central and state governments were responsible for more youths joining the ULFA, Northeast Now quoted Chetia as saying. If the government does not withdraw the bill, “more Assamese youths will join the ULFA ranks and the situation will go out of control. The whole issue has created a new sense of nationalism among the youth and the people of the state”, he said.scroll.in
Missing Mumbai youth working in Dubai, cops rule out possibility of radicalisation
https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-missing-mulund-youth-working-in-dubai-cops-rule-out-possibility-of-radicalisation-2685755
Mumbai: Mulund Police have found that no woman was involved in the disappearance of Jagdish Parihar (23). They have also ruled out the possibility of Parihar being radicalised. There were assumptions that he was radicalised by a woman; the suspicion had gained so much ground that even ATS sleuths had begun conducting a parallel investigation to trace out Parihar. Police later found that Parihar is in Dubai and also in regular touch with his family.According to police, Parihar, while speaking to his family recently, informed them that he is currently setting up a base to run his own business in Dubai and that he will return in some time."Parihar said he is safe and is also dealing in optics at the moment, but there is no clarity on when he will return home. He is now in regular touch with his family via social media. The case was being probed for more than 3 weeks and in the course of time, we found no involvement of any woman which could have intimated Parihar to leave his home and convert to another religion. Also, the hard drive and other electronic devices of Parihar, that were sent for forensic examination have yielded nothing concrete either," said Shripad Kale, senior police inspector, Mulund Police Station.DNA
WORLD
Saudi top prosecutor admits Khashoggi’s body dismembered inside Istanbul consulate; seeks death penalty for 5 suspects
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/saudi-top-prosecutor-seeks-death-penalty-khashoggi-murder-181115103958916.html
Saudi Arabia's Attorney General is seeking the death penalty for five people charged with ordering and carrying out the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.Saud al-Mojeb told a news conference in Riyadh on Thursday that five men ordered drugging and dismemberment of Khashoggi after "talks with him failed" inside the country's consulate in Istanbul.He added that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, was not implicated in the gruesome murder that has triggered global outrage.Khashoggi, a critic of MBS's supposed reform programme, was killed after he entered the consulate on October 2 to obtain a document certifying his divorce.Mojeb said Khashoggi died from a lethal injection and his body was dismembered and taken out of building.Saudi authorities had initially stated the journalist left the consulate, before backtracking and admitting on October 20 he was killed by "rogue" operatives.Mojeb said 21 people were in custody, with 11 indicted and referred to trial, adding that Saud al-Qahtani, a former adviser to the royal court, had been banned from travelling and remained under investigation.Bill Law, a journalist and Middle East analyst told Al Jazeera that despite not being implicated, there was "enormous pressure" on MBS, and Turkey would continue demanding an international probe into the journalist's murder."Just yesterday, Lindsey Graham described him[MBS]as unreliable and unstable.aljazeera
Saudi seeks death penalty for Khashoggi murder suspects
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-arabia-seeks-death-penalty-5-khashoggi-murder-suspects-1341301561
Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman quits over Gaza truce
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/israel-defence-minister-lieberman-resigns-gaza-ceasefire-181114111137338.html
Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman has announced he is resigning from PM Benjamin Netanyahu's government in protest against a truce in Gaza.Addressing reporters in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Lieberman said he deemed Tuesday's Egyptian-mediated ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza "a capitulation to terror"."Despite the difference in opinion, I tried to stay a faithful member of the government for as long as possible … but it has failed," Lieberman said.He said he also fiercely objected to Israel's allowing Qatar to deliver $15m in aid to Gaza last week. "From my point of view there are two critical points that made it impossible for me to carry on; the $15m that went into the Gaza Strip taken in suitcases from Qatar ... what would happen with the money after it has gone across the border," the minister said."It went to the families of the terrorists who fought on the border with Israeli soldiers throwing grenades. These families are the first who are going to receive part of this $15m - in other words we are ... giving terrorists money," Lieberman added. "The second point is regarding the ceasefire ... I understand all of the reasons and all of the information [behind the decision], but I would not be able to look in the eyes of the people who are within the range of Hamas, who are taken prisoner by Hamas. Hamas has to understand that nobody should go close to the frontier."In a reaction on Wednesday, Hamas called Lieberman's resignation a "political victory for Gaza".Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said it marked "recognition of defeat and failure to confront the Palestinian resistance", adding that "Gaza's steadfastness sent a political shockwave" through Israel.The resignation, which comes into effect 48 hours after Lieberman puts it in writing, significantly weakens Netanyahu's coalition government and could bring about early elections. Meanwhile, Netanyahu will take over as defence minister on an interim basis.aljazeera
Hamas celebrates Lieberman resignation as victory
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/hamas-celebrates-lieberman-resignation-political-victory-181114144115773.html
Hamas has described the resignation of Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman as a "political victory for Gaza" amid threats to an uneasy ceasefire.Palestinian group's spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said on Wednesday that Lieberman's resignation signalled a "recognition of defeat and failure to confront the Palestinian resistance", adding "Gaza's steadfastness sent a political shockwave" through Israel.aljazeera
HRW: ‘Al-Assad alliance’s use of incendiary weapons must be dealt with’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20181115-human-rights-watch-al-assad-alliances-use-of-incendiary-weapons-must-be-dealt-with/
Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that “facing Bashar Al-Assad alliance’s use of incendiary weapons cannot be postponed”.The international human rights organisation called on states participating in the upcoming UN Conference on Disarmament (CD) to agree on the reinforcement of the international law banning the use of incendiary weapons, amid evidence of 30 new attacks during which these arms had been used in Syria.HRW issued today a statement that included a 13-page report entitled Incendiary Weapons in Syria: Fact or Fiction? Incendiary weapons contain flammable materials such as napalm, thermite, or white phosphorus.The report details the unprecedented atrocious damage caused by incendiary weapons while explaining the shortcomings of the current law and outlines the steps that countries must take to respond to this situation.States Parties to UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) are to discuss incendiary weapons at the UN HQRS in Geneva from 19 to 23 Nov.middleeastmonitor
UAE crown prince hosts leaders of Yemen's al-Islah party
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uae-crown-prince-hosts-leaders-yemens-al-islah-party-2053065044
UAE' powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed hosted the leaders of al-Islah, the Yemeni branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, in a sign of rapprochement between the uncertain allies, who are both fighting against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.Bin Zayed met with Mohammad Abdullah al-Yadomi, president of al-Islah's supreme council, and Abdulwahab al-Ansi, the party's secretary general, on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.Yemenis expressed gratitude to the crown prince and the Saudi-led coalition currently battling the Houthis in Yemen, for their efforts against the rebel group, UAE's official news agency, WAM, reported. UAE is a leading partner in the Saudi-led coalition, which started a bombing campaign in Yemen in 2015 to push Houthi rebels out of the capital, Sanaa, and restore the government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi.Saudi and UAE accuse the Houthis of being Iranian proxies, but the rebels deny receiving material support from Tehran.Still, al-Islah has endured an uneasy relationship with its newfound UAE allies since Saudi-led military campaign began.middleeasteye
Turkey calls for international probe
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/10/jamal-khashoggi-case-latest-updates-181010133542286.html
An international investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is essential, Turkey's foreign minister has said, and reiterated Turkish decisiveness to solve the murder."We will do whatever it takes to bring the murder to light. We have shown the evidence to all those who wanted to see," Mevlut Cavusoglu told the country's parliament on Wednesday.Turkey had earlier said it would cooperate in an international investigation, and had called for a UN probe.Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said his government has shared recordings related to the October 2 killing with a few nations, including the United States.US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham upped his rhetoric against Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, saying the Saudi crown prince is "unstable and unreliable", Bloomberg reported. Graham, who has been a vocal critic of bin Salman since the murder of Saudi writer, Jamal Khashoggi, said he doesn't see the "situation getting fixed as long as he's [bin Salman] is around".US Senate may vote within weeks on legislation to punish Saudi over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the devastating war in Yemen.
Families of missing Egyptian rights defenders plead for their release
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/31-human-rights-defenders-missing-two-weeks-egypt-1896844265
It has been 2 weeks since Hoda Abdelmonem, a prominent human rights lawyer, went missing in Cairo after being arrested in the early hours of 1 Nov. Fadwa Khaled, Abdelmonem’s eldest daughter, was the only one at home in the Egyptian capital when her mother was arrested.“She was sleeping, but I was awake when, at 1.30am, the door of our flat was broken, and nearly 20 officers stormed the flat,” Khaled told Middle East Eye.“They blindfolded her and refused to let her take any of her belongings or medication,” she said. “They did not allow me any contact with her or to say goodbye.”Abdelmonem is one of 31 Egyptians who were rounded up in the first week of November and held incommunicado, with many families raising the alarm over their continued disappearance, possibly outside the protection of the law.Abdelmonem, 60, had been providing legal assistance to families of people who have been victims of enforced disappearance in Egypt. As part of her efforts to document cases of those forcibly disappeared, she has volunteered as a consultant for the Egyptian Coordination for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF), a prominent human rights organisation that has been hard hit in the latest crackdown.At least 8 women were arrested on the same day, according to Amnesty International.The officers did not present any arrest warrants, but they confirmed that they belonged to the National Security Agency.middleeasteye
America has spent $5.9 trillion on wars in the Middle East and Asia since 2001: new study
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/14/us-has-spent-5point9-trillion-on-middle-east-asia-wars-since-2001-study.html?__source=Facebook%7Cmain&fbclid=IwAR2K7qMg_iByHdTlb9eAED48mfAMUf2TEzOJ2GnVJ8BYQJbZEFkuucV9aS0
Washington:US wars and military action in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Pakistan have cost American taxpayers $5.9 trillion since they began in 2001, according to a new study.That total is almost $2 trillion more than all federal government spending during the recently completed 2017-18 fiscal year.The report, from Watson Institute of International and Public Affairs at Brown University, also finds that more than 480,000 people have died as a direct result of fighting. Over 244,000 civilians have been killed. Another 10 million people have been displaced due to violence.The $5.9 trillion figure reflects the cost across the US federal government since the price of war is not borne by Defense Department alone, according to Neta Crawford, the study's author.In addition to the money spent by the Pentagon, Crawford says the report captures the "war-related spending by the Department of State, past and obligated spending for war veterans' care, interest on the debt incurred to pay for the wars, and the prevention of and response to terrorism by the Department of Homeland Security."cnbc.com
Taliban kill 30 policemen in west province: Afghan officials
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-kill-30-policemen-in-west-province-afghan-officials/story-QI1WzSytS12hwR90FxeHUP.html
Afghan officials say the Taliban have killed 30 policemen in a blistering overnight attack in western Farah province. Provincial council member Dadullah Qani said on Thursday that the onslaught on the police outpost in the province’s district of Khaki Safed began late on Wednesday and continued for more than four hours.In Kabul, lawmaker Samiullah Samim said the district police commander, Abdul Jabhar, was among those killed.The Taliban managed to flee with a large amount of weapons and ammunition.AP
In rare coordinated move, Western envoys seek meeting on Xinjiang concerns
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/in-rare-coordinated-move-western-envoys-seek-meeting-on-xinjiang-concerns/articleshow/66633919.cms
BEIJING: A group of 15 Western ambassadors in Beijing, spearheaded by Canada, are seeking a meeting with the top official in China's restive, heavily Muslim Xinjiang region for an explanation of alleged rights abuses against ethnic Uighurs.The envoys are making their request in a letter to Chen Quanguo, Xinjiang's Communist Party boss, according to a copy of a draft letter seen by Reuters.The move represents unusually broad, coordinated action by a group of countries over a human rights issue in China, and illustrates the mounting backlash Beijing is facing over its crackdown in the western region.Beijing has faced an outcry from activists, academics, foreign governments and UN rights experts over mass detentions and strict surveillance of the mostly Muslim Uighur minority and other Muslim groups who call Xinjiang home.In August, a United Nations human rights panel said it had received many credible reports that a million or more Uighurs in China are being held in what resembles a "massive internment camp that is shrouded in secrecy".China says it is not enforcing arbitrary detention and political re-education, but rather some citizens guilty of minor offences were being sent to vocational centres to provide employment opportunities.Reuters
Rohingya in Bangladesh will not be forced back to Myanmar
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/mounting-confusion-forced-rohingya-repatriation-myanmar-181115013128968.html
Hundreds of thousands of Muslim-majority Rohingya who fled Myanmar, citing rape, murder and arson, will not be forcibly repatriated, Bangladesh's Rohingya Relief and Repatriation Commissioner has said."No one will be forced back to Myanmar,"Abul Kalam said. Bangladesh is scheduled to send back an initial group of 2,260 Rohingya from 485 families on Thursday, in line with a bilateral plan agreed by the two governments in Oct.But the move has been opposed by the United Nations' refugee agency and aid groups who say the Muslim minority can't be forced back, causing confusion over whether the repatriations will go ahead. aljazeera
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Story of Azam Khan, Endangered Keeper of Deadly Secrets from Haren Pandya to Sohrabuddin:Ajoy Ashirwad Mahaprashasta
https://thewire.in/rights/azam-khan-witness-haren-pandya-sohrabuddin-sheikh-vanzara
Why India’s Muslims have adopted a strategy of silence on the renewed push for a Ram temple:Ajaz Ashraf
https://scroll.in/article/901210/why-indias-muslims-have-adopted-a-strategy-of-silence-on-the-renewed-push-for-a-ram-temple
IIM autonomy: HRD (Irani) resisted but PMO pushed, helped by HRD (Javadekar):Ritika Chopra
https://indianexpress.com/article/education/iim-autonomy-hrd-irani-resisted-but-pmo-pushed-helped-by-hrd-javadekar-5447021/
When BJP has no development to show, they will invoke Lord Ram for votes:Ram Puniyani
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/when-bjp-has-no-development-to-show-they-will-invoke-lord-ram-for-votes
Distant Handshake, At Least for the US President For Whom India Remains Third World:Bharat Karnad
https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/15531/Distant-Handshake-At-Least-for--the-US-President--For-Whom-India-Remains-Third-World
Tide Will Turn': Read Arundhati Roy's Letter to Jailed Bangladeshi Photographer Shahidul Alam:Arundhati Roy
https://thewire.in/rights/arundhati-roy-open-letter-shahidul-alam
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 5:13 PM)
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