NEWS DIGEST, Afternoon
18 Nov. 2018:08 Rabiul-I 1440: Vol: 11, No:57
INDIA
Assam NRC: 3.5 lakh out of 40 lakh excluded in draft list apply for inclusion so far
https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/assam-national-register-of-citizens-draft-list-5452295/
Guwahati :About 3.5 lakh people, out of the total 40 lakh, who were excluded in the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC),have claimed that they are Indian nationals, 2 months after the window opens for claims and objections in the Supreme Court-monitored exercise, sources said Sunday.Besides, less than 100 applications have been received by the authorities challenging the inclusion of the names of suspected illegal immigrants in NRC, a list of Assam’s residents. So far, about 3.5 lakh people have submitted applications for inclusion of their names in the NRC and they have submitted relevant documents claiming that they are Indian citizens, a source privy to the development said. The issue of low turnout in the claims and objections period was also discussed at Saturday’s high-level meeting in New Delhi attended by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Director of Intelligence Bureau Rajiv Jain, among others.The Supreme Court has also finalised a set of standard operating procedure (SOP) for disposal of claims and objections in the updation of the NRC. The draft NRC was published on July 30 and included the names of 2.9 crore people out of the total applications of 3.29 crore.There has been a huge controversy over exclusion of 40 lakh people from the draft NRC. Following a directive of the SC, the process of filing claims and objections to draft NRC began on Sept.25 and it will come to an end on Dec.15. Initially, the apex court had allowed the claimants to rely on any of the 10 documents — land documents, permanent residential certificate issued from outside the state, passport, LIC of India policy, any licence or certificate issued by any government authority.Document showing service or employment under the govt or public sector undertaking, bank or post office accounts, birth certificates issued by a competent authority, educational certificate issued by boards or universities and records or processes pertaining to court provided they are part of processing in a judicial or revenue court.However, on Nov.1, the court allowed 5 additional documents to reply upon for inclusion of names in NRC. The additional papers are — 1951 NRC, electoral roll up to March 24, 1971, citizenship certificate, refugee registration certificate and ration card.PTI
Elgaar Parishad case: Activist Varavara Rao sent to police custody till Nov. 26
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/elgaar-parishad-case-activist-varavara-rao-sent-to-police-custody-till-november-26-5452352/
New Delhi:Pune Sessions Court on Sunday sent activist, writer and poet P Varavara Rao to police custody till Nov.26 in connection with the Elgaar Parishad case, ANI reported. Rao was taken into custody after his house arrest granted by the Hyderabad High Court ended on Saturday.Police have alleged that Rao was a senior and active leader of the banned CPI-Maoist and was involved in a range of activities, including procurement of weapons through contacts in Nepal and Manipur, and carrying out attacks in Surjagad in Gadhchiroli. Pune City Police had arrested Rao, along with activists Sudha Bharadwaj, Vernon Gonsalves, Arun Ferreira and Gautam Navlakha, on August 28 over alleged links with CPI-Maoist and for organising the Elgaar Parishad event on Dec.31 that allegedly led to the Bhima Koregaon violence.The activists were accused of being part of the “larger conspiracy of the banned CPI-Maoist to form an ‘anti-fascist front’ for overthrowing the democratic government of India”. They were all charged under the stringent UAPA.indianexpress
SC dismisses plea alleging custodial torture of key Kathua rape-murder case witness
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-dismisses-plea-alleging-custodial-torture-of-key-kathua-rape-murder-case-witness-5452200/
New Delhi :The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea claiming that a key witness in the sensational Kathua gang rape-and-murder case was allegedly tortured in custody by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with a separate rape case.A bench comprising justices AM Khanwilkar and Deepak Gupta rejected the petition filed by a close relative a key witness in the Kathua case, on the ground that the petitioner failed to appear before it despite the court’s order.In January, an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community was allegedly abducted and gang raped in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.The petitioner had approached the top court alleging that his relative was tortured in custody by the state police after being arrested in connection with a separate rape case.The advocate representing the Jammu and Kashmir Police had last month denied in the top court the allegations levelled in the petition and had said since the witness has been granted bail, the plea has become infructuous.PTI
3 killed, 19 injured in grenade blast at religious congregation near Amritsar’s Rajasansi
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/3-killed-10-injured-in-grenade-blast-at-religious-congregation-near-amritsar-s-rajasansi/685145.html
Amritsar:At least three people were killed and 19 injured in an explosion inside the Nirankari Bhavan at Adliwal village near Amritsar’s Rajasansi on Sunday, police said.Inspector General SPS Parmar said at least 19 people were injured in the blast.Some eyewitness accounts said that two armed and masked persons, who were on a motorcycle, forced their way inside the Bhavan by pointing a gun at the person on duty at the gate. “After they gained entry, they threw a grenade-like object at the congregation and escaped,” said an eyewitness. A hunt is on to nab them, the IG said. He said about 200 devotees were inside the hall at the time of the incident. No CCTV was installed on the premises, according to preliminary investigations.Gagan, who was stationed at the gate when the two men came on a bike, said one assailant went inside with a crowd of followers, but the second one pointed a gun at his stomach and demanded to know what was happening inside.“I told him it was a satsang. He went inside and set off the explosive,” he said to The Tribune. Police are treating the attack as an act of terror. Tribuneindia
Amritsar grenade attack: Role of Khalistani, Kashmiri terror groups cannot be ruled out, says Amarinder Singh
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amritsar-grenade-attack-nirankari-satsang-bhawan-amarinder-singh-isi-khalistani-kashmiri-terror-groups-5452395/
Chandigarh :Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday did not rule out the possibility of the involvement of ISI-backed Khalistani or Kashmiri terror groups behind the grenade attack at a religious congregation at Nirankari Satsang Bhawan in Amritsar’s Rajasansi village on Sunday, which claimed three lives and left 15 people injured.In a statement issued hours after the incident, the CM, who held a review meeting, said police teams were rushed to raid suspected hideouts of the assailants and multiple teams have begun investigating the various angles to crack the case.Amarinder said while the state had been hit by a series of cases of targeted attacks since 2015-16, this was the first attempt, in a long time, to disrupt peace through indiscriminate killings. He added that such incidents only strengthened the belief that Pakistan was continuing with its nefarious activities to disturb the law and order in the state.The CM also said that the preliminary probe had so far revealed that two men, one of them with a flowing beard and both with covered faces, had allegedly forced their way into the hall by brandishing a pistol. The duo detained the sewadar, lobbed the grenade into the prayer room and fled on a motorcycle. indianexpress
Asthana, Sushil Modi, PMO Worked Together to Book Lalu: CBI Director
https://thewire.in/government/lalu-prasad-cbi-rakesh-asthana-alok-verma
New Delhi: If exiled CBI director Alok Verma’s responses to Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) queries are to be believed, his deputy in CBI Rakesh Asthana, PMO and BJP leader Sushil Modi worked together to book RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav in the IRCTC scam.The Supreme court intervened in CBI war between Verma and Asthana to allow the CVC to inquire into allegations of procedural irregularities against CBI director. CVC has submitted its report to the bench. However, the apex court has asked the commission to also share the report with CBI director so he has a chance to challenge it.The Wire recently published a story on Verma’s testimony before the commission: Not only did Verma refute each allegation, he also held the Narendra Modi government and its disrespect for CBI’s autonomy responsible for the crisis in the agency today.One of the accusations Asthana had made was that Verma deliberately weakened the case against RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav. CBI director not only denied this, but countered that Asthana, who was leading the probe, might be politically motivated.CVC asked some specific questions to Verma regarding IRCTC scam investigation.First, it asked why he opted for a preliminary enquiry in the IRCTC case instead of a regular case (RC), for which Asthana had sought permission.Verma replied that Asthana, then an AD, had “suppressed the fact that a complaint related to the same matter was sent to the CBI in 2013-14and was closed”.The case also had a “political angle”, Verma said, adding that “then AD, Asthana was in constant touch with Sushil Modi, a senior BJP leader from Bihar” and that “a senior official in PMO was constantly following up on the case”.Given the political sensitivity of the case, and possible law and order problems in Bihar, Verma thought it was better to follow due process and exercise caution, instead of rushing through a case that was almost 11 years old (the case pertained to 2004-06).He asked the director of prosecution (DoP),senior-most law officer in CBI, and the additional legal advisor (ALA) to go through the legal merits of the case.He further says the reason he recommended a preliminary enquiry was that both the law officers in the CBI said that “evidence was weak and more material should be collected before registering a RC”. He adds that the “political fallout” –end of the alliance between Nitish Kumar and Lalu, and formation of a new coalition government – in the following days “justified the need to be extra-cautious”.thewire
CBI officer moves SC over ‘mala fide’ repatriation to Investigation Bureau
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cbi-officer-moves-supreme-court-over-mala-fide-repatriation-to-investigation-bureau/story-kW5sMBvun1xf4u1ozGvDpI.html
New Delhi:The face-off between exiled CBI director Alok Verma and special director Rakesh Asthana took a new twist on Saturday with an officer moving the Supreme Court against his repatriation to the Intelligence Bureau, from where he was deputed to CBI in 2014.Ashwini Kumar Gupta, a deputy superintendent at CBI, has termed the repatriation mala fide, and intended to “penalise and victimise” him because he was part of the team enquiring into corruption charges against Asthana. An ugly spat between the number one and number two in CBI, who traded allegations of corruption, prompted govt intervention last month, asking the 2 to proceed on leave. Later, a few officers were transferred.HT
PMO Secrecy on Raghuram Letter Is 'Not Legal':CIC
https://thewire.in/government/raghuram-rajan-modi-pmo-npa-letter-cic
New Delhi: Central Information Commission (CIC) has called it “not legal” that PMO refused to disclose the action taken on a letter from Raghuram Rajan, former governor of RBI.Earlier this month, the CIC had asked PMO, RBI and Ministry of Finance to explain what action was taken on the letter Rajan sent in 2015. The commission’s order came a week after The Wire reported that PMO and finance ministry had refused to provide any information about the letter.In his 2015 letter, the former RBI governor listed high-profile fraud NPA (non-performing asset) cases that required a multi-agency probe.Despite the CIC’s order, 3 respondents did not come forth with the required information during the hearing by the central information commissioner, M. Sridhar Acharyulu on Nov.16. CIC recorded that PMO had contended that since first and second appeals were not filed along with the original RTI application, the direction to provide information was “not maintainable”. Acharyulu countered that “the Commission cannot agree with this kind of attempt to deny the substantive part of information access by unreasonable procedural interpretations without any legal basis”. Terming the PMO’s response “unfortunate”, he said it has a “moral, constitutional and political duty to tell the citizens of India as to who are and what action was taken against defaulters to recover the huge loans advanced to them by banks, from out of tax payer’s money”.CIC then directed PMO to inform the appellant and the commission about those details, as well as about policy (if any) toward recovery from defaulters, including high-profile ones.Stating that “RTI Act is a welfare legislation aiming at good governance”, Acharyulu wrote that PMO should not consider those seeking information as litigants or disputants, and the office as their adversary. He reasoned that “it is the legal duty of PMO to furnish the information as per the directive of CIC, because RTI was formally filed for information from a ministry of Government of India, which is led by PMO”.thewire
Govt wants to capture RBI’s reserves:Chidambaram
https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/government-wants-to-capture-rbis-reserves-says-chidambaram/article25530406.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi:Ahead of RBI Board meeting, Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday alleged that the central government was determined to “capture” the bank to gain control over its ₹ 9 lakh crore reserves.In a series of tweets, ex-Finance Minister also claimed that the govt and RBI was heading towards a “confrontation” in the Monday’s board meeting of the bank.“Government is determined to ‘capture’ RBI in order to gain control over the reserves. The other so-called disagreements are only a smokescreen (sic),” he said on microblogging site Twitter. Chidambaram said, “Nowhere in the world is the central bank a board-managed company. To suggest that private business persons will direct the governor is a preposterous idea.”PTI
RBI board meeting on Monday; likely to reach common ground on some key issues
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rbi-board-meeting-on-monday-likely-to-reach-common-ground-on-some-key-issues/story-qt9ho7ZEaekbcCYLmMHhsI.html
The ongoing rift with the government is set to play out at RBI’s crucial board meeting Monday, with the Finance Ministry nominees and some independent directors expected to take on Governor Urjit Patel and his team over issues ranging from MSME credit to the central bank’s reserves, though both sides are in favour of reaching a common ground.While there have been reports and demands from some quarters for the Governor to step down, sources said Patel is unlikely to yield under pressure and will rather mount a strong defence of the central bank’s policies regarding stringent NPA recognition norms as well as measures taken to ease credit supply to MSMEs.PTI
Sohrabuddin's brother Rubabuddin testifies in court, says Khan lied about Haren Pandya's killing
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sohrabuddin-brother-rubabuddin-cbi-court-azam-khan-bjp-haren-pandya-1390859-2018-11-17
Mumbai:Rubabuddin Shaikh, brother of Sohrabuddin, deposed before a special CBI court in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Sohrabuddin Shaikh's brother said on Saturday that Tulsiram Prajapti had told him about Shaikh's alleged abduction by Gujarat Police and subsequent death in a fake encounter in November 2005. Prajapati, Sohrabuddin's associate, was himself killed in an alleged fake encounter in 2006.He stood by his statement to the CBI that his brother Sohrabuddin was killed in a fake encounter."He was present when my brother was killed. When I asked him why he was not killed, he said as he was a Hindu, he could not be branded as a terrorist along with Sohrabuddin, a Muslim," Rubabuddin Shaikh told the court.Rubabuddin's examination concluded on Saturday and he was also cross-examined. Rubabuddin told the court, that Udaipur-based gangster Azam Khan's statement, that Sohrabuddin told him he killed former BJP minister Haren Pandya on the orders of Gujarat top cop DG Vanzara, was false."Khan is in police custody and he is being pressurised to mislead the case. Court should take action against the witnesses who have turned hostile. Either they are lying now or they were lying earlier. We will move to the Supreme Court against the discharge of the accused," Rubabuddin added.indiatoday
Despite Protest Resignations, Editors Guild Retains Members Accused of Sexual Misconduct
https://thewire.in/media/two-women-quit-editors-guild-alleging-spineless-response-towards-metoo
New Delhi: Strong protest notes and even resignations by members have not been able to influence the Editors Guild of India enough to expel three of its flock who stand accused of sexual misconduct.he Guild on Friday published the latest list of its members which includes former Union Minister M.J. Akbar. He had to resign from his post last month after several journalists, who had worked with him, accused him of sexual misconduct, harassment and assault. He has since been accused of rape as well, a charge he has denied. The members list also bears the name of former Tehelka editor-in-chief, Tarun Tejpal, who is out on bail in a rape case and Gautam Adhikari, former Times of India and DNA editor, who was also accused of sexual harassment.Earlier this month, two women editors who are members of the Editors Guild accused the body of “chicanery” and offering a “spineless response” to the allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against Akbar.The resignation of Mrinal Pande and Mythili Bhusnurmath had come in the wake of some of the members of the guild offering justifications for not expelling Akbar from the prestigious body. Shahid Siddiqui, who is editor of Nai Duniya, had noted that he did not recall any precedent of the guild expelling a member. Claiming that he has been a member of the guild since 1987, Siddiqui had suggested an intermediate course of action. “My suggestion is that Akbar should be asked to explain and a three member committee should look into the matter and give its report within 15 days, before any action is taken against a member.”thewire
2 Indian nationals held in Saudi for taking pictures with tri-colour, released after MEA intervention
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/father-son-detained-in-saudi-arabia-for-taking-pictures-with-tri-colour-at-mecca-released-after-mea-intervention-5451506/
Vadodara:2 Indian nationals from Vadodara were detained by the Saudi Arabia police Friday for posing and taking pictures with the Indian Flag inside the Haram in Mecca. While 12-year-old Uzair Ali was released immediately after intervention of the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, his father Imitiaz Ali Saiyed (45) was freed on Saturday.Imitiaz, a manager at an optical shop at Old Padra Road, is a resident of Tandalja area of the city. He had left for Mecca along with his wife and two children on Monday. On Friday, he was detained by the Saudi Arabia police for taking a picture of his son along with the Indian tri-colour.The Consulate General in Jeddah in a tweet stated, “Please note it is banned to display flags in Haram area. Our official has already met Imitiaz Ali and son Uzair Ali at Haram Police station. After our intervention, Uzair Ali has been released. We are following the case and all help being extended for early release of Imitiaz as well.”Imitiaz’s brother Faiyaz Ali said, “My cousin who lives in Saudi informed us about the detention. We were informed that today in the evening the police will make a final decision regarding the case. We are yet to hear from them. They had taken the flag along with them but did not know that posing with it and taking pictures was an offence.”indianexpress
Women activists enter mosque at Taj Mahal, perform puja; video goes viral
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/women-activists-enter-mosque-at-taj-mahal-perform-puja-video-goes-viral/articleshow/66671842.cms
Agra: 3 women belonging to Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad, a local right-wing outfit, offered puja at the 400-year-old mosque in Taj Mahal complex on Saturday. The women lit ‘dhoop batti’ and poured ‘ganga jal’ inside the premises as a video of the incident went viral on social media. Later, the outfit’s district president, Meena Devi Diwakar, said, “If Muslims are being allowed to offer namaz on all days, then even we can offer puja at our Tejomahalaya (the term used for Taj Mahal by right wing activists).” While Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) commandant Braj Bhushan said they had no knowledge of the incident as their jawans are not allowed inside the mosque, ASI officials said they were checking the authenticity of video.When contacted,ASI superintending archaeologist (Agra circle) Vasant Swarankar said, “We had sent the ASI staff on the spot after we were informed. But no dhoop or any other puja material was found on the spot.”He said, “Local police has been informed of this and CISF has been asked to provide the CCTV footage whose authenticity will be checked.” Swarankar said that action will be taken against the Hindu activists, if CCTV footage confirms the incident. Meanwhile, Govind Parashar, leader of Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, who had on Friday threatened to perform puja inside the Taj Mahal, said, “If no action has been taken against Muslims who violated ASI ban, why should action be taken against Hindu activists?” Syed Ibrahim Hussain Zaidi,head of Taj Mahal Masjid Intezamia Committee, said the activists managed to enter the mosque because of carelessness ASI and CISF.TOI
Ayodhya litigants seek President intervention for fast hearing
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/ayodhya-litigants-seek-president-intervention-for-fast-hearing/articleshow/66664985.cms
Faizabad: The 2 main litigants in Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit, Iqbal Ansari from Muslim side and Mahant Dharam Das from Hindu side have written a joint letter to the President seeking his intervention for fast track hearing of the case in the Supreme Court. Ansari said, "We have urged the President of India to intervene in the judicial process and take measures for constitution of a special bench for speedy hearing of the case." "The situation of uneasiness and chaos prevailing in the society over Ayodhya issue must end, so we have requested the president to intervene and get the verdict at the earliest. This dispute must come to an end," said Mahant Dharam Das. Iqbal Ansari is the son of Hashim Ansari,initial main litigant in the Babri Masjid dispute.TOI
Ayodhya: NCM chief Hasan to mediate for out of court settlement, asks Muslims to be 'big-hearted'
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/nov/18/ayodhya-issue-ncm-chief-ghayorul-hasan-to-mediate-for-out-of-court-settlement-asks-muslims-to-be--1899866.html
National Commission for Minorities chairperson Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi on Sunday made a strong pitch for mediation in the Ayodhya issue, saying he will speak with all stakeholders for an out of court settlement of the matter.He also appealed to Muslims to be "big-hearted" as it was a matter of faith for the Hindus. Rizvi said in his mediation bid, he will make efforts to get an assurance for Muslims that if they agree to settle the Ayodhya issue, no dispute over mosques in other places such as "Kashi and Mathura" will arise.In an interview to PTI, Rizvi said the commission, in its monthly meeting on November 14, authorised him, as the chairperson, that if he wants to mediate, he can hold talks with all stakeholders for an out of court settlement.PTI
RSS, BJP join hands to pull out all stops for Nov. 25 Ayodhya event
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rss-bjp-join-hands-ayodhya-november-25-event-5451839/
New Delhi :RSS and BJP have been working behind the scenes to mobilise people for VHP Dharma Sabha, a gathering of sants, to be held in Ayodhya on November 25, 3 days before Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. Pamphlets criticising the Supreme Court for not taking up the Ayodhya case on priority, and audio and video messages on social media have been doing the rounds in the run-up to VHP programme that aims to mobilise people for a proposed Ram temple. Workers of the BJP are also going door to door in Ayodhya and other districts to invite people for the Sabha. “RSS has extended support to the sants’ programme. A national RSS functionary will be present in Ayodhya during the Dharma Sabha,” said a senior RSS functionary.Sources said RSS functionaries in its four ‘prants’ — Awadh, Kashi, Goraksh and Kanpur-Bundelkhand — are holding coordination meetings with each other and with BJP and other like-minded outfits. BJP sources said their workers would take out bike rallies and ‘prabhat pheris’ to appeal to people to attend the event. Last week, RSS pracharaks in Ayodhya held a meeting with workers of BJP and ABVP. BJP’s Ayodhya Mahaganagar president Kamlesh Srivastava said, “We are making arrangements for the dignitaries and are inviting every family in the city for the Sabha.”indianexpress
If Hindus unite, then no one can stop construction of Ram temple: Subramanian Swamy
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/if-hindus-unite-then-no-one-can-stop-construction-of-ram-temple-subramanian-swamy-5451969/
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said Saturday if Hindus unite then no one could stop the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya.He said it was the fundamental right of Hindus to offer prayers at the birthplace of Ram and added that even the Supreme Court would agree on the issue of their faith.Swamy was addressing a conference at BHU’s Swatantrata Bhavan organised in the memory of ex VHP leader Ashok Singhal.He said Muslims can offer prayers at any other place but Hindus sentiments were associated with the place where Ram was born and so the temple must be built there.He said if the Hindus unite then no one could stop construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya.PTI
If BSP candidates are weak, we will back them… Left to me, I would make Mayawatiji PM now: Chandrashekhar Azad
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/if-bsp-candidates-are-weak-we-will-back-them-left-to-me-i-would-make-mayawatiji-pm-now-chandrashekhar-azad-5451755/
Bhim Army co-founder and chief Chandrashekhar Azad talks about why he formed the outfit, where his organisation fits into the politics of the country, the April 2 agitation by Dalits, the anger against govt, his views on Congress, and announces the launch of a movement from Muzaffarnagar on Dec 1. Azad said, "In Pune, a big incident (Bhima-Koregaon) happened, but people who fought for justice were attacked and BJP remained quiet. There was the Rohith Vemula case and the Saharanpur incident (in July 2017, Dalits and Thakurs clashed, leading to death of at least 2 and injuring scores). BJP talks about Hindu religion but when Dalits are tortured, they remain quiet. Which Hindu are they talking about? For the last 4 and half years, they did not do anything. They keep saying, ‘Ram Mandir banaenge (We will construct Ram Temple)’. BJP is in power in the Centre as well as in UP. Why aren’t they constructing it?…The country is run in accordance with the Constitution and they won’t be able to go against it. BJP said they will bring back black money and deposit Rs 15 lakh in every citizen’s bank account. They also promised two crore jobs…They did not do anything. BJP is responsible for the formation of the Bhim Army. When they have no jobs, what will the unemployed do? There are a lot of people in Bhim Army. If they had jobs, they would be working somewhere else." He continued, When I was in jail, I attended an Eid namaz. The moment the dua ended, a rumour spread that I had adopted Islam. I told those who were enquiring that I didn’t become a Hindu despite ringing temple bells for 25 years, how will I become a Muslim now? We are running the Bahujan movement as per the path shown by Kanshi Ram, who said people of all marginalised communities are the same.Muslims and OBCs also come under this category. We are trying to unite all such weak people." On BSP, he said, "BSP is a political party and their leaders will decide what work will be given to their cadre. We ask our cadre to work in the field of education and lend support to victims of atrocities. The people should feel that there is someone to listen to them. Our people also file FIRs on behalf of the people. FIRs have a language and if they are not properly framed, then the case can fall apart in court… When even the CBI lacks autonomy, how can a police constable of a local police station be autonomous?I am part of a social movement. If I feel that BSP candidates are weak, we will support them. We are there to help the weak, not the strong."indianexpress
Congress not keen to ally fearing dent in its Hindu votebank: SP leader Abu Azmi
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/congress-not-keen-to-ally-fearing-dent-in-its-hindu-votebank-samajwadi-party-5451828/
Vadodara :(SP leader and its Maharashtra unit president Abu Azmi on Saturday said that the Congress was wary of an alliance with the SP in Gujarat, “fearing dent in its Hindu votebank”. Addressing mediapersons here, Azmi said, “For Gujarat, we had proposed an alliance with the Congress to its president Rahul Gandhi, but the Congress refused to form any kind of an alliance as they fear that an alliance with us will affect their Hindu votebank. So, we will fight independently like in other states.”With an impending decision on the Ayodhya Ram temple by the Supreme Court, Azmi said that the minority community is now living under fear. “They (ruling government) do not want to build a temple, they just want to play politics in the name of the Ram temple. If they had to build one they would have already done so in their four years of rule,” he said. Slamming the BJP for renaming of cities, Azmi said, “If changing the names of cities would lead to any kind of development then such changes are welcome, otherwise they are just fooling the people. Changing names of cities means crores of rupees being spent, which is of no use. And the only cities being renamed have Muslim names.”
Won't prove my patriotism to people whose name came up in Godhra riots: Sidhu to PM Modi
https://www.business-standard.com/multimedia/video-gallery/general/won-t-prove-my-patriotism-to-people-whose-name-came-up-in-godhra-riots-sidhu-to-pm-modi-74348.htm
Raipur: Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi by raising Gujarat's Godhra riots case.Clarifying his Pakistan visit he attacked PM Modi by saying, "Is the PM jealous that he was not called (for Imran Khan's oath ceremony)? Is he jealous that he went to Pakistan uninvited (for Nawaz Sharif's birthday)? I'll not prove my patriotism to people whose name came up in Godhra (riots case)."ANI
Kashmiri woman arrested for luring youths into militancy through Facebook: Officials
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kashmiri-woman-arrested-for-luring-youths-into-militancy-through-facebook-officials-5452349/
Srinagar :In a first-of-its-kind case , a woman has been arrested by security agencies in Kashmir for allegedly luring youths through Facebook into militancy, especially the Jaish-e-Mohammed, officials said Sunday.Identified as Shazia from Naidkhai in Sumbal area of Bandipore in North Kashmir, she was picked up after intelligence agencies zeroed on her Facebook profile, through which she was “luring youths for jihad and picking up weapons”, the officials said.During interrogation, it was found that she had handed over some ammunition and magazines to two youths from Anantnag, one of whom has been picked up.Shazia, who is in her early 30’s and a mother of two, had been on the radar of security agencies for quite some time. She would seek favours from senior officers promising them help in getting some militants arrested.A video featuring Shazia had surfaced on Facebook a few months ago, and it was alleged that she was a police informer.On the basis of a complaint filed by her, two youths were picked up and later let off with a warning.PTI
Youth abducted from J&K Shopian, 7th in 4 days
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/youth-abducted-from-south-kashmir-s-shopian-fifth-abduction-in-four-days/story-E864A12rfpCbLoPumz4W8N.html
Another youth has been abducted from Meemender village in J&K’s Shopian district, hours after a 19-year-old civilian was killed by suspected militants, according to ANI. This is the seventh incident of abduction in the Valley in the last four days.Suhail Ahmad was abducted by unidentified gunmen on Sunday morning from Meemender village, said a police official of PCR, Shopian.19-year-old was kidnapped along with two others from Saidpora area of Shopian, just 48 hours after a bullet-riddled body of a teen was found in neighbouring Pulwama. Huzaif Ashraf alias Raja Kandur, Shahid Ganaie and Farooq Thokar were abducted by militants from a bakery in Saidpora Payeen village of Shopian, police said. Huzaif’s body was found in Shopian’s Hermain village, about 10 km from place of kidnapping, police said.As per local reports,two more civilians were abducted from Meemender village of Shopian district on Saturday evening. However police officials said that they were checking the authenticity of the reports.HT
Sabarimala temple opens: Protests as Hindu outfit leader, BJP general secy taken into custody
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sabarimala-opens-kadakampally-surendran-custody-kerala-bjp-secretary-5451874/
Pamba :Kerala BJP general secretary K Surendran was taken into “preventive custody” and removed from Nilakkal, a base camp, on Saturday night, hours after Hindu Aikya Vedi state head P Sasikala was detained by the police at Marakootam.The police action triggered heavy protests across the state, with right-wing activists accusing the police of trying to stop “genuine devotees” but “willing to escort activists” to the Sabarimala temple. On Friday, Pune-based activist Trupti Desai was stopped by protesters at Kochi airport as she along with six other women reached Kerala to pray at the hill shrine.Sasikala, who was on a pilgrimage to the Lord Ayyappa temple, was taken into preventive custody at 2.30 am Saturday after she allegedly defied directions not to spend the night on the temple complex. Police had decided not to allow devotees enter the temple premises when it was closed for the night.indianexpress
My son thought I’ll be assassinated like Indira Gandhi: Kapil Sibal
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/my-son-thought-i-ll-be-assassinated-like-indira-gandhi-kapil-sibal/story-gavAcKTxg3TPLd2ZaanXqL.html
He’s a successful lawyer turned politician, rich enough to be able to spend a few lakhs to acquire a painting by MF Husain; and a poet who writes in three languages.On the face of it, Kapil Sibal seems to have it all, but scratch the surface and you see his pain.Sibal’s pain comes through in the first Punjabi song he recently wrote. The poet in him accepts separation: it is the lawyer who wants to know why: Chadna hai te dass ke chad mainu…Roughly translated, the verse runs something like this: Leave me if you must but not without telling me why….HT
Women cry rape after falling out with partner:Khattar
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/manohar-lal-khattar-rape-remark-controversy-5451629/
New Delhi :A fallout between two adults in a relationship can result in a rape case against the male, claimed Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.In a video released by news agency ANI on Saturday, the chief minister is heard saying that in most rapes cases, the victim is known to the accused and the complaint is over an argument.“Sabse badi chinta yeh hai ki yeh ghatnayein jo hain rape aur Chhed chhad ki, 80-90% jankaro ke beech mein hoti hai. Kafi samay ke liye Ikhatte ghumte hain, ek din anban hogai, uss din utha karke FIR karwa dete hain ‘isne mujhe rape kiya’ (The biggest source of worry is that in 80-90 per cent of rape and harassment cases, the victim is often known to the accused. The two of them spend time together. When an argument or fight breaks out between them, the ‘victim’ later accuses her companion of rape),” Khattar said.Ridiculing the “anti-women mindset” of the CM, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, “Haryana CM Khattar ji makes an utterly condemnable remark – Most girls who interact with boys get raped, 80% rapes happen with consent. Blaming women for complete failures to control rapes and gang rapes? Deplorable!”indianexpress
2 militants killed in encounter in Kashmir’s Shopian
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/2-militants-killed-in-encounter-in-kashmir-s-shopian/story-0o471TCqIS7qMcP8OioyPL.html
Srinagar:Two militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of south Kashmir on Sunday morning.A police spokesman said that based on inputs, a cordon and search operation was launched by police and security forces at dawn in Rebban area of Zainapora in Shopian district. Militants fired at the search team, who retaliated.“In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists were killed,” he said, adding that the bodies have been retrieved.The militants were identified as Nawaz Wagay of Zainpora, Shopian, and Yawar Wani of Litter, Pulwama, a tweet by Kashmir Zone Police said, adding that they were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter.The encounter comes a day after two teenagers were killed by suspected militants after their abduction in the district since Thursday۔HT
WORLD
Trump calls CIA assessment of Khashoggi murder premature but possible
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/jamal-khashoggi-cia-donald-trump-saudi-arabia-5451925/
Washington:President Donald Trump on Saturday called a CIA assessment blaming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi “very premature” and said he will receive a complete report on the case on Tuesday. Trump, on a trip to California, said the killing “should never have happened.” The report on Tuesday will explain who the US government believes killed Khashoggi and what the overall impact of his murder is, Trump said. It was unclear who is producing the report.Trump also said CIA finding that bin Salman was responsible for the killing was “possible.” Trump made the remarks hours after the State Department said the government was still working on determining responsibility for the death of Khashoggi, a US-based Washington Post columnist.Reuters
full report on Khashoggi murder in next 2 day:Trump
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/trump-full-report-khashoggi-murder-days-181118050419501.html
Taliban hold talks with US envoy in Qatar
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2018/11/taliban-hold-talks-envoy-qatar-181118085252177.html
Taliban officials have held 3 days of talks with the US special representative for Afghanistan in Qatar, aimed at renewing the Afghan peace process, a Taliban official said. The talks, which ended on Sunday, were comfirmed by other individuals close the group, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the negotiations.Taliban said its dialogue process with Washington was aimed at securing a timetable for the withdrawal of all US and NATO troops from Afghanistan to pave the way for an intra-Afghan dialogue.Last week, a five-member Taliban delegation attended talks in Moscow for the first time at an international conference to discuss the Afghan peace efforts."A second phase (of discussions) should be held among Afghans (themselves) on how to bring about peace and form a government in Afghanistan," Sohail Shaheen, a Qatar-based spokesperson for the Taliban, told reporters in Moscow last week.The armed group has reported that in meetings with US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, it is also seeking the release of its prisoners and the removal of international travel restrictions on senior Taliban leaders.In a lengthy statement issued earlier this month, the Taliban had demanded the lifting of sanctions against the group's leaders, the release of prisoners and the recognition of their office in Qatar. Another individual close to the talks, who also spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, said Khalilzad wants to reach a settlement within six months, a timescale the Taliban said was too short. Khalilzad also proposed a ceasefire, which the Taliban rejected, the individual said, adding that there was no agreement on the release of prisoners, opening the Taliban office or lifting a Taliban travel ban.It was reported that Khairullah Khairkhwa, the former Taliban governor of Herat, and Mohammed Fazel, an ex Taliban military chief,attended the marathon talks.aljazeera
Over 40 killed in attack on refugee base in CAR
https://in.reuters.com/article/centralafrica-violence/over-40-killed-in-attack-on-refugee-base-in-central-african-republic-idINKCN1NM0II
Bangui:Over 40 people were killed and dozens wounded in Central African Republic in an attack on a Catholic mission sheltering 20,000 refugees, a regional lawmaker said. The attack happened on Thursday in Alindao, a town 300 km east of the capital Bangui. Thousands of people were forced to flee when the mission was set on fire, the United Nations said.“We have counted 42 bodies so far, but we are still searching for others. The camp has been burnt to the ground and people fled into the bush and to other IDP (internally displaced person) camps in the city,” Alindao lawmaker Etienne Godenaha told Reuters.A humanitarian source confirmed that more than 40 people were killed.U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Central African Republic Najat Rochdi said in a statement: “This vicious cycle of repeated attacks against civilians is unacceptable.”reuters
CAR suspect wanted for war crimes against Muslims handed to ICC
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/car-suspect-wanted-war-crimes-muslims-handed-icc-181117180402662.html
Alfred Yekatom, a war crimes suspect wanted for alleged atrocities against Muslims in the Central African Republic (CAR), has been extradited to The Hague to stand trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC).The announcement by the tribunal on Saturday came days after issuing a warrant against Yekatom - a sitting member of parliament once nicknamed "Rambo" - for his alleged criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity ICC launched an investigation in September 2014 into crimes committed in the resource-rich but poor country since 2012.A former army officer, Yekatom is an ex-militia leader within the so-called "Anti-balaka" movement, which was carrying out a systematic attack against the Muslim population.aljazeera
Hundreds of Gaza homes damaged in Israeli attacks
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/hundreds-of-gaza-homes-damaged-in-israeli-attacks/1314651
GAZA CITY, Palestine:Hundreds of residential homes were damaged in this week’s Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, according to a Palestinian official on Sunday. “A total of 1,252 units have been damaged in the last Israeli military escalation in Gaza,” Naji Sarhan, the undersecretary of the Gaza-based Housing Ministry, told a press conference in Gaza City. He said 77 residential units have been totally destroyed in the Israeli attacks.“The attacks have caused losses worth $6 million in residential buildings,” Sarhan said, calling on the international community to “intervene to put an end to Israeli aggression and protect civilians and civilian facilities” in Gaza. At least 14 Palestinians were martyred -- by Israeli airstrikes and artillery -- across the blockaded Gaza Strip after rocket fire earlier this week. At least one Israeli officer was reportedly killed and another injured.Anadolu agency
Escalating US-led airstrikes kill 40 civilians in eastern Syria
http://www.uniindia.com/escalating-us-led-airstrikes-kill-40-civilians-in-eastern-syria/world/news/1408260.html
Damascus:At least 40 civilians were killed on Saturday morning by intensified US-led airstrikes in eastern Syria, state news agency SANA reported.The airstrikes targeted the village of al-Bukan near the town of Hajin, 110 km southeast of Deir al-Zour province in eastern Syria, said SANA.The attack is part of incessant airstrikes targeting the last Islamic State (IS)-held pocket in the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour.SANA said the village of Bukan has become almost empty as people started fleeing the US.UNI
Tableeghi Jamaat amir Haji Abdul Wahab passes away in Pakistan
https://www.dawn.com/news/1446357/tableeghi-jamaat-amir-haji-abdul-wahab-passes-away
Amir of the Tableeghi Jamaat (TJ), Haji Abdul Wahab, passed away in Lahore on Sunday at the age of 95 after a battle with dengue.Haji Abdul Wahab had been admitted to Doctors' Hospital for the past few days after being afflicted with dengue. He also suffered from asthma and was put on life support yesterday, according to a close aide of his belonging to the Tableeghi Jamaat.His funeral is expected to be held at the Raiwind Tableeghi Ijtamagah after Maghrib prayers today.Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grief and sorrow over Haji Wahab's demise, Radio Pakistan reported. He offered his condolences to the bereaved family, and said Haji Wahab's services as a religious scholar will always be remembered. Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan Emir Sirajul Haq said that Haji Wahab spent his entire life in the service of Islam."His services in trying to spread Islam are irreplaceable,"JI chief added.dawn.com
Trump: US not considering Fethullah Gulen's extradition to Turkey
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/trump-fethullah-gulen-extradition-turkey-181117191054955.html
US President Donald Trump says Washington has no plans to extradite Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish religious leader accused by Ankara of orchestrating a deadly coup attempt more than two years ago."No, it's not under consideration," Trump said on Saturday, when asked whether such move was being contemplated.His comments came days after NBC News reported that the Trump administration had looked at possibly extraditing Gulen to Turkey in an attempt to ease Ankara's pressure on Saudi Arabia, which has increased following last month's killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.According to the NBC report, Trump officials asked law enforcement to look into Gulen's residency status in the US and the possibility of reopening the Turkish request for extradition.aljazeera
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
The sensible course for govt and RBI is to put aside issue of reserves and focus on immediate concerns:P Chidambaram
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/reserve-bank-of-india-central-government-5451718/
Deepika Singh Rajawat: Kathua Family 'Innocent, But Being Misguided'
https://thewire.in/communalism/deepika-singh-rajawat-theyre-innocent-but-theyre-being-misguided
Rafale Deal: The Mystery of the 3-Billion-Euro Price Hike:Ravi Nair
https://thewire.in/security/rafale-deals-narendra-modi-anil-ambani-dassault-aviation
Drama and Contradictions Mark Sohrabuddin Shaikh's Brother's Court Deposition:Sukanya Shantha
https://thewire.in/rights/drama-and-contradictions-mark-sohrabuddin-shaikhs-brothers-court-deposition
Zakia Jafri's Case is a Reminder of How the Guilty of Gujarat Subverted Law:Teesta Setalvad
https://thewire.in/rights/zakia-jafri-2002-gujarat-violence-supreme-court
Cow is not an animal: Would Nehru have been amused? Dhairya Maheshwari
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/cow-is-not-an-animal-would-nehru-have-been-amused
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 6:14 PM)
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