NEWS DIGEST, Afternoon
09 April 2019: 03 Shaban 1440:Vol: 11, No:171
INDIA
NRC hearing put off after govt says Supreme Court observations could impact polls
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nrc-hearing-put-off-after-govt-says-supreme-court-observations-could-impact-polls/story-wGFIeayaB7jVBNAulsJwHN.html
New Delhi:The Supreme Court has directed the Assam government to apprise it of possible “ways and means” that can be adopted for releasing illegal foreigners who have been kept in the state’s detention centres for a very long period.A bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi also took note of state’s submissions that the observations during the hearing of this case may have some impact in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Assam and sought the hearing of the plea after April 23.Lok Sabha elections in Assam would be held on April 23. Shifting PIL for hearing on April 25, the bench, also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, directed the Assam chief secretary to conduct a meeting of all stakeholders in the case and come out with an affidavit on or before April 23 giving details on releasing over 900 illegal foreigners in several detention centres there.PTI
SC directs Assam govt to notify ‘ways and means’ to release foreigners kept in detention
https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/supreme-court-directs-assam-government-to-notify-ways-and-means-to-release-foreigners-in-detention-centres-5666827/
Nirmohi Akhara opposes govt in SC over transfer of excess land in Ayodhya
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nirmohi-akhara-opposes-govt-in-sc-over-transfer-of-excess-land-in-ayodhya/story-j1jqJGaWJaVoKCNKrYzLKI.html
New Delhi:Nirmohi Akhara, a party in Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit, has filed a plea in the Supreme Court over Centre’s move to transfer excess land around the disputed site to its original owners. Nirmohi Akhara has opposed the government’s move seeking the Supreme Court’s permission to release excess land acquired in Ayodhya, ANI reported on Tuesday. The land in question was acquired by the government in 1994.Govt, in Jan.this year, requested the SC to allow release of around 67 acres of land to the original owners. The petitioner has said, according to ANI, that acquisition of land by the government had led to destruction of many temples managed by the Nirmohi Akhara. Contesting the Centre’s request in the SC the Nirmohi Akhara said it wants the top court to decide the title dispute.Currently, a SC-mandate mediation panel is holding deliberations with the concerned parties in the Ayodhya title dispute case. HT
Nirmohi Akhara Moves SC, Challenges Centre's Plea to Return 'Non-Disputed' Land in Ayodhya
https://thewire.in/politics/nirmohi-akhara-moves-sc-challenges-centres-plea-to-return-non-disputed-land-in-ayodhya
Supreme Court asks why government should manage temples and other religious places
https://scroll.in/latest/919432/supreme-court-asks-why-government-should-manage-temples-and-other-religious-places
The Supreme Court has asked why the govt should manage temples and other religious places in the country. A bench comprising Justice SA Bobde and Justice Abdul Nazeer made the remark while hearing a plea on difficulties faced by devotees at Jagannath temple in Odisha, and their alleged harassment by temple staff, PTI reported. “It is a matter of perspective,” Bobde said. “I do not know why government officials should manage temples? In Tamil Nadu, there is theft of idols. These idols, apart from the religious sentiments, are priceless.”Attorney General KK Venugopal told the bench that the Sabarimala temple in Kerala is run by Travancore Dewaswom Board, while govt-appointed boards manage many other shrines in the country. “How far can the government, in a secular state, control or manage a temple?” Venugopal asked.scroll.in
SC rejects plea to stall release of PM Modi biopic, says EC should take call
https://indianexpress.com/elections/sc-rejects-plea-to-stall-release-of-pm-modi-biopic-says-ec-should-take-call-5666500/
New Delhi:The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to stay the release of ‘PM Narendra Modi’, a biopic on the PM, saying the Election Commission is an appropriate forum to decide if the film violates Model Code of Conduct. A bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi said the plea is “premature” as the movie has not yet been certified by the Censor Board.“We, therefore, do not consider it fit to entertain the petition,” a bench also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Jain said, adding that even if the film is released it will be appropriate for the petitioner to seek redressal from the Election Commission.The plea filed by Congress activist Aman Panwar had sought deferment of the release of the biopic till the completion of upcoming Lok Sabha polls, alleging that it was designed to “manipulate, influence and impress viewers and voters”. The plea has sought direction from the court declaring that advertisement and promotion of the movie during the operation of the Model Code of Conduct violates electoral laws.indianexpress
VVPAT verification: Supreme Court orders counting of paper slips of 5 EVMs in every constituency
https://scroll.in/latest/919313/vvpat-verification-supreme-court-orders-counting-of-paper-slips-of-five-evms-in-every-constituency
The Supreme Court has ordered that Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail slips of 5 electronic voting machines in every constituency should be counted instead of just one EVM in the upcoming elections, Bar and Bench reported. The electronic voting machines will be randomly selected, according to The Hindu.The court said this practice will ensure the “greatest degree of accuracy, satisfaction” in the election process.“At the outset we would like to observe we are not doubting it may be possible that the system gives accurate results,” said CJI Ranjan Gogoi in the order.“But if the number increases, it would increase the greater satisfaction - the endeavour is to find to find a viable number of VVPAT,” he said, according to Live Law. The Commission said it shall “make all out efforts to operationalise and implement the directions of the court with immediate effect”.At present, the Commission matches VVPAT paper slips of 4,125 electronic voter machines under the one EVM per assembly segment rule. With the SC ruling, the poll body will have to count VVPAT slips of 20,625 electronic voting machines, TOI reported.The court was hearing a petition filed by 21 Opposition parties who sought direction to verify at least 50% of the votes cast in the Lok Sabha elections using the VVPAT machines.scroll.in
Hapur Lynching Case: Supreme Court Asks UP Government to File Fresh Report
http://caravandaily.com/hapur-lynching-case-supreme-court-asks-up-government-to-file-fresh-report/?fbclid=IwAR2cXSa8LzK5bNqffFJIJYaZC-n0JoqsliFHVN9YOuzKh8vDyT9v05AvYn8
New Delhi:The Supreme Court has asked Uttar Pradesh government to file fresh status report in the Hapur mob attack case last year, in which one man lost his life.A bench of CJI Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna asked the state government to submit its status report on the investigation and trial in the case.The top court on Sept.5 last year directed IG of Police of Meerut range to supervise the investigation in the Hapur mob attack case.Uttar Pradesh government had earlier told the court that it has transferred SHO concerned and filed appeals seeking cancellation of bails granted to the accused in the case.PTI
Assam: Mob thrashes 68-year-old Muslim man for selling beef, forces him to eat pork
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/assam-mob-thrashes-muslim-man-beef-force-feed-pork-1497292-2019-04-09?fbclid=IwAR3fb9A0Czx6rO9ZQ3j5YbRIJRBsFnBJja8uM3Ar4MBdlSqBhu0bl_UbgpA
New Delhi:In another instance of hate crime, a man, identified as Shaukat Ali, became a victim to mob violence in Assam.The mob suspected 68-year-old Shaukat Ali of selling beef and cornered him. They thrashed him and also proceeded to force feed him pork. The incident took place on April 7 in Assam's Biswanath Chariali town.In a video doing the rounds on social media, Shaukat Ali can be seen kneeling in mud surrounded by an angry mob. The mob asks Shaukat Ali why he is selling beef and if he has the license to do so.The irate mob also proceeded to demand that Shaukat Ali declare his nationality, asking if he is Bangladeshi or if he has a National Register of Citizen (NRC) certificate. A man identified as Shaukat Ali was attacked by a mob for allegedly selling beef in Assam’s Biswanath Chariali, according to Assam Police. According to local police, Ali is a businessman and has been running an eatery in the area for the last 35 years. The mob accused him of selling beef in the weekly market. However, the situation worsened when the miscreants started thrashing Ali and allegedly forced him to eat pork.In another video of the incident, the group can be seen manhandling Ali and forcing him to eat meat, claimed to be pork, from a packet. Ali received injuries and is being treated in a local hospital.The mob also misbehaved with the manager of weekly market, Kamal Thapa.Confirming the incident,local police told news sites that 2 FIRs have been filed against unidentified persons -- one by Thapa and the other by Ali's relatives.Police, however, denied that the violence was communal in nature.AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi also slammed the incident on Twitter, writing "I know many people who feel they're desensitized because of the number of lynchings in the last five years. I am not, each video infuriates me and saddens me."India Today
Targeted for ‘selling beef’, man force-fed by mob
https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/assam-targeted-for-selling-beef-man-force-fed-by-mob-5666105/
Rajasthan:Brutal assault on Muslim family, goons attack with ‘rods, sticks, stones’,8 battling for life
https://www.siasat.com/news/brutal-assault-muslim-family-goons-attack-iron-rods-sticks-stones-8-battling-life-1485926/?fbclid=IwAR38nrYO2B5ENyeDDw-Oq0u-tll_oeOF_5ByQXg1z2ihOKbMrdxhtC_gpmo
Udaipurwati: Mob violence, muscle power over minority Muslim community is increasing even in this Congress-ruled state Rajasthan where a Muslim family was not only thrashed but women of this family were molested too.In this shameful incident, Mohammed Yasin and his family members were brutally thrashed with iron rods, sticks, repeatedly until the family members dropped unconscious to this brutal assault that continued for half an hour were the members were also subjected to stone pelting over disagreement over new construction, Patrika reports. The frenzied mob attacked Yasin who runs a small Fenci general store in the region after he had objected to the construction of a new building in place of an old mansion near his shop.In all 11 people were injured in this bloody assault with 8 members belonging to Yasin’s family suffered severe head injuries, broken hands and feet.All the injured unconscious victims are identified as Yasin and his son Mohammad Razzaq, Mohammed Nisar, Mohammad Aslam, Mohammad Yusuf, Mohammad Asif, daughter Sher Bano and Sharif Bano were immediately rushed to SK hospital in the region. According to reports, things turned ugly when Yasin’s daughter was molested when she had come to open Sherbano shop in the morning.The victim’s family has accused the police of remaining silent and delaying action against the assaulters. Injured victim Yasin has stated he was threatened to evacuate the shop following which he filed a case against the accused in court. Though the court banned the accused’s entry in the region, the mob marched in the region with rods and thrashed the family while Police remained silent. saisat
Muslims in Delhi and Haryana Feel 'Unfairly Represented' in Hindi Newspapers : Survey
https://www.news18.com/news/india/muslims-in-delhi-and-haryana-feel-unfairly-represented-in-hindi-newspapers-survey-2093457.html
New Delhi: Muslim readers feel unfairly represented in Hindi newspapers and gauge an ‘anti-Muslim’ bias in news coverage, a survey conducted by Mass Media journal has found.The survey, published in the its April issue of Mass Media, a monthly media research journal, says that its Muslim respondents complain of anti-Muslim bias,hostile editorial policy and lack of coverage. In the survey, conducted across 20 Muslim localities in Delhi and 5 cities in Haryana, 76% of respondents (all of whom were Muslims) believed that Hindi papers were biased against their community; 84 % of the readers said that Hindi newspapers did not give enough coverage to the minority community. The respondents said that Hindi newspapers “either don’t report about them or, if at all they do, the tone and tenor of their reporting is negative.”When asked if they were satisfied with the coverage of Muslims in Hindi papers,67 % answered in the negative. Survey also found that 44% of respondents in Delhi and Haryana only read Hindi newspapers and 23%read both Hindi and Urdu publications. Majority of the respondents also felt that Hindi papers tended to gloss over Muslim news coverage and did not give space to minority voices in their publication, with 43%saying that they rarely see news of Muslim interest or statements issued by Muslim leaders or organisations. 31% of respondents estimated that they saw only one article concerned with minority issues per week.Majority of respondents, an overwhelming 79%, also said that articles on Muslim interests such as Triple Talaq,AMU or Babri Masjid were supportive of stance of the BJP or the RSS on the issue.news18
Rafale: Modi govt. gave unprecedented waivers in offset agreements
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rafale-modi-govt-gave-unprecedented-waivers-in-offset-agreements/article26775545.ece?homepage=true
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by PM Narendra Modi gave exceptional and unprecedented waivers to M/s Dassault Aviation and M/s MBDA in the offset contracts they signed with the Indian govt on September 23, 2016 as part of the €7.87 billion Rafale deal. These waivers, granted on August 24, 2016 at the highest level of political decision-making, were exemptions given to the two private French companies from having to comply with provisions of the Standard Contract Document of Defence Procurement Procedure, DPP-2013.The waivers concerned two key issues — the provisions to be made in the offset contracts for arbitration (Article 9) and access to books of accounts of the industrial suppliers (Article 12). A Rafale aircraft performs at the biennial air show Aero India 2019 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station near Bengaluru on Feb.20, 2019.These had been sent up to CCS for its “final review and approval” by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. He had evidently felt uncomfortable with sanctioning, at his level, major deviations from the Defence Procurement Procedure. But that was not all.thehindu
Vote on development issues, not on emotive issues, New Jamaat chief tells Muslims
https://theindianawaaz.com/vote-on-development-issues-not-on-emotive-issues-new-jamaat-chief-tells-muslims/
New Delhi:The newly elected President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Syed Sadatullah Hussaini has asked the Muslim youth to “become assets for the nation and not liability.”Addressing the media at Jamaat’s HQRS here on Monday, Jamaat chief said: “Our community should strengthen their relations with all religious communities, including Hindus, Sikhs and Christians. The communal divide is growing in society due to communal politics. Youth should take note of the current situation. They should empower themselves with education. They should become assets for the nation and not liability. As Muslims, we should spread Islam’s message of peace through our words, deeds and character. Islam is the torchbearer of peace and goodness’’.When asked about his message to the people of India on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the new JIH President said “Vote on development issues and not on the basis of emotive issues. Some political parties are trying to polarize society on communal and divisive issues. We support those parties or candidates who are in a position to defeat forces that practice communalism and divisive politics”.He took charge as JIH chief from the outgoing Ameer, Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari and announced a new Secretary General – T Arif Ali and three new Vice Presidents – Mohammad Salim Engineer, S Ameenul Hasan and Mohammad Jafar.Earlier on 6th April, the Council of Representatives (an elected all India body consisting of 157 JIH members of which 30 are women) elected 45 years old Electronics and Telecommunication engineer Sadatullah Hussaini as their new chief for a 4-year term. In the press meet, Jamaat released the resolutions adopted by its Council of Representatives which are as follows:"This meeting of RC of JIH underlines the importance of parliamentary elections, currently in process." On Kashmir situation, the Council expressing its concern over bloodshed and lawlessness in Kashmir, appealed to masses, political sections and rulers to make genuine efforts to restore peace and bring normalcy. It said, "the Council reminds all stake holders to respect rule of law and abide by healthy traditions. Whatever be the compulsions, violation of human rights should not be tolerated.The Council reminds rulers that unjustified arrests, curbs on social activities, banning of peaceful organizations and oppressive measures, cannot bring peace in Kashmir; rather such actions are counter-productive…." The Council shared widespread feeling on the unfortunate incident of Christchurch, New Zealand which has been widely condemned. On Palestine,the Council session condemned the continuing Israeli aggression against people of Palestine and neighboring Arab countries. It said, "in particular, aggressive stance on Golan heights and shifting capital to Jerusalem are most reprehensible."
Become Asset, Not Liability, For Country: JIH's Newly-Elected Chief Asks Muslim Youths
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/become-asset-not-liability-for-country-jihs-newly-elected-chief-asks-muslim-youths
Imam Bukhari not to back any political party in general elections
https://www.indiatvnews.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019-shahi-imam-of-jama-masjid-not-to-back-any-political-party-in-general-elections-513281
Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid in New Delhi Syed Ahmed Bukhari has announced that he will not support any political party in Lok Sabha elections or issue an appeal for any particular party as done in the past. Expressing disappointment with political parties, Bukhari said that political parties always make promises but never deliver on them.In a press statement, issued on Monday, Bukhari said that Muslims should keep in view the fact that almost all political parties have disappointed them.“Unabated hatred and growing religious mania rampant in the country have trampled over our basic values and traditions. These circumstances have caused grave concern to the civilised society….Things have come to the point that instead of following the golden principles of one nation and unity in diversity, the venom of communalism is being spread in every matter,” he said.Imam added,“In these circumstances, parliamentary elections of 2019 are a trial of the wisdom and farsightedness of the people.In the current situation, it is difficult to ascertain which one deserves to be supported. Therefore, after much deliberation and consultations, I have decided not to appeal in support of any of the political parties,” statement read.indiatvnews
Kanhaiya Files Nomination from Begusarai; Najeeb's Mother, Teesta, Shehla Attend Huge Rally
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/kanhaiya-files-nomination-from-begusarai;-najeebs-mother-teesta-shehla-attend-huge-rally
Patna:Firebrand youth leader Kanhaiya Kumar on Tuesday filed his nomination papers from Begusarai Lok Sabha constituency. Thousands of people attended the nomination rally.Missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed’s mother Fatima Nafees, eminent rights activist Teesta Setalvad, young activists Shehla Rashid and Gurmehar Kaur and Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani were on an open truck leading the massive rally.Former JNU student leader Kanhaiya, contesting as the CPI candidate, on Tuesday filed his nomination for the Begusarai Lok Sabha seat in Bihar.India Tomorrow
Swara Bhaskar, Mevani, Teesta, Shehla, star in red wave for Kanhaiya Kumar’s campaign for Begusarai
https://www.newsx.com/national/swara-bhaskar-jignesh-mevani-teesta-setalvad-shehla-rashid-star-in-red-wave-for-kanhaiya-kumars-campaign-for-begusarai
JNU sedition case: Delhi govt gets until July 23 to decide on sanction to prosecute accused
https://scroll.in/latest/919331/jnu-sedition-case-delhi-government-gets-until-july-23-to-decide-on-sanction-to-prosecute-accused
A Delhi court on Monday gave the state govt time till July 23 to decide on granting sanction to prosecute ex-JNU Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar and his co-accused in a 2016 sedition case, PTI reported.AAP-led Delhi government had last week told the Patiala House Court that it needed a month’s time to decide whether to grant sanction to prosecute. At a subsequent hearing on April 5, Delhi govt claimed that the police had filed the chargesheet in the sedition case in Jan.“secretly and in a hasty manner without sanction from competent authority”.Additional Public Prosecutor Vikas Singh told the court last week that the government is looking into the matter and awaiting the opinion of its Standing Counsel (Criminal) Rahul Mehra. Govt further said that they needed time to decide whether the accused’s actions amounted to sedition.scroll.in
Muzaffarnagar riots cases: UP government yet to give permission to withdraw cases
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/apr/08/muzaffarnagar-riots-cases-up-government-yet-to-give-permission-to-withdraw-cases-1961764.html
Uttar Pradesh government has not yet permitted the district authorities to withdraw any of the Muzaffarnagar riots cases that it had decided to take back, an official said on Monday.According to prosecution sources, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government, which had announced last Dec.that it would withdraw 44 cases, only sought permission in about a dozen cases. Dushyant Tyagi, the district government counsel, told PTI that the permission to withdraw the riot cases from the court had not been received so far.PTI
CM Yogi rakes up Muzaffarnagar riots, says ‘innocents’ who were framed will be freed
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019/uttar-pradesh/news/cm-yogi-rakes-up-muzaffarnagar-riots-says-innocents-who-were-framed-will-be-freed/articleshow/68787733.cms
Bijnor: With just 3 days left for polls in the region, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday raked up Muzaffarnagar riots. Referring to murders of two brothers in Kawal village, which had triggered the riots in 2013, Yogi said, “When Gaurav and Sachin were killed, every peace-loving person had died. And, when innocent people were being killed in the riots where was Ajit Singh? It was Sanjeev Balyan who was fighting for you and even went to jail.”TOI
SC issues notice to poll body on plea against political speeches with references to religion, caste
https://scroll.in/latest/919303/sc-issues-notice-to-poll-body-on-plea-against-political-speeches-with-references-to-religion-caste
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission on a petition seeking action against spokespersons and representatives of parties who deliver speeches or make remarks pertaining to a religion or caste.A bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi sought the poll body’s response by April 15, according to ANI. The petition was filed by Harpreet Mansukhani, a non-resident Indian from Sharjah.scroll.in
In gaffe, BJP manifesto promises laws ‘to commit crimes against women’; Cong has a field day
https://indianexpress.com/elections/on-women-safety-congress-says-bjps-manifesto-reflects-true-intentions-of-the-party-heres-why-5665515/?fbclid=IwAR1KWtDXCmyN26ujIxeyIO-ZeCus6qG9m-vAxrmFRJ4m3Pd3Q-aqJCgB4Fw
New Delhi:An apparent goof up in the document of the BJP’s manifesto has Congress pointing out the “true intentions” of the party on the issue of the safety for women. Among the list of initiatives, BJP manifesto mentions safety for women as one of its key concerns. However, the phrasing of a sentence appears to flip the intended meaning.Manifesto reads:“We have constituted Women’s Security Division in Home Ministry, and have made strict provisions for transferring the laws in order to commit crimes against women.”Congress latched onto the opportunity and had a field day on social media. Sharing a screen grab of the manifesto, a tweet by the official handle of the party read, “At least one point in BJP’s manifesto reflects their true intentions.”indianexpress
NDA could have the upper hand but will fall short of majority, predicts pre-poll survey
https://scroll.in/latest/919408/nda-could-have-the-upper-hand-but-will-fall-short-of-majority-predicts-pre-poll-survey
A pre-poll survey conducted by Lokniti of the Centre for Study of Developing Societies indicated that the national mood was in favour of giving the BJP and the NDA a second term.“Over the last one year, the ruling party appears to have overcome the emerging mood of anti-incumbency and turned the tide in its favour,” the survey report said. “As things stand in the last week of March 2019, NDA appears close to the majority mark, though BJP itself seems well short of securing a majority on its own. One must however hasten to add, that there does not appear to be any national wave in favour of the ruling party.”CSDS-Lokniti Pre Poll Survey indicated that the ruling BJP and the Congress are likely to register a 4% increase in their vote share. However, this rise in vote share does not translate to an increase in seat share for BJP.The pre-poll survey pegged BJP’s vote share estimate at 35%. The party’s actual vote share in May 2014 was 31%. BJP’s allies was 7.4% in 2014 and 6% in the pre-poll survey.scroll.in
Ahead of Election, Modi’s Party Vows to Strip Kashmir of Special Rights:Reuters
http://caravandaily.com/ahead-of-indian-election-modis-party-vows-to-strip-kashmir-of-special-rights/
New Delhi:Hindu nationalist ruling party, BJP vowed to strip decades-old special rights from the people of J&K, making an election promise that provoked warnings of a backlash in the country’s only Muslim-majority state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP is widely expected to retain power after a general election that starts on Thursday, though with a much smaller mandate, hit by concerns over a shortage of jobs and weak farm prices.It pledged to spend 100 trillion rupees on infrastructure in the next 5 years, to help create jobs for millions entering the workforce each year.Pollsters say BJP’s re-election bid got a boost from recent hostilities with arch-rival Pakistan, after Pulwama bombing.“Nationalism is our inspiration, economic development of the poor and backward sections our philosophy, and good governance our mantra,” Modi said after releasing the election manifesto. BJP has consistently advocated an end to Kashmir’s special constitutional status, which prevents outsiders from buying property there, arguing that such laws have hindered its integration with the rest of India.“In the last 5 years, we have made all necessary efforts to ensure peace in J&K through decisive actions and firm policy,” it said in the manifesto.Reuters
No option but to abrogate Article 370, 35A if someone talks of separate PM for J&K: Rajnath
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/will-have-no-option-but-to-abrogate-article-370-35a-if-someone-talks-of-separate-pm-for-jk-says-rajnath-singh-5665410/
New Delhi :Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said the Centre will have no option other than abrogating articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution if “there is a talk of separate Prime Minister for Jammu and Kashmir.”His reaction came a week after NC leader Omar Abdullah had said that his party would reinstate the posts of President and Prime Minister in the state.indian express
‘Repetitions don’t make the truth of a lie’: Pakistan rejects India’s proof of downed F-16
https://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/repetitions-dont-make-the-truth-of-a-lie-pakistan-rejects-indias-proof-of-downed-f-16-5666369/
New Delhi:Hours after India put out radar images as “irrefutable evidence” of the aerial dogfight between IAF MiG-21 and a Pakistani F-16 Fighter jet, Pakistan rejected the proof saying “repetitions don’t make the truth of a lie.” IAF also cited radio intercepts, Indian Army sightings and statements by the Pakistan ISPR to underline that the PAF lost an F-16. In a tweet, Pakistani military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said, “Despite claiming possession of evidence on shooting F16, IAF still short of presenting it. Don’t overlook Pakistan’s silence for not drum beating losses on the Indian side. Fact is that PAF shot down two IAF jets, wreckage seen on ground by all.”indian express
J&K: Local leaders warn BJP not to scrap Article 370, ex-CM says it could ‘free’ state from India
https://scroll.in/latest/919410/j-k-local-leaders-warn-bjp-not-to-scrap-article-370-ex-cm-says-it-could-free-state-from-india
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said that abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution would lead to Jammu and Kashmir’s “freedom” from India. The article grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.“If you free Jammu and Kashmir from Article 370, you will free the state from country as well,” she said, according to PTI. “I have said many times that Article 370 links Jammu and Kashmir with the country. When you break this bridge, India loses its legitimacy over the state. It becomes an occupational force.”scroll.in
‘We’ll get freedom from them’: Farooq Abdullah hits out at BJP over Article 370 promise in manifesto
https://scroll.in/latest/919357/well-get-freedom-from-them-farooq-abdullah-hits-out-at-bjp-over-article-370-promise-in-manifesto
NC Chief Farooq Abdullah has said that if BJP repeals Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the state will “get freedom” from the rest of India, PTI reported.“They [BJP] talk of abrogating Article 370,” Abdullah said at an election rally in Srinagar, from where he is contesting the Lok Sabha elections. “If you do that, the accession will also not stand. I swear by Allah, I think this is the wish of almighty, we will get freedom from them.”scroll.in
J&K: RSS leader wounded, his PSO killed as gunmen open fire at them in Kishtwar, say reports
https://scroll.in/latest/919435/j-k-rss-leader-wounded-his-pso-killed-as-gunmen-open-fire-at-them-in-kishtwar-say-reports
A RSS leader was injured while his personal security officer died when gunmen opened fire at them in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, Greater Kashmir reported.An unidentified police official said gunmen opened fire at RSS leader identified as Chandrakant Sharma and his security guard at the district hospital in Kishtwar. Sharma worked as a medical assistant at the hospital, according to ANI. According to Greater Kashmir, he worked with Health Department and was posted in the outpatient department of the hospital.scroll.in
Mirwaiz appears before NIA for questioning in terror financing case
https://scroll.in/latest/919305/separatist-leader-mirwaiz-umar-farooq-appears-before-nia-for-questioning-in-terror-financing-case
Hurriyat Conference chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq appeared before NIA in Delhi on Monday for questioning in connection with a terror financing case, PTI reported.Farooq decided to travel to Delhi after the agency assured that he would be provided security, according to HT. Farooq was provided security upon his arrival at the Indira Gandhi airport.Separatist leaders Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone and Maulana Abbas Ansari were among those who accompanied him.scroll.in/
Bilkul nahi kaha tha ki Rs 15 lakh aenge: Rajnath
https://www.siasat.com/news/bilkul-nahi-kaha-tha-ki-rs-15-lakh-aenge-rajnath-singh-1485860/?fbclid=IwAR3nLVxzE_sTo3oAellp61wzS1A00gf4Qs_KEFbyEH9ZYko7plAmVyeSISw
New Delhi:Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people’s bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014. “Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come (to accounts of people). This was never said. (Bilkul nahi kaha tha ki Rs 15 lakh aenge. Ye kabhi nahi kaha tha).”siasat
Hyderabad Police Seize Rs 8 Crore Withdrawn From BJP's Bank Account
https://thewire.in/politics/hyderabad-police-seize-8-crore-cash-bjp
New Delhi: Hyderabad police have seized Rs 8 crore in cash, allegedly withdrawn from the BJP’s state unit’s bank account on Monday. The cheque to withdraw the Rs 8 crore in cash was signed by the party’s state president K. Laxman.In a statement, Hyderabad police said they intercepted two people in a car carrying cash worth Rs 2 crore. One of the persons said that the money was given to them by one Nandiraju Gopi at the Narayanaguda branch of the state-owned Indian Bank.When police reached the bank, Rs 6 crore more was found in cash. Nandiraju Gopi, who was present at the bank and apprehended by the police, is an office assistant at the BJP. Another person, S. Chalapathi Raju, is also an office assistant at the BJP.In total, the police have apprehended seven people.thewire
Karnataka has not picked Muslim MP since 2004
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019/karnataka/news/karnataka-has-not-picked-muslim-mp-since-2004/articleshow/68787849.cms
With 3 major parties not favouring many candidates from the community and polarisation of voters, Karnataka hasn’t elected a Muslim MP since 2004.Experts say delimitation of constituencies also had an impact on winnability, although Muslim leaders say that should not be a factor while giving representation.Of 84 MPs Karnataka sent to Parliament since 2004, Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi,from Kalaburgi in 2004, was only Muslim. Congress and JD(S) together had only 11 Muslim candidates from 2004 to 2019,while BJP had none. These 11 make up for less than 10% of seats (112) that were at play,while Karnataka has over 12% Muslims.TOI
In Western UP, Muslims are trapped in divide between Congress and gathbandhan:TOI
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/news/in-western-up-muslims-are-trapped-in-the-divide-between-congress-and-gathbandhan/articleshow/68788777.cms
UP: BSP supremo Mayawati’s recent call to Muslims not to divide their vote only mirrors a key question blowing through Western UP’s dusty tracks.From Saharanpur to Rampur to Moradabad, across UP’s most densely populated Muslim districts, will failure of the Opposition to form a mahagathbandhan, or an alliance between SP, BSP, RLD and Congress, lead to the Muslim vote being divided, thus giving the advantage to ruling BJP? Will the Muslim vote in western UP be split wide open? In particular focus is Congress which in Rahul Gandhi’s words wants to play on the “front foot” in UP. In Saharanpur for example, where Mayawati and Akhilesh addressed their first joint rally, Congress candidate Imran Masood who once threatened to dismember PM Narendra Modi, is seen as a local strongman. Masood polled 4 lakh votes in 2014 and lost by only 65,000 votes. With the gathbandhan also putting up a Muslim candidate, BSP’s Haji Fazlur Rahman, competition for Muslim vote is intense. CM Yogi Adityanath has recently directed trenchant attacks at Masood as Jaish chief’s “Masood Azhar’s son in law.” Some here feel that Yogi’s sharp attack on Masood will serve to polarize Muslims towards Masood, thus weakening gathbandhan.Yet opinion on this is divided. Although Masood is well-entrenched, he may not get a `plus vote’ or be perceived as a winning candidate which is why in the end Muslims may still opt for the gathbandhan in Saharanpur.But in Rampur, only Muslim majority district in UP, Congress seems to have fielded what locals describe as a “dummy candidate’ former MLA Sanjay Kapoor, an upper caste Hindu, who is expected to cut into BJP’s vote, paving the way for SP’s stalwart Azam Khan’s Lok Sabha debut.
Sharp rise in cattle run over by trains in north India
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sharp-rise-in-cattle-run-over-by-trains-in-north-india/story-cnUipzboGRoU27V6NyUWRO.html
New Delhi:Northern Railway has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of cattle being run over by trains, perhaps because of an increase in the number of stray cattle across the northern plains.According to data provided by Northern Railway, the number of stray cattle hit by trains increased by 66% in 2018-19. Number was 4,831 in 2018-19, up from 2,906 in 2017-18.“Cows are roaming in the open because there is no buyer and the promised Gaushalas [cow shelters] are not operational. They are also destroying crops. Farmers chase them out of their fields. Railway lines are near fields, and the cattle go to open areas near the railway lines; some, unfortunately, come under a train,” said Vinay Kumar, the Uttar Pradesh vice president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union.2 railway officials said, on condition of anonymity, that this does seem to be the case.Tighter cattle trading laws, a crackdown on illegal and unlicensed slaughter houses, and cow vigilantes roaming the countryside and attacking any vehicle transporting cattle, have meant that most farmers end up abandoning cattle that are too old, instead of selling them to slaughter houses.HT
Agra: College suspends Muslim girl ‘harassed for not wearing BJP cap’
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/college-suspends-muslim-girl-harassed-for-not-wearing-bjp-cap/articleshow/68784955.cms
Meerut: In a surprise development, a 22-year-old college girl, who was allegedly harassed by her “inebriated” classmates for refusing to put on a BJP cap during their college trip to Agra last week, was suspended by the college administration. College authorities said they acted against her after she “failed to appear in front of an internal grievance cell to record her statement”. Meanwhile, the victim has approached police with a written complaint. In a letter addressed to Meerut senior superintendent of police, the victim has narrated her ordeal. She also elaborated on “pressure” being put on her to withdraw her complaint. The development came hours after a group of activists from Bajrang Dal and VHP met the college authorities demanding that the rustication of two students be revoked. “When her classmates who were present during the trip are claiming that she had lied on,why has college rusticated students even as the investigation is pending? We want the rustication be revoked,” Balraj Dungar, Bajrang Dal’s west UP convenor said. In her complaint to the police, the victim wrote, “I took to Twitter to talk about harassment but the college and other students have given it a political and communal colour. They have been putting out my personal photos and videos in a conspiracy to get me thrown out of the college and also put pressure on me to withdraw my complaint.”TOI
WORLD
Iran's Rouhani defends elite Revolutionary Guard Corps, says US 'terror' label a 'mistake'
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/iran-rouhani-defends-ircg-terror-label-mistake-190409074509264.html
President Hassan Rouhani has defended Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as protectors of Iran and said that US decision to label the Iranian elite force a "terrorist group" was a mistake."Guards have sacrificed their lives to protect our people, our [1979 Islamic] revolution ... Today America that holds a grudge against the Guards, blacklists the Guards," Rouhani said.In an unprecedented step, US President Donald Trump designated IRGC a "foreign terrorist organisation" on Monday. Tehran took retaliatory action by naming US Central Command (CENTCOM) as a "terrorist organisation" and US govt as a "state sponsor of terrorism". Rouhani called US decision a mistake and other Iranian officials have warned that it will endanger American interests in the region, where Iran is involved in proxy wars from Syria to Lebanon.Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said the move was a "misguided election-eve gift to [Israeli PM] Netanyahu". Israelis are voting to decide if Netanyahu can win a record fifth term in office.If the US continues to pressure Tehran, Rouhani said, Iran's nuclear agency will produce advanced centrifuges - used to enrich uranium.US has already blacklisted dozens of entities and people for affiliations with IRGC, but not the organisation as a whole.aljazeera
US labels Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps a 'terror group'
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/designates-iran-elite-irgc-terrorist-organisation-trump-190408141756166.html
Israeli elections: Netanyahu faces challenge from Gantz at polls
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/israeli-elections-netanyahu-faces-challenge-gantz-polls-190409070753712.html
Jerusalem - Israelis are voting on Tuesday to choose the next party to lead the 21st Knesset in an election that pits incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against Benny Gantz, former army chief of staff, with 37 other parties in the running.Polls are open at 10,720 polling stations.Israeli citizens aged 18 and over, including those living in illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem and West Bank are eligible to vote. Israeli law excludes expats currently abroad from voting. 4.8 million Palestinians living under Israeli military occupation in East Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza do not have voting rights.According to the polls, Netanyahu of the right-wing Likud party and Gantz of the centrist Blue and White party are running in a close race for prime minister. The position is chosen by the Israeli president, on the recommendations of Knesset Members (MK).At a polling station in the occupied French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem Yafit Scherer called voting an important privilege. aljazeera
Algeria's parliament confirms Bensalah as interim president
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/algeria-parliament-confirms-bensalah-interim-president-190409095209100.html
Algeria's parliament has officially confirmed Senate President Abdelkader Bensalah as acting head of state for the next 90 days replacing Abdelaziz Bouteflika who ruled the country for nearly 2 decades.The move to designate Bensalah interim president follows the constitutional council's decision last week to declare the presidency vacant after Bouteflika submitted his resignation. He stepped down after nearly two months of protests."I am required by national duty to take on this heavy responsibility of steering a transition that will allow the Algerian people to exercise their sovereignty," Bensalah said today."We must work to allow the Algerian people to elect their president as soon as possible." Bensalah will rule until fresh elections are held, in accordance with the country's constitution. On Friday, 3 days after Bouteflika resigned, thousands of Algerians marched in cities to demand a complete overhaul of the political system. In addition to Bensalah, protesters said they do not want PM Noureddine Bedoui and Constitutional Council President Tayeb Belaiz - all known to be Bouteflika loyalists - to be involved in the political transition. aljazeera
UN: Recent Myanmar army attack may have killed dozens of Rohingya
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/myanmar-army-attack-killed-dozens-rohingya-190409062501653.html
Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has said it fears that dozens of Rohingya civilians may have been killed in a military attack in Myanmar's Rakhine state last week, despite official government tolls putting the number of dead at 6. "We are now receiving reports that the number may be much higher than that. We have unconfirmed reports that the number may be as high as 30," said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for OHCHR, on Tuesday.On Friday, Myanmar army-run Myawady Daily newspaper had said 6 Rohingya killed and nine wounded in Wednesday's aerial attack were "together with terrorists while the army was cracking down on the Arakan Army's terrorist activities" in Buthidaung township, referring to an armed group that draws much of its recruits from the ethnic Rakhine population.aljazeera
'Rohingya influx creating hardships in Cox's Bazar'
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/rohingya-influx-creating-hardships-in-coxs-bazar/1446205
Dhaka:Local residents of Bangladesh’s Cox's Bazar district are facing increased insecurity in food and other resources due to the influx of Rohingya refugees, according to a report.The refugee influx has aggravated the already fragile situation in one of the poorest and most vulnerable districts in Bangladesh, where most local households derive their livelihoods from farming plots of around a hectare or less and/or fishing, said the Global Network Against Food Crises, which was launched in 2016 by the European Union,UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UN World Food Programme (WFP).“At least 100 hectares of cropland in Teknaf and Ukhiya have either been occupied by refugee settlements or rendered useless by sandy soil flowing down from the mountain slopes,” the network said in its report.Anadolu Agency
Appeal aims to block UK arms sales to Saudi
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/appeal-aims-block-uk-arms-sales-saudi-arabia-190409094811672.html
Judges in UK hold Yemen's future in their hands after a landmark legal appeal was lodged that will seek to block the sale of billions of pounds worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia. The case brought by campaigners against the arms trade could force Britain to halt exporting missiles, bombs and jets in a move that some observers say could curtail Saudi air raids in Yemen within weeks."A halt to UK arms exports and engineering support would have a material effect on Saudis being able to conduct their bombing missions," said Anna Stavrianakis, senior lecturer in international relations at University of Sussex and an expert on the arms trade.aljazeera
US bars entry to 16 Saudis over Khashoggi murder
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/bars-entry-16-saudis-khashoggi-murder-190409001237898.html
US State Department has barred entry to 16 Saudi nationals over what it described as their role in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.The announcement on Monday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo comes as the Trump administration faces pressure from Congress over its response to the killing in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last October, which sparked unprecedented international scrutiny of the kingdom's human rights record.The section under which the individuals have been designated "provides that, in cases where the Secretary of State has credible information that officials of foreign governments have been involved in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights, those individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the US."aljazeera
Saudi-led air raids 'kill at least 11 civilians' in Yemen's Sanaa
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/saudi-led-air-raids-kill-11-civilians-yemen-sanaa-190407201257046.html?fbclid=IwAR2Hocsycj6ekVa1BjQY4Y61Iwss_p745giDdXnOZrKxyu9GlHf8P_fjU7o
Air raids by a Saudi-UAE-led coalition in a residential area in Yemen's Houthi-held capital, Sanaa, have killed at least 11 civilians, including children, according to local officials.Youssef al-Hadrii, a spokesman for the rebel-controlled health ministry, was quoted by DPA news agency as saying that the attack on Sunday left more than 39 people wounded.He said most of the victims were students killed in the bombing of houses and a school.Citing local medical sources, The Associated Press news agency put the number of those killed at 13, including seven children. More than 100 were wounded, it added."Everyone was hysterical, some were crying and shouting in panic," said Fatehiya Kahlani, principal of Al Raei school. "The situation was horrible as the school population is 2,100.aljazeera
Libyan govt forces retake two bases from Haftar
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/libyan-government-forces-retake-two-bases-from-haftar/1446152
Tripoli:Forces loyal to Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) recaptured 2 military bases near the capital Monday from commander Khalifa Haftar, according to GNA’s social media account.The counteroffensive, called “Volcano of Anger”, repelled attacks conducted by Haftar’s forces in Tripoli and other cities, retaking Yarmouk and as-Sawareh military bases, according to the social media posts.Some 23 forces of Haftar were captured during the operation, it said.GNA forces also recaptured Tripoli International Airport from Haftar, according to a local military source.Meanwhile, flights returned to normal at Mitiga airport in the capital after it was targeted earlier Monday by warplanes affiliated with Libya’s eastern government and forces loyal to Haftar.Anadolu Agency
Flash: views & NEWS
NaMo TV’s Use of Satellite Raises Questions About Compliance With Indian Law:Mayank Saxena
https://thewire.in/media/namo-tvs-use-of-satellite-raises-questions-about-compliance-with-indian-law
Raids on Kamal Nath’s Aides Take Political Hue:Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar
https://thewire.in/politics/kamal-nath-raids-it-bjp-congress-elections-2019
When Bal Thackeray Was Disenfranchised for Far Less Than Modi's Polarising Politics:Sujata Anandan
https://thewire.in/politics/bal-thackeray-disenfranchised-narendra-modi-polarisation
Donald Trump to Balochistan to Gurgaon meat shops: Meet the Hindu Sena
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/donald-trump-to-balochistan-to-gurgaon-meat-shops-meet-the-hindu-sena-5665802/
Modi Has Failed to Live up to His Promise of ‘Big Bang’ Economic Reforms:Salman Anees Soz
https://thewire.in/economy/modi-has-failed-to-live-up-to-his-promise-of-big-bang-economic-reforms
#PrimetimeWatch: Channels Discuss BJP Manifesto, Compare It With Congress's
https://thewire.in/media/primetimewatch-channels-discuss-bjp-manifesto-compare-it-with-congresss
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 6:43 PM)
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