NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
05 May 2019: 29 Shaban 1440:Vol: 11, No:193
INDIA
Assam minority body alleges false NRC objections
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam-minority-body-alleges-false-nrc-objections/article27039095.ece?homepage=true
Guwahati:All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) has claimed that certain organisations used “false” objections against many people from religious and linguistic minority communities included in the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC).The complete draft published in July, 2018 had excluded 40.07 lakh of 3.29 crore applicants. A window ending Dec.31, 2018 was provided for those left to file claims for re-inclusion. Citizens who suspected foreigners got into the list were also allowed to file objections within the same period.“Religious as well as linguistic minority people are being harassed in the name of NRC. Members of some organisations such as All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) took signatures of villagers on blank forms and then filed objections in their names against the inclusion of people from minority communities in the complete NRC draft,” AAMSU advisor Azizur Rahman said. Villagers in whose names the objections were made later said they had no idea how they came to be embroiled in the case, Rahman said.AAMSU produced a few letters by local farmers and daily-wagers to District Registrar of Citizen officer in western Assam’s Kokrajhar district.thehindu
‘Religious minority being targeted in name of NRC update’
https://nenow.in/north-east-news/religious-minority-being-targeted-in-name-of-assam-nrc-update.html
Bank puts up note barring burkha entry, replaces it with ‘scarves’ after protest
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/bank-puts-up-note-barring-burkha-entry-replaces-it-with-scarves-after-locals-protest-5710707/
Surat:A branch of Bank of Baroda, a public sector bank, in Surat created a controversy after it put up an instruction banning entry of people wearing helmet or burkha. The note, which was pasted on the main entry door of the bank’s branch on Ambaji Road, read: “Please remove your helmet/burkha. No admission with helmet/ burkha”.Notably, the bank is situated near Khapatida Chakla in the walled city area of Surat where a significant number of people from the Muslim community resides. Sources said that over 50% of the customers of bank branch are Muslims.As locals protested after picture of the bank’s “burkha entry ban” went viral on social media, the officials of the bank removed the word “burkha” from the note and replaced it with “scarf”. The new instruction in Hindi read — “Entry to branch and ATM wearing helmet/scarf is not allowed”.“Mistake happened in our branch and we immediately rectified it. There was a problem with the word ‘burkha’.So, we replaced it with ‘scarf’. We had used the wrong word. We have put up instruction keeping in mind the security aspect as we are unable to identify people who enter the bank wearing scarves,” Navin Dokhia, the branch manager said.Meanwhile, Versatile Minority Forum of Surat, a local Muslim outfit, demanded apology from the bank. “Burkha implies Muslim woman. They should have put instruction note saying that persons having their faces covered should not enter the bank premises. We want bank authorities to apologise,” said Babu Pathan, the outfit’s president.indian express
Bank in Surat bans burqa, backtracks after protests
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bank-in-surat-bans-burqa-backtracks-after-protests/story-VKUYzPchCmnbyAmSgk2OVL.html
Jamaat-e-Islami rejects call for Ban on ‘Burqa’ in India
https://theindianawaaz.com/jamaat-e-islami-rejects-call-for-ban-on-burqa-in-india/
New Delhi:Amid the row over ‘Hijab’ or ‘Burqa’ (Muslim women face-veil), one of India’s prominent Muslim organization, the Jamaat Islami Hind, has rejected the call for ban on Burqa and said that Muslim women in India will continue to practice modesty as mandated by their religion and will not be intimidated by such specious demands made by what it called “anti social elements”. “In the aftermath of attacks in Sri Lanka, the Govt there has banned the “burqa” or Muslim women face-veil and some voices have also been raised in our country to do the same. This outrageous demand is not only undemocratic and devoid of any logic but also goes against the basic rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.Muslim women in India will continue to practice modesty as mandated by their religion and will not be intimidated by such specious demands made by antisocial elements,” Jamaat said in a statement issued by its president Syed Sadatullah Husaini.The Jamaat leadership has already condemned the serial blasts in Sri Lanka and termed them as unforgivable heinous crimes against humanity. theindianawaaz
Muslim women need not cover face and hands: Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamath
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/may/05/muslim-women-need-not-cover-face-and-hands-tamil-nadu-thowheed-jamath-1972821.html
Chennai : A few days after the Sri Lankan Govt and Muslim educational institution in Kerala banned the burqa, a face-covering veil, in the aftermath of bombings in Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu Thowheedh Jamath (TNTJ) General Secretary Abdul Rahim has welcomed the decision and said the Muslim women need not cover the face and hands. Taking part in the protest conducted at Chepauk, condemning the terrorist attack in Sri Lanka, Rahim said the Lankan Govt’s ban is aimed at identifying a person, whether man or woman and is not against Islam. More than 700 men and women participated in the protest.”We have been preaching among Muslim women not to cover the face and hands for nearly a decade.Such practice are followed by a few women out of ignorance. Islamic doctrines never support such practices,” added Rahim. He also said a few people were trying to link the terror attack with TNTJ, with ulterior motives. newindianexpress
Muslim women protest against Shiv Sena over burqa ban demand
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/muslim-women-protest-against-saamana-over-burqa-ban-demand-119050301408_1.html
Thane:Hundreds of Muslim women protested against the Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' at Mumbra near here Friday for demanding that India should ban burqa.Most of the women were wearing burqa or veil themselves. The Saamana editorial said that India should follow the suit of neighboring Sri Lanka and ban burqa for security reasons. Shiv Sena later said it was not its official stand. The protesters shouted slogans against Saamana editor and MP Sanjay Raut and carried placards with message 'Samvidan Bachao, Desh Bachao' (save the Constitution, save the country).PTI
Kerala: Muslim education group chief receives death threat over ban on face veils
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-face-veil-ban-muslim-education-society-president-complains-of-death-threat-5710220/
New Delhi:The chief of a Muslim educational group in Kerala, which recently barred its students from covering their faces with any attire on campuses, has received death threats, PTI quoted police.PA Fazal Gafoor, president of Muslim Educational Society (MES), lodged a complaint alleging that an unidentified caller had threatened him with dire consequences if he did not withdraw the circular asking students not to attend classes wearing face-covering attire. According to his complaint, the caller used threatening and demeaning words against Gafoor, a police official told PTI.
Niqab not mandatory in Islam: Markazudawa
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/niqab-not-mandatory-in-islam-markazudawa/articleshow/69172066.cms
Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen(Markazudawa) has said that there is no need to create a controversy over the decision as covering the face of women is not mandatory in Islam. Markazudawa state president EK Ahamedkutty and general secretary CP Umer Sullami said in a statement that it was not desirable to ignite a row in the name of Islam as the religion gives freedom to women to wear any modest dress that covers the body parts except the face and forearms. “Women can wear any dress that are not tight-fitting and does not reveal the ups and downs in the body. There is no insistence that they should wear purdah,” it said.Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulema had earlier said it was part of the faith to cover the face when confronting other men. timesofindia
Burqa a symbol of terror:BJP MLA Sangeet Som
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/burqa-a-symbol-of-terror-says-bjp-mla-sangeet-som/articleshow/69181550.cms
Days after claiming that burqa-clad women were involved in bogus voting, BJP leader Sangeet Som on Saturday took his fight against the veil a step further and alleged that it was a "symbol of terror". The Sardhana MLA said, "The black attire that Muslim women wear has become a symbol of terror and is responsible for deaths in Sri Lanka." BJP distanced itself from Som's remark, calling the MLA's demand for a ban on burqa as his individual opinion and not that of the party. TOI
‘We will Pull out Your Tongue’ Kerni Sena Threatens Javed Akhtar over Goonghat Remarks
http://caravandaily.com/we-will-pull-out-your-tongue-kerni-sena-threatens-javed-akhtar-over-goonghat-remarks/?fbclid=IwAR31bo172M77LYab9CTwxAOP307XrSKhNu7Q8Q8wMUJxpoRfMdJJjJEYaBg
New Delhi:Lyricist Javed Akhtar hit headlines when he commented on the burqa ban controversy. His statements have upset a fringe outfit Karni Sena.Jivan Singh Solanki, head of Karni Sena, Maharashtra, told TOI, “We have asked Akhtar to render an apology within three days or face the consequences. In a video recording sent to the leading daily, Solanki says, “We will gouge out your eyes and pull out your tongue if you don’t apologise.We will enter your house and beat you.”Akhtar had said he was not against enacting a law banning the burqa if it was accompanied with a similar action against the ghoonghat system. He said “Covering face may be a problem when it comes to security. If burqa is banned then, ghoonghat too should be taken into account. What is the need of burqa or ghunghat?”caravandaily
Behind Kerala veil ban, story of uniform, 2 girls out of school for a year: indian express
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-muslim-educational-society-burqa-veil-ban-high-court-5710772/?pfrom=HP
In its April 17 directive asking managements of all its colleges to ensure that girl students don’t wear veils covering their faces, the Muslim Educational Society (MES), one of the largest such groups in the country with over 150 institutions, had cited a Kerala High Court order. 2 girls whose case was the basis of that order have not been going to school for a year.The father of the 2 minors, Mohammed Sunir, had gone to court after their Christ Nagar Senior Secondary School,located at Thiruvallam near Thiruvananthapuram, had said they couldn’t wear long sleeves starting academic year 2018-19. Deeming short sleeves un-Islamic, Sunir had moved court. In Dec.2018, in a single bench order, Judge A Muhamed Mustaque ruled that a petitioner cannot seek imposition of individual rights over the larger interest of an institution, and that it was within the domain of an institution to decide a dress code. Sunir, who did not send his daughters, who were then in Classes 7 and 3, to school during the last academic year, has appealed against the single-bench high court order. “I will take the fight to the SC,”says 40-year-old. He has another daughter studying in kindergarten of the same school. The children in these classes have a frock and shirt as uniform, while elder girl students have to wear a shirt and pinafore, and boys trousers and shirt.A trader, Sunir says, “It (order) is against a child’s right to wear a decent dress covering her body. Why can’t a student go to school covered? When a person wants it, can anyone deny that right? I am fighting for the rights envisaged for an ordinary citizen in the Constitution. I am not demanding that the face of the students be covered, only demanding full sleeves.”Christ Nagar Senior Secondary School is run by Catholic body Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. It has 5,000-odd students from KG to Class 12. Of them, 800-odd are Muslims.
CJI sexual harassment case: SC denies report that Justices Nariman, Chandrachud met Justice Bobde
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cji-sexual-harassment-case-sc-denies-report-that-justices-nariman-chandrachud-met-justice-bobde/article27039122.ece?homepage=true
The Supreme Court today denied a media report that said justices R.F. Nariman and D.Y. Chandrachud met Justice S.A. Bobde who is heading an in-house committee inquiring into the sexual harassment allegations against CJI Ranjan Gogoi.A statement from the SC said, “this is wholly incorrect” that the 2 judges met Justice Bobde on May 3 evening.The statement, which has been issued from the office of the SC’s Secretary General, said that it is most unfortunate that a leading newspaper chose to state that the two judges met Justice Bobde. Further the statement said that the in-house committee which is deliberating on the issue concerning the CJI deliberates on its own without any input from any other judge of the SC. A report in a leading newspaper on May 5 stated that Justices Nariman and Chandrachud had met Justice Bobde and had expressed their view that the 3-member committee should not go ahead with the proceeding ex parte.PTI
Sexual harassment allegations: Don’t probe in woman’s absence, hurts SC name, Justice Chandrachud tells panel
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cji-gogoi-sexual-harassment-allegations-supreme-court-chandrachud-womans-absence-5710760/?pfrom=HP
Bilkis Bano rape case: Gujarat govt initiates action against 5 convicted policemen
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bilkis-bano-rape-case-gujarat-govt-initates-action-against-five-convicted-policemen-5709835/
Gujarat Govt has told the Supreme Court that it has initiated action against all 5 police officers, including IPS officer RS Bhagora, convicted in Bilkis Bano gangrape case of 2002 riots.In a first, the state Govt has initiated proceedings to demote the IPS officer as directed by the SC within 4 weeks of its April 23 order. Bhagora, an officer of the Gujarat state cadre, is currently posted as DCP (Traffic), Ahmedabad West, which considered an important office. Bhagora was promoted to the IPS in 2007.He was DSP of Limkheda taluka in Dahod district during 2002 riots, and was investigating officer of the gangrape case. Bano’s family was attacked by a mob at Randhikpur village in Dahod district on March 3,2002, during post-Godhra riots.While 14 members of her family were hacked to death, Bano, who was pregnant at that time, was gangraped by several men, who then left her, assuming she was dead.Bhagora had been charged of tampering evidence and trying to derail the investigation. In 2008, a Mumbai trial court had acquitted him, 4 other policemen and a doctor couple while convicting 11 others.However,Bombay High Court, which heard the appeal, convicted all the seven acquitted by trial court and also upheld the conviction of 11 others.indianexpress
SIMI ban: 2-day tribunal hearing concludes in Pune
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/simi-ban-two-day-tribunal-hearing-concludes-in-pune-5710344/
Pune:A tribunal headed by a Delhi High Court judge conducted a two-day hearing here to ascertain whether there was sufficient cause to extend the ban on SIMI as an unlawful association. The tribunal, presided by Justice Mukta Gupta of the Delhi High Court, began its hearing on Friday in Pune and it concluded on Saturday. Officials from Maharashtra Police’s Crime Investigation Dept,state ATS and State Intelligence Department deposed before Unlawful Activities Tribunal, to justify the ban on SIMI.Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Pinky Anand, who is part of the tribunal, said the 3 nodal officers from state CID,ATS and Intelligence deposed before the tribunal stating the ban on SIMI is essential in view of national security and to ensure there are no anti-national activities. According to Indian Express, while deposing, ATS Superintendent Ravindrasinh Pardeshi submitted information on Mumbai local train bombings of July 2006, in which alleged SIMI man Ethesham Siddiqui was convicted by court. He said that alleged terror operative Abdul Subhan Qureshi alias Tauqeer, arrested last year and allegedly involved in several terror cases including 2006 Mumbai train bombings, was also associated with SIMI.Besides, Pardeshi told tribunal that Mirza Himayat Inayat Baig,convicted in 2010 German Bakery blast in Pune, was convicted under UAPA Act for his links with SIMI.It may be recalled that a lower court in Pune had awarded death sentence to Baig. But Bombay High Court set it aside and awarded him life imprisonment while convicting him under the Explosives Act. Justice Gupta then slammed the police officials for submitting details of cases in which the suspects were discharged and asked police to submit relevant information, mainly pertaining to SIMI’s terror activities after 2014.The tribunal’s next set of hearings will take place in Aurangabad from May 16.PTI/ Indian express
Ban on SIMI stopped it from operating openly in state: Maha Intelligence Officer tells tribunal
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ban-on-simi-stopped-it-from-operating-openly-in-state-officer-tells-tribunal-5710697/
Unlawful activities tribunal to hold sittings in Hyderabad from May 10
http://www.uniindia.com/unlawful-activities-tribunal-to-hold-sittings-in-hyderabad-from-may-10/south/news/1586369.html
Hyderabad: Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal to be presided over by Ms Justice Mukt Gupta, Judge, Delhi High court, will hold sittings at Ranga Reddy District Collectorate office here on next Friday and also on Saturday ( May 11) to record evidence of witnesses and cross examination on declaring SIMI as an unlawful Association.The Tribunal appealed to the general public to attend the hearing and those who are interested in giving evidence may file their affidavit (in duplicate) with the undersigned and shall present in person on the two-days for their cross examination, if any before the Tribunal, an official release said here. UNI
No sedition proof against 4 Kashmiri students:cops
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-sedition-proof-against-4-kashmiri-students-say-cops/articleshow/69181445.cms
Almost three months after 4 paramedical students of Kashmiri origin were suspended by a private medical college for allegedly posting 'anti-national' remarks on social media following Pulwama attack, police probe has found no evidence to corroborate the allegations of sedition. Investigators informed TOI that they may file an Final Report to close the case in the absence of strong incremental evidence. On Feb.16, private university near Chandwaji in Rajasthanhad suspended four of its students. The orders were issued after a celebratory picture of four students went viral. TOI
Pakistan makes it official, freezes Masood Azhar assets, orders ban on travel
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/masood-azhar-jem-chief-un-global-terrorist-pakistan-assets-ban-on-travel-5709809/
Pakistan has issued an official order to freeze the assets of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar and impose a travel ban on him after the UN declared him a global terrorist.Azhar is also banned from selling or purchasing arms and ammunition.Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) ordered all non-banking financial institutions and regulating authorities to block all investment accounts of Azhar. SECP ordered that all companies should scan their data and inform the SECP within three days about the necessary action being taken against the accounts of Azhar.An official of the Interior Ministry said Azhar was already on the Fourth Schedule of ATA and could not travel without permission of the police. He was also barred from having any weapons due to the listing under the ATA. indian express
India could cut US shale import to offset Iran loss
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-could-cut-us-shale-import-to-offset-iran-loss/story-Z4ARwg5rqNjDjX9cTkL6aJ.html
New Delhi: India is becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of buying more American shale oil, which the US has been pushing to counterbalance the impact of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, officials with direct knowledge of the matter said on condition of anonymity. India’s main problem with US shale is that it will be more expensive for Indian refineries to process it, effectively increasing the price of the output.The officials, who didn’t want to be named, said that once the US sanctions on Iranian oil kicked in, India’s future purchases from alternative energy suppliers will be finalised keeping in mind the country’s energy and commercial security. US sanctions will disrupt supplies from Iran, which accounted for 10% of India’s energy imports in 2018-19, but the officials said relying on US shale oil will be more expensive and require changes in the configuration of refineries currently set up to process Iranian and other crude. This, in turn, will make output costlier, and hence, economically unviable, they added.HT
Rajasthan custodial death: Ramzan's son demands murder case against accused cops
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/rajasthan-custodial-death-ramzans-son-addresses-media-in-delhi-demands-murder-case-against-accused-cops?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi:“My father was tortured on religious grounds. He was abused and was not even given drinking water. Even though he was in custody, he was not unchained. He was not allowed to go to toilet. He would relieve himself on bed. Then they (guarding cops) used to beat my father. He was not allowed to wear skull caps…” said Mohammad Rizwan, eldest son of Mohammad Ramzan, while addressing a press conference at the Press Club of India here. Ailing elderly prisoner Ramzan, 60, was admitted at a Govt hospital in Kota district of Rajasthan where he was allegedly assaulted by cops deployed for guarding him. He died on April 26. His family initially refused to give permission for autopsy before registration of FIR against th erring cops and announcement of compensation. They gave their nod after assurance from authorities. After the press conference, Rizwan, who runs a mobile repair shop in Mangrol town of Baran district in Rajasthan and is now the sole bread-earner for the family, gave details about the incident.At the press conference organized by National Confederation of Human Rights Organizations (NCHRO), some eminent civil rights activists and lawyers were also present.India Tomorrow
Muzaffarnagar riots: Accused in murder case of eyewitness surrenders
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/muzaffarnagar-riots-accused-in-murder-case-of-eyewitness-surrenders-5710985/
Muzaffarnagar :An accused in the murder case of a man, who had witnessed the killings of his two brothers during the Muzaffarnagar riots, has surrendered, officials said Sunday. Toni, who was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000, surrendered on Saturday and the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Rakesh Gautam has sent him to judicial custody, said public prosecutor Gagan Saran. Ashfaq, who had witnessed the killings of his brothers Nawab and Shahid during the Muzaffarnagar riots , was shot dead on March 11 after he had apparently refused to withdraw the case, police said.Police had announced a reward of Rs 25,000 on the whereabouts of Toni and started attaching his assets, following which he surrendered, officials said.The communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar and its adjoining areas in August and September 2013 had claimed more than 60 lives, while over 40,000 people were displaced.PTI
Cyclone Fani: Official death toll rises to 29 in Odisha
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cyclone-fani-death-toll-rises-to-29-in-odisha/article27039858.ece?homepage=true
Bhubaneswar: Death toll in Cyclone Fani rose to 29 on May 5, two days after the “extremely severe” storm barrelled through coastal Odisha, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds grappling with water shortage and power cuts, an official said.According to state Chief Secretary A.P. Padhi, 21 of the 29 deaths were registered in the pilgrim town of Puri, where the storm made a landfall on May 3, flattening fragile houses, uprooting scores of trees, electric poles and mobile towers. Govt had mounted a massive restoration work across 10000 villages and 52 urban areas ravaged by the storm, affecting nearly 1 crore people, he said.PTI
Hafiz to IAS: How madrassa students cracking civils:TOI
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hafiz-to-ias-how-madrassa-students-are-cracking-civils/articleshow/69181932.cms
Shahid Raza Khan was in Class 2 when his cash-strapped parents shifted him from a private school to a village madrassa in Bihar's Gaya district. This year, the 27-year-old cracked the UPSC exams, securing 751st rank in his third attempt. "My brother, who is now a dentist, encouraged me to think about the civil services when I was 17. I had one general knowledge book at the madrassa, and my classmates would ask me why I was studying beyond my syllabus," says the PhD student in Delhi's JNU. With madrassas focusing on imparting a classic Islamic education, their students are often at a disadvantage when it comes to competitive exams. But now not only have madrassas in several states like UP modernised their curriculum, several non-profit coaching institutes are pitching in to help create tomorrow's doctors, engineers and civil servants.
3 MLAs issue: SDPI urges Speaker not to act in haste
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/050519/3-mlas-issue-sdpi-urges-speaker-not-to-act-in-haste.html
Tirchy: DPI appealed to Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker, Sri P. Dhanapal not to accept the plea of the Govt’s chief whip Thamarai S.Rajendran to disqualify three MLAs on the grounds that they support the AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran and adhere to the best democratic traditions.SDPI’s state chief Nellai Mubarak told newsmen at Tiruchy on Saturday, after their state executive that a resolution to this effect was adopted at the meeting. The meeting also requested Sri Dhanapal, not to act in haste in disqualifying the three MLAs’, but to accept their explanations to the show-cause notices issued to them. He said the meeting while condemning the blasts in Sri Lanka, expressed its profound grief to the kin of deceased and those affected by the bomb blasts. Deccan Chronicle
AP Muslim employees can leave offices early by one hour during Ramzan month
http://www.uniindia.com/~/ap-muslim-employees-can-leave-offices-early-by-one-hour-during-ramzan-month/States/news/1586285.html
Amaravati:AP Govt on Saturday permitted all the Muslim employees to leave their offices early by one hour in the evening during the Ramzan month. Secretary to the Govt, N Srikanth issued orders in this regard here. He said that all the State Govt employees, including teachers, contract employees and out sourcing employees could leave their work places early by one hour to participate in religion programme. UNI
Bihar: Minorities panel requests Govt to ensure amenities during Ramzan
https://www.hindustantimes.com/patna/minorities-commission-requests-Govt -to-ensure-amenities-during-ramzan/story-dSezrm8eSSxRHxMkDgX6YK.html
Patna: Bihar State Minorities Commission has requested the Govt to ensure a better civic amenities like water, electricity supplies and cleanliness in state capital, especially in the areas having high Muslim population during month of Ramzan.In a letter written to the urban development department, the Bihar State Minorities Commission has asked the department to make proper water supply facility in these areas especially at the time of Sehri.“Often, the Sehri is observed at around 3 AM and during the time there is no water in the tap in many households in our city, as municipal corporation starts supplying water at 6 AM,”Prof Md Yunus Hussain Hakim, chairman of Bihar State Minorities Commission, said. Faroque Zaman, official from the Bihar State Minorities Commission, said that a large population in the city is still dependent upon Govt water supply facility.HT
Had to maintain 'standard' set by elder sisters, says Delhi govt schools topper Sana Niyaz
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-had-to-maintain-standard-set-by-elder-sisters-says-delhi-govt-schools-topper-sana-niyaz-2745855
Sana Niyaz has joined the league of her three sisters after topping Delhi Govt-run schools in CBSE Class 12 examination. Niyaz, who studied at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Jama Masjid, scored 97.6% marks in the exam and thus bagged first position among the students of the schools run by the Delhi Govt. Her three sisters had also studied in the same school. While one among them was the top scorer of the school in her Class 12 exams, other 2 also had performed excellently.DNA
ELECTIONS
Voting for 51 constituencies in fifth phase of Lok Sabha polls to be held tomorrow
http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=All-set-for-voting-in-51-constituencies-for-fifth-phase-of-Lok-Sabha-polls&id=362982
Elaborate arrangements have been made for peaceful conduct of fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections tomorrow. 51 constituencies, spread over seven states, will go to polls in this phase. Voting will take place for 14 seats in UP; 12 in Rajasthan; seven each in MP and West Bengal; 5 in Bihar and four in Jharkhand.In J&K, polling will take place in Ladakh and Pulwama and Shopian districts of Anantnag constituencies.AIR
Election Commissioner Lavasa opposed 5 clean chits to Amit Shah, PM Modi: Indian express
https://indianexpress.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-lavasa-opposed-five-clean-chits-to-amit-shah-pm-modi-5710773/?pfrom=HP
Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa has differed with the majority view in 5 different complaints of violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) against PM Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, the paper has learnt. Of these, four pertain to the PM.On Saturday, the Election Commission cleared yet another speech by Modi under the Model Code. This pertained to his rally in Patan, Gujarat, on April 21, when he claimed that he had warned Pakistan of dire consequences if it did not return IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.Lavasa opposed the all-clear to Modi for his minority-majority speeches in Wardha on April 1 and Nanded on April 6, and the clean chit to his appeal to first-time voters by invoking the Balakot airstrikes, in Latur and Chitradurga on April 9. He also disagreed with his colleagues’ view that Shah’s speech in Nagpur on April 9, when he likened Wayanad, 2nd seat from where Congress president Rahul Gandhi is contesting, to Pakistan was not violative of the MCC. All of the above decisions were taken by a 2-1 majority.According to Section 10 of Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, all business of EC “shall, as far as possible,be transacted unanimously”. This provision also states that in case “CEC and other Election Commissioners differ in opinion on any matter, such matter shall be decided according to the opinion of the majority”.
No poll code violation: PM Modi gets EC’s sixth clean chit for ‘qatal ki raat’ speech
https://indianexpress.com/elections/narendra-modi-election-commission-lok-sabha-election-iaf-patan-pakistan-congress-5710481/?pfrom=HP&fbclid=IwAR3kY3Kxa20BcoDXLbh_2jn0gFNC1VQNLo6q4Mm0bDNejQxI8IFnor8EK-o
Election Commission gave a sixth clean chit to PM Narendra Modi after it found his April 21 speech in Patan, Gujarat did not violate Model Code of Conduct (MCC).On the last day of election campaigning for the third phase of elections, PM Modi had said that had Pakistan not returned IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman then it would have been a ‘qatal ki raat‘ (night of slaughter). Referring to the Balakot airstrike, Modi had said Pakistan attempted to target Indian installations and deployed their aircraft but the IAF was swift to retaliate and destroyed one of their jets.indianexpress
Unfortunate That AAP, Congress Couldn't Form Alliance, Now Ball in Voters' Court: Jamaat
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/unfortunate-that-aap-congress-couldnt-form-alliance-now-ball-in-voters-court-jamaat?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi:Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has appealed to people of Delhi to cast their vote “wisely” in order to protect and strengthen secularism and democracy in the country. Addressing a press conference, Jamaat’s newly-elected president Syed Sadatullah Husaini termed as “unfortunate” the fact that AAP and Congress could not forge an alliance in Delhi.“It is unfortunate that an alliance could not be formed between AAP and Congress. They should have joined hands. Now the ball is in voters’ court. They will have to wisely decide to ensure victory of good and secular candidates,” said Husaini.He also made it clear that Jamaat will not lend its support to any party, rather it will ask people to support “those candidates who have good character and record of governance, those who are in position to block fascist forces.” indiatomorrow
Jamaat-e-Islami asks EC to uphold credibility of elections: The Indian Awaaz
https://theindianawaaz.com/jamaat-e-islami-asks-ec-to-uphold-credibility-of-elections/
‘Will remove Article 370, it blocks integration of Kashmiris’: Ram Madhav
https://www.hindustantimes.com/lok-sabha-elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019-will-remove-article-370-it-blocks-the-integration-of-kashmiris-ram-madhav/story-332XM1C66nJZdTHJ8jBTuK.html
New Delhi: In an interview, BJPs national general secretary Ram Madhav spoke extensively on Kashmir, where he was one of the architects of the BJP forming an alliance with PDP in 2015 that broke down last year. Madhav said, “No question because removal of Article 370 has been the core conviction of our party, right from the beginning. We are all committed to removal of Article 370 because we see it as a big hinderance in the process of emotional integration of the people of Kashmir valley with the rest of the country. It creates an emotional barrier.About the process, yes, it has to go to parliament. That’s why it has taken so long and we are unable to see it happen. Article 35A is before the Supreme Court of India, let the court take a view because our main contention against it is that it was introduced in a surreptitious and illegal manner.”HT
Mehbooba: Announce Valley ceasefire during Ramzan
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mehbooba-to-centre-announce-valley-ceasefire-during-ramzan-5710700/
Srinagar:Former J&K CM and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has appealed to the central Govt to announce a ceasefire in the Valley during the month of Ramzan, which starts next week.“The month of Ramzan is starting in the next few days. I want to appeal to the Govt of India that ours is a Muslim-majority state and people are already facing problems. I request them to announce a ceasefire like last year. Crackdowns, search operations and operations should be stopped so that people spend this month with some relief,” said Mufti, addressing a press conference in Srinagar.“I also want to tell militants that they should understand that this is a month of prayer and repentance. It is a holy month and keeping this view, they should not carry out any attacks.”Alleging that Centre has turned J&K into a “battlefield”, Mufti said that in the name of stone-pelting, young boys have been arrested and south Kashmir has been targeted. “People are facing difficulties at every level” and “they (Govt) have made life hell for Kashmiris”, she said. “Announcing a Ramzan ceasefire will be the biggest proof of democracy and humanity.”indianexpress
Senior J&K BJP leader shot dead, party says security was taken off
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-worker-shot-dead-by-terrorists-in-south-kashmir-5710589/?pfrom=HP
New Delhi:BJP’s district vice-president for Anantnag was shot dead by suspected militants in Verinag area of south Kashmir on Saturday, less than 48 hours before Shopian and Pulwama districts of Anantnag parliamentary constituency go to polls. Verinag, which comes under Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, has already voted.Gul Mohammed Mir, a senior BJP leader in his late 50s, was shot at his home in Nowgam village on Saturday night, police officials said.The state BJP unit alleged said his security was recently withdrawn, and that the matter was taken up with them but no action was taken.A J&K Police spokesperson said that a case has been registered. “Area has been taken into cordon and police is investigating the circumstances of this terror crime,”statement said. State BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said Gul was associated with the BJP for a long time. “We have lost a senior leader today. He had contested Assembly elections from Dooru constituency in 2008 and 2014,” he said.Towards March end, a special security review meeting ordered withdrawal of security of around 500 protected persons, most of them political workers. Subsequently, parties approached the state election commission over the matter.indian express
After loss of seniority, Major Gogoi to be now shifted out of Kashmir Valley
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/major-leetul-gogoi-seniority-reduction-exit-kashmir-valley-human-shield-controversy-5711262/?pfrom=HP
New Delhi:Major Leetul Gogoi, Army officer involved with using a human shield on his military jeep during the 2017 Srinagar bypoll, will be shifted out of Kashmir Valley as a punishment for “fraternising” with a local woman in a Srinagar hotel in May 2018.Indian Express had earlier reported that Gogoi had been punished by the Army with loss of seniority of 6 months following court martial proceedings.Territorial Army soldier Sameer Malla, who was found with Major Gogoi in that hotel was also punished by a court martial.The court martial had found Major Gogoi guilty of “fraternising” with a local in violation of official orders on the subject and for “being away from the place of duty while in operational area”.indianexpress
Ground zero: Pulwama a poll issue across country, but elections far from it in Pulwama
https://indianexpress.com/elections/kashmir-pulwama-lok-sabha-elections-2019-anantnag-mehbooba-mufti-5710732/?pfrom=HP
Pulwama:The election campaign across the country has revolved around Pulwama. Here, at ground zero, people are talking of anything but polls.The only semblance that Pulwama, part of Anantnag constituency from where Mehbooba Mufti is contesting, will vote on May 6 are two buildings — a makeshift office of Mufti’s PDP and the expansive district office of National Conference, both housed in a high-security zone of Pulwama town. But beyond the flag-festooned lawns, there is little activity at the NC office. On Wednesday, ex-CM and NC vice-president Omar Abdullah’s rally drew less than a couple of hundred people. 24-odd polling agents at PDP’s makeshift office are going through electoral rolls to identify potential voters, but it’s not looking too good for Mufti.In its unprecedented three-phase polling exercise, Anantnag in South Kashmir has so far registered less than 12% voting.Now Pulwama, a militant hotbed, may see even lower turnout given the anger over “crackdown” since the Feb.14 attack. Sources admit dozens of arrests of local youths since the incident, the number allegedly going up to over 400 in the week leading up to voting day. While parties fear the arrests would further dampen turnout, police officials say they are picking up “potential troublemakers who have a history”. Pulwama and Shopian districts of Anantnag that vote Monday have an estimated 100-plus active militants.indian express
Those opposing anti-triple talaq law will not be allowed to succeed: Modi
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/those-opposing-anti-triple-talaq-law-will-not-be-allowed-to-succeed-modi-119050500492_1.html
Bhadohi(UP): PM Narendra Modi has targeted the opposition parties over the issue of triple talaq, saying the Congress and its allies were working overtime to stall a bill against the practice, but vowed to ensure they don't succeed. Addressing a rally at Bhadohi, which has a sizeable Muslim population and goes to the polls on May 12, Modi accused the Congress and its partners of "compelling" Muslim women to live in fear.PTI
Lucknow’s Muslim women tip toe around triple talaq, but issue might given BJP a toehold:indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/elections/lucknows-muslim-women-tip-toe-around-triple-talaq-but-issue-might-have-given-bjp-a-toehold-5709918/
SC asks EC to pass order on plea to prepone poll timing Team
http://www.millenniumpost.in/nation/sc-asks-ec-to-pass-order-on-plea-to-prepone-poll-timing-351534
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission to pass "necessary orders" on a representation seeking advancing of the voting time to 5 AM from 7 AM for the remaining phases of the Lok Sabha polls due to heat wave conditions and onset of the holy month of Ramzan. A plea in this regard was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi. The bench, also comprising justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, took the petition on board and said, "the ECI is directed to pass necessary orders.The writ petition is disposed of in the above terms." The petition, filed by advocates Mohammad Nizamuddin Pasha and Asad Hayat, sought advancement of polling hours by two to two-and-a half hours, for voting to commence from 4.30 or 5 AM instead of 7AM, in the remaining phases. "Petitioners pray for a direction to the ECI to extend the polling hours during 5th, 6th and 7th phases of the ongoing general elections, 2019 on May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively, by 2-2.5 hours so as to commence at 4:30/5 AM (instead of the notified time of 7 AM) on account of the unprecedented heat waves prevailing in several parts of the country and the onset of the holy month of Ramzan," the plea said. The plea said that Ramzan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, is likely to commence from May 6, the day of fifth phase of voting in the Lok Sabha elections. millenniumpost
RSS devises strategy for higher, pro-BJP turnout in Rajasthan
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/rss-devises-strategy-for-higher-pro-bjp-turnout-in-rajasthan?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
Jaipur: With its 3,500 to 4,000 shakhas across Rajasthan, RSS is trying to play an active role in the state during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. With around 20-100 active workers in each shakha, the RSS began doing its homework for the parliamentary elections right after the Assembly polls, which saw the Vasundhara Raje-led BJP Govt voted out. Since January, the organisation has been working on the ground to ensure that the voting percentage in the state increases during the Lok Sabha elections. 13 of 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in Rajasthan voted in the fourth phase of elections on April 29 while the remaining 12 seats will go to the polls in the fifth phase on May 6.As part of its plans, RSS has categorised the voters into four categories -- A, B, C and D.IANS
Polarisation among most backward castes,Dalits, Muslims in favour of Opposition alliance:Sharad Y
https://indianexpress.com/elections/polarisation-among-most-backward-castes-dalits-and-muslims-in-favour-of-opposition-alliance-sharad-yadav-5711297/?pfrom=HP
New Dehli : Sharad Yadav dismissed the claims of top BJP leaders, including PM Narendra Modi, that NDA is set to retain power at the Centre.Expressing confidence that the opposition alliance will decimate the ruling NDA in Bihar, senior leader Sharad Yadav claimed Sunday that the Modi Govt is on its way out due to the BJP’s poor show in Hindi heartland states such as UP and Madhya Pradesh. Yadav, who is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Madhepura in Bihar as an RJD candidate, asserted that polarisation of most of the backward castes, Dalits, and Muslims have taken place in favor of the opposition alliance in the state.indianexpress
Kejriwal assaulted in road show, AAP blames Modi
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cm-arvind-kejriwal-assaulted-in-road-show-aap-blames-modi-shah-5710781/?pfrom=HP
New Delhi :In what AAP called a serious security breach, CM Arvind Kejriwal was slapped by a 29-year-old scrap dealer during a roadshow in Delhi on Saturday evening. The accused, Suresh Chauhan Gadiyalohar, climbed on to the bonnet of an open-air vehicle that Kejriwal was in, and slapped him across the face, before being pulled down by the crowd.“The incident took place around 6 pm in Karampura (New Delhi). Preliminary interrogation has revealed that Suresh has been a supporter of AAP and used to organise the party’s rallies and meetings,” claimed a Delhi Police spokesperson. However, both the man’s family and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia denied Suresh had AAP links.indian express
I am used to speaking Urdu, doesn't mean I am Muslim:Hans Raj threatens to file case against AAP
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-i-am-used-to-speaking-urdu-doesn-t-mean-i-am-muslim-hans-raj-hans-threatens-to-file-defamation-case-against-kejriwal-2745580
Punjabi singer and BJP candidate from North West Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls Hans Raj Hans on Friday said he would file a defamation case against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders for "maligning" his image.AAP has accused Hans of converting to Islam in 2014 and claimed that he cannot contest the election from North West Delhi as the seat is reserved for the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. "I am used to speaking Urdu but that does not mean I am a Muslim.Does a Muslim speaking Hindi become a Hindu?,"Hans asked at a press conference here.dnaindia
This babu resettled Muslims after Babri Masjid demolition; now seeks votes in Faizabad
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/this-babu-resettled-muslims-after-babri-demolition-now-seeks-votes-in-faizabad/articleshow/69170970.cms
Faizabad: 27 years after former Faizabad DM Vijay Shankar Pandey helped resettle almost 5,000 Muslims following the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, UP cadre babu is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Faizabad constituency. Pandey, whose plank is to fight against corruption and not for or against the mandir, says he has been connected with people of the temple town — including the Muslims he helped — since then. Pandey, now 62, was sent to Faizabad as DM on December 7, 1992, a day after the Babri Masjid was brought to dust and Ayodhya was ‘shattered’. As curfew had been put into effect, Pandey recalled he was sent to Ayodhya in the intervening night of December 7 and 8, between 2 am and 3 am, on a helicopter. “The city was a mess, in shambles. Most of the Muslim houses were razed, people had been killed or thrown out and their shops and homes looted and burnt. Several other mosques were also demolished and people displaced,” recalled Pandey, speaking to TOI, in between campaigning. He is a candidate of the newly-formed LGP. TOI
WORLD
Israeli PM pledges 'massive strikes' in Gaza as death toll rises
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/netanyahu-pledges-massive-strikes-gaza-death-toll-rises-190505084855397.html
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered "massive strikes" in the Gaza Strip after a 2-day escalation that killed 9 Palestinians and 3 Israelis. Israeli warplanes and gunboats continued to target the Gaza Strip on Sunday, as dozens of rockets were also fired from Gaza into southern Israel.The Palestinian victims included a pregnant woman and her one-year-old niece. In the Israeli city of Ashkelon, a 58-year-old Israeli man was killed after being struck by shrapnel from a rocket strike. 2 other Israelis, critically wounded in a separate rocket strike on a factory on Sunday afternoon, later died."This morning I instructed IDF (Israel Defense Forces) to continue with massive strikes against terrorists in the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu, who doubles as Israeli defence minister, said in a statement after consulting with his security cabinet on Sunday."I also instructed that forces around the Gaza Strip be stepped up with tank, artillery and infantry forces."Hamas is responsible not only for its attacks against Israel, but also for the Islamic Jihad's attacks, and it is paying a very heavy price for it," he added.Armed factions in Gaza, otherwise known as the Joint Operations Room, which include the military wing of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, vowed on Saturday to "extend its response" if the Israeli army continued to target the strip."Our response will be broader and more painful in the event [Israel's] extends in aggression, and we will remain the protective shield of our people and our land," the Joint Operations Room said in a statement.Al Jazeera's Harry Fawcett, reporting from the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, said the escalation was "far from over"."This is potentially a dangerous and long, major military escalation," he said."Israeli media is quoting senior defence sources as saying they expect this fighting to last some days."Israeli media reported Gaza fighters over the past 2 days fired more than 400 rockets at towns and cities in southern Israel and that Israeli Iron Dome anti-missile system had intercepted more than 250 of them. About 70 Palestinians were wounded in the attacks,according to Gaza's health ministry.Al Jazeera
Israeli raids, Gaza rocket fire continue as death toll rises
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/israeli-raids-gaza-rocket-fire-continue-death-toll-rises-190505065528870.html?fbclid=IwAR0Ie2-pK_7vhy-1f1k_WqogBLj9rkwirvv5fZy3mrS5gE8O-AakUBOqyK0
Erdogan condemns Israeli Gaza bombing of Turkish news agency offices
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/erdogan-condemns-israeli-gaza-bombing-of-turkish-news-agency-offices-119050500060_1.html
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has fiercely denounced Israel for the bombing of a building housing Turkey's state news agency Anadolu in Gaza."We strongly condemn Israel's attack against Anadolu Agency's office in Gaza," Erdogan said on Twitter."Turkey and Anadolu Agency will continue to tell the world about Israeli terrorism and atrocities in Gaza and other parts of Palestine despite such attacks," he wrote.Anadolu reported that the building collapsed after being hit. Staff were evacuated shortly before the strike which was preceded by a warning shot, the agency said, adding that none of its journalists had been hurt.AFP
Israel delegation to visit Saudi in 2020
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190504-israel-delegation-to-visit-saudi-arabia-in-2020/
A Jewish-Israeli delegation will accept the invitation of the Muslim World League to visit Saudi Arabia, Hebrew sources revealed yesterday.“For the first time, a Jewish delegation will visit Saudi in response to the Muslim World League invitation, said the Saudi Secretary-General of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdul Karim Issa, who declared the visit will take place in Jan.2020,” Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted in Arabic. Saudi Arabia and UAE have succeeded in leading Arab countries to forge overt relations with Israel. It was reported last year that Riyadh had permitted Air India to use its airspace for flights travelling to Tel Aviv.Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has also reportedly offered Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas $10 billion over 10 years to force him to accept the US’ peace plan with Israel.middleeastmonitor
Lanka mulls regulating Madrasas under ministry
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/lanka-to-regulate-madrasas-under-religious-cultural-ministry-119050400263_1.html
Colombo :Madrasas in Sri Lanka should be regulated by the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry and not by Education Ministry, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe has said, days after the country's worst terror attack. Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said that Wickremesinghe has stressed the need for the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to look into the regulation of Madrasas."PM wanted the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to deal so as to prevent any controversy," Kariyawasam said. Earlier, Kariyawasam had said that the Education Ministry would take steps to regulate them.Some 800 Foreign clerics were engaged in religious teaching at Madrasas, Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said, adding that they had arrived on tourist visas and therefore should be deported.PTI
Sri Lanka: PM orders Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to regulate Madrasas
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-orders-muslim-religious-and-cultural-affairs-ministry-to-regulate-madrasas20190504202108/
Forcing women to take off face-veil humiliating: Amnesty criticizes Sri Lanka
http://caravandaily.com/forcing-women-to-take-off-face-veil-humiliating-amnesty-international/
Colombo:Human Rights Group Amnesty International criticized Sri Lanka Govt for imposing a ban on burqa. The group termed the move ‘coercive’ and ‘humiliating’. Responding to Sri Lanka’s emergency regulations imposing a ban on clothing that conceals the face, Amnesty International’s Deputy South Asia Director, Dinushika Dissanayake, said “At a time when many Muslims in Sri Lanka fear a backlash, imposing a ban that effectively targets women wearing a face veil for religious reasons risks stigmatizing them. They will be forced out of public spaces to stay at home and will be unable to work, study or access basic services. The ban violates their rights to non-discrimination, freedom of expression and religion”.On security concerns, she said “Where there are legitimate security concerns, the authorities can carry out identity checks when objectively necessary. It is important that the state provides measures that comply with human rights. Women have a right to choose how they dress, whatever their beliefs. Forcing women to take off the face-veil is coercive and humiliating.”
Please don’t send Zakir Naik back to India, PAS pleads with Malaysia Govt
https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/national/please-dont-send-naik-back-to-india-pas-pleads-with-putrajaya/ar-AAATwnF?li=BBr8Hnu
Kuala Lumpur: PAS today pleaded with Putrajaya(federal administrative centre of Malaysia) to not deport Dr Zakir Naik, the Indian preacher who was recently charged with money laundering. Its deputy president, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, said even though Naik was accused of money laundering, he would like the federal government to protect Naik.“Please do not ever send him back to India,” he told a crowd of over 1,000 at a rally here this afternoon.Naik, who is currently in Malaysia, was charged in absentia in a court in Mumbai.Naik has strongly denied the accusations against him.Yesterday, when asked if Putrajaya would assist the Indian government by sending Naik back to face charges, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said they “will study the matter based on legal provisions”. Earlier, Tuan Ibrahim told the crowd that a memorandum would be submitted to the king, the Conference of Rulers and Parliament over several issues.msn.com
Turkey, Russia reviewing deployment in Syria’s Tel Rifaat region – Turkish VP
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190505-turkey-russia-reviewing-deployment-in-syrias-tel-rifaat-region-turkish-vp/
Turkish and Russian officials are reviewing deployment of their forces in the Syrian border region of Tel Rifaat, Turkey’s Vice President Fuat Oktay said on Sunday, a day after cross-border fire from the area killed one Turkish soldier, Reuters reports.On Saturday, 4 Turkish soldiers were killed and 2 others wounded in two separate attacks by Kurdish militants from Tel Rifaat and northern Iraq, the Turkish defence ministry said, adding that the army had retaliated in both cases and killed 28 militants.In an interview with broadcaster Kanal 7, Oktay said Turkey and Russia were discussing developments in the region and that Turkish military operations along the border would continue until all threats had been eliminated.“The agreement was for us to stop there (Tel Rifaat), but if these attacks continue, this may take a different shape. We are discussing this with Russia,” Oktay said.Separately, security sources said that Turkish air strikes had killed 5 Kurdish militants in northern Iraq as part of an operation launched to retaliate against the cross-border attacks a day earlier.middleeastmonitor
Dozens killed as Russian, Syrian air attacks in Idlib intensify: aljazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/dozens-killed-russian-syrian-air-attacks-idlib-intensify-190504141214968.html
Algeria: Bouteflika's brother, intelligence chiefs arrested
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/algeria-bouteflika-brother-intelligence-chiefs-arrested-190504162542401.html
Algerian police have arrested ex President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's youngest brother alongside 2 ex intelligence chiefs, according to local media.Said Bouteflika, General Bachir Athmane Tartag and General Mohamed Mediene were taken into custody for questioning. The younger Bouteflika, who served as adviser to the president for more than a decade, is seen by many as having taken de facto control of the North African state, after his brother suffered a crippling stroke in 2013. Massive ongoing protests calling for a radical change pushed the ailing president to resign on April 2, but demonstrators continue to demand the removal of all those linked to the former administration.Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah, ex associate of President Bouteflika, came to the fore in late March after he broke ranks with the ailing leader, and called on him to step down. The president resigned five days later. aljazeera
Gap narrowing in talks with US: Taliban
https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/taliban-say-gap-narrowing-in-talks-with-us/cid/1689923
The Taliban on Saturday said the gap is narrowing in talks with Washington's special peace envoy over a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. The two sides are continuing to meet in Qatar, where the insurgent movement maintains a political office.In a voice message to AP, Taliban spokesman in Doha, Suhail Shaheen, said both sides have offered new proposals for drawing down US and NATO forces.This would be a significant initial step toward a deal to end of war and America's longest military engagement. "There are proposals to lower the gap between the two sides, but (it) still needs negotiation to reach a final agreement," he said in an English language statement.Still, the Taliban refuse to stop fighting until US and NATO troops withdraw.Taliban officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the group has concerns about a cease-fire: Taliban commanders in the field are unlikely to accept a cease-fire while foreign troops are still in Afghanistan, and once a cease-fire is declared it would be difficult to re-start the fighting if US reneges on its deal.AP
Pak’s quest for IMF bailout costs finance minister, central bank governor, top revenue officer their jobs
https://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistans-quest-for-imf-bailout-costs-finance-minister-central-bank-governor-and-top-revenue-officer-their-jobs-5711251/?pfrom=HP
Cash-strapped Pakistan’s efforts to secure a financial bailout from IMF has cost the country’s finance minister, central bank governor and top revenue officer their jobs as the global lender pressed Islamabad to take more steps to ensure fiscal discipline. Govt on Saturday appointed Dr Reza Baqir – an economist working for IMF – as the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). His appointment came a day after Tariq Bajwa resigned from the post of governor of Pakistan’s central bank.Govt also appointed Ahmed Mujtaba Memon to the key post of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman, which also fell vacant on Friday after the removal of Jahanzeb Khan, the chairman of the tax collection body. The key appointments come only weeks after Finance Minister Asad Umar was asked to step down amid vital bailout negotiations with IMF, suggesting Govt wants to overhaul its financial team amid weakening growth rates and soaring inflation.PTI
Iran sentences Prz’s brother to prison for corruption
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/iran-sentences-president-brother-prison-corruption-190504193657584.html
A court in Iran has sentenced President Hassan Rouhani's younger brother to an unspecified jail term in a corruption case that supporters of the Iranian leader allege is politically motivated.Hossein Fereydoun, who is also a close confidante of the president, has vowed to appeal the sentence, local media reported on Saturday. "This person [Fereydoun] was found not guilty on some charges, while he was sentenced to prison on other accusations,"a judiciary official, said. Aljazeera
Flash: views & NEWS
Over 5 years, BJP has consistently sought to marginalise Muslims:Harsh Mander
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/muslim-marginalisation-bjp-rule-narendra-modi-5709640/?pfrom=HP
Lost in Lanka:A community grappling with questions of identity and faith:Arun Janardhanan
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/sri-lanka-easter-blasts-churches-colombo-muslims-5710605/?pfrom=HP
Sri Lanka’s Face-Covering Ban a Wrongheaded Response to Easter Bombings: Hillary Margolis
https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/05/02/sri-lankas-face-covering-ban-wrongheaded-response-easter-bombings
Why does Census of India focus on mother tongues? How does it make linguistic minorities invisible?
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/why-does-the-census-of-india-focus-on-mother-tongues-how-does-it-make-linguistic-minorities-invisible/articleshow/69178250.cms
With every new speech, PM Modi is testing limits of liberty a person may take with truth: P Chidambaram
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/across-the-aisle-narendra-modi-bjp-Govt -surgical-strike-indian-economy-5710630/?pfrom=HP
'An Encounter Before an Election Is Meant to Kill the Democratic Process':Raghu Karnad, the wire
https://thewire.in/politics/an-encounter-before-an-election-is-meant-to-kill-the-democratic-process
I was Denied Admission to College for Wearing a Hijab to Class:Fathima Fazeela
https://www.thequint.com/my-report/i-was-denied-admission-to-college-for-wearing-a-hijab-to-class?fbclid=IwAR1s5uus5d0V9QjeHTRlpVAPYVoT-C4PPa9K8ALeekOJaLlsW8zprZVKzCk
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:24 PM)
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