NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
15 May 2019: 09 Ramazan 1440:Vol: 11, No:202
INDIA
MEA refuses to share details on extradition of fugitive businessmen Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/mea-refuses-to-share-details-on-extradition-of-fugitive-businessmen-vijay-mallya-nirav-modi
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refused to share details on the extradition of fugitive businessmen Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, citing an RTI clause that bars disclosure of information which would "impede the process of prosecution of offenders".In a reply to an RTI query, it said requests for extradition of Mallya and Modi have been sent to the UK government."They are under the consideration of the concerned UK authorities. Copy of communications in this regard may not be provided under Section 8 (1) (h) of RTI Act," the ministry said in response to the application filed by this PTI journalist. The section bars disclosure of "information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders". Nationalheraldindia
Post-Balakot strikes, India to move air defence units closer to Pakistan border
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/post-balakot-strikes-india-to-move-air-defence-units-closer-to-pakistan-border/articleshow/69342186.cms
New Delhi: After a deep internal review of the recent conflict with Pakistan, the Indian military is planning to deploy a number of its air defence units close to the border to thwart aerial threats emanating from Pakistan. "Some of the fighting formations including air defence and other defensive formations are now planned to be moved closer to the borders," top sources told ANI. "With these air defence units deployed closer to the border, we would be able to tackle any possible aerial strike from enemy side and thwart it close to the border itself," they said. The sources said the location of the air defence units deployed in J&K, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan were reviewed by the force and it was felt that a number of them can be moved to forward locations to thwart enemy aerial strikes close to the border itself. ANI
Next Govt will weigh factors, decide on oil import: India to Iran
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/next-govt-will-weigh-factors-decide-on-oil-import-india-to-iran-5728011/
India has told Iran that a decision on importing oil will be taken “after the elections”, and after weighing factors including “commercial consideration, energy security and economic interests”, sources said. While Delhi has previously maintained that commercial, economic and energy security factors will determine its decision, but this is the first time it has left the decision to the next government that comes to office after May 23.This was conveyed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at their meeting Tuesday. Zarif, who reached Delhi late Monday night, has already been to Russia, China, Turkmenistan, and Iraq over the last few days. His visit comes in the backdrop of rising tensions between Iran and the US, and crisis in the Persian Gulf.indianexpress
Rape of 3-year-old roils Valley, arrested man’s family leaves village
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rape-of-three-yr-old-roils-valley-arrested-mans-family-leaves-village/
Srinagar:3-year-old child lies shivering under the folds of a faded blue blanket draped over her. Eyes half-open, she yelps in pain as she moves in her sleep. Sitting beside her, the mother is inconsolable, her headscarf soaked in tears.The mother straightens out the blankets over the child, wipes her face again and says, “I found her lying on the bathroom floor. Her clothes had been peeled off her, but not torn,” she says. “She has been sleeping most of the time but I can feel how much pain she is in. She doesn’t even understand what has happened.” The family does not have a house: a tin and wood shed is all they have for a home in a North Kashmir village. The child was allegedly raped last Wednesday and the incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the Valley since Sunday. J&K Police has already arrested the accused.The protesters, who have clashed with police and other security personnel in different parts of the Valley, have demanded capital punishment for the culprit. So far, the clashes have left several injured.The mother found her daughter there on May 8. indianexpress
3-yr-old rape: J&K HC seeks police report on case by May 17
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/3-yr-old-rape-jk-high-court-seeks-police-report-on-case-by-may-17/article27135176.ece?homepage=true
Srinagar:Amid unrelenting street protests in the Kashmir Valley, especially by students, against the rape of a 3-year-old, the High Court of J&K on Wednesday took suo moto cognisance of the case. Chief Justice Gitta Mittal directed the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, “to submit a status report on Friday”. The incident took place on May 8 in Bandipora’s Trehgam area.The authorities in Sopore, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Bandipora and Srinagar districts have closed most of the government colleges to contain the protests. thehindu
Noteban to be removed from new textbooks: Rajasthan minister
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/noteban-to-be-removed-from-rajasthan-textbooks-5727902/?fbclid=IwAR3qvn4yR25jfM4H8OTVpwhxfmzB1BvUN3KRAQe33kIY8sn8-rz6W3JEojU
Jaipur:Congress govt in Rajasthan has removed references about demonetisation from school textbooks, which have been revised and will be published for the current academic session, thestate’s Education Minister, Govind Singh Dotasara said.“Demonetisation was a most unsuccessful experiment. 3 objectives PM had mentioned for demonetisation — end of terrorism, corruption and bringing back black money — couldn’t be achieved and the public was forced to stand in line. It also put a burden of more than Rs 10,000 crore on the country,” Dotasara said.The portion on demonetisation was introduced by the previous BJP state government in the political science book of Class 12 in 2017. The textbook had termed the central govt’s decision to demonetise notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 as “historic” and an “operation to clean black money”.Dotasara also said that a picture depicting women committing johar has been removed from the Class 8 English text book. “It was felt that there was no need for the picture in an English textbook. Moreover, we felt that it wasn’t appropriate that today’s women read textbooks, which carry pictures of women committing self-immolation. What are we trying to teach by that?”Minister’s remarks come a day after he said that his government will review portions in textbooks that “glorify” Veer Savarkar and include a reference to him applying to the British for clemency. indian express
Doctor Goes To Buy Milk For Iftar In Gurugram, Mob Thrash And Leave Him On Roadside Fearing Riots
https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/doctor-goes-to-buy-milk-for-iftar-in-gurugram-mob-thrashes-him-shouting-muslims-should-leave-367225.html?fbclid=IwAR0ld1Y0bn0fZGhDTkXDv-rovnlQvJQoubMsFJd3tVYGeZUHk6dbiBPzS2A
In yet another communal incident in Gurgaon, a paediatrician was thrashed by unidentified men near Ardee City on Friday night.An FIR has been filed and police said they are conducting raids to nab the accused. Dr Nurul, originally from Uttarakhand and living near Wazirabad village in Sector 52, filed the complaint and mentioned he came to Ardee City to buy milk in the evening for iftar.“I work as a paediatrician with a private hospital and at present preparing for DM-Cardiology exam. I was returning after buying milk for Iftar in my Baleno car. Suddenly, 2 men came in a white Fortuner and started abusing me without any reason. When I told them that they are on the wrong side of the road, they called 8-9 more men who brutally thrashed me with sticks. I tried calling police but due to injuries I fell unconscious on the road side. Later, the police reached on spot and rushed me to the Civil Hospital,” Nurul told police.30-year-old doctor has received multiple injuries on his head, eyes, face and legs. “They thrashed me brutally and I could not understand the reason. I heard two of them saying that I am a Muslim and they should leave otherwise riots will take place. They fled after leaving me on the road side. I don’t know any of them. I want strict action against the accused,” Nurul said.toi
Wife of accused in Ramalingam case allege NIA framed him
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/wife-of-accused-in-ramalingam-case-allege-nia-framed-him/articleshow/69333366.cms
Trichy: Condemning the arrest of Mohammed Faruk, 48, of Ilangakurichi in Manapparai by NIA in connection with the murder of V Ramalingam in Kumbakonam, his wife M Raziya Begum submitted a petition to the collector claiming that her husband was framed in the case. She demanded his immediate release besides action against NIA officials.“My husband is a propagator of good values of Islam. He explained to Ramalingam about his misunderstandings about Islamic principles and left Thirubuvanam.He learned about the murder through newspapers and had no role in it.NIA has foisted false case against him as if his campaign about Islam was the reason for the murder,” Raziya said in her petition on Tuesday. Ramalingam, a PMK cadre, was murdered by a gang in Thirubuvanam on Feb.5. Around 16 people were named accused and 10 arrested by Thiruvidaimarudhur police initially, NIA arrested Faruk on May 10 after it took over the case. The central agency included him as one of the accused in the FIR for criminal conspiracy. The agency also said that six more accused were absconding. NIA also claimed that the accused were cadres of PFI and SDPI. Refuting the allegations,his wife said that Faruk was into the business of making Ayurveda medicines and propagating the religious values of Islam. She also demanded that the collector take steps against NIA officials for allegedly framing her husband in the case. TOI
Can the media bring back my honour, asks Sajid Khan from Rajasthan branded ‘terror suspect’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/can-the-media-bring-back-my-honour-asks-rajasthan-man-branded-terror-suspect-5727863/
Bengaluru :When Sajid Khan arrived in the city 11 days ago, all he had on his mind was his debt — Rs 3.5 lakh and growing. But the 38-year-old from Niradhanu village in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district believed that Ramzan here would bring some blessings.Like he had done in the last four years, he planned to spend the holy month in the Karnataka capital begging for zakat — alms that Muslims are obliged to give to the poor. “I hoped I could return with Rs 10,000-Rs 12,000, at least I would be able to pay half the annual interest I owe,” he said.Instead, he ended up as a fuzzy image, played over and over on local TV channels that whipped up the fear of a “suspected terrorist in Bengaluru”, and shared indiscriminately over WhatsApp: a bearded man, wearing a skull cap, kurta and lungi, approaches a metal detector at a Metro station, which beeps a deep red. In a moment of indecision, before the guard can stop him, the man walks out.That day, on May 6, Khan had left his wife Sameera and son at the hotel in Cottonpet. They usually begged for alms together, but that day she was unwell. “I had collected a lot of change, and the coins were in a purse around my waist. I stopped in front of what seemed a new, shining market, and went in,” Khan recalled.He had actually walked into Majestic Metro Station. “I had never been to a Metro station before. I saw a security check going on. I was clutching my lungi and the coins. The guard asked me raise my hands, and I let go. The metal detector made a loud beep. The guard said something to me in Kannada. I didn’t understand. By then, I realised this was not a market. So I walked away,” he said.The footage of a man being allowed to walk away from a metal detector was flagged by media reports as evidence of lax security in the backdrop of the bombings in Sri Lanka. Rumours of “terrorists on a suicide mission” led the police to investigate.“I had no idea all this was happening. I don’t know about any bombing in Sri Lanka. I don’t have these big phones (smartphones),” Khan said. “If I had known, I would have gone to the police myself.”Khan was walking past RT Nagar police station when he was held by the police. “The media made me a pawn in their game. Can they bring back my honour?” he asked, tearing up in his hotel room. “How can the media brand anyone a terrorist like this?” asked his wife angrily.indianexpress
Hafiz Saeed’s brother-in-law arrested in Pakistan
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hafiz-saeed-s-brother-in-law-arrested-in-pakistan/story-725ki2qRhq5PZTnr943FIL.html
Lahore:The brother-in-law of Hafiz Saeed has been arrested for hate speech and criticising the Pakistan government, police said on Wednesday.Abdul Rehman Makki, head of JuD’s political and international affairs wing and in-charge of its charity Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), was arrested during a government crackdown against the outlawed organisations, Geo News reported, quoting an Interior Ministry source.Makki has been arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order Act, Punjab Police said.He is accused of hate speech against the crackdown and criticising steps taken by the government under Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines, the report said.The Pakistan government has launched a crackdown against the outlawed organisations under the National Action Plan 2015 to eliminate militancy and extremism from the country’s soil.Imran Khan-led government has also announced the freezing of accounts and seizure of assets linked to organisations banned by UNSC.The govt banned 11 organisations for having links with the proscribed outifts JuD, FIF and JeM on Saturday.PTI
Owaisi joins Hindu terror debate, asks how Gandhi's killer can be called great
https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha-2019/story/owaisi-hindu-terror-godse-terrorist-controversy-asaduddin-1524606-2019-05-14
New Delhi:Backing actor-politician Kamal Haasan's "first terrorist was Hindu" remark, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi asked how Mahatma Gandhi's killer can be called great. Jumping on the 'Hindu terror' bandwagon, Owaisi said Nathuram Godse was a terrorist and asked, "Who killed the father of the nation?"Haasan also found support from the Congress and Dravidar Kazhagam. TNCC President K S Alagiri said he concurred with Haasan "1000 per cent", while DK chief K Veeramani said Godse trained with RSS.India Today
Family of Mob Lynching Victim Mazloom Ansari Struggles for Survival
http://caravandaily.com/family-of-mob-lynching-victim-mazloom-ansari-struggles-for-survival/
Ranchi:32-year-old Mazloom Ansari had been threatened many a time to roll up his cattle trade business. Fearing for his life, he decided to sell his remaining cattle at a cattle fair to start a new business. Ansari, along with his partner’s son Imtiaz Khan, a minor set off for the cattle fair. However, in the wee hours of March 18, 2016, the duo was lynched to death, following which their dead bodies were hung from a tree in Latehar district’s Jhabar village.Three years down the line, life has become difficult for Mazloom Ansari’s surviving family members. Ansari was the sole breadwinner of the family and is survived by four daughters, one son and his wife. His in-laws (wife’s parents) were also completely dependent on Ansari. With the sole earner gone and no source of income, the family is being forced to lead a life of austerity and hardship.According to the family, the government neither provided any compensation, employment or any other source of income for the victim’s family. Thereby, they have been compelled to live on help being doled out to them by well-wishers.Widow of Ansari, Saira Bibi, while talking to Caravan Daily, said, “We are facing extreme hardships. I have small kids to take care of. My declining health is making it impossible for me to take up work. Every time that I join someplace I fall sick. With the acute financial crisis, we are even falling short of food. The children want food to eat and I have no money to buy them food.”Caravan Daily
SC terms Priyanka Sharma’s arrest arbitrary; BJP leader won’t say sorry for Mamata meme
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/morphed-mamata-banerjee-pic-sc-says-arrest-of-priyanka-sharma-prima-facie-arbitrary-5728441/?pfrom=HP
New Delhi :The Supreme Court Wednesday called the arrest of BJP youth wing convenor Priyanka Sharma as “prima facie arbitrary” and censured the West Bengal government for the delay in the release of Sharma who was arrested last week for sharing a meme of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on social media, PTI reported.“This is not done. First of all the arrest was prima facie arbitrary,” the vacation bench comprising justices Indira Banerjee and Sanjiv Khanna said and warned it would issue contempt against officials concerned if Sharma is not released immediately from jail.indianexpress
Trinamool releases video of Vidyasagar bust damage, claims BJP men did it
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/trinamool-releases-video-of-vidyasagar-statue-vandalism-blames-bjp/article27135614.ece?homepage=true
NEW DELHI:Intensifying its attack on BJP over the desecration of a bust of social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar during the violence in Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress on May 15 released videos to claim that “BJP goons” damaged the statue.Trinamool Parliamentary team comprising Derek O’Brien, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Manish Gupta, Nadimul Haque also met the Election Commission over the issue and submitted “proof” in support of their claim.Earlier, at a press conference in New Delhi, O’Brien said, “The video not only clearly establishes what the BJP did, but proves that its chief Amit Shah is a liar and dhokebaaz (cheat).”The reaction from the Trinamool came close on the heels of BJP president Amit Shah accusing West Bengal’s ruling party of indulging in violence in the State and alleged that the poll panel has been a “mute spectator“.“The streets of Kolkata are tinged with shock and anger. What happened yesterday hurt Bengali pride,”O’Brien said, adding TMC will submit the videos, it has, to the poll panel and is authenticating them on record.One of the videos shows a group of men purportedly trying to break down the gate of Vidyasagar college and enter the campus by jumping over its walls.thehindu
Lok Sabha polls: Muslims dispel ramzan myth
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2019/may/14/muslims-dispel-ramzan-myth-1976679.html
New Delhi: Dispelling the myth that fasting Muslims find it difficult to vote during the holy month of Ramzan, Delhi saw a surge in voter turnout in assembly constituencies that are minority-dominated.According to data provided by Delhi’s Chief Electoral Officer, Shakurbasti recorded the highest voter turnout of 68.7%, followed by Ballimaran and Seemapuri at 68.25% and 67.40%, respectively.The last 2 areas have a sizeable chunk of minority voters.Several other Assembly constituencies where Muslims make a significant polling contingent also recorded more than 60% polling. These include Matia Mahal (66.94%),Seelampur (66.47%), Trilokpuri (65.36%),Mustafabad (65.22%), Sadar Bazaar (64.70%), Babarpur (62.14%) and Gandhi Nagar (61.65%).The only Muslim-dominated constituency, which recorded a sub-par polling figure of 54.82%, was Okhla.As poll date for the national capital was announced, several Muslim clerics and minority leaders had objected to polling during the fasting month of Ramzan. Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan hit out at the EC saying it should have considered the religious sensibilities of the Muslims before deciding the poll date. new indian express
Fact Check: Could Modi have used a digital camera and email in 1988?
https://www.indiatoday.in/fact-check/story/fact-check-could-modi-have-used-a-digital-camera-and-email-in-1988-1524786-2019-05-14
Did Prime Minister Narendra Modi possess a digital camera and use email way back in 1988? Since the time he said this in a TV interview on Saturday, a big debate has been raging on social media about the veracity of this claim.Modi was giving an interview to 'News Nation' when he made the claim. Modi said in Hindi: "I first used a digital camera, probably in 1987 or 1988 and very few had emails at that time In Viramgam tehsil, there was a rally of Advani ji so I had taken a photograph of him using that digital camera that time digital cameras were this big (movement of hands) I had one I had taken the photo and transmitted it to Delhi and the next day the coloured photo got published so Advani ji was surprised, how come the coloured photo got published the very next day in Delhi!"Viramgam, which the PM referred to, is a tehsil in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat.India Today's Anti Fake News War Room (AFWA) has found that Modi's claim regarding the use of digital camera and email in 1988 cannot be substantiated with credible facts.In 1988, the Internet in India was at a very nascent stage and its use was limited only to experts and scientists. Also, it is very unlikely that he would have used a digital camera at that time. The reason: the first digital camera was launched in 1990 in the US.Many people, including Congress' social media and IT cell head Divya Spandana, made sarcastic comments against the PM for his claim. india today
Aligarh has never elected a Muslim MP
https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha-2019/story/aligarh-muslim-mp-elections-1525231-2019-05-15
New Delhi:Before digital locks became the norm for securing homes, Aligarh was famous for its locks, which made its way to the farthest corner of the country. Today, Aligarh is best known for its AMU, which has also contributed to the impression among outsiders that it is a Muslim-dominated district of UP.This impression has gained currency in the wake of controversies such as the Jinnah portrait row in AMU, clash between the varsity students and BJP over alleged shouting of anti-India slogans leading to slapping of sedition charges against 14 youths and a 'tiranga yatra' in recent times. Interestingly, the only Muslim majority district of Uttar Pradesh is Rampur.Aligarh, which voted on April 19 in the Lok Sabha election, is one of the 80 parliamentary seats in Uttar Pradesh. This seat has never elected a Muslim candidate to the Lok Sabha.Going by the electorate’s demography, Muslims are about one-fifth of the total 18.82 lakh voters in Aligarh. There are estimated 3.50 lakh Muslim voters followed by 2.50 lakh Jats and 1.60 lakh Brahmins.There are about 2 lakh Jatav voters, believed to be the supporters of BSP of Mayawati, in Aligargh and 1.50 lakh Thakurs or Rajputs. Vaishya,Lodh, Yadav and Baghel are 1 lakh each in the Aligarh Lok Sabha constituency. india today
At Tihar jail, 150 Hindu prisoners observe roza in solidarity with Muslim inmates
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/at-tihar-jail-150-hindu-prisoners-observe-roza-in-solidarity-with-muslim-inmates/story-5bqVBJR3RjBojdwdTsfdKP.html
New Delhi:At least 150 Hindu prisoners are observing Roza inside Tihar jail, a senior prison officer said. Jail officers said the number of Hindu prisoners who are fasting has increased this year.Last year, 59 Hindu prisoners kept the month-long fast.“Of 16,665 prisoners spread across different jails of Tihar, at least 2,658 prisoners— that include both Hindus and Muslims — are observing Roza. We have made special arrangements for them. This year, the number of Hindu inmates fasting has increased to thrice the number compared to last year,” said a jail spokesperson.In the first week of May, most Hindu prisoners lodged in different jails met their respective jail superintendents and informed them that they, too, would fast during Ramzan.Jail superintendents were, at the time, taking a headcount of the prisoners observing Roza to make the arrangements.Jail officers said Hindu prisoners gave different reasons why they were observing the fast. “Most of them said they were doing it in solidarity for their Muslim friends. Maybe they did not want to admit that they are turning to religion after coming to prison. We have observed that 80%-90% of inmates become religious inside prison. Religion is a way of finding peace. A few said they believe they could be released early if they pray to God,” a senior jail officer, who did not wish to be named, said.HT
Umar Khalid completes PhD, says he has paid back taxpayers
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/umar-khalid-completes-phd-says-he-has-paid-back-taxpayers/article27131773.ece?utm_campaign=socialflow&fbclid=IwAR1aUVF4oF2DI6LVi1rtSD26zECSVVxumw0ADgmzoLpY4TXd0CtHO5pk9Bo
New Delhi:Former JNU student Umar Khalid, who had been booked for allegedly raising “anti-India slogans” along with then JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar on Feb.2016, announced on Tuesday that he had successfully defended his PhD.Announcing his achievement in a tweet, halid addressed PM Narendra Modi saying that he had paid back the taxpayers for funding his education and asked when the PM was planning to do the same.“Modi sahab, humne to takpayer ka hisab chukta kiya. Aur apne? [sic.],” he tweeted. “Successfully defended my PhD today. So finally, it is Dr. Umar Khalid now,” Khalid said in another tweet. He also thanked his supervisor and his external examiners In August last year, JNU administration had created hurdles for Mr. Khalid when he submitted his PhD. However, the HC had set aside the decision of an enquiry panel that was set up to probe the incident and had instructed the university not to take any “coercive action” against Khalid.A student of history, his PhD title is “Contesting claims and contingencies of rule on adivasis of Jharkhand.”thehindu
Gangster Ravi Pujari held: Senegal court starts hearing extradition plea today
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gangster-ravi-pujari-held-senegal-court-starts-hearing-extradition-plea-today-5727901/
Bengaluru: Alocal court in Dakar, Senegal, will begin hearing the case for extradition of Indian gangster Ravi Pujari from Wednesday, it is learnt.Pujari, 50, was detained, and subsequently arrested, by local police in the capital of the West African nation on January 19 this year based on information provided by Karnataka Police.Senegal’s interior ministry had informed the Indian authorities about his arrest on Jan.21.Confirming that the extradition hearings are scheduled to begin from May 15, a Karnataka Police officer said, “It could take a few weeks, or even a few months, depending on the way the case progresses.”There are 97 cases — mostly related to extortion — against Pujari in Karnataka. Pujari also has dozens of cases registered against him in Maharashtra,Kerala,Gujarat and other states.indianexpress
Dalit groom prevented from entering temple in UP
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/dalit-groom-prevented-from-entering-temple-in-amroha-uttar-pradesh
A Dalit groom and his relatives were allegedly stopped by upper caste men from entering a temple which he visited just before his wedding to seek divine blessings.The incident took place at Makanpur Sumali village in Amroha district when the groom, Shobhit Jatav, was on his way to the temple to worship just before the departure of his 'baraat'.According to the villagers, this is for the first time that such an incident has happened in the area and there is tension in the area.The groom's father, who later filed an FIR, said: "Not only their path was blocked, miscreants even tried to snatch the garland of currency notes and a ring of the groom."IANS
WORLD
Nakba Day: Palestinians mark 71st anniversary of 'catastrophe'
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/nakba-day-palestinians-mark-71st-anniversary-catastrophy-190515081241324.html
Clashes have erupted as Palestinians marked 71st anniversary of Nakba Day with demonstrations and marches across the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, putting Israel on edge amid Eurovision song contest festivities. The clashes broke out between hundreds of Palestinian protesters and Israeli soldiers along the border fence between the eastern Gaza Strip and Israel on Wednesday.Medics said three Palestinians were wounded by Israeli soldiers during the violence. Witnesses said the soldiers showered the demonstrators with foul-smelling water and also fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated steel bullets to disperse them and keep them away from the fence."Nakba," or catastrophe, commemorates the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who were expelled in the war that led to the establishment of Israel in 1948. Hamas-run al-Aqsa radio station reported that thousands were expected to join the Nakba march in eastern Gaza, organised by the commission of the Great March of Return.For over a year, Palestinians in Gaza have been holding weekly protests along the fence, calling for the right of return of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to the territory of today's Israel, as well as for an end to a 12-year blockade imposed by Israel.According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, since the launch of the demonstrations, the Israeli army has shot and killed 305 Palestinian demonstrators, including 59 children and 10 women.Residents in Gaza City on Wednesday also took part in a general strike to mark the day of mourning. A mass walkout was staged in the city, with shop-owners closing their businesses."It's a very sad day for Palestinians, it's a black day for our people. Seventy-one years have passed, and God willing we'll return to our homeland soon or later," said Gaza resident Baker Ibrahim.On Tuesday, the eve of Nakba Day, dozens of left-wing activists protested against Israel's treatment of Palestinians in Tel Aviv, where the first Eurovision semi-finals were being held.Protesters carried banners reading "boycott Eurovision" and "songs and glitter cannot hide homeland being occupied". Dozens of European artists, led by former Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters, signed a letter calling for the contest to be moved to another country. AL JAZEERA
Israeli settlements funding jumped since Trump: official data
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/israeli-settlements-funding-jumped-trump-official-data-190515092210050.html
Israel's government went on a spending binge on its illegal West Bank settlements following the election of US President Donald Trump, according to official data obtained by AP.The government statistics, released by Israel's finance ministry, showed Israeli spending in the West Bank in 2017, Trump's first year in office, rose to about $459m, from about $330m in 2016.The 2017 figures were the highest in the 15 years of data provided by the finance ministry, though spending also climbed in 2016.At the time, President Barack Obama, a vocal critic of the settlements, had cool relations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.aljazeera
Ready for reconciliation with Hamas: Palestinian PM
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/palestinian-pm-says-ready-for-reconciliation-with-hamas/1478391
Ramallah:Palestinian PM Mohammad Shtayyeh said Tuesday that his government is ready for reconciliation with Hamas.“The Palestinian government and Palestinian movement Fatah are ready for reconciliation with Hamas,” Shtayyeh said during a meeting with Hanna Nasser, the head of the Palestinian Elections Commission. “The division is a black chapter in our Palestinian history, and if our perspectives of reconciliation with Hamas are different, let the people decide through elections," he said.Shtayyeh stressed that his government believes elections are the only way to end Palestinian division.“Main challenge, however, is to hold the elections in East Jerusalem,” he said.Anadolu
Iran halts some commitments under 2015 N deal
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/iran-halts-commitments-2015-nuclear-deal-190515060220386.html
Iran has officially stopped some commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers following an order from its national security council, ISNA reported.Last week, Iran notified China, France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom of its decision to halt some commitments under the nuclear deal, a year after the United States unilaterally withdrew from the accord and reimposed sanctions.Under the nuclear deal, Tehran was allowed to produce low-enriched uranium with a 300kg limit, and produce heavy water with a stock capped around 130 tonnes. Tehran could ship the excess amounts out of the country for storage or sale.An official in the country's atomic energy body told ISNA that Iran has no limit from now for the production of enriched uranium and heavy water.aljazeera
Iran suggests oil attacks orchestrated to spark conflict
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/iran-suggests-oil-attacks-orchestrated-spark-conflict-190514155502867.html
Iranian officials accused "hardliners" in the United States and elsewhere of attempting to orchestrate an incident that would ratchet up tensions with the Islamic Republic, as the supreme leader vowed there would be no war. The allegation by Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday came as tensions in the Gulf continue to rise as American military forces head to the region and amid a series of attacks on oil infrastructure.4 ships - two Saudi, one Norwegian and one Emirati - were damaged on Sunday off the coast of the UAE near the port of Fujairah in what Emirati officials described as acts of sabotage.aljazeera
Houthi drone attacks in Saudi 'show new level of sophistication'
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/houthi-drone-attacks-saudi-show-level-sophistication-190515055550113.html
Drone attacks on a Saudi oil pipeline west of Riyadh on Tuesday have revealed an apparent significant leap in the capabilities of the Ansar Allah fighting group, otherwise known as the Houthis. Aramco East-West pipeline, stretching across the country to the port and oil terminal at Yenbu, was damaged in two places as pumping stations were hit.The attacks caused minor damage but alarmed an international community already rattled by the sharp downturn in relations between Iran and US.Information on the attacks is scarce, posing more questions than providing answers.aljazeera
Ramzan is "very special": says Trump, condemns New Zealand, Sri Lanka terror attacks
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ramzan-is-very-special-says-trump-condemns-new-zealand-sri-lanka-terror-attacks-119051400460_1.html
amzan is a "very special" month during which people seek tolerance and peace, US President Donald Trump has said as he hosted an iftaar party at the White House and expressed grief over the gruesome terrorist attacks in New Zealand and Sri Lanka.Ramzan is a holy month for Muslims here in the US and all across the world, Trump said as he hosted his second Iftaar as President for eminent Muslim members from his administration and top diplomats from various countries on Monday night."Ramadan is a time of charity, of giving, and service to our fellow citizens. Ramadan is a very special time. It's a time to draw closer as families, neighbours and communities," Trump said.PTI
US orders non-emergency embassy staff to leave Iraq
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-orders-non-emergency-embassy-staff-to-leave-iraq/article27137530.ece?homepage=true
US ordered all non-emergency staff to leave its embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Arbil, as tensions mount between the US and Iraq’s neighbour Iran. Washington has ramped up pressure on Tehran in recent days, accusing Iran of planning “imminent” attacks in the region, and bolstering the American military presence in the Gulf.A State Department advisory announcing the partial embassy closures warned of numerous terrorist and insurgent groups active in Iraq, including “anti-US sectarian militias” who could “threaten US citizens and Western companies throughout Iraq.”AFP
Sudan army, protesters agree on 3-yr
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/sudan-army-protesters-agree-3-year-transitional-period-190514233712368.html
Sudan's military leaders who seized power last month by overthrowing longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir have agreed with opposition groups to a 3-year transition period to transfer power to a fully civilian administration, a general has announced.Speaking to reporters in the early hours of Wednesday, Lieutenant General Yasser al-Atta said a final agreement on the sharing of power, including the formation of the next ruling body - the sovereign council - would be signed with the protest movement the Alliance for Freedom and Change within 24 hours."We agreed on a transitional period of three years," Atta said."We vow to our people that the agreement will be completed fully within 24 hours in a way that it meets the people's aspirations," he added.aljazeera
Pak court grants bail to Tehreek-e-Labbaik leaders
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/pakistan-court-grants-bail-tlp-leaders-190515094511957.html
A Pakistani court has granted bail to two leaders of a far-right party responsible for countrywide protests against the acquittal of a Christian woman in a blasphemy case last year.The Lahore High Court on Tuesday granted bail to Khadim Hussain Rizvi and Afzal Qadri of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) religious political party.Rizvi, known for his firebrand speeches calling for those accused of blasphemy to be murdered, and Qadri had led countrywide protests against the acquittal of Aasia Bibi in November and were arrested shortly thereafter.During the protests, they had called the judges who acquitted Bibi "apostates" and urged their domestic staff and others to murder them. They also attacked Pakistan's army chief, a rarity in a country ruled for roughly half of its 71-year history by the military.Earlier this month, Qadri tendered a written apology for the protests, promising to quit the party.aljazeera
Scores of Rohingya detained in Bangladesh
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/scores-of-rohingya-detained-in-bangladesh-/1478403
:Scores of Muslim Rohingya refugees have been detained in Bangladesh as they waited to be trafficked to Malaysia, a police official told Anadolu Agency Tuesday.Police detained 81 Rohingya Muslims who gathered at the coast of Cox’s Bazar between Saturday and Monday night, sources said.“On Monday night, 23 Rohingya refugees, including 17 women and two children, were detained who were brought from the refugee camps in order to send them to Malaysia illegally,” Ukhia police officer-in-charge Abul Khair told Anadolu Agency.The detained refugees said “some of their family members are residing in Malaysia, and they gathered in order to go to Malaysia to meet them,” the police official added.All of those detained have been taken back to refugee camps, he said and the operation was now looking to arrest human traffickers.Anadolu
Sri Lanka police arrests 60 people for anti-Muslim riots, lifts nationwide curfew
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/sri-lanka-police-arrests-60-people-for-anti-muslim-riots-lifts-nationwide-curfew
Sri Lankan authorities said they have arrested 60 people linked to the communal riots as a nationwide curfew was lifted today in the island nation, which witnessed Sinhalese mob attacks on Muslim-owned shops and businesses in the aftermath of the deadly Easter blasts. The govt imposed the island-wide curfew on Monday after the violence against the Muslim community, who account for 10% of the country's population. The curfew was briefly lifted on Tuesday before being reimposed for a second straight night following reports of fresh violence in some parts of the country."Curfew imposed in North-western Province and Gampaha Police division was removed at 6 am Wednesday while the curfew in the other areas of the island ended at 4 am," police media spokesman's office stated.PTI
Flash: views & NEWS
Annihilation of Caste Requires Dismantling Hinduism's Code of Ordinances
https://thewire.in/caste/the-annihilation-of-caste-requires-dismantling-hinduisms-code-of-ordinances
Does Qatar have more influence over the Taliban, than Pakistan?Rahimullah Yusufzai, geo.tv
https://www.geo.tv/latest/237250-does-qatar-have-more-influence-over-the-taliban-than-pakistan
Why it is necessary to remember and reflect on our history of mass violence: Apoorvanand
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/sam-pitroda-sikh-riots-remark-rahul-gandhi-congress-the-banality-of-hate-5727819/?pfrom=HP
Rajiv Gandhi visited Lakshadweep in 1988 on an official trip. The development of the island territory bears his imprint: Wajahat Habibullah
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/narendra-modi-ins-viraat-rajiv-gandhi-lakshadweep-comment-lok-sabha-election-5727805/?pfrom=HP
Corporates owe banks, and the public, crores. They’re the ones suffering poverty in more ways than one: Swami Agnivesh
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/corporate-loan-indian-banks-bad-debt-billionaires-in-india-poverty-5727804/?pfrom=HP
The Muslim Brotherhood: A history of (alleged) violence:Anadolu Agency
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/the-muslim-brotherhood-a-history-of-alleged-violence/1478963
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 6:58 PM)
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