NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
17 AUG. 2019: 15 ZilHajj 1440:Vol: 11, No:267
INDIA: J&K ISSUE
UNSC discusses India-Pak dispute for first time since 1971, no statement issued:The Wire
https://thewire.in/diplomacy/unsc-holds-informal-discussions-on-kashmir-no-statement-issued
To India’s relief, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held “informal consultations” behind closed doors on the Kashmir issue for the first time in nearly 50 years on Friday, but no statements were issued at the end of the meeting. While neither India or Pakistan was allowed inside, Indian diplomats were updated by other participants. The dynamics among the P-5 were as expected – China batted for Pakistan, US and France led the drive for India, UK surprised by leaning towards the Chinese position and Russia remained on New Delhi’s side, despite slight anxiety that they were dithering earlier. The meeting, which began at around 10 am New York time (730 p.m. IST) lasted for about 75 minutes. All UNSC members spoke one by one. They also received a briefing from UN peacekeeping mission monitoring the India-Pakistan border, which has been rather volatile this week.After the meeting, Chinese permanent representative to UN, Zhang Jun told media, “Judging from what I heard from the discussion of the Security Council members, they have serious concerns about the current situation in J&K. They are also concerned about the human rights situation there”. Implying that he was voicing the consensus reached in the room, Zhang said, “Also, it is the general will of the members that parties should refrain from taking any unilateral action which might further aggravate the tensions, since the situation is already very tense and dangerous”.While Zhang claimed to speak for the “general view” of other UNSC members, he was silent on whether any follow-up step had been decided. Chinese ambassador stated that Kashmir was a recognised international dispute, which had to be resolved “properly in accordance with UN charter, the relevant security council resolutions and bilateral agreements”.He also echoed China’s August 6 statement to indicate that the Indian move also impacted Beijing directly.“What should be pointed out is that India’s action has also challenged China’s sovereign interests and violated bilateral agreements on maintaining peace and stability at the border area. On that, China is very much seriously concerned. We wish to emphasise that such unilateral action by India is not valid in relation to China and will not change China’s sovereignty and effective jurisdiction of the territory.” Describing India and Pakistan as China’s “friendly” neighbours, Zhang urged both to “discard zero-sum mentality”. Zhang was followed by Pakistan ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, who asserted that “this meeting nullifies India’s claim that J&K is an internal matter for India”.“People of J&K may be locked up, their voices may not be heard in their own homes and their own land, but their voices were heard today at UN and their voices will always be heard because Pakistan will always stand by them,” she said. After a gap of few minutes, India’s permanent representative to UN, Syed Akbaruddin walked in and directly contradicted both the Chinese and Pakistani ambassadors.“I am here, as, after the end of closed-door consultations, we noted that two states who made national statements tried to pass them off as the will of the international community,” Akbaruddin told the media at the stakeout. He pointed out that the Security Council “is provided to all by President (of UNSC)”.The Council president, Poland’s Joanna Wronecka, did not appear before the media at all.Nor was any release issued – a fact which well-suited India.“So, if national statements try to masquerade as the will of international community, I thought I will come across to you and explain our national position,” he said.He repeated the gov’s official position that the move to modify Article 370 was an “internal matter” aimed at “good governance” and “socio-economic development”.When a Pak journalist asked Akbaruddin, when bilateral dialogue could begin, he walked across to them to shake the hands of the media from South Asian neighbour. “We have already extended our hands of friendship…let us wait for a response from Pakistan side”.Expectedly, he didn’t budge from the stance of the Modi govt on peace talks with Pakistan. “Stop terror to start talks,” he said, shaking a finger at a Pak journalist. To a query that the security blanket was undermining India’s image of democracy, he defended, “public order is integral to ensuring democracy prospers.. There are reasonable restrictions. We acknowledge that these are restrictions. We are easing them”.There was also last-minute phone diplomacy by Pakistan PM Imran Khan, who called up US President Donald Trump.
Kashmir:Russia stuns India, invokes UN resolutions
https://www.deccanherald.com/national/national-politics/russia-stuns-india-invokes-un-resolutions-on-kashmir-754894.html?fbclid=IwAR2cxaicoTNnnPOmpCE6NhUMNA_TqOWypFBnXoL0LqUxHgM9ETQzrXPgInM
UNSC meet Stop terror to start talks, India tells Pak
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/un-security-council-meeting-on-kashmir-stop-terror-to-start-talks-india-tells-pakistan/article29113302.ece?homepage=true
Addressing the suffering of Kashmiris is UNSC’s responsibility: Pak PM Imran Khan
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/imran-khan-unsc-meet-india-jammu-and-kashmir-5912398/
Pakistan PM Imran Khan has welcomed UNSC closed-door meeting held to discuss J&K issue. Khan said it’s for the first time in over 50 years that the world’s highest diplomatic forum has taken up the issue.“There are 11 UNSC resolutions reiterating Kashmiris right to self-determination. And UNSC meeting was a reaffirmation of these resolutions. Therefore addressing the suffering of Kashmiri people & ensuring resolution of the dispute is responsibility of this world body,” he said.indianexpress
'Future Depends on Circumstances': Rajnath Singh on 'No First Use' Nuclear Policy
https://thewire.in/external-affairs/what-happens-in-future-depends-on-circumstances-rajnath-singh-nuclear-policy
New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh has said that India remained “firmly committed” to the doctrine of “no first use” for nuclear weapons but asserted that what happens in future depends on circumstances.He said this on Twitter after visiting Pokhran where India carried out nuclear tests in 1998 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was PM.“Pokhran is the area which witnessed Atal ji’s firm resolve to make India a nuclear power and yet remain firmly committed to the doctrine of ‘No First Use’. India has strictly adhered to this doctrine. What happens in future depends on the circumstances,” Singh said.PTI
Qureshi criticises defence minister Rajnath for his remarks on nuclear weapons
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/qureshi-criticises-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-for-his-remarks-on-nuclear-weapons/articleshow/70714568.cms
Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has criticised as "irresponsible" and "unfortunate" defence minister Rajnath Singh's remarks that India has always adhered to its "no first use” policy on nuclear weapons but “what happens in the future will depend on circumstances.” "The substance and timing of Indian defence minister is highly unfortunate and shows India irresponsible and belligerent behaviour,"Qureshi said.PTI
Pak Army spokesperson says Kashmir Nuke flashpoint, a day after India says it may review no-first-use policy
https://www.newsx.com/world/pakistan-army-spokesperson-says-kashmir-a-nuclear-flashpoint-a-day-after-indias-desire-to-change-no-first-use-policy.html
After Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India may change its No-First-Policy on nuclear weapons use in future as per the circumstances, Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor said Kashmir could be a nuclear flashpoint. Russia Today quoted Pak military spokesman stating Kashmir conflict could spark a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. Describing Kashmir issue as a long-term struggle,Asif Ghafoor added that Pak army is ready to repel any time.The statement from the Pak Armyman came amid the high tensions and reports of ceasefire violation along LoC. ANI reported that an Indian soldier has been killed in the gun battle at the Rajouri sector.The exchange of fire between the 2 sides is underway.Earlier this week,3 Pak and 5 Indian soldiers had died in the firing.newsx
UNSC meet a diplomatic,strategic failure:Cong
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/unscs-jk-consultation-a-diplomatic-strategic-failure-says-congress-5911534/
With UNSC deciding to hold “informal consultations” on J&K at the instance of China, Congress hit out at BJP Govt, asking how it could allow the internationalisation of the issue. Allowing the matter to reach UNSC, Congress said, was a grave “diplomatic” and “strategic” failure on the part of the Govt.Congress, which has been critical of the bifurcation of J&K and the manner in which the special status to the state was abrogated by the Centre, said changes in the law with regard to J&K is an internal matter. “We are disturbed and extremely shocked at what is happening at the UN. We view it as a matter of grave and deep concern to the entire nation,” Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said.indianexpress
Kashmir shutdown ‘unprecedented’ for a democracy:UN freedom of speech expert
https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/kashmir-shutdown-un-freedom-of-speech-expert_in_5d56b8d8e4b0d8840ff23acf?ncid=fcbklnkinhpmg00000001&fbclid=IwAR1j9027-lDD1TATq1dBxXwKbazgM9Xps21vXSb6gCRSPKF5leClSayWe8k
12 days have passed since Indian Govt snapped mobile services, landlines and the internet in J&K, making it impossible for Kashmiris to communicate with each other and the outside world.Thousands of troops and a tight curfew have restrained Kashmiris from protesting PM Narendra Modi’s sudden move to revoke J&K’s special constitutional status, and bifurcate the northern state, while Govt has been trying to portray that everything is ‘normal’ there. However, ground reports suggest that security forces are using pellet guns and arbitrary arrests to quell any protests. Communication blackout has left parents queuing up for hours to speak to their children on a handful of phones made available in Govt offices and police stations. The media in Kashmir has barely been able to function. Almost all political leaders — including two former CMs and a former IAS officer — are under house arrest. A Kashmiri journalist was picked up in a midnight raid and detained without explanation before being released. As UNSC discusses Kashmir, HuffPost India spoke with David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, who described communication blackout as “unprecedented” for a democratic society.Kaye, a clinical law professor at University of California, Irvine, said, “I can’t think of a democratic country that repeatedly shuts down net for whatever reason.” huffingtonpost
India should withdraw illegal petition filed by Nehru in UNSC if it wants to take back PoK: Swamy
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/india-should-withdraw-illegal-petition-filed-by-nehru-in-unsc-if-it-wants-to-take-back-pok-subramanian-swamy/470624
New Delhi: BJP maverick Subramanian Swamy has said that if India wants to take back Pakistan Occupied Kashmir then it needs to withdraw the illegal petition filed by Jawaharlal Nehru in UNSC in 1947. He further said that once the petition is withdrawn then LoC will become illegal after which Indian security forces can cross over. Swamy further said that Muzzafarabad is easy to take and so is Skardu.Apart from Home Minister Amit Shah and now Swamy, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut had also said in Rajya Sabha that the Central Govt will also reclaim Balochistan and PoK."Today, we have reclaimed J&K. Tomorrow, we will take Baluchistan, PoK and I have trust that this Govt will fulfil the dream of undivided India."timesnownews
Kashmir: SC Adjourns Plea Seeking Removal of Restrictions on Media
https://thewire.in/law/kashmir-sc-adjourns-plea-seeking-removal-of-restrictions-on-media
The Supreme Court has said it will wait for sometime before passing any direction on the plea seeking removal of restrictions on the media in J&K in the wake of Article 370 being read down, after the Centre said curbs are being lifted gradually.During the hearing, the Centre told the apex court that the situation is improving in J&K and the curbs are being lifted gradually.PTI
After 2 weeks, net, landline services partially restored in J&K
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/after-two-weeks-internet-landline-services-partially-restored-in-jammu-and-kashmir
Landline services have been restored 17 telephone exchanges in Kashmir after about two weeks of communication shutdown in the valley ahead of the bold move by Govt to abrogate Article 370 and 35A. Telephone services have been restored in Budgam, Sonamarg and Manigam areas of central Kashmir. In north Kashmir, services have been restored in Gurez, Tangmarg, Uri Keran Karnah and Tangdhar areas.In south Kashmir, landline services have been made operational in Qazigund and Pahalgam areas.Mobile internet service is also been restored in 5 districts in Jammu region, although just 2G net network is working. Mobile net service has been restored in Jammu, Reasi, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur. Various photos were uploaded on social media from Udhampur after the internet services were restored on Saturday. About 400 political leaders in Kashmir are under detention including two former CMs of the state. Ex- IAS officer Shah Faesal was also detained in Srinagar when he was trying to go to Istanbul on Aug 14.nationalheraldindia
“End Inhuman Clampdown”: Over 250 Scholars and Activists Express Concern over J&K Situations
https://caravandaily.com/end-inhuman-clampdown-over-250-scholars-and-activists-express-concern-over-jk-situations/
New Delhi:More than 250 scholars, artists, activists, and others have issued a statement to express their concern about the “inhuman clampdown” that has been in place since New Delhi ended the special status of J&K and bifurcated the state.The statement was signed by South Asians and their friends around the world. Some prominent signatories include professors Partha Chatterjee, Sheldon Pollock, journalists AS Panneerselvan, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, historian Ayesha Jalal, photojournalist Shahidul Alam, diplomat Kul Chandra Gautam, writer Chandra Talpade Mohanty, physicists MV Ramana, Pervez Hoodbhoy, Zia Mian, and philosopher Martha Nussbaum among others.The signatories condemned the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated and said it is a “sharp departure” from democratic governance. The statement said they were gravely concerned by the Centre’s silencing of voices of dissent, and detention of social activists, lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders. “We condemn the Govt of India’s use of majoritarian populism to perpetuate a climate of fear across the country,” the statement read.caravandaily
Over 400 Prominent Citizens Express Solidarity with Kashmiris; Condemn Abrogation of Article 370
https://caravandaily.com/over-400-prominent-citizens-express-solidarity-with-kashmiris-condemn-abrogation-of-article-370/
New Delhi:A day after PM Narendra Modi defended the abrogation of Article 370 decision from the rampart of Red Fort, over 400 prominent citizens – activists, professionals, intellectuals – as also civil rights organisations condemned the “attempted” scrapping of special status of J&K and demanded that no decision about the future of the state is taken without the consent of the peoples.In a signed joint statement issued to the media on Friday, they called for the immediate lifting of restrictions on civil society and ending the total lockdown of the state.The concerned citizens and civil society organisations expressed their solidarity with the people of J&K and assured them that they stand by them in their quest for justice and peacecaravandaily
Pandey Put Under House Arrest Before Kashmir Protest Second Time in Week
https://thewire.in/rights/sandeep-pandey-put-under-house-arrest-over-kashmir-protest-second-time-in-week
New Delhi: Magsaysay award-winning social activist Sandeep Pandey said he was placed under house arrest an hour before he was about to leave for a candlelight vigil at Lucknow’s Hazratganj against Centre’s decisions on J&K.This is the second time that Pandey was pre-emptively put under house arrest while attempting to protest against the Kashmir issue.On Aug11, he and his wife, activist Arundhati Dhuru, were briefly put under house arrest in Lucknow’s Indira Nagar by local police in an attempt to stop a demonstration which the couple had organised to oppose the scrapping of the state’s special status.“I have been placed under house arrest for the second time,” Pandey told The Wire over phone.“We were planning to have a candlelight vigil in support of the people of Kashmir this Sunday on August 11. Then we postponed it for Eid on police’s request and scheduled it for today,” he added.Pandey said he was leaving the house to be on his way to the protest when police appeared. “Candlelight was scheduled for 6 pm today at Hazratganj.Police are currently standing outside my house. My friends have assembled here,”he said.thewire
Detention of J&K Congress chief ‘outrageously illegal:Chidambaram
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/detention-of-jk-congress-chief-outrageously-illegal-says-chidambaram/article29118302.ece?homepage=true
A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the house arrest of the party’s J&K chief Ghulam Ahmed Mir and another party leader in Jammu as ‘madness,’ former Union Minister P. Chidambaram on Saturday called it a violation of his fundamental right and urged courts to take note.“Ghulam Ahmad Mir, PCC President, J&K is under house arrest in Jammu since Friday. There was no written order of detention. Outrageously illegal. The State has no right to deprive a citizen of his liberty for even one moment without authority of law. That is Article 21 of the Constitution.”“I hope the courts will act and secure the liberty of citizens,” he added.thehindu
Article 370: Kashmiris have nothing left to lose, and that is scary, says former RAW chief AS Dulat
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/article-370-kashmiris-have-nothing-left-to-lose-and-that-is-scary-says-former-raw-chief-as-dulat?fbclid=IwAR0SpR0yF6YXxTv-DF6_KnaOjXHM7UHowHmqZkVrBVkF_UZaVDIL6wN6_-4
“Let’s not forget we are talking of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. This has been a part of the party’s manifesto ever since it was born. BJP has never been stronger, more powerful than now. So, Amit Shah is delivering unto Nagpur what is Nagpur’s,” says AS Dulat, former chief of Research and Analysis Wing. He said, "Protests have already begun and if this can happen so soon, then something will give in, in the course of time. I’m already being proven correct. Some people have already argued with me on this. I have always said there will be a reaction to this.What kind of reaction, where they would react, God alone knows. I hope there will not be any reaction but common sense says there will be a reaction. It is scary.This is a question of somebody thinking that they have nothing left to lose. As it is, the Kashmiri has been feeling that for some time...When boys feel it, that is the danger.Pulwama boy blew himself and the bus up. He obviously felt it is better to go straight to heaven than hang around here. Those who think that there will be no reaction do not understand Kashmir.I feel the most vulnerable now is going to be Jammu because that is nearest to both Pakistan and Kashmir." nationalheraldindia
Faesal planned to take Kashmir issue to ICJ:Sources
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/aug/17/faesal-planned-to-file-case-at-icj-2020114.html?fbclid=IwAR2kMeDnRX-qujd5cjwqZA9KjjbjVwKSdROH5pyzSxPgmcp_PAT3gwZBWrY
JKPM head Shah Faesal was on way to International Court of Justice (ICJ) to file a case against India for revoking Article 370 when he was arrested, an official of his party said.JKPM official told this newspaper that Faesal was to fly to Turkey from where he was to reach ICJ in The Hague, to file the case.newindianexpress
Harvard University Students, Faculty Urge Govt to Release Shah Faesal
https://thewire.in/rights/harvard-university-shah-faesal-jammu-kashmir
Over 100 people associated with Harvard University, including students, faculty and alumni, have issued a statement expressing concern about the detention of ex IAS officer turned politician and Harvard student Shah Faesal.The statement also expressed solidarity for “a democratic and peaceful means to ensure stability in the state of J&K” and urged Indian Govt to release Faesal and other local leaders who are under arrest.thewire
Mehbooba's Daughter to Amit Shah: 'Tell Me Under Which Law I've Been Detained'
https://thewire.in/rights/mehbooba-mufti-iltija-mufti-amit-shah-kashmir
Iltija Mufti, younger daughter of PDP leader and former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti has been under house arrest since August 5 at the family’s Gupkar Road residence in Srinagar. On August 7, The Wire‘s founding editor, Siddharth Varadarajan, attempted to meet her at the residence but was told by the plain-clothed policemen deployed there that this would not be possible and that they had orders “from above” not to allow Iltija Mufti to meet anyone.On August 15, Iltija manage to send this letter – addressed to Union home minister Amit Shah – out to The Wire through a trusted aide.thewire
Do we need permission to pray for the people of Kashmir ? asks AIMIM MLA Waris Pathan
http://twocircles.net/2019aug17/432675.html?fbclid=IwAR0nb_lI4oYlPJN6OwX8QxdRfhR_IUi8-yd05ifBJMSJKnDv11wjVUMpndI
Mumbai: Byculla MLA, Waris Pathan of AIMIM had gone for Friday afternoon prayers at mosque at Madanpura where there was heavy police security outside the mosque.After the prayers, when he came out, the police told him that he cannot pray for the people of Kashmir.After the Imam, the MLA had also prayed for the people of Kashmir to be delivered from the pain and sufferings they are undergoing after the imposition of restrictions by the Indian Govt. He had also prayed for the flood affected victims in the state of Maharashtra and for overall peace of the nation.But the police there objected to his ‘dua’ for the Kashmiris. And when Waris Pathan learnt that 2 of his party persons were in police custody he went to PS at Nagpada. When Waris Pathan went to the police station it was assumed that he was taken in custody by the police for praying for Kashmiris. But Pathan released a video in which he has explained that he was indeed questioned by the police for his prayer for the people of Kashmir but he had gone there because 2 his aides were in police custody. Their crime? They had gone to the PS for permission. Whereupon Pathan asked DCP whether we need to take permission to offer prayers?The police officer said that when they heard MLA is going to offer prayers at the mosque they assumed there would be some chaos. They also saw the video where Pathan was offering the prayers in the prayers. And after close to 2 hours they released the 2 persons. Pathan is heard saying in the video that what he did was within the constitutional framework and had not broken any law. He had used his democratic right which he says that the constitution of India has guaranteed to every citizen of India.twocircles
Kashmiri Pandits who stayed on fear the worst now
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/kashmiri-pandits-who-stayed-on-fear-the-worst-now/cid/1698272
Kashmiri Pandit leader Sanjay Tickoo has braved alleged militant threats and weathered massive pro-independence agitations over three turbulent decades, refusing to join his community in migrating out of Kashmir.With the state’s special status gone, he now fears he may have to pack his bags at last.“I predict worse times ahead, deadlier even than the early phase of militancy when the Pandits migrated,” Tickoo told The Telegraph at his home in Barbarshah, a neighbourhood in Srinagar’s older parts. “The move on Article 370 will prolong the conflict for another 100 years, sharpen the communal divide and bring down people’s tolerance level.”He said:“We (Pandits living in Kashmir) can be the political targets. There could be a backlash. In the next three or 5 years,you might not see Sanjay Tickoo standing here. We are mentally prepared this time.” Barbarshah was a mixed neighbourhood with a thriving Pandit community before the militancy. Only three Pandit families are left there now.Tickoo criticised the decision to amend Article 370, calling it an assault on Kashmir’s identity. He said the move could hit the prospects of the displaced Pandits’ return — which is high on the Modi govt’s agenda — as many Muslims who would have welcomed them might not do so now. Tickoo, who heads Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti, a body representing those from the community who have not migrated, said many Pandits had left thetelegraphindia
OTHERS
Rajasthan Govt to constitute SIT to probe lapses in Pehlu Khan case
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-Govt-to-constitute-sit-to-probe-lapses-in-pehlu-khan-case-5911400/
ongress Govt in Rajasthan has decided to constitute a SIT to probe and identify lapses and irregularities in the investigation of Pehlu Khan lynching case and to fix responsibility with regard to officials. The decision on constituting the SIT was taken following a high-level meeting chaired by CM Ashok Gehlot at the CM’s office on Friday evening, 2 days after a court in Alwar district acquitted all 6 men accused of murdering Khan.A Govt release said that during the meeting, Gehlot extensively discussed the shortcomings of the investigation. It was decided in the meeting that SIT, under the monitoring of the Additional Director General of Police, Crime, will prepare its report within 15 days. SIT will also collect documents and oral evidence which were not collected before in the case, the release said.indianexpress
Pehlu Khan Case: Police Statement to Court Indicates Rajasthan CID Diluted Probe
https://thewire.in/law/pehlu-khan-lynching-case-rajasthan-cid-crime-branch
Jaipur: Statements of investigating officers before the court in Pehlu Khan case indicate that the probe may have been diluted after CID–crime branch of Rajasthan police – was handed over the case. Ramswarup Sharma, additional superintendent of police, accepted in his statement that 6 named by Khan in his dying declaration –Om Prakash, Hukum Chand, Naveen Sharma, Sudhir Yadav, Rahul Saini and Jagmal Yadav – had committed the offence and there was sufficient evidence to file a chargesheet.“While concluding the investigation, charges against Om Prakash,Hukum Chand, Naveen Sharma, Sudhir Yadav, Rahul Saini and Jagmal were found evident under Sections 147, 341, 323, 427, 308, 379 and 302 of IPC,”he said in his statement.During the initial stage of the investigation, prima facie 15 men were accused based on the dying declaration of Khan – who named 6 – and videos of the lynching – that suggested involvement of nine other men, including 2 minors, Vipin Yadav, Ravindra Kumar, Kaluram, Dayanand, Yogesh Kumar, Bhim Singh Rathi, Deepak, Neeraj and Pawan.Sharma was handed over the case on May 11, 2017. Until then, the accused – Vipin Yadav, Ravindra Kumar, Kaluram, Dayanand, Yogesh, Neeraj (minor) and Pawan (minor) had already been arrested. However, the case was still transferred to CID.“I requested a further investigation for hundreds of others in mob, under Section 173(8) (CrPC) and as per the orders of police department and for legal proceedings, the case file was handed over to IGP (Jaipur range),” his statement reads.As per statements of the investigating officers before the court, until the case was handed over to the CID-CB, charges against all 15 accused were found evident, and some of them had already been arrested. However, the six men named by Khan, with links to Hindu right-wing outfits, were absconding. According to a source, before handing over the case to CID-CB, BJP leaders in the state had allegedly held a meeting at police HQRS in Jaipur.On the basis of the statements of the staff at a cow shelter – situated only about four kilometres from the site of the lynching and patronised by one of the accused – in which they maintained that the six accused were present on their premises during the lynching as well as their mobile phones’ location, CID-CB had cleared these six men soon after taking charge of the case in Sept.thewire
Why Eye-Witness Video, NDTV Sting Were Dismissed In Pehlu Khan Case
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/why-eye-witness-video-ndtv-sting-were-dismissed-in-pehlu-khan-case-2085325?fbclid=IwAR3qN-PHHtsubqWwlUAfpGOIu8glD2Q0PcJqnKFlktIZcxzWnx8Y67XhuHA
Priyanka Gandhi booked for criticising Pehlu case verdict, accuses her of spreading communal hatred
https://www.firstpost.com/india/bihar-lawyer-files-case-against-priyanka-gandhi-for-criticising-pehlu-khan-case-verdict-accuses-her-of-spreading-communal-hatred-7176191.html
Muzaffarpur: A court in Bihar's Muzaffarabad will hear on 26 August a plea which alleged that Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi's reaction to the judgment in Pehlu Khan lynching case was tantamount to the contempt of court and aimed at spreading communal hatred. The complaint was filed in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Surya Kant Tiwari by local advocate Sudhir Kumar Ojha under sections 153, 504 and 506 of IPC, pertaining to offences of making provocations to trigger riots and break public peace besides making criminal intimidation.In his petition, Ojha referred to a tweet by Congress leader which, he claimed, held the trial court in contempt and was a conspiracy to spread communal hatred.In her tweet, Vadra had expressed shock over the judgment and hoped for justice to the aggrieved family members of the deceased.PTI
Malaysia to question Zakir Naik as Govt weighs deportation
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/malaysia-question-zakir-naik-Govt-weighs-deportation-190816022131813.html
Kuala Lumpur:Malaysian Govt has announced that it will summon Zakir Naik over controversial statements he made about ethnic minorities in country, as PM Mahathir Mohamad and his cabinet consider their options amid contentious debate on his possible deportation. Home Affairs Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a statement late on Thursday that the police will question Naik following his remarks about Malaysians of Chinese and Hindu backgrounds. Muhyiddin made the statement as Singapore's Straits Times reported that Mahathir's cabinet members have agreed during their meeting on Wednesday that Naik should leave the country. Police have also confirmed that Naik is under investigation, adding that the agency received at least 115 complaints against the preacher. It would not say when Naik will appear to answer the complaint. Criminal Investigation official Datuk Huzir was quoted by Bernama state news agency as saying Naik's case is being investigated "for intentional insult with intent to provoke a break of peace".According to reports, police have also warned Naik not to speak at a 3-day conference for Muslim converts starting on Friday. For his part, Muhyiddin said the enforcement agencies "will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who threatens harmony and public order of the country". Controversy arose in recent days after Naik suggested in a video address that ethnic Chinese minorities should leave first, while addressing calls for him to be expelled. He referred to ethnic Chinese as "guests".He also said that minority Hindus in Malaysia are more loyal to the PM of India than their own PM.Naik accused the media of misinterpreting his words, but his comments quickly spread, dominating the political discussion in country for days.In a follow-up statement published on Thursday,he said that "vilification campaign" against him is now in "full swing" and is being done "with a political motive".Abdul Hadi Awang, president of Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), defended Naik saying in a statement that it is the "obligation" of Muslims "to defend their religion and protect its preachers". Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik, parliament representative and PAS member, also said that "no Muslim would be happy" if Naik is "thrown out of the country, unless he is a hypocrite and a big sinner". Since arriving in Malaysia, Naik has also established a loyal following. Last week, he addressed tens of thousands of people at a public lecture in the rural state of Kelantan, where he received a rousing reception.aljazeera
Centre to decide on Kureshi elevation in a week, SC told
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/centre-to-decide-on-justice-kureshi-elevation-in-a-week-supreme-court-told-5911339/
Centre will take a decision within a week on the Supreme Court collegium’s recommendation to elevate Justice Akil Kureshi as Chief Justice of MP High Court, the top court was informed on Friday.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench of CJI Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S A Bobde and S Abdul Nazeer that he had an “instruction that within a week some decisions will be taken in this regard”.Taking note of the submission, the court adjourned the hearing and said it will fix the next date of hearing on the administrative side. The bench was hearing a petition by Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association, challenging what the association claimed was “arbitrary inaction” of Central Govt in “withholding the appointment” of Justice Kureshi as Chief Justice of MP HC despite recommendation of the SC collegium.
Babri case: SC questions antiquity of archaeological proof submitted by Ram Lalla's lawyer
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/supreme-court-questions-antiquity-of-archaeological-proof/articleshow/70709130.cms
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday demanded to know if there was any proof of the antiquity of archaeological evidence submitted by the lawyer for Ram Lalla claiming that a temple existed once upon a time at the site and that the mosque was built on its ruins, but was told that there was none.Lawyer for Ram Lalla CS Vaidyanathan conceded that there was no such evidence. He argued that the now demolished mosque had too many Hindu motifs and figures to be a valid mosque under Islamic tenets. “It was used as a mosque but was not a valid mosque,” he said.He used another analogy to claim that the Muslims cannot lay a claim on the title of the mosque. “If you pray on the streets can you claim possession and ownership of the roads,” he asked.The mere fact that you worship at a spot cannot be the basis of possession, ownership and title of the Muslims, he argued.These symbols of Gods and goddesses and Hindu motifs cannot be a place where Muslims can pray, he argued. Instead, he claimed that the archeaological evidence showed that there was a temple at the site at some point of time and that the Hindus had been praying continuously at the spot. Vaidyanathan then drew the court’s attention to the excavations done at that spot under the High Court’s direction.“They show that they were successive structures pointing at the existence of a large public structure dating back to the Kushan and Gupta periods,” he said. These point to the existence of a Hindu religious structure, he claimed.The bench then sought to know if there was no evidence of establishing the antiquity of the evidence or anything to show that it was a temple. Justice SA Bobde — next in line to be the next CJI — and Justice DY Chandrachud pointed out many loopholes in his theory that a mosque was built on the ruins of a temple.These excavations do not point definitely at a religious structure, they said. Even if they did, how do you establish a link with a temple which pre-existed mosque at the disputed site, the judges asked. Justice Ashok Bhushan said that all the archeaological constructs of the earlier periods seemed to be based on “guess work”.A 5-judge bench led by CJI is hearing appeals and cross-appeals by Hindu and Muslim parties seeking sole possession of the land. economictimes
Modi’s population explosion: Sena targets Muslims, Owaisi slams Modi's 'intrusive ideas'
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sena-targets-muslims-owaisi-slams-modis-intrusive-ideas/articleshow/70708634.cms
New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi's exhortation for population control in his Independence Day speech drew varied reactions from the political class with Congress leader P Chidambaram welcoming it and Shiv Sena using the comment to target the Muslim community. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi weighed in and claimed that PM Modi was coming up with "discarded and intrusive" ideas of governance. Chidambaram hailed Modi's announcement and said, "All of us must welcome three announcements made by the PM on I-Day. Small family is a patriotic duty, respect wealth creators and shun single-use plastic. The first and third exhortations must become people's movements. There are hundreds of dedicated voluntary organisations that are willing to lead the movements at local levels." The Sena said it agreed with Modi's argument and alleged that a section of the minority community did not understand importance of curbing population growth. "Fundamentalist Muslims are not concerned about population explosion and are not ready to come out of the mindset of 'hum do hamare pacchis (we 2, our 25')," an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamna' said. However, Owaisi said though the majority of India's population was young and productive, the advantage would last only for two more decades. Taking a jibe at Modi, he alleged the PM was "clueless" on how to use this advantage. timesofindia
Bihar police recover AK-47 from MLA Anant Singh’s home
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar-police-recover-ak-47-from-independent-mla-anant-singhs-home/article29113206.ece?homepage=true
Patna:Police in Bihar recovered an AK-47 assault rifle, some cartridges and bombs from the ancestral house of independent MLA Anant Singh, who represents Mokama, at Ladma in Barh of Patna district.Singh, however, said the recovered weapon had been planted by the police as he had not visited his ancestral home for the last 14-years.“On a specific input, police conducted raid at the residence of legislator Anant Singh,” Patna’s SP (Rural) Kantesh Kumar Mishra who led the raid, told local journalists in Ladma. thehindu
Infosys co-founder credits Manmohan, Chidambaram for economic reform,tech boom
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/narayana-murthy-credits-manmohan-singh-chidambaram-for-indias-economic-reform-tech-boom/articleshow/70710189.cms
At the recent Leadership Summit held at St. Xavier’s College, Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, says that when he was starting his company in the early 80s, the tech boom was yet to happen.“It took us 7 years to obtain a telephone connection.But change did come. And for that he credits PV Narasimha Rao, Dr Manmohan Singh, Montek Singh Ahluwalia and P. Chidambaram. “These were the 4 architects of economic reform. They did in one week what we didn’t manage in 45 years,” Murthy said. economictimes
Postmortem of flood victims in mosque; Friday prayers held at bus stand in Pothukallu
https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/good-news/postmortem-of-flood-victims-in-mosque-friday-prayers-held-at-bus-stand-in-pothukallu-1.4046273
Pothukallu: Once again Pothukallu natives have set an example for humanity through their deeds. People belonging to Muslim religion held their Friday prayers at the bus stand here as their masjid was rendered for post-mortem of the deseased people in the massive landslide at Nilambur.Earlier, the committee members of the mosque had allowed the officials to carry out post-mortem of the deceased in the landslide at the prayer hall inside the mosque. It was permitted due to the long distance between Nilambur taluk hospital and the disaster spot. The taluk hospital is 45 kms away from Kavalappara.The decision to hold the prayers at the bus stand was taken by Masjid Al Mujahidheen committee. Women also participated in the prayers at the bus stand. Imam CH Iqbal said that a religion becomes complete only when we share what values most for us.mathrubhumi
Facebook post row: well-planned conspiracy to defame me, says Assam's activist Rehna Sultana
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/facebook-post-row-well-planned-conspiracy-to-defame-me-says-assam-woman/article29108415.ece?fbclid=IwAR2fPal7sAlg6s8k05nDZ4C_rLIbvu2-Wphvt-LJ0-4Pq3A8H8YsY8AH0UY
A Gauhati University research scholar at the centre of a ‘beef’ controversy over a Facebook post she had deleted 2 years ago, has said she is being targeted to stop her from working on the ground to help people stressed out by the ongoing exercise to update NRC.In a video and statement sent to The Hindu, Rehna Sultana said news stories about her by a section of the media were part of a “well-planned conspiracy to defame me and the work I am currently engaged in.”28-year-old research scholar said she did not circulate any post on beef consumption or supporting the Pakistan cricket team on Bakrid. Such news released a couple of days before Independence Day was a planned attempt to create disorder in society, she added. Assam police on August 14 registered an FIR against Ms. Sultana over Facebook post that resurfaced on social media platforms more than two years after she had deleted it. She was booked under Section 153A of IPC and Section 67 of IT Act.“This is to bring to your notice that I had written a post in 2017. The context of the post was a cricket match and the post was written in the form of a parody, primarily out of the frustration of India having lost to Pakistan because of bad fielding and batting. That was also the time when many lynchings had taken place over beef,” Ms. Sultana said. “I had deleted the post barely two minutes after posting it, having realised it was done in an agitated state of mind and could convey a different meaning. I also gave a clarification regarding the same. Today, all of a sudden, the issue has been brought back to focus and fake news has been added to it to create a sensational news story. I fail to understand the conspiracy behind taking the post out of context and the rapid circulation of the same,” she said.“During a time when our State and country are passing through a critical phase, it is my request to media platforms and other forums to not create an unhealthy and unstable environment by raising a totally irrelevant issue. At the same time, I sincerely request you to consider my safety and let the matter alone,”Sultana said.The research scholar said she had been slapped with 4 FIRs within a month.On July 11, a freelance journalist named Pranabjit Doloi had lodged a complaint against her and 9 others for projecting the Assamese community as xenophobic through a poem titled ‘I am a Miya.’“She was also named in another complaint on August 13 that RTI activist Dulal Borah filed with CID of the Assam police. 2 others named in complaint are Sofiqul Islam, a student of Gauhati University, and Mausumi Chetia, researcher based in The Hague.Trio was accused of misusing social media to collect donations for helping people file applications against exclusion from NRC.thehindu
Detained Nigerian Cleric Ibrahim Zakzaky Leaves Indian Hospital, Likely to Return Home for Trial
https://www.news18.com/news/world/detained-nigerian-cleric-ibrahim-zakzaky-leaves-indian-hospital-likely-to-return-home-for-trial-2272375.html
New Delhi: Nigerian Shiite leader Ibrahim Zakzaky — whose poor health in detention fuelled a wave of violent protests in Abuja — has left the Indian hospital where he arrived for treatment this week, the clinic said Friday, while his office said he was heading home.The leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) had been in custody in Nigeria along with his wife Zeenah Ibrahim since their arrest in Dec.2015 after violence that saw the army kill some 350 of his followers.On Monday, cleric departed Nigeria to receive medical treatment in India but an official from the Medanta hospital in Gurgaon outside New Delhi told AFP that he had left clinic late Thursday.
Maharashtra: Top officer orders high-level probe into Hingoli violence
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/hingoli-riots-internal-inquiry-ordered/articleshow/70707747.cms
Aurangabad: A high-level probe by SP has been ordered to investigate the communal riots that broke out on the day of Eid-ul-Azha in Hingoli town, about 225 km from here, earlier this week. The incident occurred on Monday, when several trucks, led by Hingoli district Shiv Sena president, were on their way to an assembly point in Kalamnuri for the Kavad Yatra. Instead of diverting the trucks, police allegedly allowed them to pass through a road parallel to an Eidgah when local people were offering Eid prayers. Irked by the loud music blaring from the trucks and slogan shouting by those on board, the local people voiced their protest. This, however, did not go down well with those on trucks, which resulted in stone pelting and clashes between two groups in the presence of police. Several people were injured in the incident, and over two dozen vehicles damaged. Police have registered an offence of rioting against 100-150 suspects, and arrested over a dozen rioters. timesofindia
Only In India - Rape Accused MLA Features In Full Page Newspaper Ad With PM And CM
https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/unnao-rape-accused-mla-kuldeep-sengar-features-in-a-full-page-independence-day-newspaper-ad-373677.html?fbclid=IwAR3l_2c57lt-V8gLulrcv4NndJk7TbNkaSSQQ2GQ5pdP-RqHPYXOmmkPivg
In an incident that is bound to raise eyebrows and stoke controversy, rape accused MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was seen on Independence Day greeting advertisements alongside PM Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath in the local edition of a Hindi daily. bSengar, who was expelled by BJP earlier this month, featured on advertisements funded by Panchayat chairman of Ugoo area in Unnao. Meant to wish residents on Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan on Aug.15, the ads also had photos of Sengar's wife. However, Ugoo Panchayat chairman, advocate Anuj Kumar Dikshit,who had commissioned the advertisement denied having any links with any political party and also defended his actions.indiatimes
Signals aplenty that slowdown is spreading across India Inc
https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/economy-consumption-slowdown-modi-sitharaman-meet-5909042/lite/?__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR2IVaK6VCB17LBaGx2jYqYMVJ_oIbEQi9Z0B6Dh-qQdkvnFP-BQwk38nCY
New Delhi :Alongside the dip in consumption demand, the steady slide in investment activity has been progressively intensifying — evidenced by a nearly 30 % drop in capital expenditure by the Govt in the June 2019 quarter alongside a near halving of new project announcements by India Inc.On Thursday, PM Narendra Modi is learnt to have reviewed the state of the economy with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and top officials of Ministry to assess measures being planned to tackle the slowdown. There are indications that the slump in investment activity could be prolonged as a majority of manufacturing companies remained pessimistic about the near future.Of 1,231 manufacturing companies surveyed by the Reserve Bank of India in its April-June 2019 Industrial Outlook Survey of the Manufacturing Sector, only 31.6 % of manufacturers said they expected an increase in order books — the lowest number in nearly a decade.New projects are not taking off while those under execution are hanging fire. Of the 65 ongoing projects under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode monitored by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 37 were reported as delayed as on May 1, 2019.indianexpress
3 years after demonetisation, IT Dept issues 17-point checklist to trace unaccounted cash
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/three-years-after-demonetisation-it-dept-issues-17-point-checklist-to-trace-unaccounted-cash
In a bid to seize illegal cash, Income Tax Department has issued a 17-point checklist to tax commissioners across the country to track those who deposited unaccounted cash during demonetisation.In a directive to Principal Chief Commissioners of Income Tax and Principal Director Generals of Income Tax, CBDT said that in continuation of the handling of cases related to demonetisation, a verification checklist of cash deposits has been prepared to assist the assessing officers so that deviant cases can be taken up for further study. CBDT move is aimed at spreading the department's net wide and deep to catch those who deposited unaccounted cash during demonetisation.In this latest directive to tax officers, a 17-point checklist has been created, which has to be updated on the department's server for further action. IANS
Yediyurappa held 4 cabinet meetings — without a cabinet
https://theprint.in/politics/yediyurappa-has-held-four-cabinet-meetings-without-a-cabinet/278143/?fbclid=IwAR0Q8WGBBX0OpFVGdJgLXaRo-fkbDb04opNesLHSFF9pTda9ZWGe4MoTiDU
Bengaluru: At meetings of Karnataka cabinet, as CM B.S. Yediyurappa proposes, CM BS Yediyurappa disposes. 3 weeks since he was sworn in as CM, Yediyurappa has held four cabinet meetings, and he has been the only minister in attendance at all of them. Yediyurappa is currently the only minister in Karnataka, with a state cabinet yet to be appointed. The only other participants at these meetings have included the chief secretary and officials of different state Govt depts. He made many efforts over past 22 days to gain an audience with PM Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah for deliberations about his cabinet. theprint
Jaitley on life support; leaders visit him at AIIMS
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arun-jaitley-health-update-5911783/
New Delhi :A host of politicians, including Union minister Piyush Goyal and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, visited the AIIMS Saturday to enquire about the health condition of former finance minister Arun Jaitley, who has been put on the life support system, news agency PTI reported.A multidisciplinary team of doctors is monitoring his condition, the news agency reported. The AIIMS has not released any medical bulletin on his health condition since August 10. Jaitley was admitted on August 9 after he complained of breathlessness and restlessness. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, BJP’s Satish Upadhyay, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, BSP chief Mayawati, and J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik were the others who visited the AIIMS. Last night, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and UP CM Yogi Adityanath had gone to the hospital.indianexpress
Delhi: Major blaze breaks out at AIIMS, 34 fire tenders pressed into service
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/fire-breaks-out-at-aiims-in-delhi-5912947/
New Delhi :A major fire broke out near the emergency ward at AIIMS in Delhi on Saturday. No casualties have been reported so far.As many as 34 fire tenders arrived at the spot as the fire broke out on the second floor of the hospital at PC block. The non-patients’ block consists of doctors’ rooms, research labs, etc. The emergency lab has been shut as rescue operations are underway.“There was no fire at any ward. The emergency lab has been affected. There were no patients inside the lab at the time of the incident,” AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said.indianexpress
Parents feel Christian co-ed institutions highly unsafe for future of girls: Madras HC
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/parents-feel-christian-co-ed-institutions-highly-unsafe-for-future-of-girls-madras-hc-5911327/
Chennai:While refusing to interfere and quash an ongoing internal sexual harassment committee’s proceedings against a faculty member of the Madras Christian College (MCC), Justice S Vaidyanathan of the Madras High Court on Friday observed that there is a “general feeling” among parents, especially those of girl students, that “coeducational study in Christian institutions is highly unsafe for future of their children”. The court was hearing a petition by assistant professor Samuel Tennyson to quash findings of the internal committee against him and a consequential second showcause notice issued to him on May 24.The alleged harassment, according to a petition signed by 34 students,occurred during an academic tour to Bengaluru, Mysuru and Coorg earlier this year.indianexpress
PIL in SC against law to declare individuals as terrorists
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pil-in-sc-against-law-to-declare-individuals-as-terrorists/story-9LtZHXmMn1Dp6XiuSeggIJ.html
A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking direction to declare unconstitutional UAPA Act, 2019 that confers power upon Central Govt to designate an individual as a terrorist.PIL filed by a Delhi resident Sajal Awasthi also sought direction to declare UAPA violative of fundamental rights as enshrined under Article 14 (Right to Equality), 19 (Right to Free Speech and Expression) and Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution of India.ANI
WORLD
Sudan protest leaders, military sign transitional Govt deal
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/sudan-protest-leaders-military-sign-transitional-Govt-deal-190817122225172.html
Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council have formally signed a final power-sharing deal, paving the way for a transition to a civilian-led Govt.The landmark deal signed on Saturday in the capital Khartoum came after a long period of negotiations following the overthrow of longtime leader President Omar al-Bashir in the wake of mass protests.The deal was inked between Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy chief of the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and Ahmed al-Rabie,who represented Alliance for Freedom and Change umbrella group.The deal establishes a joint military and civilian council to rule for a little over three years until elections can be held. It will also establish a Cabinet appointed by the activists and a legislative body.The ceremony was attended by heads of states, PMs and dignitaries from several countries, including Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.After weeks of tense negotiations, both sides reached a preliminary agreement earlier this month following international pressure amid growing concerns that the political crisis could ignite civil war.The constitutional declaration deal reached on August 4 brought an end to nearly 8 months of upheaval that saw masses mobilise against al-Bashir, who was removed in April after 30 years in power. The agreement, brokered by the African Union and Ethiopia, has been welcomed with relief by both sides.aljazeera
Trump Gets Update From Aides on Afghan Peace Plan With Troop Pullout Possible
https://thewire.in/world/trump-gets-update-from-aides-on-afghan-peace-plan-with-troop-pullout-possible
President Donald Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security advisers on the status of negotiations with the Taliban on a US troop pullout from Afghanistan and the potential for a political settlement between the warring sides.There was no indication that any conclusions were reached at the session, which took place in a secure conference room at Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.“Just completed a very good meeting on Afghanistan. Many on the opposite side of this 19 year war, and us, are looking to make a deal – if possible!” Trump said in a tweet after the session. Trump,has made no secret of his desire for a US pullout from Afghanistan after 19 years of war.But there are deep concerns among national security aides about negotiations led by US special representative to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who updated Trump and others on the status of the talks.A pullout has raised fears within US military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US and allied targets.A US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said significant differences remained between US and Taliban after an eighth round of talks ended in Qatar on Monday.Reuters
Brother of Afghan Taliban leader killed in Pak blast
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/brother-afghan-taliban-leader-killed-pakistan-mosque-blast-190816143737376.html
Brother of Afghan Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhunzada has been killed in a powerful bomb blast at a mosque in southwestern Pakistan, Taliban sources have confirmed. A senior Taliban source said that Hafiz Ahmadullah was the imam of the Khair Ul Madarais mosque in the town of Kuchlak, on the outskirts of Quetta, that came under attack during Friday prayers.At least 4 people were killed in the bomb explosion, according to police."It is true that the brother of Akhunzada, Hafiz Ahmadullah, has been killed in the explosion," source told Al Jazeera, adding that two of Haibatullah's nephews were also wounded in the blast.A council of Taliban leaders called the Quetta Shura took refuge in Quetta, capital of Balochista province, after the group was overthrown by United States-led forces in 2001."This mosque was a place where most of the Taliban members used to meet and discuss issues," another Taliban source said. Haibatullah, in his late 50s and originally from Kandahar province, fought against Russians during 1980s and then joined Taliban movement.No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.This comes just days after Taliban representatives and US officials ended their eighth round of negotiations in Doha.aljazeera
Israel bars entry to outspoken US congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-bars-entry-to-outspoken-us-congresswomen-following-trumps-tweet/article29104831.ece?homepage=true&fbclid=IwAR1zpN-2Co7kIvK6hScHT2OO2Dllmux3mVRh-fImCx3me0u2IMNoiTPxJ2I
Israel has said that it will bar 2 Democratic congresswomen from entering the country ahead of a planned visit over their support for a Palestinian-led boycott movement, a decision announced shortly after President Donald Trump tweeted that it would “show great weakness” to allow them in.The move to bar Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota from visiting appeared to be unprecedented. It marked a deep foray by Israel into America’s bitterly polarized politics and a sharp escalation of Israel’s campaign against the international boycott movement.The two newly-elected Muslim members of Congress are outspoken critics of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians and have repeatedly sparred with Trump over a range of issues. Ms. Tlaib’s family immigrated to US from the West Bank, where she still has close relatives.They had planned to visit Jerusalem and the West Bank on a tour organized by a Palestinian organization aimed at highlighting the plight of the Palestinians. It was not immediately clear if they had planned to meet with Israeli officials, and spokespeople for 2 congresswomen did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Democratic lawmakers in US Congress denounced Israel’s decision.Top ranking Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York said it was a sign of weakness instead of strength and “will only hurt the U.S.-Israeli relationship and support for Israel in America.” A close freshman colleague of the 2 lawmakers, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, said Israel’s move is “bigoted, short sighted and cruel.”AP
Israel, UAE held secret meetings on cooperation against Iran
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190816-israel-and-uae-held-two-secret-meetings-on-cooperation-against-iran/?fbclid=IwAR0OAjlpLP7oG77uBcQIViWyXH8NJ4kU-jhRDD-njAgn-HWJtoQzDONizO8
US sources said that Israel and UAE had held two secret meetings during which they coordinated joint measures against Iran, reported Wall Street Journal.The sources added that during the secret meetings between Israel and UAE, which were held by US Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, both sides exchanged intelligence on Iran, claiming that the UAE considers Iran, like Israel, as a threat to its security.A US source said that the first secret meeting was held last spring, followed by another recent secret meeting. The official did not disclose the timing and venue of the meetings between Israel and the UAE, which have been known to a few officials in the US administration.Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu boasted of “improving” relations between Israel and Arab countries in the Gulf region, in the framework of mutual hostility to Iran and the Iranian nuclear program.US sources told the newspaper that the secret Israeli-UAE talks aimed at “strengthening diplomatic, military and intelligence cooperation to confront Iran.”middleeastmonitor
Israelis call for return of soldiers captured in Gaza
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190817-israelis-call-for-return-of-soldiers-captured-in-gaza/
Scores of Israelis took part in a protest organised in Tel Aviv calling for the return of Israeli soldiers captured in the besieged Gaza Strip.According to Hebrew paper Maariv, the family of Israeli soldier Oron Shaul organised the protest in Habima Square in Tel Aviv. The family said that the protesters are calling for the return of all Israeli soldiers captured in Gaza, Felesteen.ps reported.On 23 July, Hamas’ military wing Al-Qassam said: “There is a real chance of reaching an achievement,” referring to the return of the captured Israeli soldiers.The spokesman said that this “achievement” could be reached if the Israeli leadership “is serious” and “ready to pay the price” for the return of its soldiers.middleeastmonitor
In first, Israel to sign free trade deal that excludes West Bank settlements
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190816-in-first-israel-to-sign-free-trade-deal-that-excludes-west-bank-settlements/
In what is being described as a first of its kind, Israel is set to sign a free trade deal with South Korea that excludes settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory and Syrian Golan Heights.According to Ynet, the free trade deal is not only the first such deal to be signed between Israel and a “major Asian state”, but it is also “the first time Israeli Govt has agreed to sign a free trade deal, the benefits of which wouldn’t extend to the Jewish state’s disputed [i.e. occupied] territories”.Reports say that the multi-billion-dollar deal will exclude Israeli settlements in occupied territory – all of which have been condemned as illegal under international law – from custom fees exemptions.middleeastmonitor
Algeria protests continue for 26th Friday amid security reinforcements
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190817-algeria-protests-continue-for-26th-friday-amid-security-reinforcements/
The popular movement in Algeria continues for the 26th Friday in a row, calling for the departure of the remnants of the regime of ousted President Abdelaziz Bouteflika amid tight security reinforcements.According to local paper El-Khabar, dozens of National Security vehicles were spotted parked on the sidewalks of Abdul Karim Al-Khattabi Street,Mohammed Khemisti, Didouche Mourad, and former Monge Street, in the vicinity of Central Post Square in anticipation of yesterday’s march.Previously the popular marches started from Didouche Mourad Street, in the centre of the capital Algiers, and continued towards Maurice Audin Square. However, this route was blocked by security barriers, preventing protesters from advancing to Central Post Square.middleeastmonitor
Civilian death toll mounts as Syrian offensive widens
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190817-civilian-death-toll-mounts-as-syrian-offensive-widens/
Airstrikes have killed more than 2 dozen civilians including 11 children in rebel-held northwestern Syria in the last 2 days in an escalation of a Russian-backed offensive, a war monitor and local activists said on Saturday, reports Reuters.An airstrike in the village of Deir killed seven people, mostly children, on Saturday morning, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. On Friday, airstrikes in the village of al-Haas killed 13 people. The dead included a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, local activists, and the Observatory said. They had been seeking shelter after fleeing another area.Rami Abdulrahman, director of Observatory said Govt’s aim appeared to be forced civilians to flee from areas that had been relatively unscathed in a military escalation that began in late April. middleeastmonitor
Flash: NEWS,views,Articles
Kashmir crisis isn’t about territory. It’s about Hindu victory over Islam:K.Komireddi, washingtonpost
https://beta.washingtonpost.com/outlook/the-kashmir-crisis-isnt-about-territory-its-about-a-hindu-victory-over-islam/2019/08/16/ab84ffe2-bf79-11e9-a5c6-1e74f7ec4a93_story.html?fbclid=IwAR0cIBtfUL-IwreOsG8es-eh8JDkGrJlACD2JRAjgVcSkRO-brPtwTiZ_sI
An Iconic Indian, Tipu Sultan: The legendary ruler was not a temple destroyer: Sanjay Khan
https://www.dailyo.in/politics/tipu-sultan-tipu-jayanti-was-tipu-sultan-a-religious-bigot-bjp-on-tipu-sultan/story/1/31802.html?utm_source=vuukle&utm_medium=talk_of_town&fbclid=IwAR3YWpSBTp2xaFm7KaCZ0suvg6AZq7PYGLYiLUJeAMVghUa6jNTmaa_IlcE
Indian Press Claims Russia Supports Revocation of Special Status for Kashmir: polygraph.info
https://www.polygraph.info/a/indian-press-claims-russia-supports-revocation-of-special-status-for-kashmir-/30113364.html
The real reason why Omar, Mehbooba, Faesal are under arrest:SHIVAM VIJ
https://theprint.in/opinion/the-real-reason-why-omar-abdullah-mehbooba-mufti-and-shah-faesal-are-under-arrest/277923/?fbclid=IwAR2C0Xsv6xwj3mOiym0QE3Kot5L_TIHAc6DCq56Q5IGaVkw3A7H8DBsRbpM
‘Kashmir is new Ayodhya’: Filmmaker Sanjay Kak
https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/article-370-kashmir-sanjay-kak-interview-militancy-pakistan
How a red dot symbolised Kashmiri resistance against India's move:Samira Sadeque
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/red-dot-symbolised-kashmiri-resistance-india-move-190815113019954.html?fbclid=IwAR3eJ5Gsaef_G9Okd7c5zauWPgktQkT05Bp8otFhbBCSmuVOZuP7IcWWnsw
Indian Media in Conflict:SAEED NAQVI
https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/17420/The-Indian-Media-in-Conflict?fbclid=IwAR1DVqXOrT85U_G_rd2TUHF-g8eyOXpHegPFMOYBoqTRtOQ3-CSAEahEcKk
Why were Adani's cases listed and heard by Justice Arun Mishra in tearing hurry?Dushyant Dave
https://thewire.in/law/why-were-adanis-cases-listed-and-heard-by-justice-arun-mishra-in-a-tearing-hurry
Taliban’s changed stand towards J&K is an opportunity for India:Soroor Ahmed
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/talibans-changed-stand-towards-jammu-and-kashmir-is-an-opportunity-for-india
Were Kashmiris in chains then or are they so now? Badri Raina
https://thewire.in/rights/were-kashmiris-in-chains-then-or-are-they-so-now
India wants to avoid international intervention, but needs to address human rights in J&K:M. Ganguly
https://thewire.in/rights/india-wants-to-avoid-international-intervention-but-needs-to-address-human-rights-in-kashmir
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq,(Released at: 8:40 PM)
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