NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
26 AUG. 2019: 24 ZilHajj 1440:Vol: 11, No:276
INDIA:J&K ISSUE
Trump says India, Pakistan can handle Kashmir dispute on their own
https://in.reuters.com/article/g7-summit-trump-modi/trump-says-india-pakistan-can-handle-kashmir-dispute-on-their-own-idINKCN1VG14S
Biarritz: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that India and Pakistan could handle their dispute over Kashmir on their own, but he was there should they need him.Trump has previously offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on the contested Himalayan region of Kashmir.He discussed the issue on the sidelines of a G7 summit in France with PM Narendra Modi, who withdrew autonomy for J&K.Trump said Modi told him that he had Kashmir under control.Modi, speaking alongside Trump, said the Kashmir issue was a bilateral one between India and Pakistan.Reuters
‘Awards for Modi from Muslim countries tight slap for Pakistan’: Govt sources to ANI
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-awards-for-modi-from-muslim-countries-tight-slap-for-pakistan-govt-sources-to-ani-2784719
With PM Narendra Modi receiving Order of Zayed, UAEs' highest civilian order, the tally of awards being conferred on him from Muslim countries has reached six in over five years which underlines his efforts at boosting India's ties with Islamic world.These awards come amid India's continuous efforts to sideline Pakistan on the issue of terrorism with recent one from UAE ensuring that New Delhi's relations with the Muslim world are better than ever before.Top Govt sources say that such widespread recognition from the Muslim world is a "tight slap" for Pakistan, which is making one failed attempt after another to isolate India, particularly among Islamic nations.After India abrogated Article 370 in J&K, Pakistan is making hue and cry and leaving no stone unturned to internationalise the issue.As of now, Modi has received Bahrain's the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, UAEs' Order of Zayed, Palestine's Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, Afghanistan's Amir Amanullah Khan Award, Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Sash Award and Maldives' Rule of Nishan Izzuddeenon. The officials feel that "innovative foreign policy" of PM Modi has ensured that India's relations with the Muslim world are better than ever before.dnaindia
Pakistan's Senate Chairman cancels UAE visit as PM Modi honoured by Gulf nation
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistans-senate-chairman-cancels-uae-visit-as-pm-modi-honoured-by-gulf-nation/articleshow/70830518.cms
Pakistan's Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani has cancelled his official trip to UAE, a day after PM Narendra Modi was honoured with Gulf nation's highest civilian award during his visit to the country, according to a media report. Sanjrani was scheduled to visit UAE from Aug.25 with a parliamentary delegation on the invitation of UAE Govt. His delegation was to hold meetings with UAE MPs and Govt officials, Geo TV reported.He, however, decided to cancel the trip as Pakistan vehemently supports Kashmiri people, channel said, citing a statement from Senate Secretariat. PTI
Islamic countries ignoring Kashmir due to selfish interests: Pakistan
https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/islamic-countries-ignoring-kashmir-due-to-selfish-interests-pakistan-1566734591511.html
Special Assistant to Pakistan PM on I&B Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that Pakistan was effectively highlighting the Kashmir issue at internationally, but it was unfortunate that some Islamic countries due to their selfish interests were ignoring its efforts.Emphasising that world was ignoring the suppression of Kashmiris, Awan on Saturday said human rights activists should come forward to voice their plight, said media reports. She also urged UN and other international human rights bodies to take note of the situation in Kashmir.IANS
Will go to any extent to save 80 lakh Kashmiris from Indian atrocities: Imran Khan
https://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/will-go-to-any-extent-to-save-80-lakh-kashmiris-from-indian-atrocities-imran-khan-5938842/
Hours after PM Narendra Modi rejected the proposal of a third-party mediation over the Kashmir issue during his talks with US President Donald Trump at the sideline of the G7 summit, Pakistan PM Imran Khan on Monday said he will go to any extent to rescue “Kashmiri people from Indian atrocities”.Addressing his country in a televised video, Khan hit out at the Indian Govt for revoking the special status to J&K by modifying Article 370 and said he stands by 80,00,000 Kashmiris.“PM Modi has made a historic blunder by revoking Kashmir’s autonomy. This decision has been made out of arrogance. The Indian Govt annexed Kashmir after increasing the troop deployment in the state. They went against Nehru’s promise to the Kashmiris, they went against their own courts, they went against the resolutions passed by the United Nations. Whether the world stands by 80,00,000 Kashmiris or not, it is essential that Pakistan stands by Kashmir,” Khan said. Khan also talked about the deterioration of Indo-Pak ties in the aftermath of events leading after the Pulwama attack. “Instead of investigating the cause, reasons or the motivations behind the attack by local Kashmiri youth, the Indian Govt went ahead with vilifying Pakistan,” he said. Pakistan PM also targetted RSS and asserted that PM Modi-led Govt is working as per the ‘fascist ideology of the RSS’. “RSS, which is the ideological inspiration of the Modi-led BJP Govt, believes that India is a country for Hindus and treats all other minorities as second-class citizens. This ideology was indeed a reason behind India’s actions in Kashmir,” Khan said.Khan also appealed to the international community to take cognizance of the Kashmir issue and underlined that the possibility of war between the two nuclear-capable states will pose a threat not just for the region, but for the entire world.indianexpress
Mayawati Slams Rahul Gandhi, Opposition Leaders For Kashmir Visit
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-bsp-chief-mayawati-slams-congress-opposition-leaders-for-kashmir-visit/337150
BSP chief Mayawati has said that Opposition leaders should have put in a little more thought before scheduling a visit to J&K."Did not the recent visit of Congress and other party leaders to Kashmir sans permission similar to giving the Centre and the Governor a chance to do politics? It would have been appropriate if they had thought about it a bit before going there," Mayawati said in a series of tweets."As it is known, Baba Saheb was always a supporter of unity, equality and integrity of the country and that is why he was not in favour of the separate provision of Article 370 in Jammu Kashmir. This was the reason why BSP supported the removal of this Article," she said. Mayawati also said that it will take some time for normalcy to return in Jammu Kashmir."But after the end of Article 370, about 69 years after the implementation of the Constitution in the country, it will take some time for the situation to become normal there. It is better to wait a bit, as has been accepted by the Honorable Court as well," she said.ANI
IAS officer who quit over Kashmir crisis faces showcause notice from MHA
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ias-officer-who-quit-over-kashmir-crisis-facing-disciplinary-action-from-centre-1591481-2019-08-25?fbclid=IwAR2haLyqL6C_a_EIEd-iNyosVzapNK_63za7RTmU90hlHFTQNksCr-4KHqQ
33-year-old IAS officer, Kannan Gopinathan, who quit the service over the Kashmir crisis ever since Govt abrogated Article 370 in the region, has been served a showcause notice by Home Ministry.Gopinathan, lauded for his work during 2018 Kerala floods, quit the coveted Govt job on Aug.21, alleging there was a denial of "fundamental rights" to lakhs of people in J&K for weeks which disturbed him enough to put in his resignation papers.India Today TV has learnt that IAS officer was issued a showcause for the act of omission and commission for misconduct in July by Rakesh Kumar Singh, an undersecretary of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). 2-page showcause memorandum cites as many as 5 reasons for proposed disciplinary action against the officer. The notice includes his visit to his home state Kerala in the wake of the massive flood. Here, the Centre has alleged that the officer failed to submit any report on his return.IAS officer was asked to answer to the advisor in the next ten days of the showcase notice. Refuting charges of insubordination, dereliction of duty and dilatory tactics, IAS officer, in a detailed response, said that he had performed his duties diligently and to the best of his abilities.Giving point by point rebuttal to charges levelled against him, the officer substantiated his claims by stating that he had got Rs one crore MPLAD fund for Kerala floods. He claimed that he conducted free and fair elections in the UT.indiatoday
3 weeks on, politics vacuum in Kashmir Valley, little sympathy on street: indian express
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-kashmir-article-370-mehbooba-mufti-omar-abdullah-army-amit-shah-bjp-5936605/?fbclid=IwAR3ppqEQsnHSIv8bkrcb8mgfn1DblyuvP0lVgOiyirZzzbdmZE4qpcm6--k
Srinagar: For more than 50 years, their presence was used to disprove Pakistan’s claim over J&K, provide democratic legitimacy to New Delhi’s case; for over two decades, they ran a counter-insurgency operation and a campaign against separatists. For more than 50 years, they were the Govt.3 weeks into the lockdown, abrogation of the state’s special status, its bifurcation and downgrade into a Union Territory, the political vacuum is deepening on the ground. Senior leaders of the key Kashmir-based parties, National Conference, PDP, Peoples Conference and even smaller groups like Awami Itihaad Party and J&K Peoples Movement, are under detention. These include three ex-CMs, a former Union minister, almost every former state minister, even Deputy Mayor of Srinagar, and a number of legislators. Not just the top brass, many influential second-rung leaders and even district, tehsil and block-level activists have been picked up — in many places, Indian Express has learnt, as many as four to 5 layers of leadership in these parties, even polling agents, have been detained. And those who have ducked the dragnet are groping for the way ahead.“If Assembly elections had taken place on time, Omar Abdullah would have been CM again,’’ said an NC worker, from Khanyar in downtown Srinagar, who has moved out to avoid arrest. indianexpress
J&K: Protest within Press Council over move in SC
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jk-protest-within-press-council-over-move-in-sc-5936571/
New Delhi :A group of members of Press Council of India have objected to the council’s move to intervene in a case in the Supreme Court regarding the curbs on communication in J&K.The members have said they were not consulted or informed about this move. PCI has filed a plea in the SC to implead itself in a case filed by Executive Editor of Kashmir Times, Anuradha Bhasin, against restrictions on communication and movement in J&K following the scrapping of its special status.In its application, the PCI has said that it should be heard as the case “concerns the rights of the journalists/media for free and fair reporting on the one hand and national interest of integrity and sovereignty on the other hand”. PCI member Jaishankar Gupta, who is also president of Press Association, called the decision “arbitrary” and said “PCI is not one person, but an institution” and that it cannot become a “tool of the Govt”.indianexpress
Minority Affairs Ministry team in Kashmir on Aug 27-28 to identify devp projects: Naqvi
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/minority-affairs-ministry-team-in-kashmir-on-aug-27-28-to-identify-devp-projects-naqvi/cid/1700208
A Minority Affairs Ministry team will visit the Kashmir Valley for two days from Tuesday to identify the areas to implement centrally-sponsored development projects after provisions of Article 370 were abrogated, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said.He also asserted that those opposing Govt's withdrawal of J&K's special status, acting as per their "political prejudice", will also come around to support the move after seeing its impact."A team of senior officials, including the secretary, will be visiting the area (Valley) on Aug27-28. The team will explore development possibilities -- where schools, colleges, skill development centres can be opened," Naqvi told PTI..PTI
Drass leaders, including BJP, condemn abrogation of Article 370; demand to be part of J&K
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/drass-leaders-including-bjp-condemn-abrogation-of-article-370-demand-to-be-part-of-jandk
21 days after the Modi-led Govt abrogated Article 370, a meeting was held by locals in Drass, which falls under Kargil, to discuss the current situation of J&K. They condemned the continuous communications black out in the state, the arrest of political, social and religious figures and unanimously rejected decision of bifurcation of J&K into two Union Territories.J&K has been cut off from the rest of India for more than 20 days, heavy security restrictions are in place, over 300 political leaders are under detention and children are not being sent to school, after the Central Govt scrapped the special status of the state.The participants included members of various religious communities, including Sunni, Shia, Ahle Hadith, Noorbakshia along with members of political parties National Conference, Congress, PDP, BJP and local elected representatives of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (Kargil). At the meeting a Drass coordination committee was formed.nationalheraldindia
Geelani Asks Kashmiris to Resist “Demographic Change, Settler Colonies”
https://caravandaily.com/separatist-leader-geelani-asks-jk-people-to-resist/
Srinagar:Accusing Centre of forcing “demographic change” and “settler colonies” in Kashmir in “violation of all international laws” and UN resolutions, All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairperson Syed Ali Geelani has urged J&K’s people to “resist at this critical juncture”.In a statement, the separatist leader, who advocates Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan, said people should organise peaceful protests and demonstrations in their areas of residence.“While doing so, we must remain absolutely disciplined and not give the enemy, who is armed and ready to kill, any excuse whatsoever to hurt our lives and property,” he said.Geelani, 89, said: “Each and every person must face the naked Indian brutality with courage. We all can, and must, act according to our abilities; through action or word… It is very important that our demonstrations remain absolutely peaceful so that more and more people are able to join.IANS
OTHERS
INX Media case: Chidambaram remanded in CBI custody till Aug 30; faces setback in SC
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/inx-media-case-chidambaram-remanded-in-cbi-custody-till-aug-30-faces-setback-in-sc/
New Delhi:A Delhi special court Monday remanded Congress leader and ex Union Minister P Chidambaram in CBI custody for an additional four days till August 30 in the INX Media case. Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar said the CBI demand that Chidambaram has to be further interrogated in its custody was “justified”. “Investigation is the prerogative of the investigating officer which he has to conduct within the framework of law… I am of the view that further police custody remand of accused P Chidambaram is justified and accordingly, the accused is remanded to further police custody till Aug 30,”judge said.The court allowed Chidambaram’s family members and lawyers to meet him for half-an-hour daily during CBI custody.Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Chidambaram, said the documents filed in the top court by ED had no relevance to the current case before CBI court.Sibal also said CBI had no details of the $5 million involved in this case. “There has been 26 hours of questioning. Still, nothing asked on all these issues,” he said.Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court extended till Tuesday the protection from arrest given to Chidambaram in INX Media case lodged by the ED. A bench of justices R Banumathi and A S Bopanna will resume hearing tomorrow noon.Meanwhile, in a setback to Chidambaram, the SC refused to entertain his petition challenging Delhi High Court’s dismissal of his anticipatory bail plea in the corruption case lodged by CBI.indianexpress
NRC coming, Assam BJP in distress over exclusion of ‘genuine’ citizens
https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/nrc-coming-assam-bjp-in-distress-over-exclusion-of-genuine-citizens-5936644/?fbclid=IwAR0TVtuJdKLW-N0sl27JuvzHom7pkIKJY395UnbFvKHwBU74lzflbVkk5FA
Guwahati : With just 5 days left for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to be released, BJP’s state unit is increasingly anxious over speculation that a large number of “illegal foreigners” will enter the final list while a considerable number of Hindus — mainly Bengali, Nepali and Hindi speakers — will be excluded, senior party leaders said.So much so, BJP leaders are speaking up in public against NRC, and organisations associated with the party, such as ABVP and fringe units like the Hindu Jagran Manch, have held demonstrations across Assam.Assam Minister and Govt spokesperson, Chandra Mohan Patowary, said: “Actually, after the final draft was published, we realised that a lot of indigenous people and genuine citizens in districts like Karbi Anglong and Dhemaji were out of NRC whereas in certain districts where we expected the exclusion to be higher, it was not.”The state unit had voiced its concerns soon after the publication of the draft NRC in July last year. Two months later, senior state leaders came down harshly on the exclusion of “several lakhs of genuine Indians” from the final draft in two press conferences in Guwahati.This July, the state and Centre moved applications in the SC seeking a re-verification of a sample of names in NRC draft — 20 % in border districts and 10 % elsewhere. But this was dismissed by the apex court, which said the NRC state coordinator Prateek Hajela has conveyed to it that 27 % of names were already re-verified during adjunction of citizenship “claims”. During his Independence Day speech, CM Sarbananda Sonowal defended demand for re-verification: “For a correct and error-free NRC, our Govt had appealed to the honourable Supreme Court for re-verification of the NRC update process.”indianexpress
'More Hindus Forged Documents Than Muslims to Find Way Into NRC'
https://thewire.in/Govt/hindus-muslims-forged-documents-nrc
Bulandshahr violence, SHO Subodh Kumar’s lynching : 7 accused get bail, hero’s welcome
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bulandshahr-violence-seven-accused-get-bail-heros-welcome-5936657/?fbclid=IwAR1zph-4fbo3fzkEKKryyc7jx3FvHZNcyAIW4-_pmMCq_lKueWp2bqQBll0
Noida: 7 people accused in the Bulandshahr violence last year were released on bail on Saturday after a High Court order. The accused, Rajiv, Rohit, Raghav, Shikhar Agarwal, Jitendra Malik, Rajkumar and Sourav allegedly attempted murder, rioted and committed arson during the protests against cow slaughter on Dec.3 in Siyana, which led to death of Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh. Agarwal, who headed BJP’s local Yuva Morcha and posted a video along with Yogesh Raj, another accused, while in hiding, received a hero’s welcome outside the prison.Videos of the accused being released emerged on social media which showed the crowd chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ while welcoming Shikhar Agarwal and other accused with garlands and flowers. People in the video can also be seen hugging the accused as they leave the jail premises.“We respect the judgment of the honorable High Court. As per procedure, the bail has been granted on certain conditions which includes that the accused will not, in any way, attempt to influence the investigation. If they are found violating any such condition, we will file for their bail cancellation. 5 accused facing section 302 (for Subodh Kumar’s murder) have not been granted bail yet,”said Raghvendra Kumar Mishra, who headed SIT constituted to look into the incident.On Dec. 3, Bajrang Dal activist Yogesh Raj and several other accused protested outside Chingrawait police booth against an alleged incident of cow slaughter in Siyana. Siyana SHO Subodh Kumar tried to control the crowd but riots broke out soon. During the violence, one of the accused shot Subodh with his service revolver. One of the protesters, Sumit, was also shot dead by the police officer, allegedly in self-defence. Accused Yogesh Raj and Shikhar Agarwal released videos alleging innocence and witch-hunt by the authorities, while they were absconding. Jitendra Malik, an Army jawan who was allegedly part of the rioting crowd, was also granted bail. A chargesheet against 38 accused was filed on March 2 in which 5 people were charged with murder of Inspector.indianexpress
Send Bulandshahr violence accused back to jail: Slain inspector’s family
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/send-bulandshahr-violence-accused-back-to-jail-slain-inspectors-family-5938689/
Days after the accused in the Bulandshahr violence case came out on bail to a hero’s welcome by their supporters, the family of a police officer who was killed in that violence on Monday demanded that they should be sent back behind bars.Reacting to their grand welcome, slain police officer’s son Shrey Pratap Singh said that such elements are better behind bars than be allowed to roam free.“I urge CM Yogi Adityanath that these criminals who were in jail for six months should be behind bars in the interest of society. Those who can commit a crime once can do it again. I believe that such people out of jail are danger not just for me but also for others,” Singh said. The deceased inspector’s wife also questioned as to why the accused “got freedom in just six months”.indianexpress
McDonald's faces boycott threats in India for serving halal meat:aljazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/mcdonald-faces-boycott-threats-india-serving-halal-meat-190826083241873.html
New Delhi:McDonald's has faced boycott calls in India from right-wing Hindus after the global fast food chain said its outlets served halal meat.The controversy erupted after McDonald's India said on Twitter that all its restaurants are halal certified."All our restaurants have HALAL certificates. You can ask the respective restaurant Managers to show you the certificate for your satisfaction and confirmation," the fast food company said in a reply to a user's inquiry."The meat that we use, across our restaurants, is of the highest quality and is sourced from Govt-approved suppliers who are HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certified," it tweeted.However, the reply angered a lot of people on Twitter, who called for a boycott of the US fast food chain, with the hashtag #BoycottMcDonalds trending in India.Many questioned why McDonald's was serving halal meat in India where 80 % of 1.3 billion people are Hindus. Arabic word "halal" means permissible, and in relation to food, refers to meat and meat-containing products that are prepared on the basis of Islamic law. It involves slaughtering animals according to Muslim tradition.A user wrote: "This is a blatant and intentional assault on Hindu beliefs. India is 80% Hindu, and there 4% Jain, Sikhs & Buddhists in addition to it. But, McDonald's had betrayed all these 84% people just to appease the 14% Muslims."It's time people of all Indian Religions #BoycottMcDonalds," he added.Many Twitter users also alluded to the hypocrisy of some people who earlier this month had called Muslims not to slaughter sacrificial animals on Eid-ul-Adha and celebrate an "eco-friendly" Eid. Some activists said it was yet another instance of right-wing Hindu groups finding an opportunity to attack Muslims.But Vishnu Gupta, national president of Hindu Sena - a right-wing group - said that McDonald's was ignoring the sensitivities of Hindus."McDonald's can't force halal meat upon a vast section of Hindus who eat jhatka," he said referring to jhatka slaughter, during which the animal's head is severed in one single blow.
Gujarat constable assaulted, alleges attacked for being Muslim
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gujarat-constable-assaulted-alleges-attacked-for-being-muslim-1591486-2019-08-25
Ahmedabad:A police constable was assaulted by some men in Vadodara on Saturday allegedly for being a Muslim. An FIR has been registered in the case. In the FIR, the constable has alleged that the men assaulted him as he is a Muslim. The victim has been identified as 44-year-old Arif Ismail Shaikh.A dispute broke out between the men and the police constable when he was going back home after completing his duty hours. After which, the men abused him and assaulted him.However, in FIR, police constable has alleged that he was assaulted as he is a Muslim. Shaikh said that he was attacked when he was in his uniform. He also alleged that the men insulted him for his religion and started beating him up.They also threatened to kill him, Arif has alleged.3 people have been arrested in connection with the case.indiatoday
2 Arrested for Causing Truck Driver's Death in Stone Pelting Incident
https://thewire.in/rights/two-arrested-for-causing-truck-drivers-death-in-stone-pelting-incident
Srinagar: 2 youths were arrested in the early hours of Monday for allegedly throwing stones at a truck in south Kashmir‘s Anantnag district, killing the driver of the vehicle.Police said that six others have been detained for questioning in connection with the incident in which some stones had hit the truck at Zradipora in the Uranhall locality of Bijbehara area in Anantnag.The driver, Noor Mohammed Dar, 42, was rushed to a nearby district hospital, from where he was referred to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences at Soura in the outskirts of Srinagar where he was declared brought dead.The arrested youths were being questioned to ascertain their motive behind the crime, police said, adding that the duo had no past criminal history.PTI
New Law to Tackle Mob Lynching Unlikely: Report
https://thewire.in/Govt/gom-mob-lynching-law
New Delhi:Group of Ministers (GoM) formed to tackle mob lynchings has not met in its new avatar yet, but a senior official told The Hindu that a new law to prevent such crimes is unlikely. The GoM was constituted in the Narendra Modi Govt’s first term, but it was reported earlier that since it is position-specific, home minister Amit Shah would head it in NDA’s second term. According to The Hindu, the official said “existing laws were enough to combat crimes like lynching”, but what is lacking is their enforcement. “There are enough laws to deal with lynchings; it is a matter of enforcement. The police need to be trained to ensure conviction in these cases,” official told the paper.The other members of GoM are external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, transport minister Nitin Gadkari, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and social justice and empowerment minister Thawar Chand Gehlot.Earlier reports said that the GoM had met twice during the Modi Govt’s first term, constituting a high-level committee on the issue of mob lynching. The committee was headed by then home secretary Rajiv Gauba and submitted its report in Septemeber 2018.Reports suggested that the committee had suggested measures such as the strengthening laws by inserting clauses in IPC and CrPC through parliamentary approval.thewire
Kerala Man Held over Suspicion of Helping LeT Terrorists Infiltrate Let Off after 24 Hours
https://www.news18.com/news/india/kerala-man-held-over-suspicion-of-helping-let-terrorists-infiltrate-let-off-after-24-hours-2283705.html
Kochi: A man who was taken into police custody over his suspected terror links was let off on Sunday evening after a probe by various security agencies could not establish any such connection, sources said.The man, along with a female friend, was taken into custody on Saturday.2 were allowed to go after an over 24-hour-long interrogation by officials of various security agencies could not find any evidence of their terror links, the sources said. On Saturday, Malayalam channels aired footage of the man being whisked away by police from the district court.The man's lawyer had told a channel that his client hailed from Kodungallur in Thrissur district and had returned from Bahrain 2 days ago. He had said the man and his friend were picked up by police when they had come to the court to move a plea to "prove his innocence" following reports that he had links with members of LeT who had reportedly infiltrated into Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka. Lawyer had said his client had told him that his ID proof was misused by someone and he was being framed in the case.PTI
MP ATS Arrests 4 in Terror Funding Case, Kamal Nath Says No Respite for Accused
https://thewire.in/Govt/kamal-nath-terror-funding-madhya-pradesh
New Delhi: After ATS of MP Police arrested four persons in connection with an alleged terror funding case operated from Pakistan, MP CM Kamal Nath said that those linked to terror funding would “not be spared despite their association with any political outfit,” according to a report in NDTV.One of the four persons arrested is former Bajrang Dal leader Balram Singh, who had been held in Feb.2017 in a similar case for links to Chinese SIM box-enabled and Pakistan-guided spying funding ring but was released on bail later on.Balram Singh then formed a similar spy funding racket and allegedly ran fraudulent lottery schemes across the country. Proceeds from this racket were then allegedly routed via banks and used to fund spying activities.The five suspects, including Balram,Sunil Singh and Shubham Mishra, were arrested by the Satna Police. Of them, three have been arrested by ATS while the other two are still being questioned. The police also received tip-offs that the accused were in regular touch with people based in Pakistan and had shared “strategic information” and bank details to carry out cross-border financial transactions.Satna SP Riaz Iqbal told Indian Express that prima facie, it was a case of terror funding. MP Congress media coordinator Narendra Saluja, in a statement issued on Friday, alleged that the men, in addition to being involved in spying activities for Pakistan, were also linked to crime incidents in Chitrakoot, Dewas, Barwani and Mandsaur.thewire
Opposition using ‘marak shakti’ to harm BJP leaders: Sadhvi Pragya on deaths of Jaitley, Swaraj
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sadhvi-pragya-thakur-marak-shakti-bjp-opposition-arun-jaitley-sushma-swaraj-5938002/
New Delhi :BJP leader and Member of Parliament from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Thakur Monday said the Opposition was using “marak shakti” (killing power) to harm BJP leaders, ANI reported. Thakur made the remark while addressing a condolence meeting at the state BJP office to pay tributes to Arun Jaitley and former MP CM Babulal Gaur.“One seer told me don’t lessen your penance as these are very bad times and the Opposition is using ‘marak shakti‘ which is intended to harm the loyal and hardworking members of BJP. You are a target and please take care. I do not remember his words now as I did not pay attention but as our top leaders such as Sushma ji, Babulal ji, and recently Jaitley ji passed away, it occurred to me what if it was true,” Thakur said.“Marak shakti” stands for a force, initiated through occult or rituals, intended to harm an individual or group. Former Union finance minister Arun Jaitley died on August 24 and Sushma Swaraj on August 6.Reacting to her comments, Congress has slammed the Bhopal MP for her comments and advised the BJP to sack her for making fun of the death of Jaitley, Sushma, Parrkkar and Babulal Gaur.indianexpress
Mystery of drugging Ramdev aid Acharya Balkrishna continues
https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/mystery-of-drugging-balkrishna-continues.html
Haridwar: Though aide of Yog Guru Swami Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, was discharged from AIIMS in Rishikesh on Saturday evening,mystery of the suepected conspiracy against him continues to linger on. After his urine test revealed traces of marijuana (THC) in his body, speculation is rife about who made him consume the intoxicating substance. On the day the Acharya was hospitalised, Swami Ramdev had tweeted a video message in which he had stated that Balkrishna had fallen ill after consuming a peda offered to him by a man on the occasion of Janmashtami. Throughout the day on Sunday, Kripalu Bagh Ashram of Divya Yog Mandir Trust where Balkrishna resides and Patanjali Yogpeeth, his main office of work, were abuzz with the discussions on who conspired to give the sweet laced with intoxicating marijuana to Balkrishna. Meanwhile Ramdev said that soon it will be revealed who had been behind the incident of food poisoning of Balkrishna. He said that even Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj had to suffer attempted poisoning 10 times. Many such saints have been victim of such conspiracies but who was the key person behind this incident will soon be traced out, he said.No complaint has been lodged by Patanjali Yog Peeth in the issue, said the police.Notably the urine test report of Acharya Balkrishna which was released on Saturday night showed traces of THC. It is being surmised that the intoxicating drug was mixed in his food after consuming which he felt ill and unconscious. Now every meal will be given to him after testing said, Ramdev. Daily Pioneer
Patanjali wants marijuana legalised in India; its CEO, Balkrishna recently suggested that marijuana should not be criminalised : India Today, Feb 9, 2018
https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/what-s-hot/story/ramdev-s-patanjali-wants-marijuana-legalised-in-india-social-media-can-t-keep-calm-1165782-2018-02-09
Sec 144 imposed in Rajasthan town after communal clash
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sec-144-imposed-in-rajasthan-town-after-communal-clash-1591608-2019-08-26
Section 144 has been imposed and internet services suspended in Sawai Madhopur district's Gangapur City in Rajasthan following a communal clash during a VHP rally, police said. The rally was organised by VHP on its foundation day.According to SP, Sudhir Chaudhary: " VHP workers were raising slogans at a procession, when slogans started coming from Jama Masjid side as well. Soon, the minority community started pelting stones on the rally leading to a stampede-like situation. Police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the mob, which vandalised six vehicles."Later, VHP members staged a sit-in at Favvara Chowk demanding arrest of all accused."25 people have been arrested," he said.IANS
Govt to SC: Want to ban only child porn, don’t want to do moral policing
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/cant-keep-a-watch-on-people-who-want-to-see-porn-in-privacy-govt-tells-sc/
Stating that India cannot become a “totalitarian state”, the Govt Monday told the Supreme Court that it wants to ban only child pornography on the Internet.Govt also clarified that it did not want to do “moral policing” or enter “everyone’s house or bedrooms”.Amid the clamour over a ban on more than 800 porn websites, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi clarified Centre’s stand before a bench led by Chief Justice H L Dattu, which is hearing a PIL demanding an exclusive law to contain proliferation of pornographic sites on the Internet, especially in view of “adverse impact” on children.indianexpress
‘TN govt encouraging caste inequality’, Madras HC after row over Dalit funeral
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tn-govt-encouraging-caste-inequality-madras-hc-after-row-over-dalit-funeral/story-yMORxtUTi0yeuTYpz6rF9K.html
Madras High Court has severely criticized the Tamil Nadu Govt for allocating a separate cremation ground for Dalits in a village where recently they had to lower a body from a bridge to reach the crematorium as upper caste-Hindus denied permission for it to be carried through their fields.After the incident of Aug 17 in Vellore’s Narayanapuram village, came into the light on Aug 21, the High Court’s division bench comprising of Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramoniam Prasad had initiated a suo moto motion over the incident a day later.The court had asked the Vellore district administration to submit a report about this incident. Administration submitted that they have allotted separate land for Dalits in Narayanapuram. Dissatisfied by the response, the court asked the reason for assigning a separate crematorium.The high court judges said that providing a separate crematorium for Dalits meant encouraging caste inequality.HT
WORLD
Israel attacks Palestinian base in Lebanon: Reports
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/israel-strikes-palestinian-base-lebanon-reports-190826071121071.html
Israeli jets have attacked a Palestinian base in eastern Lebanon near border with Syria, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency.The report says there were three attacks early on Monday, minutes apart, that struck a base for a Syrian- backed group known as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - General Command (PFLP-GC), ally of Iranian-backed Hezbollah group.There was no immediate comment from Israel on the strike, which the agency said hit near the Lebanese village of Qusaya in the eastern Bekaa Valley. Air raids by Israel against Palestinian factions in Lebanon, such as this one, have been rare in past years.Al Jazeera's, reporter, said attack against the PFLP-GC base took place near the border with Syria, in very "rugged terrain"."It's [area] believed to be made up of tunnels, linking both countries together," reporter said.The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions and a day after alleged Israeli drones crashed in the southern suburb of Beirut, prompting a strong reaction from the leader of Hezbollah.In a speech hours after one of the drones crashed in the Lebanese capital, Hassan Nasrallah said the Israeli drones were on a "suicide mission". "Hezbollah will not allow such an aggression," he said in a televised address on Sunday. " Time when Israeli aircraft come and bombard parts of Lebanon is over."Nasrallah also pledged to retaliate to an Israeli air attack inside Syria that took place late on Saturday, which he said killed 2 Hezbollah men.Later, Iraq's powerful Hashd al-Shaabi force,or Popular Mobilisation Forces, blamed Israel for carrying out a deadly drone attack close to the border with Syria.aljazeera
Israeli warplanes hit Gaza after rocket fired: Army
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/israeli-warplanes-hit-gaza-palestinian-rocket-fire-army-190826050644957.html
Israeli warplanes hit positions belonging to the Gaza Strip's ruling Hamas movement early on Monday in response to rocket fire into Israel, army said in a statement, as it announced a cut in fuel supplies to the besieged Strip.Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem denied the group's involvement, Maan news agency reported, saying that Palestinian factions in the enclave were not responsible for any rocket fire.Earlier, Israeli military said three rockets were fired from Gaza into southern Israel overnight."3 launches were identified from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," it said in a statement. "2 of them were intercepted by the Iron Dome aerial defence system.""In response, a short while ago, [Israeli air force] fighter jets struck a number of terror targets in a Hamas military compound in the northern Gaza Strip, including the office of a Hamas battalion commander," it said.aljazeera
Israeli authorities advance planned settler expansion in heart of Hebron
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190826-israeli-authorities-advance-planned-settler-expansion-in-heart-of-hebron/
Israeli occupation authorities have advanced plans to expand Jewish settler presence in the heart of Hebron, reported The Jerusalem Post.According to the report, PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered defence officials to allow settlers to register half of a three-storey building opposite Ibrahimi Mosque “in the name of development company that claims to have purchased it from its Palestinian owners”.The other half of the structure, known by settlers as ‘Beit HaMachpela’, “remains in hands of the primary Palestinians owners, Abu Rajab family”, the paper added.According to The Jerusalem Post, “Sunday’s actions offer possibility that families can move into the structure”, but for now, Israeli military orders barring such entry were still in force.MEMO
G7 Wrestles With Iran, Amazon Fires and Trade, but Own Unity Shaky
https://thewire.in/world/g7-wrestles-with-iran-amazon-fires-and-trade-but-own-unity-shaky
Biarritz: G7 leaders closed their summit on Monday with discussion of world problems including the fires ravaging the Amazon rainforest, but were overshadowed by US President Donald Trump’s trade wars and questions over the group’s unity.The summit in Biarritz, France, saw a dramatic shift of focus Saturday when Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif flew in to discuss the diplomatic deadlock on Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme. Zarif’s presence had not been expected and it represented a gamble by French host Emmanuel Macron who is seeking to soothe spiralling tensions between Iran and US. Zarif didn’t meet Trump, French diplomats said, but the presence of the two men in the same place at least sparked hopes of a detente. Just this July, US Govt imposed heavy sanctions seeking to hamper Zarif’s travel, and effectively banning him from US.“Road ahead is difficult. But worth trying,” US-educated Zarif tweeted after meeting Macron and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, as well as British and German representatives. French officials said Trump, who has imposed crippling sanctions on the Iranian economy over its nuclear programme, had been aware of the arrival.Sources suggested that secretive visit had also been discussed during an impromptu 2-hour lunch between Trump and Macron on Saturday.PTI
Leaders agree on Amazon aid package at G7 Summit
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/amazon-rain-forest-fire-g-7-summit-france-5939001/
Houthis claim attack on military target in Riyadh
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/houthis-claim-attack-military-target-saudi-capital-riyadh-190826111621045.html
Houthi rebels on Monday claimed to have attacked a military target in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh a day after the Yemeni rebels fired ballistic missiles at an airport. According to a spokesperson for Houthis, who have been battling more than 4 years of devastating military campaign led by Saudi, attack was carried out with an armed drone."Houthis have said they have targeted a military place, but they haven't given more details about the target," Al Jazeera's Mohammed al Attab said.Saudi has denied there was an attack by the rebels. Monday's incident is the latest in an a spate of cross-border missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi air bases and other facilities in recent months.On Sunday, Houthis fired10 Badr-1 ballistic missiles at Jizan airport in Saudi. aljazeera
Iranian women allowed to watch World Cup qualifier in stadium: official
https://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-iran-women/iranian-women-allowed-to-watch-world-cup-qualifier-in-stadium-official-idINKCN1VF0JG
Iranian women fans will be allowed to attend a men’s soccer World Cub qualifying match in the Islamic Republic in October, official IRNA quoted a Sports Ministry official as saying on Sunday, amid heightened pressure from FIFA.While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches in Iran, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men’s teams are playing since Islamic revolution.FIFA wrote to the Iranian Football Federation in June asking it to provide a timeline towards women being able to buy tickets for the qualifiers, or face consequences.“Women can go to Tehran’s Azadi stadium to watch the match between Iran’s national team and Cambodia in October for Qatar World Cup qualifier,” IRNA quoted deputy Sports Minister Jamshid Taghizadeh as saying.Reuters
Taliban say close to agreement with US
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/taliban-say-close-to-agreement-with-us/1564915
Afghan Taliban has said they were near a final deal with US as peace talks continue in Qatar's capital Doha.So far, neither side has reached a breakthrough, though both hope talks will conclude in coming few days, Suhail Shaheen, spokesman of Afghan Taliban political office in Doha told Anadolu Agency."US agreed to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and resolve the Afghan issue peacefully," Shaheen said.However, he refused to give details about a timeline in which the U.S. forces would leave the country.The ninth round of U.S.-Taliban talks resumed on Thursday in Qatar's capital Doha to find a peaceful resolution to the Afghanistan's long-running conflict. Asked whether the Taliban would sit with the Afghan Govt once peace talks were complete with US officials, Shaheen reiterated his group's stance, and said: "Of course we will talk with all Afghan sides. That also includes the Afghan administration but it will be one of the sides and a party of the conflict, not as Govt." Taliban have been holding peace talks with the US for nearly a year but refuse to recognize or negotiate with the Afghan Govt.However, the Taliban have said they would invite all other Afghan groups to become part of Govt after a peace agreement was reached with Washington"Of course, we want an Islamic Govt in Afghanistan participated in by all Afghans, from all ethnicities, all walks of life, all groups so it will be a very strong Islamic Govt,"Shaheen noted.Earlier on Saturday, some media outlets reported that an agreement between US and Taliban had been reached and that both sides agreed to establish an interim Govt in Kabul. However, US peace negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban later rejected the reports. Presidential elections are also slated for Sept. 28 in the country, but are expected to be overshadowed by US-Taliban talks.Anadolu Agency
Algeria’s Islamic party refuses to meet dialogue panel
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190826-algerias-islamic-party-refuses-to-meet-dialogue-panel/
Movement of Society for Peace, Algeria’s largest Islamic party, has refused to meet with a panel that oversees national dialogue to hold presidential election with a view to ending months of unrest in the North Africa country, Anadolu reports.In a statement, movement said it declined a request by the panel’s coordinator, Kareem Younis, to meet.It, however, did not specify reasons for refusing to meet with dialogue committee. Last month, interim President Abdelkader Bensalah formed a 6-member panel to oversee national dialogue and hold presidential elections at the earliest possible time.Last week, Abderrazak Makri, leader of movement, criticized meetings held by the dialogue committee with political parties.“We want serious dialogue for achieving democratic transition, not dialogue imposed by force and blackmailing,” he said during a meeting with members of his movement. Middleeastmonitor
Death toll in Sudan's flash floods rises to 62
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/death-toll-sudan-flash-floods-rises-62-190826071404948.html
The death toll from major flooding in parts of Sudan has risen to 62, Sudanese Govt said.According to the Ministry of Federal Health, 98 people have been injured and thousands have been displaced so far by the flooding, which has affected several hundred villages.In total, 17 out of 18 states have been affected, destroying over 35,000 homes, state news agency SUNA said. The flash floods were caused by heavy rainfall and have had the worst effect on regions along the Nile river.aljazeera
Myanmar conflict: Arakan violence rises in Rakhine
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/myanmar-conflict-arakan-violence-rises-rakhine-state-190826084347468.html
In Myanmar's Rakhine state, another ethnic group besides the Rohingya has been fighting for its rights and recognition. Ethnic Arakan people have been battling the Govt for decades, and in 2009 founded their own armed group, Arakan Army. Thousands have fled the violence into neighbouring Chin State and are now living in camps because of recent spike in violence.aljazeera
Flash: NEWS,views,Articles
Understanding Kashmir’s rich and long history is imperative in these times: Sanjay Nahar
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/jammu-kashmir-culture-history-article-370-bjp-5936232/
For India Inc’s Sob Story, Sitharaman Has a Sop Story. But Will It Help? Aunindyo Chakravarty
https://thewire.in/economy/economy-india-inc-nirmala-sitharaman-jobs
In economic slowdown, a back story about falling investor confidence: Harish Damodaran
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-in-economic-slowdown-a-back-story-about-falling-investor-confidence-5936308/
Chinese connection to falling rupee:Sandeep Singh
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-chinese-connection-to-the-falling-rupee-5938667/
As a teenager, Savarkar tried to destroy a mosque & was sad Hindus weren’t united:Vikram Sampath
https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/as-a-teenager-savarkar-tried-to-destroy-a-mosque-was-sad-hindus-werent-united/281796/
Ground report: How ‘Jai Shri Ram’ sparked friction in two cities – with the poor paying price:Aarefa Johari & Shoaib Daniyal
https://scroll.in/article/934961/ground-report-how-jai-shri-ram-sparked-friction-in-two-cities-with-the-poor-paying-the-price
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq,(Released at: 8:45 PM)
Posts
0 comments:
Post a comment