NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
07 AUG. 2019: 05 ZilHajj 1440:Vol: 11, No:265
INDIA
Nirmohi Akhara draws CJI anger as it fails to produce evidence of Ram temple, claims 'property papers lost in dacoity'
https://www.firstpost.com/india/ayodhya-case-in-supreme-court-nirmohi-akhara-draws-cji-anger-as-it-fails-to-produce-evidence-claims-property-documents-were-robbed-in-1982-7123371.html
Day 2 of Ayodhya case hearing in Supreme Court did not go quite well for the Nirmohi Akhara. The petitioner, which has been a party in the case since decades, could not produce any revenue records or oral evidence to establish its possession over the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid disputed site in Ayodhya.The bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, which clarified that it would decide on the legal possession of the site first, told the Hindu body that it will have to "establish" its case. However, when Akhara submitted that they had lost all documents in a dacoity in the year 1982, the court told them that they were underprepared for the hearing and moved on to hear the next petitioner's case.On day 1 of the hearing, senior advocate Sushil Jain, appearing for Nirmohi Akhara, appealed to the bench for control and management of the entire disputed 2.77-acre land, saying Muslims had not been allowed to enter the premises since 1934. Akhara reiterated that its claim was based on the fact that it had the disputed land in possession for a long time. The SC demanded that Jain present either oral or documentary evidence that Nirmohi Akhara was in possession of Ram Janmabhoomi. CJI Gogoi said, "Do you have oral or documentary proof, revenue records, of possession of Ramjanmabhoomi before its attachment?"However, the lawyer replied that the records had been lost in a dacoity in 1982. The bench then added, "For the next 2 hours, we want to see documentary and oral evidence only. If not, we will proceed to the next case."The Bench said that the counsel for Akhara was underprepared to present satisfactory evidence to back their claims in the Ayodhya land dispute case.When the bench questioned Jain about who was paying the land revenue for the disputed 2.77 acres of land, he said that the documents he was referring to hadn't been submitted, but only exhibited. In response, Justice Nazeer said, "Exhibit is one thing, and have they (documents) been proved, corroborated? What is this Jain?",to which Justice Bobde added, "Jain, what we'll do is we will start Suit No 5 and hear a reply by Muslim body’s lawyer Dr Dhawan, in the meantime you prepare yourself." Advocate K Parasaran for the deity Ram Lalla started advancing submissions in the Ayodhya case, soon after the SC asked the Nirmohi Akhara to resubmit its arguments after better preparation. Parasaran responded to the court's queries on documentary evidence and said that it would be difficult to prove that Ram had been born at the site "after so many centuries".However, he said, the "unshakeable faith" of the worshippers and believers is "evidence" that "sthan is the birthplace of Ram"."Ram Janmabhoomi has become the personification of the deity, it has become an object of worship for Hindus," he said. "In Valmiki Ramayana also, it is mentioned in 3 places that Ram was born in Ayodhya,"he added. Justice Bobde, in response, asked, "Has such a question regarding the place of birth of a prophet or god arisen before any court before? Whether issues like birth of Jesus Christ at Bethlehem have been questioned and dealt with by any court in the world?" Parasaran said he would check and revert to the court.The hearing will continue on August 8. firstpost
Faith of believers evidence of disputed land being birthplace of Ram, deity's counsel to SC
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-janmabhoomi-babri-masjid-disputed-land-supreme-court-1578313-2019-08-07
Counsel cites Valmiki Ramayan, SC seeks evidence of possession of Ramjanmabhumi
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/ayodhya-case-counsel-cites-valmiki-ramayan-sc-seeks-evidence-of-possession-of-ramjanmabhumi20190807175421/
Cong could have prevented Babri demolition: Digvijaya
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-could-have-prevented-babri-masjid-demolition-digvijaya-singh/article28838001.ece
Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has said the demolition of Babri Masjid could have been prevented, but it could not be done because of the inaction of his party’s govt.He said although he didn’t know the inside story, but he did later find out that then PM P.V. Narasimha Rao was taken in by the sworn affidavits of VHP in the Supreme Court, saying that they have not demolished Masjid.“The fact remains that our inaction, and I personally feel guilty for it.Congress could have prevented the demolition of Masjid had it taken preventive steps and allowed Army and Central forces to protect the place,” Singh said.PTI
J&K ISSUE
Pak expels Indian envoy, suspends bilateral trade
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/kashmir-issue-pakistan-expels-indian-envoy-suspends-bilateral-trade/article28864283.ece?homepage=true
Lahore:Pakistan today announced that it is expelling Indian High Commissioner and suspending bilateral trade with New Delhi, days after New Delhi revoked J&K’s special status, AFP has reported.“We will call back our ambassador from Delhi and send back their” envoy, AFP reported Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi as said. Meanwhile, a govt statement declared that Pakistan will suspend trade in a downgrading of diplomatic ties. The decision was taken at a meeting of National Security Committee chaired by PM Imran Khan. According to the official Twitter account, NSC has decided to downgrade diplomatic relations with India, suspend bilateral trade, review bilateral arrangements and take the Kashmir issue to UN, including the Security Council. The Committee has also decided to observe Aug.14, Pak’s Independence Day, “in solidarity with brave Kashmiris”. The ruling party PTI wrote on Twitter that August 15 will be observed as “Black Day”.“PM has also directed all diplomatic channels to be activated in order to expose brutal Indian racist regime, design and human rights violations. PM directed Pakistani Armed Forces to continue vigilance,” tweeted the party.The meeting was attended by the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Minister for Human Rights, Army chief, DG ISI, DG ISPR and several other senior officials of the military and the govt.thehindu
Imran Khan warns of another 'Pulwama-type' terror attack, likens 'BJP to white supremacists'
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-imran-khan-warns-of-another-pulwama-type-terror-attack-likens-bjp-to-white-supremacists-2779518
Pakistan shuts airspace for Indian flights following abrogation of Article 370: Sources
https://www.newsx.com/national/pakistan-airspace-indian-flights-abrogation-article-370-imran-khan-modi.html
Pakistan has shut down its airspace for Indian flights and carriers. Reports said Pak is banning Indian flights in its airspace after Modi govt abolished Article 370.newsx
OIC on J&K terms Modi Govt’s decision to revoke Article 370 ‘illegal’
https://www.news18.com/news/india/organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-on-jk-calls-modi-govts-decision-to-revoke-article-370-illegal-2260783.html
OIC Contact Group on J&K has condemned India's decision to revoke Article 370, according to Pakistan Foreign Office. Foreign Office (FO) said that an emergency meeting of OIC Contact Group on J&K was held in the wake of "illegal" actions by India to alter the internationally recognised disputed status of Indian Kashmir, it said.The Group on J&K was formed in 1994 to coordinate policy of OIC on J&K dispute. Azerbaijan, Niger, Pakistan,Saudi Arabia and Turkey are its members. The meeting was chaired by ambassador Samir Bakr Diab, Assistant Secretary General, who represented OIC Secretary General, and attended by Pak Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. PTI
Over 100 held in Kashmir, cop injured in stone-pelting incident
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/over-100-arrested-in-kashmir-1-cop-injured-in-stone-pelting-incident-1578267-2019-08-07
Over 100 people have been arrested in Kashmir after Centre announced abrogation of the provisions of Article 370. Security forces arrested over 100 people, including political leaders and activists, as they were considered a threat to peace and tranquillity in the valley, officials were quoted as saying by PTI. Barring stray incidents of stone-pelting, the situation was "comfortable" in all 3 regions of J&K, officials told PTI today. A shutdown was observed in Kargil town in protest against the scrapping of the provisions of Article 370.indiatoday
In silent Srinagar, echo: Delhi wants Kashmir, not Kashmiris?
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-silent-srinagar-the-echo-delhi-wants-kashmir-not-kashmiris-5884140/
Depending on which way New Delhi moved, there were generally two expressions on Kashmiri faces: anger or hope. But as the news of New Delhi’s move to bury Article 370, those faces bore an expression of defeat. “What is the point of seeking our opinion anymore? Everything is finished,” said Saeed Khan, an electronics engineer living near Lal Chowk in Srinagar. Srinagar was a ghost town and Khan’s sentiment is refrain on the lips of many: a fruit seller at Batmaloo, a father who walked his son home through a deserted alley near Eidgah and a policeman who stood guard near a concertina barricade at Rambagh.Virtually on lockdown since Sunday, with communication lines and net suspended, prohibitory orders imposed across the Valley and a surge in troop deployment, Srinagar bore the look of a city under siege.Markets and shops shut, schools and colleges suspended, roads barricaded and guarded by gun-toting security men and vehicle movement restricted only to emergency hospital services. indianexpress
Kashmir Valley has seen many a lockdown but why this time it is so different
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/valley-has-seen-many-a-lockdown-but-why-this-time-it-is-so-different-article-370-kashmir-amit-shah-5884129/
Srinagar:A question mark the size of the Kashmir Valley hangs over its residents who are under an unprecedented lockdown as security personnel patrol deserted streets, 2 ex CMs are in detention, one is under house arrest and several activists of major mainstream parties are being rounded up.“It’s a huge shock, the feeling is still sinking in,” said a NC leader on the condition that he not be named. “There will be a reaction to this unilateral decision…this is the biggest act of disempowerment since 1846 Treaty of Amritsar (between British and Raja Gulab Singh) when Kashmiris were sold, along with their land, water and sky over their heads.” For a place where the weight of history is always heavy, rarely has the future seemed so uncertain.The Valley’s connection with the inside and the outside world has been cut— all rnet connectivity, cellular, landline, and cable TV services have been snapped. Residents are not allowed outside their neighbourhoods. The administration hasn’t issued curfew passes to even its own employees and security personnel don’t accept Govt IDs as passes.The press isn’t welcome. Most of TV crew that have flown in are parked in a 1-sq-km area of Zero Bridge in the city. There is some easing of security here,on the road to airport and Rajbagh-Jawaharnagar stretch — this is the one that visiting TV cameras film. Elsewhere, roads are barricaded with spools of concertina wire and regular checkpoints with police and armed paramilitary personnel on patrol. Most police personnel are equipped with lathis, not guns.Across the river, at Jehangir Chowk, a journalist was roughed up by a police officer trying to film the curfew.For the past 2 days, Indian Express reporters have been holed up in their office from where they walk around to meet residents and then return. In the office building itself, dozens of policemen have moved in, the corridors their temporary shelter. For, space is short — most Govt buildings, schools, colleges, courts have been occupied by paramilitary forces flown from outside the state. On Tuesday, half a dozen busloads of Border Security Force personnel came from Rajasthan and they moved into an empty parking lot in city centre.Indian Express spoke to several residents including Govt employees and policemen. Signalling deep distrust and anger, an overwhelming majority of them fear that the reorganisation of the state is aimed at “changing the demography of J&K with an aim to reduce the share of Muslims in the population.”While the chorus among separatists is “we-told-you-so,”entire pro-India political ecosystem is rattled. Sure, the Valley has seen many a strike, many a curfew, but this time there’s no escaping the difference — with neighbourhoods locked away from each other, too, Kashmir has been turned invisible even inside Kashmir. indianexpress
Kashmir experiencing unprecedented lockdown, 8 million people ‘incarcerated’: ex IAS officer Faesal
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kashmir-experiencing-unprecedented-lockdown-8-million-people-incarcerated-shah-faesal/article28864611.ece?homepage=true
Kashmir is experiencing an “unprecedented” lockdown and its population of 8 million has been “incarcerated” like never before, ex IAS officer and politician Shah Faesal said on Wednesday, adding that there is no shortage of food and essentials as of now.It was not possible to reach ex J&K CMs Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and J&KPC’S Sajjad Lone or send a message to them, Faesal said in a Facebook post. “Kashmir is experiencing an unprecedented lock-down. From Zero Bridge to Airport some movement of vehicles is visible. Other places are completely out of bounds. Except for patients or those with a curfew pass,” Faesal, president of J&K Peoples Movement party, said.Giving a glimpse of the ground situation in Kashmir, he said curfew is stricter in other districts.“You can say that the entire 8 million population has been incarcerated like never before,” Faesal said.“But then what’s lost has been lost. Or Perhaps everything has been lost. Except our resolve to fight back. And we shall,” he added.PTI
Bajrang Dal Members Attack Protest March in Patna Against Revoking of Article 370
https://www.newsclick.in/Bajrang-Dal-Members-Attack-Protest-March-Patna-Revoking-Article-370?fbclid=IwAR0HLJ7kECl2Okl2kUbvv2UnsfPJVIvqIFA3TH5dCgACfGNvFw7yGEzjd1c
Patna: Members of left parties, who were protesting against the revoking Article 370 and dismantling of the state of J&K, were abused, attacked and injured by a group of Bajrang Dal members in Patna. A day later, they have sought proper security during a nationwide protest on Aug.7 from the state govt. The state secretary of CPI Satyanarayan Singh said the Govt should take serious note of the attack by Bajrang Dal activists on the peaceful protest organised by left party members and supporters at Kargil Chowk, near the statue of Shahid Bhagat Singh in the heart of Patna on Monday evening.He said,“It is not only highly condemnable, but has also exposed the intolerant attitude of Dal against a peaceful protest march.”Anish Ankur, a theatre activist, who was also attacked by Bajrang Dal activists during the protest march, said, “They tried to create fear by attacking us but failed. No doubt it was an attack to stop us from protest.” “Youths who were carrying saffron flags first tried to provoke us by shouting slogans like ‘Nathuram Godse Zindabad and Nehru-Gandhi Murdabad but we ignored them as we had gathered to stage a protest, not to fight with anyone. When they failed to provoke us, they abused and attacked us in whereby a few protestors were injured.”NewsClick
Owaisi:Do you want Kashmiris to sacrifice themselves on Eid?
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/asaduddin-owaisi-on-jk-reorganisation-bill-do-you-want-kashmiris-to-sacrifice-themselves-on-eid-5883807/
New Delhi :AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi described the J&K Reorganisation Bill as the “third historic mistake”, the first having been committed with the arrest of Sheikh Abdullah in 1953 and the second with the “rigging” of elections in 1987.“Transmuting a state into a Union Territory would make Gogia Pasha and Mandrake go green with envy. This Bill is a violation of Article 3. What does this do to the federal polity in India?” He urged the Home Minister to read the verdict of Justice Rohinton Nariman in SBI versus Santosh Gupta case as well as the judgment of the Supreme Court in the case of Zafarullah. He said the SC had said that Article 370 is not “temporary”, it is a special status.He warned Govt against issues which may surface in J&K. Owaisi said, “What will happen on Eid? Are you assuming that Kashmiris instead of sacrificing a lamb should sacrifice themselves? If you want that, I am sure they will do that. They have been doing that.”indianexpress
JD-U makes a U-turn on Article 370,now backs move
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/jd-u-makes-a-u-turn-on-article-370-now-supports-the-move
In a U-turn, JDU, a key ally of BJP-led NDA, today announced its support to the Centre's move to revoke Article 370 in J&K.After opposing scrapping of Article 370, JD-U leader R.C.P. Singh said that when any law come into force, it becomes a law of the country and all should accept it."We are with the Govt on scrapping of Article 370," Singh,Rajya Sabha MP, said. Singh, considered close to Nitish Kumar, said Kashmir was integral part of India and would remain so.IANS
Now anyone can get married to a fair Kashmiri girl: BJP MLA
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/now-anyone-can-get-married-to-a-fair-kashmiri-girl-bjp-mla-5884310/?fbclid=IwAR1XKTEeJ3VTVe3NV3w3c400cZkynBJockrASM2HJrAkXXKOTVOJdhTsNx0
lucknow:BJP MLA from Khatauli in Muzaffarnagar Vikram Singh Saini sparked a row after he said the party workers were “excited” because they will now be able to get married to “fair girls from Kashmir”.In a purported video that went viral, MLA is seen speaking at an event to celebrate the scrapping of special status of Kashmir, in Katauli area of Muzaffarnagar.MLA said, “The workers are very excited and those who are bachelors, they can get married there.”indianexpress
Congress’ Scindia supports Centre on J&K, says ‘it is in country’s interest’
https://scroll.in/latest/933040/jyotiraditya-scindia-supports-move-on-j-k-says-constitutional-process-should-have-been-followed
Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia has supported the Centre’s decision to remove special status accorded to J&K.He is 8th member to go against the party’s stand. “I support the move on #JammuAndKashmir & #Ladakh and its full integration into union of India,” he wrote.scroll
ICJ Condemns Legislative Steps Taken by India in Kashmir, Says ‘All Eyes on Indian SC’
https://caravandaily.com/icj-condemns-legislative-steps-taken-by-india-in-kashmir-says-all-eyes-on-indian-sc/
The Hague: Indian govt’s revocation of the autonomy and special status of J&K “violates the rights of representation and participation guaranteed to the people” under the Indian constitution and in international law, and “is a blow to the rule of law and human rights in the state and in India”, International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) said.“Indian Govt has pushed through these changes in contravention of domestic and international standards[…]accompanied by draconian new restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, and travel, and with an influx of thousands of unaccountable security personnel,”said ICJ Secretary General Sam Zarifi.Zarifi noted that Indian Govt rushed through the amendments at a time when J&K was under the direct rule of the Central Govt, and legislature was dissolved.caravandaily
Muslim Groups Condemn Revocation of Article 370, Terming it As Govt’s Authoritarian Move
https://caravandaily.com/muslim-groups-condemn-revocation-of-article-370-terming-it-as-govts-authoritarian-move/
Muslim and political groups have condemned the unilateral decision of the BJP Govt to do away with the special status of the troubled-torn state of J&K, which, they said, would satisfy only the communally frenzied mob psych influenced by Sangh Parivar’s ideology of “hate”. WPI President Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas questioned the BJP govt’s ‘authoritarian’ approach which he said is evident from deployment of massive armed forces, imposition of Section 144 and arrest of prominent leaders of the state, including 2 former CMs, literally holding the Valley hostage.“Through these draconian measures,” he said, “Govt sabotaged the democratic space and unleashed terror among the people of Kashmir.”Socialist Party of India also condemned the decision to scrap Article 370 without consulting the people and their representatives.Party’s chief Pannalal Surana and vice president Sandeep Panday said it was a great betrayal to people of J&K who had “preferred India over Pakistan” after the Partition of the country.PFI also criticised the government’s decision and warned it heralds the dark days for democracy and civil rights in the country the way Govt passed some other laws such as NIA, UAPA, RTI, etc.caravandaily
‘Betrayal with People of Kashmir’: Around 100 Civil Society Condemns Scrapping of Article 370
https://caravandaily.com/betrayal-with-people-of-kashmir-civil-society-condemns-scrapping-of-article-370/
New Dlehi:Various civil rights groups led by prominent human rights activists condemned the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A, which together give special status to J&K, by Central govt.They termed the unilateral move to revoke the said Articles and bifurcation of the state in two union territories as illegal, unethical and above all a betrayal with the people of Kashmir.Around 100 activists including prominent human rights activists like Ravi Nair and Kavita Krishnan held a discussion on the issue at the Indian Social Institute in Delhi. Caravandaily
OTHERS
RBI cuts repo rate by 35 basis points to 5.4%, real GDP growth projection revised downwards
https://scroll.in/latest/933108/rbi-cuts-repo-rate-by-35-basis-points-to-5-4-real-gdp-growth-projection-revised-downwards
RBI today maintained an accomodative stance on monetary policy and said retail inflation would remain within targeted band. It also revised downwards real GDP growth for 2019-’20 mentioned in its June policy. RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee reduced the policy repo rate, or interest rate at which it lends to commercial banks, under the liquidity adjustment facility by 35 basis points from 5.75% to 5.4% while the reverse repo rate was revised to 5.15%. The reverse repo rate is the rate at which RBI borrows money from commercial banks. The marginal standing facility rate and the bank rate were changed to 5.65%. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the repo rate cut was balanced and a reduction of 25 basis points would have been inadequate, PTI reported.This is the fourth time this year that the central bank has cut the repo rate. The revision is likely to lower interest rates on new bank loans.Meanwhile, the bank said retail inflation would remain within its target level in the next 12 months, and projected it to stay within 3.5% to 3.7% in the second half of the financial year. Consumer Price Index retail inflation was projected at 3.1% for the second quarter of the financial year while CPI-based inflation in the first half of the next financial year was projected at 3.6%. scroll
Tens of thousands losing jobs as India’s auto crisis deepens: Report
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/tens-of-thousands-losing-jobs-as-india-s-auto-crisis-deepens-report/story-DD19UlI4ElM7jVcnteIWkJ.html
Slumping sales of cars and motorcycles are triggering massive job cuts in India’s auto sector, with many companies forced to shut down factories for days and axe shifts, multiple sources said.The cull has been so extensive that one senior industry source told Reuters that initial estimates suggest that automakers, parts manufacturers and dealers have laid off about 350,000 workers since April.Within this previously unreported figure, car and motorcycle makers have laid off 15,000 and component manufacturers 100,000, with remaining job losses at dealers, many of which have closed, the industry source said.Reuters was able to identify at least 5 companies that have recently cut or plan to cut hundreds of jobs, mainly from their temporary labour force. The downturn - regarded by industry executives as the worst suffered by auto industry - is posing a big challenge for Modi’s Govt as it begins its second term at a time when India’s jobless numbers are climbing.Reuters
Sushma Swaraj passes away: Cremated at Lodhi Road crematorium, daughter performs last rites
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/former-external-affairs-minister-sushma-swaraj-passes-away/article28839230.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi:Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj died at the AIIMS in New Delhi late on August 6. She was 67. She suffered a cardiac arrest. She was administered CPR but did not respond. Hundreds of people, including PM Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and veteran party leader L.K. Advani, bid farewell to former external affairs minister Swaraj as her mortal remains were consigned to flames at Lodhi Road crematorium here today. thehindu
Payal Tadvi suicide: ‘Why has no action been taken against department head?’ Bombay HC asks police
https://scroll.in/latest/933099/payal-tadvi-suicide-why-has-no-action-been-taken-against-department-head-bombay-hc-asks-police
Bombay High Court on Tuesday asked the prosecution why the statements of a key witness in the Payal Tadvi suicide case had not been registered yet before a magistrate, ANI reported.The police informed the court that they had prepared a letter recommending an inquiry against the Yi Ching Ling, the head of the gynaecology and obstetrics department at BYL Nair Hospital, where Tadvi used to work, PTI reported. But senior counsel Raja Thakre told the judges that the crime branch was yet to send the letter to the municipal commissioner to seek permission for initiating proceedings against Yi under the Maharashtra Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1999.Justice SS Jadhav was hearing bail applications of three doctors – Hema Ahuja, Bhakti Meher, and Ankita Khandewal – who were arrested in May for casteist abuses that allegedly made Tadvi kill herself. Jadhav directed the crime branch to write to the municipal commissioner immediately to initiate action against Yi. The court said no action had been taken against Yi despite the fact that Tadvi’s mother had approached her several times with complaints and accused her of shirking responsibility.“Does the investigating agency have no power to prosecute her?” Jadhav asked.scroll.in
After deaths of 70 cows at govt shelters, Yogi decides to give 1 lakh cattle to farmers
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/up-govt-to-give-one-lakh-stray-cattle-from-govt-shelters-to-farmers
Lucknow;Couple of weeks after deaths of dozens of cows at several state-run cattle shelters in UP, CM Yogi Adityanath has come up with a new scheme for the welfare of stray cattle that will also help generate employment opportunities.The state Govt has approved "Mukhya Mantri Be-sahara Gau-Vansh Sahbhagita Yojana". In Phase 1 of this scheme, the Govt will hand over one lakh cattle, currently in the government-run shelters, to farmers and other people ready to take care of them after the due process.The person, who takes the cattle, will be paid Rs 30 per animal per day, every month via direct bank transfer, which works out to be about Rs 900 per month.In a press release, UP Govt acknowledged that keeping stray cattle in the govt-run shelters is proving to be a major problem in terms of the upkeep as well as the care of the cattle. Govt said there are 205.66 lakh cattle in the state as per 2012 census of which there are 10-12 lakh stray cattle in UP presently. There are 523 registered 'gaushalas' or cow shelters in the state and more are being built.This new scheme will cost Govt Rs 109 crore in the first phase.India Tomorrow
Kerala journalist death: High Court refuses to stay bail given to suspended IAS officer Venkitaraman
https://scroll.in/latest/933082/kerala-journalist-death-suspended-ias-officer-sriram-venkitaraman-gets-bail
Kerala High Court today refused to stay a lower court order granting bail to IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman, who was arrested and suspended after he allegedly killed journalist K Muhammed Basheer last week, PTI reported.However, Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan issued a notice to Venkitaraman based on a plea by the state Govt against his bail.In its appeal, state Govt claimed that Venkitaraman misled police and tried to destroy evidence that showed he was drunk. Govt said that immediately after the incident, Venkitaraman lied to the police, claiming that the vehicle was driven by his friend Wafa. During the investigation, however, it was revealed that Venkitaraman was himself driving the car.scroll.in
Accidents, Injuries, Panic: Sudden NRC Notices Push Assamese to Brink of Desperation
https://thewire.in/rights/assam-nrc-reverification-prateek-hajela
Guwahati: Inside the surgical ward of state-run GMCH, Kabeluddin Rahman was sitting with his 4-year-old daughter Kulsum on his lap. Visible on Kulsum’s small face were patches of bitumen, a material used for repairing roads.Close by, Rahman’s wife Nilima Khatun was semiconscious. Patches of bitumen were stuck to her legs, arms, torso and face. Nilima and Kulsum were among 24 passengers on a bus that met with an accident in Khanapara, on the outskirts of Guwahati, the night of August 4. The bus was transporting as many as 50 people from Sontali village in Kamrup (Rural) district, when it was hit by a dumper transporting molten bitumen for road repair.The hot bitumen spilled as a result of the collision, leaving the passengers exposed to it. The passengers had hired the bus to respond to a “sudden notice” from the authorities compiling NRC, asking them to appear for re-verification of their documents on very next morning at Golaghat — situated at a distance of about 300 kms. thewire
WORLD
Israel to join US-led mission in Gulf
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190807-israel-to-join-us-led-mission-in-gulf/
Israel will join US-led mission to secure shipping lanes in Strait of Hormuz, a move likely to provoke Iranian outrage.The revelation was disclosed by Israel’s Foreign Minister, Yisrael Katz, during a session of Israeli Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, the vast majority of which was held behind closed doors. The “rare meeting” was held with the Knesset in recess ahead of Israel’s general election, which is slated for 17 Sept.Katz told the committee that he had instructed Israel’s Foreign Ministry to work to include Tel Aviv in the US-led mission after a recent visit to UAE.There Katz met with Emirati officials to discuss developing ties between Israel and UAE in technology, energy, agriculture and water management, as well as “the need to deal with the threat of a nuclear Iran”. It was against this backdrop that the foreign minister claimed to have discussed Israel’s joining of the operation with an unnamed senior Emirati official.middleeastmonitor
Israel launches satellite to provide net to MiddleEast
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190807-israel-launches-satellite-to-provide-internet-to-middle-east-africa/
Israel has successfully launched a satellite which will provide internet, TV and mobile services to the Middle East and Africa.The Amos-17 satellite was launched at 19:23 local time yesterday from Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA. The satellite was carried into space by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and separated successfully, despite the launch being delayed for several days after a suspected faulty valve was discovered during testing.It will now spend the next two weeks travelling gradually to 36,000 kilometres above the earth, at which height it will orbit the planet.The satellite was built by aerospace giant Boeing and designed by Israel-based firm Spacecom. Amos-17 will now provide services to TV operators, internet and telephone providers in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as governments and private data companies, the Times of Israel reported today.
Extremist Jewish groups call for mass raids of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Eid
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190807-extremist-jewish-groups-call-for-mass-raids-of-al-aqsa-mosque-on-eid/
Temple Mount Groups,a body of extremist Jewish organisations, have called for massive raids of Al-Aqsa Mosque during the upcoming Eid Al-Adha, Arab48 reported.Asthe calls were being made, Israeli occupation police started to tighten restrictions on the entry of Palestinians to the holy site.The raids, reports said, are to mark the anniversary of the destruction of an alleged Jewish Temple.Jewish posts on social media stated the times of the settler raids, noting that they will start after Eid prayer on Sunday and to continue for three days. They have called on occupation forces to facilitate their activities.Extremist Jewish groups have increased their raids of Al-Aqsa Mosque with reports stating that 2,233 settlers raided the Muslim holy site in July.MEMO
Saudi activist: ‘We all wish to visit Israel’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190807-saudi-activist-we-all-wish-to-visit-israel/
Saudi women’s activist Souad Al-Shammari said that “most Saudis” wish to visit the occupation state.In an interview on Israeli Public Broadcaster (Kan)Shammari said: “Visiting Israel is the dream of most Saudis, as well as many of the residents of Gulf States and Arabs.”The women’s rights activist who was on air to discuss Saudi’s recent decision to end the guardian system for women who are over 21 years old, liked Riyadh’s step to “end of slavery in US”.Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is a “prophet” and “saviour”, she continued. Her appearance on Israeli TV has sparked further criticism of Saudi which has been seen to be normalising relations with Tel Aviv in recent months.MEMO
Comparing Israel to Nazis is ‘anti-Semitic’ in revised US definition
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190807-comparing-israel-to-nazis-is-anti-semitic-in-revised-us-definition/
US State Department has revised its definition of anti-Semitism and included “drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of Nazis” to its growing list of examples of anti-Jewish hatred. An earlier definition of anti-Semitism adopted by State Dept. cited 10 examples of which three were related directly to criticism of Israel, including “claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavour.” It appears to be a reaction to comments made by US Democrat Representative Ilhan Omar during introduction of a resolution last month championing “right to participate in boycotts in pursuit of civil and human rights.”MEMO
Assad’s cousin:Regime killed over 500000 Syrians
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190807-assads-cousin-the-regime-has-killed-more-than-500000-syrians/
Firas Al-Assad, cousin of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, attacked his family on Facebook, accusing them of killing more than 100,000 Alawites and more than half a million Syrians in order to stay in power.“Sympathising with tens of thousands of poor, dead Syrian youth who have found themselves fighting in the regime’s army to protect it is not my fault. The regime could have avoided all this with some modesty toward its people,” Firas said in a letter addressing his pro-regime brother Duraid.“You killed 100,000 Alawites to stay in power …” and “You allowed [Russian Foreign Minister Sergey] Lavrov and [Iranian Major General Qasem] Soleimani to issue orders and take decisions.”middleeastmonitor
Deadly attack targets Kabul police station killing 14
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/dozens-wounded-large-explosion-rocks-kabul-190807060332103.html
At least 14 people have been killed and more than 140 wounded after a Taliban suicide attack outside a police station in Afghanistan capital of Kabul. Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.According to videos on social media and witnesses, small arms fire could be heard following the blast. The attack came a day after the Taliban called for the boycott of a presidential election scheduled to take place on Sept.28 and threatened to attack election rallies.Taliban, who have been staging near-daily attacks across the country, usually target Afghan forces and Govt officials or those seen as loyal to the government.On Tuesday, a bomb targeting a van carrying employees of the Interior Ministry's counter-narcotics division killed 5 people and wounded seven in Kabul.US officials and the Taliban met in Qatar's capital Doha this week for the eighth round of talks aimed at striking a peace deal that would slash the American military presence in Afghanistan.aljazeera
Tunisia's Ennahda VP Mourou to run in Prez poll
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tunisia-election-islamist/tunisias-moderate-ennahda-vp-mourou-to-run-in-presidential-elections-idUSKCN1UW2J5?il=0
Tunisia’s biggest political party Ennahda named a candidate for presidential elections , first time the moderate Islamist party has put up a nominee for the post since the country transitioned to democracy after revolution.Party vice president Abdel Fattah Mourou, 71, a lawyer, will run in elections due to be held two months early on Sept. 15 following the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi last month.Liberal PM Youssef Chahed will also stand, his Tahaya Tounes party said last week, making him one of the likely frontrunners to succeed Essebsi.Other candidates who have announced their intention to run include liberal ex PM Mehdi Jomaa and Moncef Marzouki, who served as interim president for 3 years after Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was toppled.Reuters
Egypt prosecutors order pretrial detention for suspects extradited from Kuwait
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190806-egypt-prosecutors-order-pretrial-detention-for-suspects-extradited-from-kuwait/
Egypt’s State Prosecution has ordered that 8 suspects, who were extradited from Kuwait in July, be detained for 15 days pending investigation.Prosecutors accuse the suspects of working toward plotting terror operations targeting state institutions, and of membership to an “outlawed terrorist organisation”, in an apparent reference to Muslim Brotherhood.The men’s detention is expected to be repeatedly renewed. Kuwaiti authorities had said in July that they had arrested a “Muslim Brotherhood cell”, whose members were Egyptian nationals who had been on the run in Kuwait and extradited them to their home country in coordination with Egyptian authorities.middleeastmonitor
North Korea’s missile launches are a warning to US and South Korea, says Kim Jong Un
https://scroll.in/latest/933080/north-koreas-missile-launches-are-a-warning-to-us-and-south-korea-says-kim-jong-un
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said the country’s latest missile launches were a warning to the US and South Korea over their joint military drills, AFP reported. Kim spoke after he inspected the launch of a new type of missile – the fourth test in less than two weeks. He said the latest test was “an occasion to send an adequate warning to the joint military drill now underway by the US and South Korean authorities,” according to state news agency KCNA. The launches verified the “war capacity” of the “new-type tactical guided missiles”, he added.
Flash: NEWS, views, Articles
Idea of dividing Kashmir has a chequered history:T. Ramakrishnan
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/idea-of-dividing-kashmir-has-a-chequered-history/article28839008.ece?homepage=true
Guardian view on Kashmir: danger ahead:Editorial
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/aug/06/the-guardian-view-on-kashmir-danger-ahead?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Facebook&fbclid=IwAR3mAG5xKm1Epwei23_1hV_B2VtxsxTAkBJK4Qor7-VWph8apcxGWQSzOOA
History lessons for Amit Shah on Kashmir that he should have studied in school:Praveen Davar
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/history-lessons-for-amit-shah-on-kashmir-that-he-should-have-studied-in-school?fbclid=IwAR0SkkH7SSfw83JIwHbr7lolZmIEaX3XEpcqMjCQKbLsqAMyfxGuXB9CYr8
It’s not a surgical strike. It’s an open-heart surgery, and there will be bleeding:Happymon Jacob, JNU
https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/it-s-not-a-surgical-strike-it-s-an-open-heart-surgery-and-there-will-be-bleeding/story-5uc96VybDNZTJbgN3LA6eI.html?fbclid=IwAR0KSNT5PcdwJLTnGdunmL6BNfZGa6VF_ePTGGOPdr8g_IqUqdP1_gAlmPI
Making Kashmir a union territory is bogus and pointless: Former interlocutor Radha Kumar
https://caravanmagazine.in/politics/making-kashmir-a-union-territory-is-bogus-and-pointless-former-kashmir-interlocutor-radha-kumar?fbclid=IwAR2QMPj27IMECXrHBdby5FUbs0U8f7_XmqekDPGx3CggDmQVF1DQsc-l6ZU
This is a question of autonomy, not integration: Faizan Mustafa
https://caravanmagazine.in/government/article-370-bjp-amit-shah-jammu-kashmir?fbclid=IwAR2tbL4mBw7cdX--oaZYrDnGfE7RK1UkmYai2bZ3TLdAcpY62a8c7xNFRyQ
Uighur man threatened with deportation to China 'safely en route' to US: Areeb Ullah
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/US-entry-Uighur-man-threatened-deportation-to-China?fbclid=IwAR3pyUKg3Ws0EVzRHlc33FuDMBUM0y4ehMGRj2lorgmpfL6ew-T567kDs0Q
By scrapping Article 370, Modi is going for a failed European model of nation building:Yogendra Yadav
https://theprint.in/opinion/by-scrapping-article-370-modi-is-going-for-a-failed-european-model-of-nation-building/273434/?fbclid=IwAR33e7M1D250udlmEq4aOHsPo44EI_hdFKgZFayEU4FSMX8mJIrpNhvzGBU
News analysis | Afghanistan shadow over India’s Kashmir move:Kallol Bhattacherjee
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/news-analysis-afghanistan-shadow-over-indias-kashmir-move/article28832606.ece?homepage=true&fbclid=IwAR0ndQab6Zmv0Zd3F5ClaipWu54samhlJD2C9FEm8c3wUs0b67HZ2E8E8pg
Article 370 revoked: Kashmir unlikely to give up autonomy without fight; Modi govt faces long battle ahead:Divyansh Sharma
https://www.firstpost.com/india/article-370-revoked-kashmir-unlikely-to-give-up-autonomy-without-fight-modi-govt-faces-long-battle-ahead-7113931.html?fbclid=IwAR1AueTxFkroWUS_cyqVbELUqQGOmPmwKQO4EmMG-fMR4PKCmcCeXoZeoSo
The story of Indian democracy written in blood and betrayal: Pratap Bhanu Mehta
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/jammu-kashmir-article-370-scrapped-special-status-amit-shah-narendra-modi-bjp-5880797/lite/?fbclid=IwAR2KTHuEWQ8OLN3M9MVXhbw-7ugBAhppj26P8ZQXZ8_4SCyvfo42yaiuhZI
Explainer: Not just Kashmir, how Modi Govt has weakened other state powers:Sruthisagar Yamunan
https://scroll.in/article/932374/explainer-not-just-kashmir-how-modi-government-has-weakened-other-state-powers
Protests continue against revocation of Article 370 both in India and outside
http://twocircles.net/2019aug06/432403.html
Triple Talaq Bill passage is a transformative point in India’s socio-political context: Ravi Shankar Prasad
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/triple-talaq-bill-equality-at-last-5883887/
Current paradigm shift in J&K is in tune with steady centralisation of state since 2014:C. Jaffrelot
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/jammu-and-kashmir-special-status-article-370-narendra-modi-bjp-5883910/
A soft solution to the Kashmir dispute has had no takers in India, Pakistan since 2014: Sanjaya Baru
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/jammu-and-kashmir-special-status-article-370-5883869/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq,(Released at: 9:11 PM)
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