NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
14 Sept. 2019: 14 Muharram 1441: Vol: 12, No: 12
INDIA
Every child will be taught Hindi: Amit Shah reignites one nation, one language debate
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/on-hindi-diwas-amit-shah-bats-for-one-nation-one-language-appeals-people-to-fulfil-gandhis-dream-2308459.html
New Delhi: Emphasising on the ability of Hindi to bring entire India together, Home minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that it is extremely important for a country to have a common language that becomes mark of its identity in the world.Later, at an event here, Shah further said that every child will be taught Hindi in north eastern part of India. Pitching for 'one nation, one language' on the occasion of Hindi Diwas, Shah said, "India is a country of different languages and every language has its own importance but it is necessary to have a common language that becomes the mark of identity of the country. Today, if a language can keep the country united, it is the widely-spoken Hindi language."He appealed the people to use Hindi more often, and contribute in fulfilling the dream of Gandhi and Patel of 'one nation, one language'. News18
‘This is India not Hindia’: Tamil Nadu parties reject Amit Shah’s views on Hindi as a national unifier
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/this-is-india-not-hindia-tamil-nadu-parties-reject-amit-shah-s-views-on-hindi-as-a-national-unifier/story-LJBWQtn3ClsLkbCLgSkrKJ.html
Chennai:Displaying a rare unanimity, political parties in Tamil Nadu cutting across party lines, have opposed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s call to make Hindi, unifying language in the country by taking it to every individual and home and using it in every aspect of life.Both ruling AIADMK and opposition DMK were on the same page on this issue.Minister for Tamil Development and Culture Mafoi K Pandiarajan said that the Centre shouldn’t impose Hindi at this juncture.“...All 22 languages should be nourished and people in due course will opt for one among them as the national language,” Pandiarajan said.Going a step further, Education Minister KA Sengottaiyan asserted that the state is wedded to the teaching of two language formula (Mother tongue Tamil and English) which was being implemented since the days of Anna, Dravidian stalwart and ex CM CN Annadurai. “CM Edappadi K Palaniswami had made it clear to PM and the Home Minister during his interactions that Tamil Nadu would follow only the two language formula,” he said, accompanied by Fisheries Minister K Jayakumar.Warning the Centre of another language war, DMK president MK Stalin demanded Amit Shah to take back his statement on Hindi as they were detrimental to national unity and integrity.“This is India not Hindia. DMK will not hesitate to unite states which might lose their legitimate rights on account of Hindi hegemony. The party’s high-level policy making body will meet on Monday to decide on the future course of action,”he said.MDMK general secretary Vaiko is of the view that imposing Hindi would Balkanise the nation.“Imposing Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states would lead to the Balkanisation of the country with only Hindi speaking states remaining in Indian Union,” Vaiko said. According to VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, MP, Hindi has become a tool in the hands of BJP to realise its majoritarian policy of ‘one nation, one culture’.“This is part of BJP’s hegemonic policy of Hindu majoritarianism, which poses a grave threat not only to the minorities but also to secular democracy and pluralism,” he said.OBC-Vanniyar dominant PMK, an ally of BJP, too was sharp in its condemnation of Shah’s views.“Hindi can never be the identity of India on the global arena. Amit Shah is wrong as it contains the seeds of divisiveness,” tweeted PMK head S Ramadoss.CPI state unit and AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran also criticised Home Minister for his advocacy of Hindi. hindustantimes
3-language formula should not be tinkered with: Cong on Shah's Hindi pitch
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/3-language-formula-should-not-be-tinkered-with-cong-on-shahs-hindi-pitch/articleshow/71128090.cms
Hours after Union minister Amit Shah's Hindi language pitch, the Congress on Saturday said the three-language formula should not be tinkered with and controversies must not be stirred up on "emotive" issues settled by Constitution-makers. The opposition party also said no indication should be given of a rethink on the "three-language formula" as it will create strife and unrest in the country. 3 languages formula is commonly understood to comprise Hindi, English and the regional language of the respective states.PTI
India bigger than Hindi, Hindu: Owaisi slams Amit Shah
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/owaisi-slams-amit-shah-over-hindi-language-remark-1599065-2019-09-14
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has slammed Home Minister Amit Shah's push for Hindi as a unifying language for India and said that not all Indians have Hindi as their mother tongue. Owaisi said, "Hindi isn't every Indian's "mother tongue". Could you try appreciating the diversity & beauty of the many mother tongues that dot this land? Article 29 gives every Indian the right to a distinct language, script & culture. India's much bigger than Hindi, Hindu, Hindutva".indiatoday
We should never forget our mother-language: Mamata
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/politics/140919/we-should-never-forget-our-mother-language-mamata-banerjee-on-hindi.html
Mamata Banerjee has extended her greetings on the occasion of Hindi Diwas and said that we should respect all languages and cultures equally."We should respect all languages and cultures equally. We may learn many languages but we should never forget our mother-language," CM tweeted.ANI
Amit Shah's Hindi push sparks outrage among state leaders, Stalin, Kumaraswamy join attack
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/hindi-amit-shah-national-language-outrage-stalin-kumaraswamy-1599106-2019-09-14
‘New studies clearly confirm ‘Arya’ migration into India; Indian media reported the opposite?’
https://scroll.in/article/936872/two-new-genetic-studies-upheld-aryan-migration-theory-so-why-did-indian-media-report-the-opposite
“Can we now prove the historical existence of Bhagwan Ram?” rang out a question at a press conference in Delhi on Friday to explain the findings of 2 much-awaited studies on the genetic origin of modern South Asia.On the podium to explain 2 new papers of which they are among the co-authors were Vasant Shinde, an archaeologist and vice-chancellor of Deccan College, and Niraj Rai, head of the Ancient DNA lab at Birbal Sahni Institute for Palaeosciences. Taken together, the studies – one in Cell, the other in Science – painted a fascinating genetic picture of how groups as diverse as local hunter gatherers, Iranian farmers and pastoralists from Pontic steppe grasslands in Eastern Europe mixed to form most of the modern South Asian population.However, as the question at the press conference on the historical existence of gods demonstrated, this detailed science published on Sept.5 was also accompanied by the inevitable politics that hangs over any exploration of human origins. The sharp ascendance of Hindu nationalism in India has resulted in a nativist movement that places great emphasis on the claim that most of India’s peoples have indigenous roots – a narrative that sits uncomfortably with the very eclectic origins of the country’s modern populations.As a consequence, though the genetic studies themselves were rather clear, many in the media misrepresented the results to suit this political narrative. In fact, even the co-authors of the papers themselves seemed to disagree on the conclusions that can be drawn from the research. The Economic Times reported that the research raises doubts over the “long-held theory of Aryan invasion or migration into South Asia”. Amar Ujala, one of India’s largest Hindi newspapers, was more emphatic: “The Aryan invasion theory proved completely false; India is the guru of South Asia.”Scroll.in
New reports clearly confirm ‘Arya’ migration into India: Tony Joseph
https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/theres-no-confusion-the-new-reports-clearly-confirm-arya-migration-into-india/article29409611.ece
J&K ISSUE
J&K’s people fear around 40,000 already arrested, kept at unknown locations says WPI Prez Dr. Ilyas after 2-day visit
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/people-of-jk-fear-around-40000-already-arrested-kept-at-unknown-locations-says-welfare-party-president-after-2-day-visit
New Delhi: A big number of people – far more than the official figure – are feared to have been arrested or detained and kept at unknown locations since August 5 when the Article 370 and 35A were abrogated by the Parliament effectively withdrawing the special status from the state of J&K and bifurcating it into two union territories, said Welfare Party Of India (WPI) President Dr. SQR Ilyas while referring to his talks with people in the Valley during his two-day visit.Dr. Ilyas, who visited Srinagar and Baramulla on Sept.12-13 along with two National General Secretaries of his party Ms. Sheema Mohsin and Mr.Subramani Armugam, was addressing a press conference here today.The people of J&K felt that “many people from the valley are arrested or detained and the number was approximately 30,000- 40,000 which include political leaders, social activists, academicians, lawyers, leaders of civil society movement etc,” said Dr. Ilyas. However, Govt has officially admitted that around 4,000 people have been taken into detention to maintain public safety and public order.Dr. Ilyas said people are very angry, more at the way Article 370 was abrogated than the abrogation itself.“People across the valley expressed great anger and anguish, as the entire process of abrogating article 370 and 35A took place without involving them and termed it as undemocratic, unconstitutional and illegal,” said Ilyas.Narrating what he saw in Srinagar and Baramulla, Ilyas said: “We had fear that we may not be allowed to enter the city from the Srinagar airport, but this did not happen. There was almost normalcy in the city. Officially there was no curfew, but the locals were maintaining self-imposed curfew as a mark of protest against Govt move. Traders open their shops for one hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening to help people but for keep their business establishments closed for rest 22 hours.”“We witnessed silence in the air and helplessness in the faces of people. Regarding arrest or detention of mainstream politicians including 3 ex CMs, Ilyas said: “With their politicians and leaders arrested or detained the people of the valley are confused and uncertain about their future, they said that they felt betrayed and their democratic rights and right to freedom of expression, information and communication had been grossly violated.”Dr. Ilyas also said that people are apprehensive of the vacuum created with the arrest of mainstream politicians to be filled by militant leadership. He said no politicians are giving calls for shutdown because they are already in detention, yet people are maintaining self-imposed curfew and keep their shops closed. The people of the valley felt, he said, that media has been doing “biased or one-sided news about Kashmir, and the sentiments of the people of the valley are not portrayed.” WPI has demanded central Govt to release the arrested politicians and civic leaders and initiate dialogue process. India Tomorrow
UK wants India, Pak to find lasting solution to Kashmir: PM Boris Johnson
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/uk-wants-india-pak-to-find-lasting-solution-to-kashmir-boris-johnson/1618368
British PM Boris Johnson has said that UK is monitoring the situation in Kashmir closely and wants India and Pakistan to find a "lasting political solution to the situation in Kashmir, in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people."In a letter, in reply to a letter by Conservative MP Bob Blackman who has spoken in favour of revocation of Article 370 in Kashmir, Johnson said both India and Pakistan are important partners for Britain.Johnson said his Govt has been in touch with both India and Pakistan over Kashmir, and that he has spoken to both PM Narendra Modi and his Pak counterpart Imran Khan on the issue. IANS
US lawmakers urge American envoys to facilitate de-escalation of Indo-Pak tension
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/us-lawmakers-urge-american-envoys-to-facilitate-de-escalation-of-indo-pak-tension
A group of American lawmakers have expressed concern over the situation in J&K and urged the US envoys in India and Pakistan to facilitate de-escalation of tension between the two countries as it presents "tremendous danger" to global peace and a clear national security risk for the US.In a letter to the US Ambassadors to India and Pakistan -- Kenneth Juster and Paul W Jones respectively -- on Friday, seven Congressmen said there is risk that the relationship between India and Pakistan will continue to devolve as a result of the fresh tension between the two countries following revocation of J&K's special status."This presents tremendous danger to global peace and a clear national security risk for US. Pakistan and India are both valued allies, crucial to our interests in the region, including the Afghanistan peace process," the letter said."It is of the utmost importance that we leverage our relationships with their Govt to de-escalate the situation,” the Congressmen said and urged the two American diplomats "to do everything in their power" to de-escalate the tensions between India and Pakistan. Signatories to the letter are Ilhan Omar, Raul M Grijalva, Andy Levin, James P McGovern, Ted Lieu, Donald Beyer and Alan Lowenthal.PTI
Zakir Naik calls upon the world to save Kashmir from becoming the next Palestine
https://www.mid-day.com/articles/dr-zakir-naik-calls-upon-the-world-to-save-kashmir-from-becoming-the-next-palestine/21720153
Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik has strongly condemned the Indian Govt’s actions in Kashmir and has warned against a Palestine-like situation building up in the state. He has called upon the world to do whatever it takes to save Kashmir from the Modi Govt’s atrocities. Appealling to the Muslims of the world, Naik said, "Kashmir crisis is another Palestine in the making. There are all the tell-tale signs of the Kashmir crisis being an action of hatred by the right-wing extremist BJP Govt. Despite several other states enjoying special status such as in Article 370 and 35A under the constitution, Kashmir was singled out for being a Muslim-majority state. Stripping it of its autonomy and clamping down on the freedom of Kashmiris by pumping in a million armed personnel, was an act of war by the BJP Govt against the biggest Muslim community in the country. This however is only the start and we need to put a stop to it before it gets any worse." Naik continued, "Knowing Modi and RSS' growing proximity and admiration for Israel, I won’t be surprised if Israel is giving tutorials to India on Kashmir. The blockade and total lockdown of Kashmir – that has made it the biggest prison in the world, much much bigger than Palestine – is an expertise that Israel excels in. That would explain its tutorials to the Modi Govt on Kashmir.Under the circumstances, I've a firm opinion that Kashmiris will not get help from any of the powerful states and it is up to the worldwide Muslim community to stand up and raise their voices against Modi Govt's atrocities on the Kashmiris."mid-day
Protest against ‘lockdown’ in valley: HC directs Punjab to maintain law and order
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/protest-against-lockdown-in-valley-hc-directs-punjab-to-maintain-law-and-order-5994021/
Punjab and Haryana High Court Friday directed the authorities in Punjab and Chandigarh to connect and liaison with the district authorities and ensure law and order was not disturbed in the region in wake of a protest march called by some groups, including farmer unions, on Sept.15 against “unilateral revocation” of Article 370 and Article 35-A by the Centre last month and the ongoing “lockdown” in Kashmir valley.The authorities were directed by the division bench of Chief Justice Krishna Murari and Justice Arun Palli “to work in tandem and complete co-ordination to take all possible measures permissible in law to ensure that the peace and tranquility within the state and UT of Chandigarh is not disturbed”. The bench added that it needs to be ensured those planning the “agitations” are not successful “in taking law into their hands and disturb the public order”.The order was passed in second hearing of a petition filed by a Chandigarh resident for maintenance of law and order in the region particularly Mohali and Chandigarh. indianexpress
Friday prayers not allowed in Jamia Masjid in Kashmir
http://www.uniindia.com/friday-prayers-not-allowed-in-jamia-masjid-in-kashmir/north/news/1727495.html
Friday prayers were not allowed for the sixth successive week in historic Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar and some other major mosques in Kashmir valley, where life remained crippled due to restriction and strike against scrapping of Article 370. However, prayers were allowed in mosques in the interior areas in the valley.UNI
Normal Life Remains Affected in Kashmir for 41st Day
https://caravandaily.com/normal-life-remains-affected-in-kashmir-for-41st-day/
Srinagar:Normal life remained affected across Kashmir Valley for the 41st consecutive day today as the stalemate following the nullification of Article 370 continued with most shops and schools remaining shut and public transport off the roads, officials said.Restrictions, which were imposed in the Hazratbal area of the city on Friday, were lifted, the officials said, adding most areas of the valley were restrictions-free. They, however, said security forces continued to remain deployed at sensitive places across the valley to maintain law and orderPTI
Will not allow a walkover on Article 370 in J&K: NC leader Masoodi
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/will-not-allow-a-walkover-on-article-370-in-jammu-and-kashmir-ncs-hasnain-masoodi/article29417018.ece?homepage=true
INDIAN ECONOMY
15th Finance Commission’s terms of reference is not good for federal policy:Manmohan Singh
https://scroll.in/latest/937338/15th-finance-commissions-terms-of-reference-is-not-good-for-federal-policy-says-manmohan-singh
Former PM Manmohan Singh on Saturday said Centre should have consulted state CMs before it changed the terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission, PTI reported. He said unilateralism is not good for federal policy and cooperative federalism. The Finance Commission decides how the taxes collected by the Centre should be distributed among the states.In July, the terms of reference for the 15th Finance Commission were changed, and they were asked to use the 2011 Census, and not 1971 Census – as has been the norm – as the base year to determine the devolution of taxes. A state’s population is a significant factor in determining how revenue is distributed, and the southern states, which have controlled their population growth over the decades, had voiced their concerns that the new base year will harm their interests. States such as West Bengal, Punjab and Delhi have opposed the commission’s terms of reference. Singh was speaking at an event in Delhi on the expansion of the mandate given to the Fifteenth Finance Commission to suggest if there was a need to set up a separate mechanism for funding defence and internal security. The commission has to submit the recommendations by end of Nov.Singh said that it was necessary for Centre to carry states along, and it should not give a feeling that they were robbing them of the resources by the changes done to the panel’s terms of reference.“The best course would have been for the Central Govt that if it wants to tailor the terms of reference, it should be backed by CMs’ Conference, which is now under the auspices of NITI Aayog, otherwise there would be strong feeling that Govt is trying to rob the states of due resource allotment,” he said.scroll.in
Sitharaman announces measures to boost housing and export sectors
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/finance-minister-sitharaman-announces-measures-for-housing-and-export-sectors
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced measures for housing and export sectors today. Sitharaman said, the scheme of Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) is a new scheme, it shall completely replace all Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) from Jan.1, 2020.The announcement comes in the backdrop of India's merchandise exports declining by 6.05 per cent to USD 26.13 billion in August compared to the year-ago month.The minister also said there will be a fully automated electronic refund route for input tax credits (ITC) in GST. This will be implemented by the month-end. The move, she added, is aimed at quick and automated refunds of ITC.She said RoDTEP will replace the existing incentive schemes and "will more than adequately incentivise exporters than the existing schemes put together". The minister said the revenue foregone towards the scheme is projected at Rs 50,000 crore. Govt on Saturday announced a ₹10,000 crore special window to provide last-mile funding for completion of ongoing housing projects which are not NPAs or facing bankruptcy proceedings under NCLT.nationalheraldindia
Congress says FM Sitharaman clueless, steps to boost economy ‘cosmetic’
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/congress-says-fm-sitharaman-clueless-steps-to-boost-economy-cosmetic
Congress on Saturday alleged that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was "clueless" in dealing with the economic slowdown and termed the latest steps announced by her to boost the economy as "cosmetic" and "piecemeal". Congress' attack came after Sitharaman announced an over Rs 70,000-crore package for exports and real estate sectors, including setting up of a stressed asset fund, as Govt continued with firefighting measures to pull the economy out of a six-year low growth rate."I can only say that finance minister is clueless as to how to deal with the gravity of the crisis," Spokesperson Anand Sharma said.PTI
When Congress' Gaurav Vallabh Asked Sambit Patra To Tell Number Of Zeroes In A Trillion
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-watch-congress-gaurav-vallabh-asks-sambit-patra-to-tell-number-of-zeros-in-a-trillion-he-fails/338613
During a debate on a TV channel, BJP leader and spokesperson Sambit Patra came face to face with Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh. The subject of discussion was Modi Govt's 100 days in power after it returned to power in May 2019.While Patra emphasised the country was on its way to becoming a $5 trillion economy, something the PM has vowed on several occasions, one question from Vallabh left his BJP counterpart deeply embarrassed.Vallabh said Patra and his colleagues keep speaking of $5-trillion economy, "tell me number of zeroes that are there in a trillion."Patra, who couldn't answer, went into BJP's customary response: attacking Rahul Gandhi.The anchor, then, asked Vallabh if he knew number of zeroes in a trillion. Vallabh was prepared and went on to tell the number of zeroes in a billion and million too.outlookindia
I have never seen such a decline in innerwear sales in my career:Vinod Gupta of Dollar Industries
https://www.cnbctv18.com/retail/i-have-never-seen-such-a-decline-in-innerwear-sales-in-my-career-says-vinod-gupta-of-dollar-industries-4337591.htm?fbclid=IwAR0feRlFhdMvWZ6gnxCy-_8IyKF883EyoTgBmyMUJgKijTN2Wmup5iLcqkA
India's consumption slowdown has spread to the innerwear industry,with market players changing strategy to mitigate declining sales. Innerwear companies believe sales in the upcoming festive and winter seasons will show how entrenched the slowdown is in the sector.Vinod Kumar Gupta, managing director, Dollar Industries said, "I have never seen such a decline in innerwear sales in my career." It looks more like deferment of purchasing at the consumer level and the real test would be the upcoming festive and winter seasons, he added. He also specified that the slowdown is across the country and not specific to any geographies. CNBC-TV18
NRC
Final NRC status of over 3 crore applicants updated online
https://scroll.in/latest/937340/assam-final-nrc-status-of-over-3-crore-applicants-published-online
A complete list of Assam’s NRC with the names of all those excluded and included has been published online on Saturday. As many as 3.3 crore people had applied for the exercise.More than 19 lakh people were left out of the final list of the updated citizens’ database that was published on Aug.31. They will now have to appeal against the decision in foreigners’ tribunals.The applicants can check their final status on www.nrcassam.nic.in by typing their application receipt number. The list has been published in English and Assamese language.scroll.in/PTI
Assam: 10,000 Paramilitary Troops Deployed Before NRC Release Withdrawn
https://thewire.in/security/assam-nrc-paramilitary-troops-withdrawn
Centre has withdrawn 10,000 paramilitary personnel deployed in Assam before the publication of final NRC, officials said.PTI
OTHERS
Ayodhya hearing: ‘Babri Masjid used for prayers by Muslims even after 1934 riots’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-hearing-babri-masjid-used-for-prayers-by-muslims-even-after-1934-riots-5993830/
New Delhi: Sunni Central Waqf Board has cited documents to contend that the Babri Masjid existed and was used for prayers by Muslims even after 1934 communal riots, which damaged a part of it.Interestingly, Board, which has questioned the rationale of the belief in the disputed site in Ayodhya as being the birthplace of Ram, stated that the Kaaba in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca was a place of “intrinsic divinity”. Advocate Zafaryab Jilani told a 5-judge Constitution bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi that the site plan filed by Nirmohi Akhara in a case in 1942 was proof that the mosque existed. “This is important to establish that in 1942, they admitted existence of mosque,” he told the bench, which is hearing appeals.He drew the court’s attention to records of PWD about inspection of works at the “Babri Mosque” following 1934 clashes. Jilani also said the mosque had an Imam who led prayers and a Muezzin who recited Azaan. “From 1934 to 1949, Muslims used the place as a mosque. Otherwise there was no need for Imam,” he said, adding “no document has come on record showing that it was used as a temple during this period”.Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, also appearing for Board and one of the appellants M Siddiq, opposed Ram’s birthplace ‘Asthan Sri Rama Janma Bhumi’ being a plaintiff in a 1989 suit in the case, saying it could not be considered a juristic person. He said that every sacral area cannot acquire the character of a juristic person, and the concept of a birthplace being treated as a juristic person was “invented in 1989” for purpose of the suit. Pointing out that texts like Skanda Purana were being relied on to prove the existence of ‘janmasthan’, he sought to know “what evidentiary value can be given to the proof of belief of Hindus that ‘janmasthan’ existed from time immemorial” for the purpose of treating it as a juristic person.Meanwhile, UP Govt informed the Supreme Court that it had extended the tenure of CBI judge SK Yadav, who is hearing Babri Masjid demolition case. The court ordered that his tenure be extended till the judgment is delivered.indianexpress
‘Constitution’s makers hoped for Uniform Civil Code, but no attempt made yet to frame one’: SC
https://scroll.in/latest/937286/no-attempt-made-yet-to-frame-uniform-civil-code-observes-supreme-court
The Supreme Court on Friday noted that the Indian Govt had made no attempt to frame a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) even though the makers of the Constitution had expressed hope for such a law.The SC said Goa was a “shining example” of a state that had uniform civil laws. A bench of Justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose made the observations in their judgement in a civil suit.“It is interesting to note that whereas the founders of the Constitution in Article 44 in Part IV dealing with the Directive Principles of State Policy had hoped and expected that the State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a UCC throughout the territories of India, till date no action has been taken in this regard,” the bench said in its judgement.The court added: “Though Hindu laws were codified in the year 1956, there has been no attempt to frame a UCC applicable to all citizens of the country despite exhortations of this Court in the case of Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs. Shah Bano and Sarla Mudgal & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors.”The court said there is a conflict among laws such as the Indian Succession Act, the Hindu Succession Act and the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, “but this conflict has to be resolved”, IANS reported.scroll/ LiveLaw
SC weighs in on Uniform Civil Code: Founding fathers wanted, no bid so far
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-weighs-in-on-civil-code-founding-fathers-wanted-no-bid-so-far-5994034/
SC/ST Act: Apex court sends Centre’s plea for review to 3-judge bench
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-st-act-apex-court-sends-centres-plea-for-review-to-three-judge-bench-5994009/
The Supreme Court has decided to send the Centre’s plea seeking review of its March 2018 judgment that forbid arrest without prior sanction for offences under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to a 3-judge bench.“Considering the importance of the matter, we feel that these matters should be heard by a 3-judge bench,” a bench of Justices Arun Mishra and UU Lalit ruled, and added that the matter be listed next week. Taking serious note of instances of abuse of the Act by “vested interests” for political and personal reasons, the court had on March 20, 2018, laid down stringent safeguards including provision for anticipatory bail and vetting of complaint to determine if a case was made out before registration of FIR under the Act.indian express
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind voices unease over ‘prevailing situation in country’
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/islamic-outfit-voices-unease-over-prevailing-situation-in-the-119091201318_1.html
Bengaluru: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has expressed a sense of "unease" and"anxiety" about the social, political and economic situation in the country and said it wanted the situation to improve. Its President Syed Sadatullah Husaini said Muslims in the country were not "fearful", but the community, along with every peace loving citizen of India, was "concerned" and "anxious" and wants the prevailing situation to improve. The outfit Thursday held a meeting here with heads and representatives of various Muslim organisations on the "prevailing situation in the country"."Our country today is passing through a very crucial stage. On the one side we are developing on many fronts like- science and technology, technical manpower...When we have so many opportunities to become a world leader, unfortunately on the other side, a scenario is being developed in the country that is creating hindrance and obstacles," Husaini said. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Husaini said the way the Parliament session was conducted recently showed the 'downfall' of democratic values and norms, as "many important legislations were passed without any debate." "Many of them were draconian in nature and challenges the fundamental rightsguaranteed by our Constitution," he said. The manner in which Article 370 was removed 'unilaterally' without taking into confidence the people of J&K and political representatives there showed the downfall of democratic values, he added. Husaini also said it was also a matter of great concern to them to note the manner in which democratic institutions were 'deteriorating' and democratic values were being 'compromised.' After the meeting, Jamaat also released a joint declaration, which, he said, communicated promotion of inter-faith dialogue, understanding, presenting the true picture of Islam and its real teachings, other than throwing light on the prevailing situation in the country. On the right to have an opinion and debate being the soul of democracy, he said an atmosphere was being created that one who toes Govt line is a nationalist and those who oppose it are anti-national. He also stressed on need for a comprehensive law against mob-lynching and expressed concern over NRC and Triple Talaq, among others.PTI
Muslim leadership divided over Arshad Madani’s meeting with Bhagwat
https://caravandaily.com/muslim-leadership-divided-over-arshad-madanis-meeting-with-mohan-bhagwat/
New Delhi:The debate has been still raging in the Muslim circles over the ‘secret’ meeting between Maulana Arshad Madani, chief of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind’s one faction, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.The closed-door talks between Madani and Bhagwat at RSS HQRS in Delhi held on the evening of Aug.30. The maulana’s meeting triggered chain-reactions in the community considered to be die-hard critic of RSS and its ideology. Reacting to the meeting, former MP and a member of Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMIM), Mohammad Adeeb came out openly against the overtures of Maulana Madani towards the right wing Hindutva outfit. He demanded that Maulana Madani should explain the motives behind his meeting with RSS chief and what transpired between them. Expressing similar views, Allahabad High Court advocate Sharfuddin Ahmed pointed out that RSS was an ideology-based organization and its whole idea is to establish a theocratic state (Brahmanical order) in which other religions like Islam, Christianity etc. will have no place or their followers will never be equal to the Hindus who shall ultimately decide the quantum of their rights.Prof Mohammad Aslam, former V-C of IGMOU, said the meeting has attracted a lot of attention but nobody is focusing on the subject and trying to score points over each other. Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, who heads Delhi Minorities Commission and a former president of AIMMM, said it is a welcome initiative at the right time but it should have been a collective effort. Khan said we should understand that any individual or organisation treating the other as an eternal foe or friend would realises its own folly. If the RSS is thinking on these lines, we should welcome it, he said.CaravanDaily
Bill Gates Foundation gets slammed for honouring Modi
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/bill-gates-foundation-gets-slammed-for-honouring-modi
A group of South Asian Americans have written an open letter to Bill Gates and Melinda Gates asking them to drop Narendra Modi as their choice for “Global Gatekeeper Award” for his Swacch Bharat Mission, under which millions of toilets have been built across India, where open defecation is a major problem. A petition with nearly 100,000 signatories has slammed the Gates Foundation and demanded that it drops its decision. As a person responsible for multiple human rights violations, the letter reads, PM Modi should not be conferred upon with such a high honour.The letter asks Gates Foundation “These gross human rights violations must not be diminished, denied or compartmentalised, and especially not by philanthropic entities such as the Foundation which seeks to address global inequality,” letter says.nationalheraldindia
‘Howdy, Modi!': Indian-American Muslim body IMAGH Actively Backing Sep 22 Event to welcome Modi
https://www.newsnation.in/india/news/howdy-modi-indian-american-muslim-organisation-actively-backing-september-22-event-in-houston-237504.html
An Indian-American Muslim organisation in Houston is actively backing “Howdy, Modi!” event to be held here on Sept.22 to welcome PM Narendra Modi.Indian American Muslim Association of greater Houston (IMAGH) is one of the major Welcome Partners for the community reception in honour of PM Modi.“We may disagree with each others beliefs, practices or ideas, but unless we interact with them in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, we cannot get our point of view across to them,” said Dr Maqbool Haq, Chairman of IMAGH Board of Directors.“Growing up in Varanasi—Modiji’s Constituency,I always felt I had the same opportunities as everyone else. I am very proud to be both an Indian and a Muslim. So when duly elected leader of Mother India is visiting my adopted home town, it is my duty to give him a warm welcome.”Latafath Hussain, founding president, said.PTI
Ajmer Dargah chief Syed Zainul Abedin backs PM Modi on abrogation of Article 370
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ajmer-dargah-dewan-syed-zainul-abedin-backs-modi-on-article-370/videoshow/71121726.cms
Ajmer dargah dewan Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan has appealed to the people of J&K to support the abrogation of Article 370. In a video message, the dewan said that Indian Muslims stand by the decision of dropping the special status to J&K, which has opened floodgates of opportunities for youth in Kashmir Valley. The dewan warned Pakistan to stop its propaganda by projecting Indian Muslims and Kashmiris as being persecuted in India. economictimes
If Aurangzeb was bad muslim, who are good Hindus, asks Mahmood Madani
https://www.news18.com/news/india/if-aurangzeb-was-bad-muslim-who-were-good-hindus-savarkar-golwalkar-or-patel-nehru-juh-leader-asks-2307247.html
2 weeks after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind (A) head Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, Jamiat (M) leader Mahmood Madani welcomed the move, saying RSS is “showing kindness” towards the Muslim community. In an interview with News18, Mahmood Madani, JUH general secretary, said frequent interaction is required to bridge the gap between the two communities. Madani said, "Bhagwat himself said that Hindutva is incomplete without Muslims. They have come this far to say this, rest of the changes can also be brought in if there is frequent interaction (uthna baithna)." He explained that it was Jamiat (A) chief Arshad Madani – from our breakaway wing -- who had met them (RSS leaders). In 2007, there was a division within JUH due to an internal rift, and they started their own organisation with the same name. If need be, I don’t won’t mind a dialogue. But have not planned anything yet." Reponding to a question that RSS leaders laud Mughal prince Dara Shikoh over Aurangzeb and Dara is a good Muslim for the Sangh, what do you say? Madani said, "in this case, I don’t want to resort to history because then I will have to bring out stories of MS Golwalkar and VD Savarkar as well. I can also ask who is a good Hindu – Nehru-Patel or Golwalkar-Savarkar. Going down the history will lead to conflict and I don’t want that.Instead, we can look at the present. By seeing the current examples of ‘good Hindu or Muslim’, we can decide. In the recent past we have had APJ Abdul Kalam. If he is (a good Muslim), then present him as the role model for all communities. Why should we go back to era of Dara Shikoh? Whether good or bad, Aurangzeb was just a ruler. I can look at him as a ruler – was he good or was Chatrapati Shivaji good? I might give Aurangzeb 8/10 as a ruler and Shivaji 10/10 as a ruler. I am not seeing them as Hindu or Muslim, I am seeing Shivaji as a valiant who refused to compromise." news18
Netizens come down heavily on Mahmood Madani for his statement on Kashmir:Muslim Mirror report
http://muslimmirror.com/eng/netizens-come-down-heavily-on-mahmood-madani-for-his-kashmir-statement/?fbclid=IwAR19jefId5rSB9QpMz2cb4d1SuN73O0DcqifjAl4SfdPbCMgctoAbhe8oH0
New Delhi :Prominent Muslim netizens have criticized Jamiatul Ul Ulema leader Mahmood Madani vehemently on his support to BJP Govt’s policies in Kashmir .The netizens were shocked and disappointed at the resolution passed by one faction of Jamiat headed by Mahmood Madani.“We could not expect anything better from you and your organisation Madani Saheb” said Mohammad Ghazali Khan, former editor of London based journalist in his Facebook post. Khan hails from Deoband. Describing Madani families as stooges of BJP, US based NASA scientist Kaleem Kawaja wrote “Madani family are the biggest enemies of Indian Muslims. They should be ashamed of keeping beards and reciting Islamic prayers and running Deoband seminary while surrendering the rights of Indian Muslims."“Now Maulana Mehmood sahib favours Kashmir policy of Modi Govt. Ok. No problem . Did he speak on the pain and agony of Kashmiris for last 37 days?” asks Abdul Hafiz Lakhani , editor of Gujarat Siasat. “Kashmir hamara hai …” To Kashmiri kiske hain (If Kashmir belongs to us then to whom belong Kashmiris)? Disgusting. He is big opportunist” reacted Nafisul Hasan an Alumnus of AMU and IIT –Delhi.
UP college denies burqa ban, says only grey burqas are allowed
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/uttar-pradesh-college-says-only-grey-burqas-allowed-5990651/
Lucknow :After a controversy erupted that a Govt-aided college in Firozabad has barred girl students from entering the campus wearing burqas, the college authorities on Thursday said that there is no restriction on students attending classes wearing hijab or burqa or veil provided that they are in prescribed colour.SRK College authorities claimed that it was not a new order and they were only strictly implementing the seven-year-old dress code.“We have stopped the entry of all students who are not carrying identity cards with them and are not in the college uniform. There is no restriction of burqa inside the college. Girl students have been asked to wear only grey burqas as prescribed by the college authorities. The dress code of girls students is grey kurta and white pyjama,” said Prabhaskar Rai, principal of SRK College.“We have also provided the facility to the girl students who want to wear burqa of another colour. They have been asked to remove their burqa if it is not grey in the changing room before entering classes. Changing rooms are located next to their classrooms,” added the principal.indianexpress
Protest held to restore murder case in Tabrez lynching
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/protest-held-to-restore-murder-case-in-tabrez-ansari-lynching-case
A protest was organised on Friday at Jharkhand Bhawan in New Delhi against dropping of the murder charge by police in Tabrez Ansari’s mob lynching case. Police in its chargesheet has dropped the charge of murder after two and half months of the incident that took place in June this year.The protestors demanded that the persons who had assaulted Tabrez Ansari be booked under section 302 of IPC. They gave a memorandum to office of the Jharkhand CM via the state’s Resident Commissioner in New Delhi which said that Tabrez Ansari’s lynching was not just the murder of an individual but that of the country’s Constitution as well. Rejecting the police claims that a cardiac arrest led to Ansari’s death, the memorandum said that he died because of the “beating he endured” and due to “negligence of the police”.They demanded that the policemen who neglected their duty should also be booked under relevant sections of IPC.The protesters led by United Against Hate (UAH), an organisation that responds to hate crimes in the country, also sought CM Raghubar Das’s intervention to ensure justice in the Tabrez Ansari case. Umar Khalid, a member of UAH said that instead of taking Tabrez to hospital, the police took him to jail. He later succumbed to his injuries.“Tabrez Ansari could have been saved if the police had honestly discharged their duty. But they appeared to have connived with the mob,” Khalid said.The protesters also reminded CM that incidents of mob lynching have been “absolutely alarming”. They appealed the CM to implement the Supreme Court guidelines in the case of State versus Tehsin Poonawala to prevent mob lynching.Noted social activist Himanshu Kumar said that mob lynching is a “political project” of “BJP and RSS” which endangers not just Muslims but other sections of the society as well. nationalheraldindia
Massive Protest in Delhi Against Dropping of Murder Charges in Tabrez Lynching Case
https://caravandaily.com/massive-protest-in-delhi-against-dropping-of-murder-charges-in-tabrez-lynching-case/
Tabrez case: Statements of witness, case diaries rebut police version
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tabrez-ansari-case-itna-maaro-ki-mar-jaaye-statements-of-witness-case-diaries-rebut-police-version-5990876/
Jharkhand Police said they dropped charges under IPC Section 302 (murder) against the accused in the death of 22-year-old Tabrez Ansari because it was “not a case of pre-meditated murder” and that he died following a cardiac arrest, not just a head injury.However, an analysis of the chargesheet, key testimonies and case diaries raise questions about this conclusion. Ansari’s uncle Mohammad Masroor Alam, who rushed to the spot on hearing about the assault, recorded this statement: He heard a member of the mob shout, “Beat him so much that he dies.”Ansari was among the 24 witnesses whose statements are recorded in the chargesheet filed in CJM’s court on July 23.The chargesheet also refers to a preliminary report by the board of doctors that conducted the post mortem, which says if the viscera report does not point to “poison”, the cause of death was a head injury. But then, case diaries show that police already invoked IPC Section 304 against the accused when the viscera was sent to the forensics lab. In other words, they did not rely on viscera report while dropping Section 302 from chargesheet. Crucially, the case diaries note: “After viscera report, there is a possibility that there could be change in IPC sections.” indianexpress
Key findings in Tabrez case: ‘Discrepancy in police version, medical lapses’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/key-findings-in-tabrez-case-discrepancy-in-police-version-medical-lapses-5828299/
Jharkhand lynching case: Wife of Tabrez Ansari demands CBI inquiry
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jharkhand-lynching-case-wife-of-tabrez-ansari-demands-cbi-inquiry-5990223/
Tabrez Ansari case: Will speak to Jharkhand govt, says MoS G Kishan Reddy
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tabrez-ansari-case-will-speak-to-jharkhand-govt-says-mos-g-kishan-reddy-5990877/
After buffalo, books theft case, Azam Khan now booked for stealing goats
https://www.news18.com/news/india/after-buffalo-and-book-theft-case-samajwadi-mp-azam-khan-now-booked-for-stealing-goats-2307125.html
Rampur: After being accused of stealing books and a buffalo, Samajwadi Party MP Mohd Azam Khan has now been booked by Rampur police for goat theft.An FIR against him has been lodged on a complaint filed in Oct. 2016 by one Naseema Khatoon, 50. The complainant has alleged that Azam Khan, along with seven cohorts and some 25 other unidentified people barged into her house on Oct. 15, 2016, vandalised her residence and stole her jewellery and 3 buffaloes, a cow and four goats.She said that she had been living as a bona fide tenant on the Waqf Board property for the past 2 decades and that Khan and his team members asked her to vacate the premises as the land was required for a school.Prominent among those named in FIR include Waseem Rizvi, chairman of Shia Waqf Board, Zufar Ahmed Farooqui, chairman of the Sunni Central Waqf Board and ex circle officer, Aaley Hasan. Rampur Police has also registered an FIR against Azam Khan' wife Tanzeen, also a SP MP, for electricity theft. news18
Ex-president of SIMI appears before Gujarat court, asked to remain present before IO
http://www.uniindia.com/ex-president-of-simi-appears-before-gujarat-court-asked-to-remain-present-before-io/west/news/1728245.html
Bhuj:A local court here on Friday refused to hand over the police custody of ex president of SIMI Dr. Shahid Badar Falahi but ordered him to remain present before the Investigating police officer of an around 19 year old case on 3 consecutive days from tomorrow. Falahi was earlier arrested from his native village Manchobha in Azamgarh district in connection with a case pertaining to clash with police during his meeting in A-division area here in April 2001 (then SIMI was not banned).An arrest warrant against him was issued by the local court in Oct.2012. On the basis of it, the Bhuj police had after almost 7 years nabbed him on Sept.5 last. He was then produced before a court there which granted him bail but ordered him to remain present in Bhuj court Sept.13. UNI
NCP’s Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale joins BJP
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-setback-for-sharad-pawars-ncp-satara-mp-udayanraje-bhosale-joins-bjp-5994481/
Pune: Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale joined BJP in presence of party chief Amit Shah at the latter’s residence in New Delhi Saturday. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, BJP state chief Chandrakant Patil were also present. Bhosale had submitted his resignation to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla earlier in the morning.indianexpress
TN: Parents threatening to kill girl for converting to Islam?
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/sep/14/tamil-nadu-parents-threatening-to-kill-girl-for-converting-to-islam-2033418.html
Madurai: A 24-year-old woman has approached the Madurai Bench of HC seeking protection, alleging that her parents are threatening to kill her for ‘family honour’ as she converted to another religion. The petitioner, M Keerthana Devi belongs to caste Hindu from Theni. She converted to Islam of her own volition and changed her name to Shaheen Zainab Fathima, despite objections. In the petition, she claimed that seeing her conversion as a dishonour to family name, her parents beat her up, threatened her, and kept her under illegal confinement. “Consequently I left home on Sept.12 and approached a jamath named Jammiyathul Ahlil Quran Val Hadees which gave me shelter. But my parents threaten to kill me for family pride,” she alleged. Further, claiming the local police were supporting her parents, and were constantly harassing her by asking her to come to the station for inquiry, she prayed to the court to grant her protection. When the case came for hearing before Justice GK Ilanthirayan, a counsel appearing for Devi’s parents contended that they did not threaten her and are worried about her safety. Following the same, the counsel for petitioner submitted that she is not willing to go with her parents and is ready to appear before the court on Monday to clear the apprehensions of her parents.newindianexpress
Dalit mother of 2 kicked out of house by husband, in-laws; complaint filed under SC/ST Atrocities Act
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/dalit-mother-of-two-kicked-out-of-house-by-husband-in-laws-complaint-filed-under-sc-st-atrocities-act/
Hyderabad :A 25-year-old Dalit mother of 2 was left to fend for herself after her husband and in-laws kicked her out of the house in Husnabad in Telangana. The woman, K Bharathi, sat in front of her husband’s house with her two daughters for 2 days without food until police rescued and admitted her to a hospital.On Sept.11, Bharathi’s husband M Ranjit had asked her to leave and told her that all his relatives were refusing to visit them because she is Dalit. Ranjit and Bharathi’s relationship started four years back when they met online, fell in love and got married. While Ranjit belongs to BC community and hails from Mancherial district, Bharthi is from Mala (SC) community. However, at that time Ranjit’s parents agreed for the marriage although his relatives refused to attend the wedding. Trouble for Bharathi started a year after the marriage when she gave birth to a daughter. indianexpress
Income Tax serves notices to Reliance First Family under Black Money Act
https://indianexpress.com/article/business/companies/income-tax-serves-notices-to-reliance-first-family-under-black-money-act-5993998/
:Mumbai unit of Income Tax Department, after an investigation aided by information received from agencies in several countries, has served notices to members of the Mukesh Ambani family under provisions of the 2015 Black Money Act.In a closely guarded move, notices were served on March 28, 2019 in the names of Mukesh Ambani’s wife Nita Ambani and their three children for their alleged “undisclosed foreign income and assets”. I-T probe began after the Govt received details of an estimated 700 Indian individuals and entities holding accounts in HSBC Geneva in 2011. This was followed by an investigation by Indian Express and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (Feb.2015) — called Swiss Leaks — which expanded the number of HSBC Geneva account holders to 1,195.indianexpress
312 Sikhs who fled during militancy dropped from ‘adverse list’, can travel to India now
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sikhs-who-fled-during-militancy-taken-off-adverse-list-can-travel-to-india-now-5991666/
New Delhi :As many as 312 Sikhs, who had fled the country during the peak of militancy in Punjab and were thus put on an “Adverse List” prepared by the Govt, have been taken out of it. 314-strong list now has just two individuals.Adverse List prevented these people, who have now either taken asylum in foreign countries or are their citizens, from getting an Indian visa. Govt move will help them visit India and meet their family members, sources in MHA said. Sources said Govt has reviewed the adverse list and brought it down to just two who are still suspected of being linked with forces inimical to India. The review is a dynamic process which is carried out periodically, sources said.“During 1980s, many Sikh Indian nationals and foreign nationals belonging to the Sikh community fell to anti-India propaganda. Some Sikh Indian nationals fled India to escape Indian authorities, became foreign nationals and took asylum outside India.They were placed in the adverse list till 2016, making them ineligible to avail visa services to visit India,”an official said. indian express
Murdered Pak leader’s son Ajay appeals to PM Modi, don’t give asylum to his dad’s killer ex-Pak MLA Baldev
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/a-murdered-pak-leaders-son-appeals-to-pm-modi-dont-give-asylum-to-my-dads-killer-5994005/
Ludhiana: Son of a murdered Pakistani legislator has appealed to Indian PM Narendra Modi not to give asylum to a Sikh man who was named as an accused in his father’s murder but was later acquitted. The man, Baldev Kumar (43), also ex legislator from ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the neighbouring country, has sought asylum citing “atrocities on minorities in Pakistan” and claiming that he was “framed and implicated” in the murder case of his colleague Dr Soran Singh who was “actually murdered by Islamic extremists”.Ajay Singh (19), son of Soran Singh, speaking from Swat Valley, said that since Indian PM Modi always speaks against terrorism, he is hoping for justice and that India will not shield a murder accused booked under the anti-terrorism Act of Pakistan. He said that though Kumar was acquitted by an anti-terrorism court in 2018 in his father’s murder case, his appeal against him in Peshawar High Court is still pending and India must send Kumar back to Pakistan to face the law.Kumar came to India last month on 3-month visa and is currently living in Khanna of Punjab’s Ludhiana where his in-laws live. His wife Bhavna with their two children had arrived in India four months back.Soran Singh, who was nominated as PTI Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) from a minority-reserved seat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly in 2013, was shot on April 22, 2016. Within 24 hours, Pak Police claimed to have had arrested “main accused” and five others. According to Pakistan Police, Kumar had allegedly paid Rs 10 lakh to contract killers as he wanted to be MPA. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rules, winning parties nominate their members for minority-reserved seats and submit a preference list. The candidate named as number one in the list is nominated to the seat but in case he/she dies or seat is vacated due to any reason, the candidate named at number two is announced as the successor. Demanding that Kumar be sent back to Pakistan immediately to face the law, Ajay said, “He is doing a drama in India to gain sympathy saying that Sikhs are being troubled here. His motive is to evade the law. We believe and hope that Modi will not shield a murder accused,” he said. Indian express
Pakistani man urges Modi not to give asylum to ex-legislator who is accused of killing his father
https://scroll.in/latest/937310/pakistani-man-urges-modi-not-to-give-asylum-to-ex-legislator-who-is-accused-of-killing-his-father
Hindu Sena defaces Delhi’s Babar Road signboard, wants it renamed after Indian icon
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hindu-sena-defaces-delhi-s-babar-road-signboard-wants-it-renamed-after-indian-icon/story-3DHeX9zdNa6dHEKKxOGZKI.html
New Delhi:Demanding that the name of Babar Road in the national capital should be changed, members of the Hindu Sena blackened the signboard displaying the name in Bengali Market on Saturday. The outfit wants the name of the road changed since Babar, according to them, was “a foreigner” who attacked India.The founder of the Mughal dynasty in India, according to the Hindu Sena, was “atrocious” and the country did not belong to him so they want the road to be renamed after any great Indian personality.Police patrolling staff happened to notice the blackened signboard and informed the Barakhamba Road police station about it, according to reports. Staff of NDMC were later seen cleaning the signboard.HT
WORLD
Drone attacks on 2 Saudi Aramco oil facilities spark fires
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/drones-hit-saudi-aramco-facilities-fires-190914051900472.html
Drone attacks claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels have caused fires at 2 major facilities run by Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil giant.Citing an interior ministry spokesperson, the official Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday the blazes at the facilities in Abqaiq - home to the company's largest oil processing plant - and Khurais were under control."At 4.00am industrial security teams of Aramco started dealing with fires at two of its facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais as a result of ... drones," it said.The ministry did not identify the source of the attack and said investigations were ongoing. It did not specify if there were any casualties or whether operations at the two facilities had been affected.Online videos showed smoke rising above the company's facility in Abqaiq as what appeared to be gunfire could be heard in the background. Later on Saturday, the Houthis said the attacks were carried out by 10 drones and promised to widen the range of its attacks on Saudi, which leads a military coalition battling them in neighbouring Yemen. "These attacks are our right, and we warn the Saudis that our targets will keep expanding," spokesman Yahya Saree said in a statement read out on the rebels' Al Masirah TV.Saudi Aramco describes its Abqaiq oil processing facility, some 60 kilometres southwest of Dhahran in the Eastern Province, as "the largest crude oil stabilisation plant in the world". aljazeera
Saudi Aramco, world's most profitable company
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/saudi-aramco-world-profitable-company-190914093645213.html
Trump confirms death of Osama Bin Laden's son
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/trump-confirms-death-of-osama-bin-ladens-son/1583690
Hamza bin Laden, son of slain al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, was killed in a US counter-terrorism operation in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, President Donald Trump confirmed."Loss of Hamza bin Laden not only deprives al-Qa'ida of important leadership skills and the symbolic connection to his father, but undermines important operational activities of the group," Trump said. Trump did not disclose the timing of the operation.Anadolu Agency
Taliban delegation visits Russia after Trump ends talks
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/taliban-delegation-visits-russia-trump-talks-dead-190914052731342.html
Taliban representatives have held discussions with Russian officials in Moscow, just days after Donald Trump declared months-long peace talks between Washington and the group "dead". Taliban's Qatar-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen confirmed the meeting in the Russian capital on Friday, saying the group's delegation held consultations with Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special envoy for Afghanistan.At the meeting, Russia stressed the necessity of the resumption of talks between the US and the Taliban, while the group's delegation reiterated their readiness to renewing dialogue with Washington, an unidentified Russian foreign ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency.aljazeera
After decades of Afghan conflict, Imran Khan regrets Pakistan's participating in America's 'War on Terror'
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/after-decades-of-afghan-conflict-imran-khan-regrets-pakistans-participating-in-americas-war-on-terror/articleshow/71107386.cms
Pakistan should have taken a neutral stance instead of backing America's 'War on Terror' bid against the Soviet rule in Afghanistan, said PM Imran Khan.American Marines have been fighting the war against Taliban in Afghanistan since the last two decades.In an exclusive interview to Russia Today, Khan said, "I strongly felt Pakistan should have been neutral because joining these groups turned against us.""We lost 70,000 people. We lost over a hundred billion dollars to the economy. And in the end we were blamed for the Americans not succeeding in Afghanistan. "I felt it was very unfair on Pakistan," Khan stressed. Khan further admitted that the terror groups, which were born on the Pakistani soil and funded by America to carry out 'jihad' in Afghanistan, have now turned against Pakistan.Meanwhile, continuing the accusations over Pakistan joining US-led global campaign against terrorism, Imran also said that Islamabad had been training Mujahedeen fighters, who were "funded by CIA" to wage war against Soviet Union in Afghanistan in 1980s. But as it was US' turn to invade Afghanistan, "these groups turned against us," he stated." Participating in war... (and I repeat)... I was against it because in 80s we were trading these Mujahedeen people to do jihad against the Soviets when they occupied Afghanistan. So these people were trained by Pakistan funded by the CIA. And now, decades later, the same groups who were all in Pakistan are supposed to say that now it's no longer jihad. It's terrorism. But it is not the case," he stated."It was a big contradiction.""Well you see, had we not participated in the American war after 9/11, we would not have been the world's dangerous country," Khan said while putting a smile on his face," Khan added.ANI
9/11 Commission interview with Saudi Prince released
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/911-commission-interview-saudi-prince-bandar-released-190913170740089.html
Notes from a previously classified interview by US 9/11 Commission with Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the former Saudi ambassador to US, were reported earlier this week by journalists at Florida Bulldog news site.According to 2-and-a-half-page, single-spaced summary, which Al Jazeera could not independently verify, Prince Bandar spent much of the October 7, 2003, interview describing what he believed were some the origins of al-Qaeda and the September 11, 2001, attacks. The interview was not recorded, and no transcript was available, the Florida Bulldog, an independent news site, said.Prince Bandar accused the US of not following through "in helping the Afghan people to recover from the years of war" in the 1980s, the summary said."This provided a breeding ground for the young Mujahideen fighters who were successful in their military campaign to look for new battles. Neither the United States nor Saudi Arabia tried to reform the fighters into civilian life again. Had we done so, we might have had a very different outcome," read the report, summarising Prince Bandar's comments. Prince Bandar was ambassador to the US from 1983 to 2005. His close relationship with George W Bush and his family earned him the nickname "Bandar Bush".aljazeera
US energy head to discuss nuke power with Saudis
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/energy-head-discuss-nuclear-power-saudis-monday-190913204022710.html
US Energy Secretary Rick Perry said on Friday he will meet the new Saudi energy minister on Monday and likely discuss plans Saudi Arabia has to build nuclear reactors.Perry did not say where he would meet Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who took over from Khalid al-Falih on Sunday. But a US official said the meeting would likely take place on the sidelines of an IAEA meeting in Vienna next week.aljazeera
130 executed in Saudi in 2019, most of whom were bin Salman’s opponents
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190914-130-executed-in-saudi-arabia-in-2019-most-of-whom-were-bin-salmans-opponents/
An international human rights organisation has revealed that the Saudi authorities have executed more than 130 people since the beginning of this year, most of whom were opponents of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.In a report presented at UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Anti Death Penalty Project organisation announced that six of the executed opponents were children at the time of their arrest.MEMO
Archbishop Atallah warns against taking over Orthodox real estate in Hebron Gate
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190914-archbishop-atallah-warns-against-taking-over-orthodox-real-estate-in-hebron-gate/
Atallah Hanna, the archbishop of Sebastian Roman Orthodox, stated today that the ancient Orthodox real estate in the area of Hebron Gate is under serious threat, and that extremist settlers may seize these properties at any time. “We might witness the same scenario of the building of Saint John the Beloved in the Old City, to which the settlers were allowed years ago, again here in Hebron Gate.”“This is a new and renewed calamity targeting our ancient Orthodox estates in Jerusalem. Seizure of Hebron Gate and its buildings means further weakening, and marginalising Christian presence in Jerusalem,” he declared. “We have been addressing appealing letters to the rest of the world over the past months, calling for a move to stop this impending catastrophe threatening us in Hebron, but we have not yet seen any serious action or any initiatives aimed to break this deal, concluded by the unworthy and submitted to the unworthy. ”middleeastmonitor
Palestinians in Israel: Netanyahu's racism makes us want to vote
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2019/09/palestinians-israel-netanyahu-racism-vote-190913084940630.html
Jaffa: Days ahead of a national parliamentary vote the streets of this Palestinian city, which was absorbed into the Tel Aviv municipality after 1948, were buzzing with election fervour. Campaign posters for the Arab Joint List, an electoral alliance of four Palestinian parties, are visible across the ancient port city. The faces of the Joint List's main candidates adorn street lamps and apartment buildings, while their slogan, "Our unity is our strength", has been plastered across shop windows and balconies.It is a far cry from 6 months ago, when the alliance of 4 parties - Hadash, Taal, Balad and United Arab List - split into 2 competing blocs. Both ultimately fared poorly in April's election, as voter turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel fell to 49.2%, down from 68%in previous vote. aljazeera
Tunisian presidential elections: Start of voting abroad
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190914-tunisian-presidential-elections-start-of-voting-abroad/
The voting process for the Tunisian presidential elections for nationals living abroad in six electoral circles has begun on Friday at dawn. This will continue until 15 September, the date of commencement of the voting process within Tunisia.A total of 302 voting centres have been established to receive 386,053 registered voters, in 49 foreign countries, out of a total of 7,074,566 registered voters, according to a statement by the Tunisian Independent High Authority for Elections.“Tunisians should go to the voting centres on 15 September at home, and on 13, 14, 15 September abroad, to contribute to the success of the electoral celebration,” explained member of the High Authority for Elections, Farouk Bouaskar, at a conference held by the Authority on Thursday evening.middleeastmonitor
Turkey's ex PM Davutoglu resigns from ruling AK Party
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/turkey-pm-davutoglu-resigns-ruling-ak-party-190913101724083.html
Ex-Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoglu has announced his resignation from ruling AK Party and says he will launch a new political movement, in the latest challenge to President Tayyip Erdogan from his former allies."It is our historical responsibility and duty to the nation ... to set up a new political movement," Davutoglu told reporters in Ankara on Friday.aljazeera
Flash: NEWS, views, Articles
We Are All Migrants, We Are All Mixed: Tony Joseph, Author Of ‘Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors...'
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-we-are-all-migrants-we-are-all-mixed-tony-joseph-author-of-early-indians-the-story-of-our-ancestors/338420
Scientists Part of Studies Supporting Aryan Migration Endorse Party Line Instead:C.P. Rajendran
https://thewire.in/the-sciences/rakhigarhi-indus-valley-civilisation-aryan-steppe-migration-vasant-shinde
Why Hindutva supporters love to hate the discredited Aryan Invasion Theory:Girish Shahane
https://scroll.in/article/937043/why-hindutva-supporters-love-to-hate-the-discredited-aryan-invasion-theory
In Yogi’s UP, BJP silent on killing of RSS and party workers: Sunita Shahi
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/vocal-against-violence-in-bengal-and-kerala-bjp-silent-in-uttar-pradesh
Why the outcome of Tabrez Ansari lynching case must concern us all:Harsh Mander
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/no-one-killed-tabrez-ansari-lynching-jharkhand-police-5993644/
Why sedition law has lost meaning:Prasanna S
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-sedition-law-has-lost-meaning-supreme-court-democracy-5993643/
Courts have expanded contours of free speech but their curious gag orders in J&K are shrinking it: Editorial
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/thou-shalt-not-farooq-abdullah-omar-abdullah-abrogation-article-370-kashmir-5993669/
Modi and Shah Forget that Kashmir is No Tibet, India is No China:Ghazala Wahab
https://thewire.in/rights/as-india-steals-from-kashmir-it-steals-from-its-own-integrity
Punjab's History Explains its Support for the Rights of Kashmiris Today:Prabhjit Singh
https://thewire.in/rights/punjabs-history-explains-its-support-for-the-rights-of-kashmiris-today
Valley of discontent: Contempt for politicians and media overrides ‘azadi’ in Kashmir:Varghese K. George
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/valley-of-discontent/article29410880.ece
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq,(Released at: 9:41 PM)
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