NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
15 OCT. 2019: 15 Safar 1441: Vol: 12, No: 37
INDIA: Babri Masjid land case
Ayodhya hearing to conclude tomorrow; Hindus say no one can claim exclusive possession of site
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/ayodhya-hearing-to-conclude-tomorrow-hindus-says-no-one-can-claim-exclusive-possession-of-site
The hearing in the sensitive Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case in the Supreme Court has reached Day 39. The proceedings are likely to end on Oct.16, which would be the fortieth day of the case. The hearings had originally been scheduled to end on Oct.17, with the court expected to announce a verdict before the incumbent Chief Justice demits office on Nov. 17. Senior advocate K Parasaran, appearing for 'Ram Lalla Virajman', one of the parties in the dispute, made his rejoinder arguments today. He stressed the importance of the birthplace of Lord Ram for the Hindus. He pointed out that there are many mosques in Ayodhya, but ‘Ram Lalla’s’ birthplace can’t be changed. In a change of tact, following the observation of Rajeev Dhavan — who represents the Muslim petitioners — on Monday, that most of the questions of the Bench were directed to him, the bench was seen to be asking Parasaran a number of questions.The Bench asked Parasaran questions on legal issues like the law of limitation, doctrine of adverse possession and questions as to how Muslims are ousted from seeking title over the 2.77 acre disputed land at Ayodhya. In response, Parasaran seemed to be fumbling.In jest, Chief Justice also asked Rajeev Dhavan if he felt the court was asking enough questions of the Hindu parties, to which Dhavan said that he didn’t mean it that way.Attempting to state that the title belonged to them, Parasaran said no person —either Muslim or Hindu — could claim exclusive possession of the site as it was a place of public worship. Parasaran added that exclusive possession for a place of worship can be claimed only when one has a clear title over the property.The remark was objected to by Dhavan, who said the dispute was not one between worshippers of different religions. He said, “Once it is a valid Waqf property, possessory and management rights can be laid,” Dhavan added.Refusing to listen to Dhavan’s objections, Parasaran said he would only answer to objections raised by the court.When the bench asked Parasaran if he accepted Dhavan argument that “once a mosque, always a mosque”,Parasaran said, “No. My case is, once a temple, always a temple. I won’t comment on their argument since I’m not an expert.”The court then asked Parasaran about possessory title without adverse possession. Justice Chandrachud asked Parasaran if he thought that a party may not have to go as far as to establish adverse possession, but could they claim title by seeking declaration of possessory title? To this, again, Parasaran did not have clear answers. After lunch, Parasaran concluded his arguments contending that the Sunni Waqf Board can’t make any claims on basis of the initial conquest by Babar and the subsequent conquest by British.Then, Senior Advocate CS Vaidyanathan, representing deity ‘Ram Lalla’ began his arguments, stating that the Muslims have come up with the argument of dedication because of long use. “But there is an admission of the deity being the prior owner,” underscored Vaidyanathan.In a heated exchange between Vaidyanathan and Dhavan, former complained that he could not go on arguing with Dhavan commenting beside him. Slamming his statements, Dhavan said it was Vaidyanathan who began it and was always commenting when Dhavan was arguing. “Stop it, stop it. You were the one making comments while I was arguing,” Dhavan said.“How can he speak like that asking me to stop it,” Vaidyanathan said, and stopped arguing for a brief period and sat down. CJI then diffused the situation and Vaidyanathan resumed his arguments. He argued that, “If the place is sanctified as a deity and if Hindus continued to worship at that place, there cannot be claim of adverse possession by Muslims.” He claims that since there was joint possession of the property with the same being used a temple/ deity too, the dedication of the property as a mosque cannot be considered. Oct16, would be the last day of the hearing in the case. Vaidyanathan would be given 45 minutes and Dhavan would get 1 hour for his rejoinder. nationalheraldindia
"55-60 Mosques In Ayodhya, 1 Birthplace For Lord Ram": Hindu Petitioners To Supreme Court
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-case-55-60-mosques-in-ayodhya-1-birthplace-for-lord-ram-say-hindu-petitioners-to-supreme-cou-2117260
INDIAN ECONOMY
Man With 90 Lakhs Deposit In Crisis-Hit PMC Bank Dies Hours After Protest
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pmc-bank-depositor-sanjay-gulati-with-90-lakhs-deposit-in-scam-hit-pmc-bank-dies-in-mumbai-hours-aft-2116986
MUMBAI:An account holder at PMC Bank, who had over Rs. 90 lakh with the troubled bank, died in Mumbai on Monday. He died of a heart attack hours after attending a protest by distressed customers of the bank outside a Mumbai court. Sanjay Gulati, 51, went for a protest march outside a city court on Monday morning and had been under stress because of his deposit being stuck, said Manali Narkar, who was among the agitating depositors. Ms Narkar said the depositors will hold a peaceful candle light march this evening. Oshiwara resident took part in the protest along with his 80-year-old father. He died due to a heart attack while having dinner on Monday, a senior official at the Oshiwara police station was quoted as saying by PTI.Gulati, who was an engineer with the now-grounded Jet Airways, had lost his job. He has a wife and 2 children, including a specially-abled son.Depositors, friends and family members of Sanjay Gulati gathered outside his home this afternoon. “Any of us could face a similar fate…6 of my family members have accounts at PMC Bank," a neighbour told NDTV. "When will get the government and RBI wake up?" said a woman whose three family members have accounts in PMC Bank.ndtv
IMF revises India’s growth projection from 7.3 to 6.1 per cent in 2019
https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/imf-revises-indias-growth-projection-to-6-1-per-cent-in-2019-6070491/
Washington :International Monetary Fund on Tuesday slashed India’s GDP growth projection for 2019 to 6.1 per cent, which is 1.2 per cent lower than its April projections.This comes just two days after the World Bank revised India’s growth projection for the financial year 2019-20 from 7.5 per cent to 6 per cent.The IMF had said in April that India will grow at 7.3 per cent in 2019. Just three months later, it projected a slower growth rate with a downward revision of 0.3 per cent.As against the country’s real growth rate of 6.8 per cent in 2018, the IMF in its latest World Economic Outlook projected India’s growth rate at 6.1 per cent in 2019. However, it also noted that the Indian economy is expected to pick up the next year at 7.0 per cent.The downward revision of 1.2 percentage points for 2019 and 0.5 percentage point for 2020 relative to its April predictions reflects a weaker-than-expected domestic demand, the IMF said. “Growth will be supported by the lagged effects of monetary policy easing, a reduction in corporate income tax rates, recent measures to address corporate and environmental regulatory uncertainty, and government programs to support rural consumption,” PTI quoted the IMF as saying.indianexpress
Exports dip 6.57% in Sept; import contracts 13.58%
https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/exports-dip-657-in-september-import-contracts-1358/article29692668.ece?homepage=true
India’s exports contracted by 6.57% to $26 billion in September mainly due to significant dip in shipments from key sectors such as petroleum, engineering, leather, chemicals, and gems & jewellery.Imports too declined by 13.85% to $36.89 billion, narrowing trade deficit to $10.86 billion in September, according to official data released on October 15.Trade deficit in September last year stood at $14.95 billion.PTI
Good economics points to one direction, Modi govt points to another: Chidambaram
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/good-economics-points-to-one-direction-modi-govt-points-to-another-chidambaram-6070369/
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram today attacked the government over the state of the economy, saying “good economics” points to one direction, while the Modi dispensation points to another. Former finance minister, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in a corruption case, congratulated Indian-origin economist Abhijit Banerjee for winning the Nobel Prize.“Hearty congratulations to the Nobel Prize winner Abhijit Bannerjee. We remember with gratitude his contribution to the Congress Manifesto,” Chidambaram said in a tweet.PTI
J&K ISSUE & SOUTH asia
Hours After Postpaid Mobiles Restored In Kashmir, SMS Services Stopped
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/hours-after-postpaid-mobile-phones-restored-in-kashmir-sms-services-stopped-2117036
Srinagar:Hours after post-paid mobile phone connections were restored in Kashmir Valley on Monday after 72 days, SMS services were stopped as a "precautionary measure", officials said today. Mobile phone services for post-paid subscribers resumed in Kashmir after 72 days on Monday noon, but without any internet facilities. By about 5 pm, SMS services had been suspended too, dulling the euphoria of about 40 lakh subscribers delighted at the prospect of their phones coming back to life, officials said."SMS services were stopped last evening as a precautionary measure," said an official without elaborating further.The government kept to its promise of mobile phones working by Monday noon, but the joy was short-lived. Thousands of subscribers found their services disconnected by telecom companies due to non-payment of bills for the period of the suspension of services. Till late Monday evening and from early Tuesday, serpentine queues formed outside the offices of telecom companies as subscribers rushed to clear their outstanding bills.It is a cumbersome process with online payments not an option because of internet services being blocked in Kashmir, many subscribers complained.Internet services on all platforms continue to remain suspended.Over 25 lakh prepaid mobile phones and other internet services, including WhatsApp, remain deactivated for now, officials said.A decision on pre-paid subscribers could be taken next month, they said. PTI/NDTV
Centre, J&K Suppressed Orders Related to Communication Blockade, SC Told
https://thewire.in/government/centre-jk-suppressed-orders-related-to-communication-blockade-scribe-tells-sc
New Delhi: Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration have “suppressed” the relevant orders and notifications related to the shutdown of communication and internet blockade in the Valley from the Supreme Court, a senior journalist has alleged. Executive Editor of Kashmir Times Anuradha Bhasin, who has filed a petition in the apex court on the restrictions imposed by the authorities following the dilution of Article 370 on August 5, said this in her rejoinder affidavit.The affidavit came into the public domain on Monday, the day when post-paid mobile services were restored in the Valley.“The respondent two (J&K administration) has suppressed relevant orders/ notifications/ circulars/ directions/documents which are essential for proper adjudication of the present writ petition and require judicial scrutiny for determining its constitutionality,” Bhasin said in her counter affidavit. She said the Centre has also suppressed such orders and not placed them before the court.PTI
J&K Police refute Amit Shah’s claim that Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti booked under PSA
https://scroll.in/latest/940556/j-k-police-refute-amit-shahs-claim-that-omar-abdullah-mehbooba-mufti-booked-under-psa
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti were detained under the Public Safety Act.In an interview to India Today, Shah said: “They [Mufti and Abdullah] are still in detention under the Public Safety Act.” The home minister was first asked if National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah’s claim of being put under house arrest before the invocation of the PSA Act was true. After Shah refuted the allegation, he was asked about the detention of Mufti and Omar Abdullah.However, police officials in Srinagar denied that Mufti and Omar Abdullah had been booked under Public Safety Act. “They had been taken into preventive detention under Section 107 [security for keeping the peace in other cases] of the CrPC [Code of Criminal Procedure],” officials told Scroll.in.scroll
Magistrates Will Now Watch Over Kashmir Schools, While Police Wait Outside
https://thewire.in/education/magistrates-will-now-watch-over-kashmir-schools-while-police-wait-outside
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir governor’s administration has decided to keep an eye on students in the Valley and depute magistrates to every educational institution to oversee their day-to-day functioning. This decision was taken at a high-level meeting presided over by divisional commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan last week to ensure the “smooth functioning” of schools and colleges across the Valley, which is witnessing an uneasy calm after the Centre read down Article 370 and bifurcated the state into two union territories.Though the government ordered the opening of educational institutions last month, most students are yet to attend classes.thewire
To bridge trust deficit, J&K will try engage mainstream parties
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/to-bridge-trust-deficit-jk-will-try-engage-mainstream-parties-6069198/
Srinagar :After restoring mobile phone connectivity in the Valley Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is now working on a mechanism to initiate political engagement which is likely to involve mainstream political parties.The move is expected to lead to the release of more political leaders from detention though a decision releasing former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti is not on the table yet.Sources said the Centre is keen on beginning political dialogue with the Valley to bridge he trust deficit between the state administration and Kashmiris following the August 5 decision. The political mechanism currently under discussion is likely to involve second-rung leaders from regional parties in the Valley to form a political council that can initiate dialogue with people and assuage their fears in the wake of the August 5 decisions. indianexpress
Srinagar protest: Farooq Abdullah’s sister, daughter among women activists detained
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/farooq-abdullahs-sister-daughter-among-women-activists-detained-in-srinagar-6069995/
Srinagar :The police today detained half a dozen women activists including the sister and daughter of former chief minister Farooq Abdullah during a protest against abrogation of provisions of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, officials said.Abdullah’s sister Suraiya and his daughter Safiya, who were leading a group of women activists, were detained by the police.Wearing black arm bands and holding placards, the women protestors were not allowed by the police personnel to assemble and were asked to disperse peacefully.However, the protestors refused to disperse and tried to stage a sit-in.PTI
'Kashmiri Brides Not For Sale', Women Groups In Srinagar Protest Against Abrogation of Article 370
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/kashmiri-brides-not-for-sale-women-groups-in-srinagar-protest-against-abrogation-of-article-370
Pakistan’s now counter India by framing Indians for terror: HT report
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-tries-to-implicate-indian-cook/story-PKctYK1GLmUyi99AnhzT5O.html
New Delhi: Pakistan’s efforts to implicate India and Indian nationals over terror-related crimes has resulted in the country now targeting an Indian cook.According to diplomats and foreign ministry officials, Pakistan, with the help of its all-weather ally China has moved UNSC under resolution 1267 (Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee) seeking action against Indian national Ajoy Mistry who it describes as an Islamic State terrorist targeting Pakistan. Islamabad’s proposal to add Mistry in ISIL and al Qaida Sanctions List has been circulated by the chair of 1267 Committee to the other members this month, diplomats added.Last month, US blocked another China-sponsored proposal by Pakistan to designate Venumadhav Dongara, an Indian engineer working on transmission lines in Afghanistan, as a global terrorist by 1267 committee.As reported by HT, Islamabad filed an FIR against him in Peshawar on March 11 this year on charges of supplying weapons, ammunitions and explosives to Tariq Gidar terror group, which allegedly attacked Peshawar air base on Sept.18, 2015. Fearing that Pakistan may want to make Dongara the next Kulbushan Jadhav, Indian security agencies evacuated the engineer from Afghanistan on Sept.8. Jadhav, a former Indian Navy officer turned businessman was allegedly picked up by Pakistan’s spy agency in Iran. He was sentenced to death but the International Court of Justice this year stayed the execution and has asked Pakistan to review the entire case.HT
OTHERS
We have nothing against India and need its help to reconstruct Afghanistan: Taliban Envoy
https://www.firstpost.com/world/afghan-taliban-dismisses-fear-of-attacks-on-india-after-us-troop-withdrawal-says-neighbourhoods-support-vital-to-rebuild-country-7499341.html
Almost a month after US President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with Afghanistan's once all-powerful regime Taliban, "Taliban Political Commission" or TPC is neither discouraged nor is it sitting still.Furthering its long political journey from being treated as a rogue militant-backed group to gaining enough political legitimacy to be sitting across world powers at the negotiation table, TPC is touring Pakistan, Moscow and cutting deals with the world powers. The latest such instance being the militant group negotiating the release of three Indian engineers it took hostage, in return of release of 11 of its men. In conversation with News18's Zakka Jacob, Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen sought to dismiss India's fears that the militant organisation will direct its attention to foment trouble in India once the US troops pull out of its territory. "It is not a genuine fear, it is not a reality. Why we should turn our fighters towards India when we need to reconstruct our country after its liberation. We need to have a relation with other countries to help us in reconstructing and developing our country. We do not have any policy of interference in any other countries, rather, we want to have good relations with every global partner. That’s our policy," Shaheen said. firstpost
We Have Nothing Against India and Need its Help to Reconstruct Afghanistan, Says Taliban Envoy
https://www.news18.com/news/world/we-have-nothing-against-india-and-need-its-help-to-reconstruct-afghanistan-says-taliban-envoy-2345419.html
Haryana polls: Mob lynching, security takes centrestage in Muslim-majority Mewat
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/oct/15/haryana-elections-mob-lynching-security-takes-centrestage-in-muslim-majority-mewat-2047567.html
NUH: In the Muslim-majority Mewat region, concern over incidents of mob lynching and security of the community appears to be the dominant issue in the political discourse, with a section asserting that it was a matter of priority.The lynching cases of Pehlu Khan and Junaid have become a regular feature in the speeches during opposition rallies for the October 21 Haryana assembly election.The Nuh Assembly seat in the Mewat region is witnessing an interesting contest with BJP fielding Zakir Hussain, who won in the 2014 assembly elections on an INLD ticket, and joined BJP in June.He is being attacked by the Congress for "betraying" Muslims by switching over to BJP and not taking up the issue of mob lynching and security of the people.At a rally here on Monday before Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived, the party's Punhana candidate Mohammad Ilyas hit out at Hussain and even gestured with a shoe in his hand on the dias, saying people will give the boot to those who stand with "supporters of lynching".Congress candidate from Nuh Aftab Ahmed said, "We have stayed in the country on the assurance of Mahatma Gandhi. We will not let Godse succeed as the country is ours too."Sabir Ali, a Congress supporter, told reporters that security is the most important issue for the people of this district."People are saddened by incidents of lynching. This is an election issue and people in the area will vote keeping this in mind. Economy and developmental issues are important, but they will matter only if one is alive," he said.newindianexpress
Probing Dawood aide Mirchi’s case, ED claims link to Praful Patel firm, NCP denies it
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/probing-dawood-aide-mirchis-case-ed-claims-link-to-praful-firm-ncp-denies-it-6069195/
Mumbai:Probing a case of alleged money laundering, ED plans to attach at least 35 properties belonging to the family of Iqbal Mohammed Memon aka Iqbal Mirchi, a close aide of gangster Dawood Ibrahim, in India and abroad including 2 floors of Mumbai’s Ceejay House, developed by a firm run by NCP leader and former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.According to ED, Patel’s Millennium Developers Pvt Ltd constructed Ceejay House in 2006-07 and its third and fourth floors were transferred to Mirchi’s wife Hajra Iqbal in 2007 “towards beneficial interest of Mirchi in the land” on which it was built. The sale of land to Millennium Developers, ED claimed, was “through dubious means” and the sale proceeds were “laundered” by Mirchi. ED is likely to summon Patel and his wife Varsha Patel, co-owners of Millennium Developers, for questioning in the case.In a statement, NCP denied any link between Patel and Iqbal Mirchi. “Praful Patel’s family bought the property on which Ceejay House has been constructed from the Maharaja of Gwalior in year 1963. This property was with Court Receiver from 1978 to 2005 due to dispute among co-owners. During this period, there was an illegal occupant in the premises behind the then building. They were relocated by an order of the High Court on the third floor when the building was re-developed by the Patel family. Ceejay House is not owned by any individual being mentioned in the news report. All documents and Court orders are available on record,” it said.indian express
Elgaar Parishad case: Bombay HC rejects bail plea of Sudha Bhardwaj, 2 others
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/elgaar-parishad-case-bombay-hc-rejects-bail-plea-of-activists-6069735/
New Delhi: Bombay High Court today rejected the bail application of activists Sudha Bharadwaj, Arun Ferreira and Vernon Gonsalves in connection with Elgaar Parishad case for their alleged links with the banned CPI-Maoist. The activists were arrested by Pune Police on Aug.28, 2018. The court had last week reserved its order on the activist’s bail plea. In Oct.last year, a special court in Pune had rejected the bail application of Bharadwaj, following which, she moved Bombay High Court. Advocate Yug Chaudhry, representing Bharadwaj, had told the court that there was no incriminating statement by any of the witnesses in the chargesheet, except that by a police officer who conducted the house search of Bharadwaj. He added that the documents found by the police, on the basis of which she was arrested, were not generated from her computer. In the bail application of Ferreira, advocate Sudeep Pasbola had argued that he was arrested only because of his acquaintance with co-accused Surendra Gadling, and for being a member of Indian Association of People’s Lawyers (IAPL). Additional public prosecutor Aruna Pai opposed the bail application of 3 activists stating that they are active members of frontal groups funded by the banned CPI(Maoist). Pai said that the investigation is still underway and releasing them on bail would jeopardise the probe. indianexpress
Akal Takht calls for ban on RSS, slams Hindu Rashtra demand
https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/akal-takht-jathedar-giani-harpreet-singh-rss-ban-mohan-bhagwat-hindu-rashtra?fbclid=IwAR03A5fuD535pyAN3ankz5927yyDXGSPP_SUD53ZtLuV-9ZJArwQKkJts1E
Giani Harpreet Singh, acting Jathedar (head priest) of Akal Takht, has called for a ban on RSS and said that the Sangh’s aim of a Hindu Rashtra is against the country’s interests."Yes, it should be banned. I believe what the RSS is doing will create divisions in the country. The statements being made by RSS leaders are not in the country's interests," the Akali Takht chief reportedly told the media in Amritsar on Monday.This is a significant statement as it comes from the head of the highest temporal body of Sikh community.Giani Harpreet Singh reiterated his criticism of the RSS today.“In India there are Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jews, Parsis. People speak different languages here. It is wrong to say that this will be made a Hindu Rashtra,” he added. Akal Takht chief’s statement is in reaction to RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat’s Vijaydashmi address in which he called India a Hindu Rashtra and linked lynchings to Christian and Muslim texts.thequint
Election Commission extends last date to verify voter card details
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/eci-extends-last-date-verify-voter-card-details-heres-how-you-can-change-it-online-6069827/
Election Commission of India has extended till Nov 18 the last date for online verification of voter ID cards. For Delhi, however, Oct.31 is the last date as assembly elections are due here in the first quarter of next year. “It has been observed that the progress of EVP is considerably slow and verification/authentication of a large number of electors is yet to be done. Large numbers of Forms are also being received for inclusion /deletion/correction, which is to be disposed of before draft publication,” read a statement issued by the ECI.
Aadhaar-social media linking: SC snubs plea
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/aadhaar-social-media-linking-sc-snubs-plea
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused to entertain a petition seeking a direction to Centre to take steps for linking social media accounts with Aadhaar to check the menace of “fake and paid news”. The SC granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the high court.The matter came up for hearing before a bench, headed by Justice Deepak Gupta, which observed that a similar matter is already pending before Madras High Court. Advocate and BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, the petitioner in the case, withdrew his plea. freepressjournal
13 Thai, one Malaysian asked to leave UP's Bijnor for 'illegally preaching religion' in mosque
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/oct/15/13-thai-one-malaysian-asked-to-leave-ups-bijnor-for-illegally-preaching-religion-in-mosque-2047858.html
Bijnor: 13 Thailand nationals and one Malaysian have been asked to leave Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh after they were found to be 'illegally preaching religion', police said.The police had sought a clarification from the foreigners for preaching religion at a mosque as they were on a tourist visa.The matter came to light through the local intelligence unit, and on Monday the police asked them to leave the district. The foreigners were also warned that action would be taken against them if found preaching religion anywhere in the country.The report in this matter is being sent to Central intelligence agencies.Bijnor SPLakshmi Nivas Misra said: "Police got a tip-off that some foreigners were staying at the Jama mosque here at Bijnor's Mridgaan Mohalla. Intelligence agencies were put on alert and the investigation was made in this connection. Intelligence reports revealed that 13 persons from Thailand and one other from Malaysia were staying here at a mosque."All these persons had come here on a tourist visa, but they were found indulging in preaching religion, the police said. Police have asked for an explanation from 14 persons and mosque authorities about matter.newindianexpress
Man denies deposing falsely to protect son suspected of joining IS
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/man-denies-deposing-falsely-to-protect-son-suspected-of-joining-islamic-state-6069355/
Mumbai :The father of a Kerala man who was declared a hostile witness by NIA last week denied on Monday that he was deposing falsely to protect his son and other relatives who have reportedly joined the Islamic State. He told the court on Monday that he had reported his son, daughter-in-law, their one-year-old daughter, brother, cousin and their families, as missing from the country, at his Kerala village in 2016, but had not lodged a complaint in Mumbai against an IRF employee for influencing them to join Islamic State.He denied that FIR filed by Mumbai Police was as per his complaint. IRF employee named in the complaint, Arshi Qureshi, was arrested in 2016 and chargesheeted in 2017.“It is not correct to say that because they (son and family) have joined Islamic State, to save them and Arshi I am deposing falsely before the court,” Kerala man’s father said during cross examination conducted by special public prosecutor Sunil Gonsalves.He denied that he knew Qureshi and had told police that Qureshi had influenced his son to join IS.He denied giving a statement quoted in the chargesheet against Qureshi in which he said he had heard his son speak of one “Arshi bhai”.He also denied that his son’s laptop and pendrives were seized by Kerala ATS in his presence.indianexpress
JNUSU snubbed for academic council meet
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/jnusu-snubbed-for-academic-council-meet/articleshow/71588071.cms
New Delhi: Clouds of uncertainty continue to hover over the functioning of JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) this year as no end appears in sight to the tussle between the administration and the elected students.
JNU is set to conduct its first academic council meeting of this session on Tuesday. However, the JNUSU representatives are yet to be notified despite them submitting their financial details on October 1. The four central panel representatives will not be able to attend the meeting for want of a notification. The students union has called for a university strike to oppose this decision. Dean of students Umesh Kadam told TOI: “JNU Election Committee (JNUEC) counted the votes and then submitted us the final result in a sealed envelope on September 9. But when the court asked for the results to be announced later, the EC went ahead and announced the results without even approaching us for the envelope. How can we notify the JNUSU when the envelope is still in my office?”TOI
Nothing anti-Muslim about NRC: Amit Shah talks Assam, Kashmir, economy, NRC
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/home-minister-amit-shah-interview-nrc-ayodhya-elections-pmc-economic-slowdown-chidambaram-jammu-kashmir-1609401-2019-10-15
New Delhi:Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed reports of violence on the ground and said Jammu and Kashmir is very peaceful. Incidentally, Shah's statement came on a day when postpaid mobile services were restored in the Valley after more than 70 days of lockdown. The Home Minister also held Article 370 responsible for the killings of 40,000 people."There is no curfew anywhere and no shoot-at-sight order after the abrogation of Article 370. Section 144 has been imposed only at six police station areas. The apple business is running smoothly. There is traffic on roads and markets are also reopening gradually. Overall, the situation is good. People are going to masjid to offer Friday prayers. There is peace in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Mobile services and voice calls have also resumed." On Uniform Civil Code issue, the Home Minister said he can't give a time table as a lot of things are taken into consideration.On economic revival, Shah said investment happens in new avenues. Those having cash reserves have expanded their businesses. "In the era of globalisation, the economy of a country can't be evaluated in isolation. In comparison to global economy, our condition is good. The dip in GDP and slowdown is less compared to other countries. We can't compare the size of our economy with Bangladesh."The NRC process is carried out under the order and directions of the Supreme Court. We will fix the loopholes in the current NRC process and ensure a leak-proof NRC. The NRC will be extended across the country...Will also bring the Citizenship Amendment Bill," he said."There is nothing anti-Muslim in the exercise...We cannot allow everyone in India...Congress never stopped illegal immigration and so we should start a legal procedure to identify and deport such people," he added.india today
In 15 yr rule of Congress in Assam highest number of minority people died: Assam finance minister
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/in-15-year-rule-of-congress-in-assam-highest-number-of-minority-people-died-assam-finance-minister/articleshow/71581761.cms
Guwahati: Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that during the 15 year rule of congress in Assam highest number of minority people died. Addressing an election rally in minority dominated Jania assembly seat, Sarma said, “If you go through the history, across the country highest number of minority people died in Assam during the 15 year rule of Tarun Gogoi.”Tarun Gogoi was leading the congress government from 2001 to 2016.economictimes
'Not in public view': ED allowed to arrest Chidambaram from Tihar jail 2 days before custody in CBI case expires
https://www.news18.com/news/india/ed-allowed-to-arrest-p-chidambaram-from-tihar-jail-in-inx-media-case-but-not-in-public-view-2346853.html
New Delhi: Just 2 days before the judicial custody of former finance minister P Chidambaram was set to expire in the INX Media money laundering case filed by CBI, a Delhi court on Tuesday allowed the Enforcement Directorate to arrest him and take him into custody.Special CBI judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar allowed the ED to go to Tihar Jail and interrogate Chidambaram on Wednesday, and arrest him, if required. "It's not of the dignity of this person that you interrogate and arrest him here in public view," the court said.Chidambaram was remanded to judicial custody till October 17 in the INX Media corruption case filed by CBI. The special court on October 3 extended the judicial custody of Chidambaram till October 17 in the case filed by the CBI.news18
Police say Murshidabad family killed over insurance policy, arrest 20-year-old ex-neighbour
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bengal-triple-murder-main-accused-arrested-was-duped-by-victim-says-police-6069816/
Kolkata :8 days after the brutal murder of three members of a family in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, the police Tuesday arrested their former neighbour and claimed to have cracked the case that has snowballed into a major political row between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP. According to the police, Utpal Behara (20) killed Bandhuprakash Pal, his wife Beauty Pal and their five-year-old son Angan over monetary dispute related to an insurance policy.Primary school teacher Pal (40), his wife and their son were found murdered at their home in Lebu Bagan area of Jiaganj on October 8.Stating that Utpal had confessed to the crime, Mukesh Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Murshidabad, said, “Utpal got into an 11-year term policy with yearly premium of Rs 24,167 through Pal. According to the accused, while he got the receipt for the first year, Pal did not give him the receipt for the second year even after he paid the premium. When he asked Pal to return his money, the latter abused. Utpal said he felt insulted and decided to kill him. Pal’s wife and son were killed as they knew Utpal and could have identified him.” The police will produce Utpal in court today and will seek 14-day custody.indianexpress
Ahead of Diwali, UP govt ends services of 25,000 Home Guards over pay issue
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/up-government-ends-services-of-25-000-home-guards-on-diwali-evening/story-hIPMu8NuMGleHDpuD7tMlJ.html
Under pressure from the Supreme Court to pay them at par with Police constables, Yogi Adityanath government on Tuesday terminated the services of 25,000 Home Guards in the Uttar Pradesh Police Department.In an order, the state Police headquarters in Prayagraj stated that 25,000 Home Guards will be relieved from their duties.“The decision to end 25,000 Home Guard services was taken on August 28 this year in a meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary,” said an order issued by ADG B.P. Jogdand.More than 99,000 Home Guards also stand to lose regular employment, as the state government has cut the number of days they are required to report for duty from 25 to 15 days.HT
Couple used Muslim names for safety in Pakistan
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/couple-used-muslim-names-for-safety-in-pak/articleshow/71588464.cms
Jaipur: Santo Khan (90) and his wife Mariyam Khatoon used Muslim names to ensure they lived peacefully in Pakistan until they moved to India in 2005. Both were elated when they got Indian citizenship with their original names Maremi Devi and Santokan. They were among 14 Pakistani Hindus who were given Indian citizenship certificates by the district collector.TOI spoke to various citizens who are living in various localities in the city and awaiting for the day when they would be given certificates of citizenship.“I moved in 1997 and got citizenship in 2005. My parents got their Muslim names in certificates too. We lived at Chak 221, a village in Rahim Yar Khan district of Pakistan. I believe they had a fear of being attacked or assaulted which is the reason why they lived with Muslim names,” Jaisar Pratap Meghwal, younger son of the elderly couple, said. His parents came to India in 2000 and had applied for citizenship in 2005. On the other hand, 43-year-old Kishan Lal and his wife Kalawati (46) were elated after getting certificate of Indian citizenship after a wait of almost 13 years. They are optimistic to get Indian citizenship of their five children including a daughter. The couple was among 14 persons who were handed over the citizenship certificates by Jagroop Singh Yadav, district collector, Jaipur.TOI
WORLD
UK, NATO say Turkish operation must 'end'; Russia says Syria in control of area around Manbij
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/turkey-military-operation-syria-latest-updates-191015062532991.html
Heavy fighting continues as Turkey presses ahead with its military operation against Kurdish fighters in northeast Syria, now in its seventh day.British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg agreed Turkey's military operation needed to end, a spokeswoman for Johnson's office said."The Prime Minister and Secretary General both expressed their deep concern at the situation in northern Syria," the spokeswoman said in a statement after the pair met in London."Both leaders stressed the value of Turkey as a NATO ally and recognised the role they have played in supporting refugees from the Syrian conflict," she added. "But they were clear that the current Turkish operation needed to end."Syrian forces had taken control of an area of more than 1,000 square kilometres around the northeastern Syrian city of Manbij, the Russian Interfax news agency reported, citing the country's defence ministry.Syria's army had taken control of the Tabqa military airfield, 2 hydroelectric power plants and several bridges across the Euphrates river, Interfax quoted the ministry as saying.Turkey's defence ministry said a soldier who was wounded in a mortar attack carried out from the Kurdish-held city of Manbij had died, raising the death toll in the assault to two.The death raises the total number of Turkish soldiers killed the start of the push to six, according to the ministry. Erdogan has said 16 Turkish-backed Syrian rebel fighters have also died. The Turkish Red Crescent started distributing aid in the Syrian border town of Tal Abyad, Turkey's defence ministry said in a post on Twitter. aljazeera
UN Security Council to meet on Syria: Report
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/turkey-military-operation-syria-latest-updates-191015062532991.html
UNSC will likely meet on Wednesday to discuss the latest developments in Syria, diplomats told the Reuters. The body's five European members - Britain, France, Germany, Belgium and Poland - had requested the closed-door discussion, Reuters reported. If it goes ahead, it will be the second UNSC meeting over Syria since Turkey began its offensive.aljazeera
Turkish invasion of north Syria undermined ‘Defeat ISIS’ mission: Pentagon
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/turkish-invasion-of-north-syria-undermined-defeat-isis-mission-pentagon/story-LgQjfVHKiiiasaxTu0xqLN.html
he “unilateral invasion” of northern Syria has resulted in widespread casualties and destruction, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said.This has also undermined the successful multinational “Defeat ISIS” mission in Syria, he said.Esper will be visiting NATO next week in Brussels and he plans to press members of the alliance to take collective and individual diplomatic and economic measures in response to Turkish actions.“Despite the opposition and repeated warnings from US and the international community, Turkish President Erdogan ordered a unilateral invasion of northern Syria that has resulted in widespread casualties, refugees, destruction, insecurity, and a growing threat to US military forces,” he said. “This unacceptable incursion has also undermined the successful multinational ‘Defeat ISIS’ mission in Syria, and resulted in the release of many dangerous ISIS detainees,” Esper said.PTI
Turkey blames Kurdish forces of freeing IS
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/turkey-accuses-kurdish-forces-of-freeing-is-prisoners-in-syria-119101401161_1.html
Istanbul : Turkey on Monday accused Kurdish forces of deliberately releasing Islamic State prisoners held at a prison in the Syrian border town of Tal Abyad."Turkish forces raided a prison in Tal Abyad earlier today, expecting to take custody of Daesh militants held there. Before they got there, (Kurdish) PKK/YPG terrorists set free the Daesh militants in an attempt to fuel chaos in the area," a senior government official told reporters.AFP
Erdogan announces liberation of Syria ‘safe zone’, ready for refugees to return
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191015-erdogan-announces-liberation-of-syria-safe-zone-ready-for-refugees-to-return/
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has today announced the securement of liberated territory for the planned safe zone in Syria, with a length of 444 kilometres and a depth of 32 kilometres.Speaking at the side-lines of the 7th summit of the Turkish Council, the meeting of Turkic nations based in the Azerbaijani capital Baku, Erdogan declared: “We are now announcing the establishment of a safe area 444km from west to east and 32km from north to south, to which the refugees in our country will return.”He accused world leaders of betraying the mission of establishing the safe zone for the benefit of Syrian refugees, saying that Turkey’s “support so far to nearly 4 million protection seekers in our country is known, and our expenses exceeded $40 billion.” He then said that he called out world leaders who, when the time came to give their support, gave out not a “penny out of their pockets”.middleeastmonitor
US, Taliban resume contacts to revive peace process
https://www.dawn.com/news/1510927/us-taliban-resume-contacts-to-revive-peace-process
US and Taliban officials have resumed their discussions to revive the peace process that derailed last month after coming tantalisingly close to an agreement, US media reported on Monday.The talks “touched on confidence-building measures that could include a possible prisoner swap or a reduction in violence,” The Wall Street Journal reported.A recent New York Times report noted that the first US-Taliban meeting after the collapse of the peace talks was held in Islamabad last week when both US and Taliban officials visited the Pakistani capital.Diplomatic sources in Washington say that Pakistan is also playing a key role in these talks that aim to end 18-year old Afghan war. Early this month, Pakistan hosted US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban leader Mullah Baradar.In an interview to WSJ, Rick Olson, a former US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, disagreed with US President Donald Trump’s claim last month that talks with Taliban were dead.dawn
Bangla imposes more restrictions on Rohingyas
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/bangladesh-imposes-restrictions-rohingya-refugees-191015133210712.html
The government of Bangladesh has recently put severe restrictions on Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.Many have had their mobile phones taken away.And some Rohingya children have been forced to drop out of Bangladeshi schools.Al Jazeera
Tunisia: New Prez Saied promises to fix economy
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/tunisia-election-president-saied-promises-fix-economy-191015103815537.html
Tunisia's president-elect Kais Saied won first landslide victory since 2011 revolution.High unemployment and tackling economic growth are the first issues he will have to tackle, along with uniting the political parties.But given that 9 successive govts have failed since 2011, many are hoping he will bring real change.aljazeera
Israel abducts Jerusalem governor, Fatah official
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191015-israel-abducts-jerusalem-governor-and-fatah-official-in-jerusalem/
In a dawn raid, Israeli soldiers abducted the Governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, and Fatah Secretary-General for the city, Shadi Mutwar, from their homes.“The governor was arrested in a raid on his home in the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan,” the Palestinian Prisoners Society said in a statement.Media sources said the soldiers assaulted Mutwar in front of his family before ransacking his home and violently searched Ghaith’s residence.Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP that “2 representatives were arrested by police and are being questioned”, but did not confirm their names or give any further detail.Lawyer Mohammad Mahmoud, of Palestinian Detainees’ Committee, said an Israeli court has refused to release the two officials, and added that they will be sent to court, likely today. middleeastmonitor
Outgoing US envoy rejects talk of Israel ‘occupation’ or ‘settlements’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191015-outgoing-us-envoy-rejects-talk-of-israel-occupation-or-settlements/
Jason Greenblatt, the outgoing White House Middle East envoy, has told a hard-right Israeli news outlet that using words like “occupation” and “settlements” undermines chances for peace.In an interview with Arutz Sheva, Greenblatt defended his record and that of the Trump administration, and doubled down on rhetoric that has alienated the Palestinian leadership.“The dispute over the territory is a question that can only be resolved in the context of direct negotiations between the parties, not by throwing around the traditional phrases about this conflict that has led to nothing,” Greenblatt said.MEMO
Ex-Jerusalem Mayor Barkat wants to succeed Netanyahu as Likud leader
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191015-ex-jerusalem-mayor-barkat-wants-to-succeed-netanyahu-as-likud-leader/
Former Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has declared that he sees himself as the best successor to Benjamin Netanyahu as Likud’s leader.Speaking to Ynet, Barkat “for the first time declared himself as the heir to the Likud leadership when Benjamin Netanyahu ends his political life, and intends to run for prime minister as party leader.”“The day the Netanyahu era ends, I will present myself as a candidate for the leadership of the party and the premiership,” Barkat declared.The former mayor believes he is well placed to beat Gideon Sa’ar, the current favourite to succeed Netanyahu.MEMO
Egypt: Israa Abdelfattah strangled in custody
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191015-egypt-israa-abdelfattah-strangled-in-custody/
Egyptian activist Israa Abdelfattah, who was kidnapped from a street in Cairo over the weekend, has detailed how she was tortured and beaten in custody.On Saturday Israa was abducted by plainclothes police officers from her car and taken away in a van to an undisclosed place of detention and banned from contacting family or lawyers.Israa is known for playing a key role in 2011 uprising, co-founding the April 6 movement in 2008 and calling for a revolution against former president Hosni Mubarak.When Israa was brought before prosecutors late Sunday morning she told them police officers tortured her, attempted to strangle her and forced her to stay in a standing position for nearly eight hours.middleeastmonitor
One in 3 young children undernourished or overweight: UNICEF
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/young-children-undernourished-overweight-unicef-191015010631035.html
A third of the world's nearly 700 million under five year olds are undernourished or overweight and face lifelong health problems as a consequence, according to a grim UN assessment of childhood nutrition released on Tuesday."If children eat poorly, they live poorly," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, as she unveiled the Fund's first State of the World's Children report since 1999 to focus on food and nutrition.aljazeera
Flash:NEWS,views,Articles
'In politics, hero-worship is a path to degradation and eventual dictatorship': Soli J. Sorabjee
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/constitution-babasaheb-ambedkar-warning-hero-worship-6069022/
Banerjee, Duflo and Kremer introduced a paradigm shift in approach to alleviating poverty:HIMANSHU
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/abhijit-banerjee-esther-duflo-nobel-prize-for-economics-randomised-control-trial-6069259/
I am demanding nothing else but my son, says Najeeb’s mother:Amir Malik
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/i-am-demanding-nothing-else-but-my-son-says-najeebs-mother?fbclid=IwAR06DrOsjVDy2XD1rFlPrIOCCVlnM_ZD6QbduB-p1NFEnqPAvL609Okg9Ys
Kashmiris fear talking with non-Kashmiris: deccanchronicle
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/151019/kashmiris-fear-talking-with-non-kashmiris.html
Muslims in India: Happiest in the World due to Hindus?Ram Puniyani
https://www.newsclick.in/muslims-india-happiest-world-due-hindus
From Kanhaiya Kumar to Kolkata Lectures, How Abhijit Banerjee Shaped Minds at JNU & Presidency:Sujit Nath, News18.com
https://www.news18.com/news/india/abhijit-banerjee-nobel-prize-economics-2019-esther-duflo-amartya-sen-kolkata-presidency-jnu-2345925.html
'From the Stone Age, Back to Modern Times': Kashmiris React to Restored Prepaid Mobiles:Mudasir Ahmad
https://thewire.in/rights/from-the-stone-age-back-to-modern-times-kashmiris-react-to-restored-prepaid-mobiles
In Kashmir there are no takers for integration:Report
https://caravandaily.com/in-kashmir-there-are-no-takers-for-integration-report/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 9:23 PM)
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