NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
27 OCT. 2019: 27 Safar 1441: Vol: 12, No: 46
INDIA: Maha, Haryana POLITICS
Sena arm twists BJP to give assurance in writing; 50:50 formula, half term CM & equal number of cabinet posts
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/sena-arm-twists-bjp-to-give-assurance-in-writing-5050-formula-half-term-cm-equal-number-of-ministers-in-cabinet
Mumbai: After 5 years of being in the government with no real power, after the recent Assembly poll results, Shiv Sena is giving its alliance partner, BJP a real tough time. The Sena chief, Uddhav Thackeray has demanded a written assurance from the BJP on the 50:50 power split formula. Uddhav has also threatened to pull out from the alliance if BJP fails to do so.“BJP must give a written declaration signed by either Amit Shah or Devendra Fadnavis, to honour the 50:50 power sharing formula, including a split of the CM’s post and equal number of ministers from both the parties in the cabinet” said Abdul Sattar, Sena MLA from Sillod, speaking to the Free press journal after the meeting.56 newly elected Sena legislators met with Uddhav on Saturday, at the official residence, Matoshree. Soon after this meeting, legislator of Ovala-Majiwada, Pratap Sarnaik informed the media, Sena won’t continue with the alliance with BJP unless there is a written declaration from the BJP headquarters on their party letterhead. He further said, even if the alliance is in place, there is trust deficit.“If the BJP fails to agree on the committed formla, the Sena will pull out from the alliance. We have other options open and Uddhav ji knows what to do. There are trust issues with the BJP,” said Sarnaik. Sattar added, "BJP has hurt Sena's dignity." He believes finally Uddhav has played a masterstroke by being a hard bargainer this time round. Speaking on the ‘other options’ Sattar informed, both Congress and NCP have extended support to the Sena if they part ways with the BJP. “Congress and NCP have assured us of their support to us, in politics foes can turn into friends any minute,” asserted Sena MLA, clearly hinting, there is a ripe chance of an alliance with the opposition parties.freepressjournal
2 Maharashtra MLAs Offer Shiv Sena Support Amid "50:50" Demand
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/maharashtra-assembly-election-results-2019-2-maharashtra-mlas-offer-shiv-sena-support-amid-50-50-dem-2123345
MUMBAI: 2 MLAs from a small party in Maharashtra's Vidarbha today extended support to the Shiv Sena, increasing its bargaining power with ally BJP over power sharing.In a letter addressed to Uddhav Thackeray, Achalpur MLA Bachchu Kadu and his colleague Rajkumar Patel from Melghat offered their support to the Shiv Sena. Kadu heads Prahar Janshakti Party. "Their support has increased the Sena's bargaining power. We adjusted with the BJP between 2014 and 2019. Now it is time to have our share," a Shiv Sena leader told PTI.PTI
There is nothing wrong with Shiv Sena’s demand for 50:50 power-sharing formula, says Sharad Pawar
https://scroll.in/latest/941745/there-is-nothing-wrong-with-shiv-senas-demand-for-50-50-power-sharing-formula-says-sharad-pawar
NCP President Sharad Pawar on Friday said there was nothing wrong with Shiv Sena’s statement that it should get the chief minister’s post in Maharashtra for half the five-year term of the ruling alliance, NDTV reported.scroll
Haryana: Khattar takes oath as CM for second term, Dushyant Chautala becomes his deputy
https://scroll.in/latest/941830/haryana-manohar-lal-khattar-takes-oath-as-chief-minister-for-second-term
Manohar Lal Khattar was sworn in as the chief minister of Haryana for second straight time on Sunday with the support of Dushyant Chautala-led Jannayak Janta Party and Independent legislators, ANI reported. Chautala took oath as deputy chief minister at the swearing-in ceremony held at Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh at 2.20 pm.Former chief minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Shiromani Akali Dal leader attended the event, Indian Express reported. Dushyant Chautala’s father Ajay Chautala, who was granted furlough for a period of two weeks from Tihar Jail on Saturday, attended the event. In 2013, Ajay Chautala and his father OP Chautala were convicted in the teachers’ recruitment scam and are currently serving 10 years in prison. They were found guilty of illegally recruiting 3,206 junior basic teachers in 2000. Haryana Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya had invited BJP to form the next government on Saturday after a meeting with Khattar and several legislators. “We collectively – including BJP’s 40, JJP’s 10 and seven Independents, in all 57 MLAs – presented our claim before the Governor,” Khattar told reporters. Earlier in the day, the BJP had unanimously elected Khattar as leader at a meeting of its legislative party.BJP-Jannayak Janta Party alliance was announced at a joint press conference in New Delhi late on Friday after Chautala’s party extended support to Khattar on the basis of a common minimum programme that includes 75% reservation to local youth in jobs in Haryana and increase in old age pension.The BJP won 40 out of the 90 seats in the Haryana Assembly elections, six short of a majority in the 90-member house. The Congress won 31 seats, and the Jannayak Janta Party 10 seats.scroll
Haryana: ‘I told Dushyant to go with BJP,’ says JJP founder and deputy CM’s father Ajay Chautala
https://scroll.in/latest/941845/haryana-i-told-dushyant-to-go-with-bjp-says-jjp-founder-and-deputy-cms-father-ajay-chautala
Jannayak Janta Party founder Ajay Chautala, who was released from Tihar jail on Sunday morning on a 14-day furlough, said he had advised his son and Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala to form an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.Indian Express
Haryana: Ex-BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav quits JJP after Dushyant Chautala forms alliance with BJP
https://scroll.in/latest/941759/haryana-ex-bsf-jawan-tej-bahadur-yadav-quits-jjp-after-dushyant-chautala-forms-alliance-with-bjp
Sacked Border Security Force jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav, who contested against Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar from the Karnal Assembly constituency, on Saturday quit the Jannayak Janta Party, alleging that its leader Dushyant Chautala had “betrayed the people” by joining hands with the BJP.“I want to tell my comrades who joined the Jannayak Janta Party, that perhaps we made a mistake,” Yadav said in a video he shot from his wife’s mobile phone. “Dushyant Chautala says he follows [former Haryana Chief Minister] Devi Lal’s principles, but he has betrayed his supporters and the people of Haryana. As soon as he decided to ally with the BJP, I have quit the party.”scroll
BJP has Highest Number of MLAs with Criminal Charges in New Maha Assembly
https://caravandaily.com/bjp-has-the-highest-number-of-mlas-with-criminal-charges-in-new-maha-assembly/
New Delhi: The newly-elected 14th Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra has more members with criminal background than the previous one. A staggering number of 176 MLAs in the 288-member House are facing criminal charges while around 113 have serious criminal cases and most of them belong to the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena, 65 and 31 respectively. This disturbing revelation made by Maharashtra Election Watch and Association (MEW) for Democratic Reforms (ADR) after analysing the affidavits filed by the candidates at the time of their nominations.The new House is also witness to a swell in the ranks of crorpati (millionaire) MLAs, from 264 from 253. In this category also, the ruling BJP tops the chart as its average assets per MLA is Rs 27.46 crore.The dissolved Assembly boasted of 165 MLAs with criminal background while 115 with serious criminal cases.According to the MEW and ADR, out of the 285 MLAs analysed, 176 or 62 percent MLAs have declared criminal cases against themselves. The number for the Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2014 was 165 or 57 percent declared criminal cases against themselves out of 288 MLAs analysed. As many as 113 or 40 percent new MLAs have declared serious criminal cases against them in their affidavits while during Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2014, 115 or 40 percent MLAs out of 288 MLAs analysed belonged to this category, it added. ADR did not analyse three MLAs as their clear and complete affidavits were not available on the ECI website at the time of filing this report.The analysis reveals that the ruling combine of the BJP and the SS have more MLAs with criminal cases than other parties.Caravan Daily
J&K ISSUE
10,000 Crore Loss In Business Since Lockdown In J&K:Trade Body
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kashmir-trade-body-says-rs-10-000-crore-loss-in-business-since-lockdown-2123303?pfrom=home-topscroll
Srinagar: The shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir, after the Centre stripped its special status under Article 370, has led to losses to the tune of Rs. 10,000 crore in three months, a trade body has said.Sheikh Ashiq, president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said it was difficult to assess the nature of losses as the situation in the valley is not normal yet."The running business losses for Kashmir have crossed Rs. 10,000 crore and all sectors have been severely hit. It has been nearly three months now and yet the people are not doing business because of the prevailing situation. There has been some activity in the recent weeks, but the feedback that we are getting is that the business is dull," Mr Ashiq told PTI."In today's times, the basic need of any business is access to internet. We have conveyed it to the administration that the businesses will suffer in Kashmir and the economy will weaken. This will have huge consequences in the longer run," he said.Citing various sectors, Ashiq said the Information Technology is an upcoming sector and there are companies which were providing services in US, Europe, whose business has been affected by the suspension of internet facilities.PTI
US lawmakers write to envoy, seek free access to Kashmir for foreign media
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/six-us-lawmakers-write-to-envoy-seek-free-access-to-kashmir-for-foreign-media/
New Delhi :Seeking free access for foreign journalists and Congressmen to Kashmir, six American lawmakers have written to Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla, saying that the picture portrayed by India in the Valley is different from the information shared with them by their constituents.The lawmakers’ letter to Shringla comes as the US on Thursday sought from India a “roadmap” to political and economic normalcy in Kashmir and immediate release of all political detainees.Noting that journalists have extensively covered developments in Kashmir, acting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells had said the role of some of the international reporters has been particularly important, but journalists continue to face challenges in access while reporting due to the security restrictions.“We believe true transparency can only be achieved when journalists and Members of Congress are allowed free access to the region. We encourage India to open Jammu and Kashmir to both domestic and foreign journalists, and other international visitors, in the interest of open media and increased communication,” the US Congressmen said in the letter.In their letter, US lawmakers David N Cicilline, Dina Titus, Chrissy Houlahan, Andy Levin, James P McGovern and Susan Wild said their questions were a follow-up to the briefing given to them by Shringla on October 16 about the situation in Kashmir.indianexpress
India asks world capitals to act against Pak’s ‘Kashmir cells’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-asks-world-capitals-to-act-against-paks-kashmir-cells-6089760/
New Delhi :“Kashmir cells” that Pakistan opened in its embassies and high commissions across the world two months ago have emerged as the latest point of friction between New Delhi and Islamabad.New Delhi is now reaching out to partner countries to seek action against these “Kashmir cells”, whose essential purpose is to drive Pakistan’s campaign against India. The Ministry of External Affairs has asked Indian diplomats in world capitals to raise the issue of “false propaganda” by Pakistan, sources told Sunday Express.India recently asked the UK to act against Pakistan’s mission for inciting the local population against India, as protests are being planned on the occasion of Diwali. Protests outside the Indian High Commission in London in September had turned violent.indianexpress
"Still Stings Us": PM Modi Talks Of Pok In J&K
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-made-our-diwali-memorable-rajouri-soldiers-after-pm-modis-visit-2123396?pfrom=home-livetv
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who celebrated Diwali today with soldiers stationed in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, made a veiled attack on Pakistan, praising the troops for having "foiled a conspiracy to take over Jammu and Kashmir". The Prime Minister, for whom this is a first visit since the centre's move on Article 370, also said "it still stings" to talk about the illegal occupation of certain parts of Kashmir. PM Modi's visit to Rajouri came only a few hours after the Pakistani Army targeted forward posts in the district."Our country was partitioned... lakhs died and became refugees. But we (have) no ill-will against them (Pakistan). But they hatched a conspiracy to take over Jammu and Kashmir. Our brave soldiers foiled their plans and today we are proud to have it as part of India," Prime Minister said.ndtv
Pakistan Denies Use Of Airspace To PM Modi Again
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pakistan-denies-use-of-airspace-to-pm-narendra-modi-again-report-2123366?pfrom=home-topscroll
NEW DELHI: Pakistan on Sunday said it has denied India's request to allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flight to use its airspace for his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, alleging the violation of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir.In a statement, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan has decided not to allow Prime Minister Modi to use the country's airspace, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.ndtv
Pak Army claims Indian Army chief is ‘repeatedly provoking war’ with ‘irresponsible statements’
https://scroll.in/latest/941762/pakistan-army-claims-indian-army-chief-is-repeatedly-provoking-war-with-irresponsible-statements
Pakistan Army on Saturday claimed that Indian Army chief Bipin Rawat has been “repeatedly provoking war” through “irresponsible statements” for the sake of his “political masters”. Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Major Asif Ghafoor made the remark after Rawat said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was controlled not from Islamabad but by terrorists.“Indian COAS repeatedly provoking war through irresponsible statements endangering regional peace for electioneering of political masters,” Ghafoor tweeted. “From fake surgical strike to date his only success has been to turn Indian Army into a rogue force and getting them killed.”
Pakistan observes black day in support of Kashmiris
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/pakistan-observes-black-day-in-support-of-kashmiris/cid/1714633?ref=more-from-india_india-page
Pakistan observed a black day on Sunday in support of Kashmiris, with Prime Minister Imran Khan reaffirming his country's "unflinching moral, political and diplomatic support" to the people of Kashmir.Demanding immediate lifting of curfew and communications blackout in Kashmir, Khan said the black day being observed in Pakistan and across the world on Sunday is distinct from the past.He reaffirmed Pakistan's "unflinching moral, political and diplomatic support" to the people of Kashmir.State-run Radio Pakistan reported that several programmes, including rallies and seminars, have been planned throughout the country to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.PTI
Modi’s Trusted Bureaucrat Who Intervened to Save Him in Gujarat is Kashmir’s first Lt Governor
https://caravandaily.com/modis-trusted-bureaucrat-who-intervened-to-save-him-in-gujarat-is-kashmirs-first-lt-governor/
NEW DELHI – Girish Chadra Murmu and R K Mathur have been appointed the first Lieutenant Governors of Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh after the two regions have been declared as Union territories through a parliamentary legislation, Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019. The President of India Ramnath Kovind made the announcement to this effect in a press release on Thursday.The state of Jammu and Kashmir will cease to exist from October 31 after its division into two Union territories as per the historical decisions passed in the Parliament in early August. The region has been stripped of its special protections and now it will be directly ruled by the Central government from New Delhi.When Murmu and Mathur are going to assume the charge of the highest executive in the two territories, the first job at hand for them is to overlook the cumbersome process of bringing the reorganisation into effect.G C Mumu comes from Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, a state in the east of India. He joined civil services in the mid-80s and chose Gujarat as his cadre. Murmu is currently serving as Expenditure Secretary in the Government of India’s Finance Ministry. Before being brought in to serve Union Government in 2014, he was at an important position of Principal and Home Secretary in the Narendra Modi’s government in Gujarat for many years.caravandaily
J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik transferred to Goa, new lieutenant governors appointed
https://scroll.in/latest/941710/j-k-governor-satya-pal-malik-transferred-to-goa-to-be-succeeded-by-ias-officer-girish-chandra-murmu
Jammu and Kashmir: Leaders’ security deliberately downgraded, alleges Congress
https://scroll.in/latest/941783/jammu-and-kashmir-leaders-security-deliberately-downgraded-alleges-congress
Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress on Saturday alleged that the state administration was “deliberately downgrading” the security of the party’s leaders, PTI reported. The party alleged that some Bharatiya Janata Party leaders who had never held an official position had better security and vehicles than some former legislators and parliamentarians. “The governor’s administration is pushing the opposition, especially senior Congress leaders, to the wall by further withdrawing and downgrading their security cover on pick and choose basis while extending and maintaining a much higher security apparatus, vehicles and accommodation to the BJP leaders of comparatively lesser political stature and standing,” the Congress said in a statement.scroll
J&K bifurcation: Officials worried over posting to Union Territories
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jk-bifurcation-concern-among-bureaucracy-regarding-choice-of-posting/article29807543.ece?homepage=true
NEW DELHI:As Jammu and Kashmir is all set to be downgraded and bifurcated into two Union Territories on October 31, there is concern among the bureaucracy regarding choice of posting. Since many officials are not willing to move to Ladakh, the Centre was planning a compulsory one-year “short stint” of State administration officials to the new Union Territory that will also come into existence on October 31. Unlike UT of J&K, Ladakh will not have a Legislative Assembly and will be governed by the Lieutenant Governor through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).The All India Services officers, the Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) and Kashmir Police Service (KPS) officers are wary of being posted outside the State and “outsiders” coming to the State.thehindu
OTHERS
Kamlesh Tiwari Murder: I Am Not Satisfied With Probe, Govt. Trying To Silence Me, Says Wife
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/kamlesh-tiwari-murder-i-am-not-satisfied-with-probe-govt-trying-to-silence-me-says-wife
Lucknow:Kiran Tiwari, the wife of slain Hindu Samaj Party chief Kamlesh Tiwari, has said that she was not satisfied with the investigations into her husband's murder and demanded an NIA inquiry."I am not satisfied with the investigations and I demand an inquiry by NIA. I will keep Rs 15 lakh ex-gratia given by the government till a BJP leader is killed in similar fashion and will then pool in an equal amount and give Rs 30 lakh to the bereaved family," she told IANS on Sunday."I am highly dissatisfied with the probe. Why is the case not handed over to the NIA? The Uttar Pradesh Police and ATS will not be able to work it out. My husband had spoken to Naka Hindola SHO about the threat to his life a day before he was murdered but he paid no heed."Following Kamlesh Tiwari's death, Kiran was unanimously appointed the National President of the Hindu Samaj Party floated by her late husband.Comparing the compensation given to her with that given to the victim of the Dadri lynching case, Kiran said: "Dadri victim as given Rs 50 lakhs and we were given Rs 15 lakhs. Is this a difference in the cost of lives?"She accused the Uttar Pradesh government of trying to "silence" her with money. "But I will not keep quiet and continue to raise my voice. I will fulfil the dreams of my husband," Kiran said, adding that the Hindu Samaj Party would now work towards making a Hindu Rashtra and also contest elections. She said that the state government had also ignored the family's demand for naming Khurshid Bagh and Kamlesh Bagh and installing a statue of her slain husband.Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Hindu Samaj Party, Rajesh Mani Tripathi, has also questioned the investigations."Things are not clear yet. The two main suspects actually surrendered and were not arrested as is being claimed," he alleged.IANS
In audio clip, kin of Kamlesh Tiwari murder accused ‘plead with him to return’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kamlesh-tiwari-murder-accused-audio-clip-6089781/
Surat :An audio clip has surfaced in Gujarat, in which the wife and father of Ashfaq Shaikh, one of the two men accused of murdering Kamlesh Tiwari, are purportedly pleading with him to return home, saying they have met “ATS”, and that all “procedures” have been completed. 1.55-minute clip of the purported conversation appears to have been from the time Ashfaq was in Shahjahanpur after Tiwari’s murder in Lucknow on October 18. Ashfaq and the other accused, Moinuddin Pathan alias Farid, were traced to Shahjahanpur on the night of October 21. They were arrested the following day at Shamlaji on the border of Gujarat and Rajasthan.Police said they were aware that such a clip had gone “viral”. Ashfaq’s father Zakir Hussain Shaikh, whose voice is purportedly on the clip, said that he and his daughter-in-law Mehzabin had spoken with his son when he was on the run.In the clip, Zakir purportedly tells Ashfaq, “Beta kuchh bhi kar ke yahaan aa jaa, tera achchha hoga. Ya to hum ko bol, hum wahaan aa kar leke jayenge. (Son, come home somehow, it will be good for you. Else tell us, and we will come and fetch you.)”indianexpress
Tiwari murder case: Jamiat to ‘provide legal aid’ to accused
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/kamlesh-tiwari-murder-case-islamic-body-ready-to-provide-legal-aid-to-accused/508262
Lucknow: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, the largest Muslim body in India, has decided to bear the legal expenses for the five accused held in the Kamlesh Tiwari murder case. The Islamic body has further offered to extend the service of its legal cell in the case. As per reports, the Gujarat branch of Jamiat contacted the families of the accused in the state. The family members of the five accused purportedly told the Jamiat that they had no money to bear the legal expenses. Therefore, the Gujarat unit of the Islamic body has decided to extend monetary support to the accused.The autopsy report of former Hindu Mahasabha leader had revealed some gruesome details. Kamlesh Tiwari was stabbed 15 times, shot in the face and an attempt was made to slit his throat. It seemed that the killers did not want Tiwari to survive under any circumstance.timesnownews
Days ahead of SC verdict on Ayodhya, PM calls for calm & respect for court order
http://www.uniindia.com/days-ahead-of-sc-verdict-on-ayodhya-pm-calls-for-calm-respect-for-court-order/india/news/1771778.html
New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a fervent appeal to the citizens to respect the rule of law and court verdict especially in the context of long pending and vexed issues such as Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute of Ayodhya.In his monthly radio broadcast programme 'Mann Ki Baat' through All India Radio, Prime Minister said he vividly remembers the day Allahabad High Court delivered the Ram Janmabhoomi verdict in 2010."Thanks to the people of India, social organisations, Saints, Seers and leaders of all faiths, it became a day that furthered unity and the judiciary was also respected," Modi said.His reference was to the tension experienced in various parts of the country on the eve of September 30, 2010 verdict.Prime Minister underlined that notwithstanding efforts made by certain quarters to exploit the situation and spread tension, the moment the verdict from the High Court came, every genuine stakeholders contributed their part to keep things calm and peaceful."Some people have tried to raise the tempo....some did it just to prove a point and get themselves to limelight, but the moment the verdict came there was pleasant change in atmosphere experienced by the country....When I remember this, I feel happy as the honour of the court of law was also maintained," PM said."....Tanav ka mahol nahi ban na dene chahiye (We should not allow tension to build up when such situations come)," Prime Minister said. Modi's remarks have special significance as the Supreme Court verdict on the dispute in Ayodhya is expected in November.UNI
Ayodhya dispute: ‘Ram temple construction will start by December 6,’ claims BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj
https://scroll.in/latest/941822/ayodhya-dispute-ram-temple-construction-will-start-by-december-6-claims-bjp-mp-sakshi-maharaj
BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj on Saturday claimed that construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya will start by Dec6 after the Supreme Court verdict, PTI reported.“The construction of Ram temple will commence before Dec.6,” Maharaj said in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district. “The manner in which the archaeological department has presented its facts...The Shia Board has given in writing that temple should be constructed there. Similarly, the Sunni Board also spoke in favour of the temple by the time hearing came to an end,” he added.He claimed the top court will rule in favour of Hindus. “No ifs and buts...I know what the verdict will be, that is why I am saying temple construction will start by December 6,” the BJP MP said.scroll
Uttar pradesh: Civil society pledges for communal amity after Ayodhya verdict
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/civil-society-pledges-for-communal-amity-over-ayodhya-verdict/articleshow/71777958.cms
Muzaffarnagar: A large number of local residents comprising people from various faiths came together to light up candles and ‘diyas’ (earthern lamps) here and pledged to maintain communal harmony "whatever verdict comes on Ayodhya issue".The event took place in city's Company Garden late on Friday. Among those who gathered were prominent social activists, businessmen, teachers and doctors. Cries like '”prem ke diye jalayenge, nafrato ke andhero ko mitayenge (Will light lamps of love to destroy darkness of hatred)”, “sub mil kar Diwali manayenge (All will celebrate Diwali together)" rent the air.Mohammad Asif Rahi, a social activist and founder of Paigham-e-Insaniyat, said, “Our purpose is not confined to only Diwali celebration but to ensure that communal harmony is intact no matter what decision is given on the Ayodhya issue.”Gauhar Siddiqui, organizer of the event and social activist who garnered the support of a large number of citizens for the programme, said, “We have been working to build a bridge between two communities since 2014 after Muzaffarnagar riots and now, we can see the gathering here as an example of strong communal harmony.”Many political personalities and farmer leaders like Rakesh Tikait were also spotted at the venue.TOI
#VisitMyMasjid Campaign Launched, SIO, Other Muslim Groups To Invite Hindus To Mosques
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/visitmymasjid-campaign-launched-sio-other-muslim-groups-to-invite-hindus-to-mosques
New Delhi:With an aim to remove misunderstandings about mosque, if any, in the minds of members of the Hindu faith, Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), in collaboration with some other Muslim groups, is planning to open the mosques across the country for members of the general public on November 3.“There are some negative concepts about mosques among some non-Muslims. We want to clear those misunderstandings. We are planning to invite people to mosques on Nov 3. We have listed 25,000 mosques across the country,” Syed Azharuddin, General Secretary of SIO, told India Tomorrow. He, however, made it clear that SIO will not claim credit for the event, nor will use its name because it would be a program from the entire Muslim community.“We have taken the initiative but we are not going to take credit for it as we want to involve all Muslim groups and organizations for it. We have instructed our units across India to take help of Muslim organizations including Jamaat-e-Islami Hind to convince management committees of mosques to open the doors for non-Muslims on that particular date. We are also involving Muslim youths and students in this program,” he said.SIO leader informed that members of the organizations are taking support of students and youths and approaching Hindu brethren with request to attend the event.“Our members are meeting Hindu residents of a Muslim locality and offering them the invite,” he said.Talking about the details of the Nov 3 program, he said: “During the program on Nov 3, we will put an introduction of mosque, its position and role before our Hindu brethren. If they aske any questions about mosque or Islam, we will provide them relevant booklets. We will also share tea with them at the mosque.”India Tomorrow
Paraplegics "Stand on Their Feet", Thanks To Naseema Mohammed Aiming High
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/paraplegics-stand-on-their-feet-thanks-to-naseema-mohammed-aiming-high?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
Kolhapur:Despite being restricted to a wheelchair since her teen years, Naseema Mohammed Amin Hurzuk, 69, symbolizes a story of sheer struggle and grit that has helped many others like her to ”stand on their feet” and face life proudly and independently.The founder-president of the Helpers of the Handicapped Kolhapur (HOHK – 1984), based in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur town, “Naseema Didi” as she is fondly called, has succeeded in the rehabilitation of more than 13,000 girls and boys afflicted by paraplegia and rendered service to tens of thousands of such physically challenged people in the past 35 years.This was despite her own ambition to become an athlete that was quietly snuffed out when paraplegia sneaked into her life during her teens. Around 17, Naseema Hurzuk was left disabled. Paraplegia is a condition when both legs are partially or fully paralysed below the hip following disease or damage to the spinal cord in the thoracic or lumbar region of the back.“I not only excelled in academics, but was a very social, enterprising, sportsgirl, and took part in cultural activities. But, one day, all my dreams of becoming an athlete were shattered,” Naseema told IANS at her home in Sindhudurg. Her life became one of misery and darkness, confined to her room, reduced to a recluse, with limited mobility possible, but only with help from the family or on a wheelchair.“She felt ashamed of herself as she had to seek help for even going to toilet… She retreated into a shell, avoided people for nearly three years, and prayed daily to the Almighty to end her miserable life,” said her younger brother, Aziz Hurzuk, recalling those dark days. Six months later, another shock hit the family when their father expired suddenly. It was around this time she came in contact with a local businessman, the late N.D. ”Babukaka” Diwan, himself a paraplegic, but living a full life, driving his own modified car and even travelling in India and abroad. The elderly Diwan was one of the founders of The Association of People with Disability (APD), based in Bengaluru. Inspired by him, Naseema gradually emerged from her private hell, picked up the broken academic strands and graduated from Shivaji University Kolhapur (SUK). IANS / India Tomorrow
Women's Entry In Mosques: Supreme Court Notice To Centre, Muslim Personal Law Board
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/womens-entry-in-mosques-supreme-court-notice-to-centre-muslim-personal-law-board?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
NEW DELHI:The Supreme Court of India on Friday asked the central government to file response on the plea of a Pune-based Muslim couple seeking entry of Muslim women in all mosques in the country.A top court bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S.A. Bobde and S.A. Nazeer sought response from the government and listed the matter for November 5.The court was hearing the plea filed by Yasmeen Zuber Ahmed Peerzade asking the apex court to declare the prohibition on entry of women inside mosques as "illegal and unconstitutional" as it violated the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.The petition has also mentioned that in mosques where women are allowed, there are separate entrances and enclosures for worship for the two genders.The petition said that there should not be any gender discrimination at all, and that all Muslim women should be allowed to pray in all mosques, cutting across denominations.In April this year, the Supreme Court had issued the same notice to the central government and All India Muslim Personal Law Board and others on the plea of the Muslim couple. They respondents included union ministries of Women and Child Welfare, Law and Justice and Minority Affairs besides the National Commission for women.On Friday (Oct 25), the top court ordered that the notice along with copy of the petition be served on the Maharashtra State Board of Wakf, Central Wakf Council and All India Muslim Personal Law Board also.At present, women are allowed to offer prayers at mosques under the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and Mujahid denominations but they are barred from mosques under the predominant Sunni faction, said the petition.The petition also mentioned that in mosques where women are allowed, there are separate entrances and enclosures for worship for the two genders.IANS/India Tomorrow
Assam: Another detention centre inmate dies, CM sets up committee to look into condition of camps
https://scroll.in/latest/941744/assam-another-detention-centre-inmate-dies-cm-sets-up-committee-to-look-into-condition-of-camps
The Assam government has constituted a review committee to evaluate the conditions prevailing in detention centres for undocumented immigrants in the state after the recent deaths of two inmates, Hindustan Times reported on Saturday.The government took the decision on Friday, a day after a 70-year-old man from a detention camp died in hospital, NDTV reported. Phalu Das, a resident of Satemari in Nalbari district, had been in the camp in Goalpara district since July 2017. He was admitted to a local hospital on October 11, and was then referred to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, where he died. Das’ family refused to accept his body, and said they were not informed of his health condition.scroll
India needs more reforms, innovation to boost economic growth, says World Bank president
https://scroll.in/latest/941817/india-needs-more-reforms-innovation-to-boost-economic-growth-says-world-bank-president
World Bank Group President David Malpass on Saturday called for more reforms and innovation to improve India’s growth rate, PTI reported.Malpass made the comments during a visit to Delhi where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and addressed officials at the NITI Aayog.“What my prescription or suggestions are are that openness to reform, innovation, improvement in government structure allows for faster growth,” PTI quoted him as saying. “I think India has very good platform in doing that because of the experience India had with technology with knowledge as a broad concept within the society. They can help it move forward. It has made several important reforms in the last few years that can still pay off.”He said India has been affected by the global environment and has slowed from fast growth rates in the past year. The Indian economy is facing a sustained decline in growth. Gross Domestic Product growth rate slipped to a six-year low of 5% in the April-June quarter – the fourth straight quarter of slowdown.scroll
Festive demand missing in sugar market, Maharashtra millers worry about higher molasses price
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/festive-demand-missing-in-sugar-market-maharashtra-millers-worry-about-higher-molasses-price-6090027/
Pune :The festive season has failed to cheer up the sugar sector with sales remaining mostly subdued. Mukesh Kuvadiya, honorary secretary of Bombay Sugar Traders Association, said changing preference and lifestyle has actually seen festive demand for sugar dipping by around 20-30 per cent in the last five years or so.“Instead of sweets, people now prefer clothes, dry fruits or gadgets as gifts during the festive season. Thus, in the last five years we have seen a gradual slide in festive demand in sugar,” he said. As sales remained down, sugar prices also failed to gain much traction.Mill prices of sugar thus hovered around Rs 3,100-3,200 per quintal in most parts of Maharashtra. With 2019-2020 sugar season starting in the next few days, mills who wanted to increase their ethanol production also faced a economic block in the form of very high prices of molasses — the mother liquid left after sugar is extracted from it — which is the base for ethanol production. Currently, molasses prices are around Rs 10,000 per tonne which millers say will make the production of ethanol non-viable.indianexpress
WORLD
Over 60 killed in clashes as Iraq protests turn violent
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/nearly-50-killed-in-clashes-as-iraq-protests-take-violent-turn-2123188
BAGHDA: More than 60 people have died in renewed anti-government protests across Iraq, officials said Saturday, with clashes breaking out as demonstrators turned their fury against government and paramilitary offices.The death toll from protests this month has soared to 220, including dozens killed since Friday as they torched government buildings or offices belonging to factions of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force.The demonstrations first erupted on October 1, with protesters railing against government corruption and unemployment, while a second wave broke out late Thursday.The latest round of demonstrations has been notably violent, with 63 people killed and more than 2,000 wounded over just two days, according to the Iraqi Human Rights Commission.Three protesters were killed in the capital Baghdad on Saturday, with medics and officials reporting trauma wounds sustained by tear gas canisters lobbed at demonstrators.AFP
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi killed in Syria:Trump:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/isil-chief-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-killed-syria-confirms-trump-191027132540524.html
US President Donald Trump has confirmed the death of ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a military operation in Syria's northwest Idlib province, saying the US had "brought the world's number one terrorist leader to justice".Trump said on Sunday the leader of ISIL died after running into a dead-end tunnel in the village of Barisha and ignited an explosive vest during the raid, killing himself along with three of his children. A large number of his companions were also killed in the raid, Trump said during the address at the White House.Al-Baghdadi's 11 other children were "uninjured", Trump said, and were left under the care of an unnamed third party. Speaking from White House's Diplomatic Room, the president said that al-Baghdadi spent his last moments in utter fear and claims that he was "whimpering" and died as "a coward, running and crying". According to him, US received immediate and positive identification on body after an onsite DNA test, and that the world is now a much safer place."His body was mutilated by the blast. The tunnel had caved in on it in addition. But test results gave certain immediate and totally positive identification. It was him," Trump told reporters. Late on Saturday, Trump had teased a major announcement, posting on Twitter that "Something very big has just happened!" By the morning, he was thanking Russia, Turkey, Syria and Iraq, as well as Kurdish fighters in Syria for their support.aljazeera
Turkey coordinated with US before attack on Al-Baghdadi
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191027-turkey-coordinated-with-us-before-attack-on-daesh-head/
Turkey exchanged information and coordinated with the US before an American operation to kill a terrorist chief in northwestern Syria, Turkey’s National Defense Ministry said Sunday, Anadolu Agency reports.“Prior to the US Operation in Idlib Province of Syria last night, information exchange and coordination between the military authorities of both countries took place,” the ministry said on Twitter.The leader of the terror group Daesh, also known as ISIS, whose whereabouts have been unknown for some time, is dead, reported US magazine Newsweek early Sunday.Citing two anonymous sources from the Pentagon and the army, it said the US military conducted a special operations raid against Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Idlib, northwestern Syria.Anadolu Agency
Syria’s Kurdish-led SDF says worked with US on successful anti-Daesh operation
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191027-syrias-kurdish-led-sdf-says-worked-with-us-on-successful-anti-daesh-operation/
Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said on Sunday they had worked with the United States on a “successful” operation against Daesh, in an apparent reference to reports that Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is believed to have been killed in a US military operation in Syria, Reuters reports.“Our strong and effective operations once again confirm our strength and determination to go after (Daesh),” the head of the SDF’s media office, Mustafa Bali, said on Twitter in Arabic.SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said on Twitter an “historic, successful operation” resulted from joint intelligence work with the US.middleeastmonitor
Afghanistan preliminary election results delayed until November
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/afghanistan-preliminary-election-results-delayed-november-191027112034671.html
Preliminary results from Afghanistan's presidential elections in September will not be released until November 14, the Independent Election Commission chair Hawa Alam Nuristani said.Afghans went to the polls for a first-round vote on September 28 and initial results were supposed to have been released by October 19."We have already apologised for missing the date [more than a week ago], but this doesn't mean failure," Nuristani told reporters."This [election] is a fate-determining issue in the country and we cannot accept sacrificing transparency for speed."A lengthy postponement is likely to stoke political uncertainty and allegations of fraud.Election officials cited several technical issues slowing the counting of ballots, including an attempt from unknown quarters to hack the central system of Dermalog, the German company that provided biometric machines designed to prevent duplicate votes.In one bizarre incident, two police officers, purportedly escaping chilly temperatures, slept inside the main election data centre, which is supposed to be sealed, prompting howls of outrage from the team of key candidate Abdullah Abdullah.aljazeera
Lebanon protesters form human chain across the country
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/lebanon-protesters-form-human-chain-country-191027113442407.html
Tens of thousands of Lebanese protesters have formed a human chain running north to south across the entire country to symbolise national unity amid a civil disobedience campaign against the government. Demonstrators on Sunday joined hands from Tripoli to Tyre, a 170-kilometre chain running through the main protest hub in the capital, Beirut, as part of an unprecedented cross-sectarian mobilisation.Reporting from Beirut, Al Jazeera's Stefanie Dekker said the protesters were sending "a strong message to try and keep the pressure on the government" on the eleventh day of anti-government protests.aljazeera
Lebanon: 'Difficult, delicate' situation for Hezbollah
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/lebanon-protests-difficult-delicate-situation-hezbollah-191027053143258.html
Nyusi wins Mozambique presidential poll in landslide
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/nyusi-wins-mozambique-presidential-poll-landslide-191027131523719.html
Mozambique's incumbent President Filipe Nyusi has won 73 percent of the votes in this month's presidential poll, the electoral commission said, securing a landslide victory in a contest opposition parties say was marred by fraud and violence.Ossufo Momade, the candidate for the main opposition party and former rebel movement Renamo, trailed behind with 21.88 percent of the vote, National Election Commission Chairman Abdul Carimo said at a news conference on Sunday.aljazeera
Flash: NEWS, views, Articles
Menacing hyper-nationalism defined BJP’s election campaigns and voters rejected it: Tavleen Singh
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/maharashtra-haryana-assembly-election-results-bjp-narendra-modi-article-370-6089687/
Maharashtra BJP reads the votes: Article 370 may not have worked in some pockets:Shubhangi Khapre
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-bjp-reads-the-votes-article-370-may-not-have-worked-in-some-pockets-6089802/
In Yogi Raj, no salary to govt employees, no text books to school children but ₹133 cr flamed in diyas:Biswajeet Banerjee
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/in-yogi-raj-no-salary-to-govt-employees-no-text-books-to-school-children-but-indian-rupee133-cr-flamed-in-diyas
Citizenship Amendment Bill: Fear Psychosis of Northeast:Abdurrahman Aman
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/citizenship-amendment-bill-fear-psychosis-of-northeast?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
Liberal Muslims are not catalysts of change, they’re part of the problem, says author Hasan Suroor
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/all-that-matters/liberal-muslims-are-not-catalysts-of-change-theyre-part-of-the-problem-says-author-hasan-suroor/articleshow/71779430.cms
Don’t Dismiss Kashmiris’ Silent Suffering as Fatigue: Abdul Gani Bhat
https://www.newsclick.in/dont-dismiss-kashmiris-silent-suffering-fatigue-abdul-gani-bhat
Americans learning to cope with false patriots like President Donald Trump:Aakar Patel
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/americans-learning-to-cope-with-false-patriots-like-president-donald-trump
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:45 PM)
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