NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
30 OCT. 2019: 01 Rabiul Awwal 1441: Vol: 12, No: 49
INDIA: J&K ISSUE
Leaked letter shows ‘International Broker’ Madi Sharma pulled off ‘PR stunt’ for Modi by facilitating Kashmir trip of EU MPs
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/leaked-letter-shows-international-broker-madi-sharma-pulled-off-pr-stunt-for-modi-by-facilitating-kashmir-trip-of-eu-mps/270857/
A leaked letter written to Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies has exposed the real motive behind the so-called delegation of 27 EU MPs visiting Kashmir on Tuesday. The said letter has brought the role of one ‘international broker’ Madi Sharma under the scanner. The letter released by Davies shows how Sharma had extended invitation to EU MPs to visit India on a fully sponsored trip and take part in a ‘prestigious VIP meeting with PM of India,His Excellency Narendra Modi.’ The invitation to EU MPs was extended by Sharma, whose Twitter bio describes her as a ‘Social Capitalist’ and ‘International Business Broker.’ It’s not clear who had empowered her to fix Indian PM’s diary with incredible confidence and whether Indian government or the ruling BJP had any role behind taking care of the finance required to fund this 7-star trip of 27 European lawmakers. In another development, Davies said that the invitation to him by Sharma was withdrawn three days after he received the mail from her. He said that he was not prepared to take part in ‘a PR stunt for the Modi government and pretend that all is well (in Kashmir).” “It is very clear that democratic principles are being subverted in Kashmir, and the world needs to start taking notice,” Davies was quoted by HT.This is not the first time Sharma has been at the helm of facilitating such a high-profile visit to meet a prime minister of a south Asian country. Last year, she had taken a delegation to meet Bangladeshi Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina. She later took to Twitter to flaunt her meeting with the Bangladeshi PM. jantakareporter
Questions over organiser of EU lawmakers' J&K visit; Office found locked:NDTV
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/questions-over-organiser-of-eu-lawmakers-j-k-visit-office-found-locked-2124527?pfrom=home-topscroll
Disaster on Dal Lake:Modi govt’s PR drive lies in tatters: Telegraph India
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/disaster-on-dal-lake/cid/1715443?ref=top-stories_home-template
Tracking Madi Sharma from Brussels to Delhi
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/tracking-madi-sharma-from-brussels-to-delhi/cid/1715571?ref=top-stories_home-template
How can ‘international business broker’ have access to PMO, asks Congress
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/how-can-international-business-broker-have-access-to-pmo-asks-congress
Congress party on Wednesday questioned how an "international business broker" like Madi Sharma, who is alleged to have organised the private visit of European Union parliamentarians to Kashmir, have access to the PMO.Party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that while farmers and unemployed youth did not have the facility of meeting the prime minister and airing their grievances, "international business brokers" like Sharma were giving assurance that the visit would be sponsored."Farmers and unemployed youth of India don't have the facility of meeting the prime minister, so that their problems can be heard. But yes, international business brokers like Madi Sharma can proudly write, 'come to India we will also bear your expenses'.""We have access to PMO, we will arrange a meeting with the PM. How did these business brokers have access to PMO," Priyanka Gandhi said.PTI
"Diplomatic Blunder": Congress On European MPs Visiting Jammu And Kashmir
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/congress-targets-centre-over-european-mps-jammu-and-kashmir-visit-calls-it-diplomatic-blunder-2124665
India should let opposition leaders visit Kashmir too: EU delegation member
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/european-union-mps-delegation-in-jammu-and-kashmir-disbalance-india-opposition-leaders-6094243/
Indian government should permit its own opposition leaders visit Jammu and Kashmir if it has allowed foreign leaders to do so, a member of the unofficial European Union delegation told ANI.“I think if you let in European Union parliamentarians, you should also let in Opposition politicians from India. There is some kind of disbalance; government should somehow address it,” Nicolaus Fest of Alternative for Germany was quoted as saying by ANI.Fest was among the 23-member EU delegation that visited Srinagar to assess the situation in the state after the Centre revoked J&K’s special status under Article 370.In a press conference held after their visit, members of the delegation said they were not in the country to “interfere in politics”, but understand the situation by meeting the common people.“Work is progressing in right direction here. People of Kashmir want peace and development. They want schools and hospitals,” they said.A day after an attack in the Valley killed five workers from Bengal, the leaders said they understood that the state was plagued by terrorism. “All problems of Kashmir are linked to terrorism. We learn that terrorism coming from Pakistan,” they said, adding that “Indian politics is your problem, but terrorism is ours.” Leaders said they would return to their countries and brief respective Parliaments on the situation. EU’s mission in Delhi has already distanced itself from the visit, saying these European lawmakers were travelling in their “personal capacity” and were not in India as an official EU delegation.indianexpress
Europe should mediate if India, Pakistan want: far-right EU MP
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/europe-should-mediate-if-india-pakistan-want-says-far-right-eu-mp-bernhard-zimniok-jk-kashmir-eu-delegates-visit-6093586/
European MP Bernhard Zimniok, who represents German far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and is one of 23 MEPs visiting Srinagar,said “if Pakistan and India make a new attempt to normalise their relations, I believe that European community should, if desired, act as an honest broker and mediator”. “The conflict that has existed for decades has claimed many thousands of lives and also ties up financial resources that are otherwise lacking in economic development. In addition, dangerous terrorist groups have emerged in the region for the international community, including Europe. Terror is the new hostage of humanity and must be fought by all states. Terror is also a big threat to Europe,” he said.“Now, if Pakistan and India make a new attempt to normalise their relations, I believe that the European community should, if desired, act as an honest broker and mediator. Under no circumstances should we take sides, as this would be counterproductive for any rapprochement process,” he said.indianexpress
Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna questions need for EU team’s visit to Kashmir
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/shiv-sena-mouthpiece-saamna-questions-need-for-eu-teams-visit-to-kashmir/article29829485.ece
Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna has questioned the need for European Union representatives’ visit to Kashmir.In an editorial published on Wednesday, which started off by saying that the situation was under control in Kashmir now and transport, communication services had been restored, it mentioned that Kashmir was India’s internal matter. “When everything is going on normally in Kashmir, why has EU team come to Kashmir now? Kashmir is not an international issue. Pandit Nehru is still criticised for taking this issue to UN. You don’t like UN interference on Kashmir,then how do you tolerate EU team’s faujdari (policing) in Kashmir?Isn’t European community coming for observation to Kashmir an attack on India’s freedom and sovereignty? Even today, political leaders don’t have entry in Kashmir. Then, what exactly is EU team going to do?Home Minister is capable of answering these questions.”thehindu
EU MPs may attend Indian Parliament, speak in favour of the government: Chidambaram’s latest jibe on way to Tihar
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/eu-mp-s-may-attend-indian-parliament-speak-in-favour-of-the-government-chidambaram-s-latest-jibe-on-way-to-tihar/story-obzWo0OKam3Yudsn05mZJJ.html
New Delhi: On his way to Tihar Jail, former union finance minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday took a dig at govt for allowing a delegation of EU parliamentarians to visit Kashmir. The senior Congress leader said that the European MPs may be spotted in the Indian parliament next to speak in favour of the government.Responding to a question on the visit by EU members, Chidambaram said, “European MPs may be invited to attend Parliament and speak in favour of the government. Who knows? It may happen.” HT
MEPs' Press Conference: No Local Media, No questions on detentions or communication clampdown
https://thewire.in/media/meps-press-conference-no-local-media-no-questions-on-detentions-or-communication-clampdown
At the end of their 24 hour-long stay in Srinagar, members of the group of European parliamentarians said that they considered the nullification of Article 370 “an internal matter of India”, but held that terrorism was a “global issue” which required more attention from the rest of the world. According to state government officials, they met around 15 delegations comprising youth activists, panchayat members and a women’s group. They also met with Indian army officials and later in the evening, took a round of the Dal Lake on shikaras.PTI reported that the foreign visitors were briefed by state government officials for two hours over a dinner meeting, which was attended by state Chief Secretary B.V.R. Subrahmanyan and DGP Dilbag Singh.The press conference at the conclusion of their Srinagar stay had been part of their scheduled three-day visit to India. It was addressed by three out of the 23 members of MEPs who had decided to travel to Srinagar. 4 of their colleagues had returned from Delhi and not travelled further. TV reporters from Delhi-based channels asked questions at the press conference, which was understood to be open only to selected media. No prominent journalists had been invited to the interaction. Unusually for a press conference, each of their short statements were greeted by applause from the audience. The conference shown on TV was not live, but recorded. As per local journalists, questions were vetted and only selected journalists from some mainstream Indian channels had the chance to attend. The questions were asked by reporters from Aaj Tak, Republic TV, WION and India TV. When inviting the first journalist to ask the question, the emcee prefaced her description with “our guest”.The questions ranged from their experience to whether the visitors thought western media was largely propaganda to the state of minorities in Pakistan. During 45-minute presser, there were no queries on the communication clampdown in Kashmir or the future of the political detainees. The wire
In Srinagar, few journalists allowed to cover press meet of EU lawmakers
https://caravandaily.com/in-srinagar-few-journalists-allowed-to-cover-press-meet-of-eu-lawmakers/
'Some People Were Kept Away From Us': MEPs Visit Kashmir Amidst Widespread Protests
https://thewire.in/politics/some-people-were-kept-away-from-us-meps-visit-kashmir-amidst-widespread-protests
CPI's D Raja Asks BJP-RSS Combine to Explain Purpose of EU MPs' Kashmir Visit
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/cpis-d-raja-asks-bjp-rss-combine-to-explain-purpose-of-eu-mps-kashmir-visit-2367723.html
New Delhi: CPI general secretary D Raja on Wednesday asked RSS and BJP to explain how a delegation of European Union MPs were granted access to Kashmir when parliamentarians of the country were not allowed in the state."I tried to visit Kashmir twice, but was detained and sent back. RSS-BJP combine should explain how while MPs and senior leaders of the country are being denied a visit of Kashmir, a delegation of EU MPs was visiting there."RSS-BJP combine should also explain purpose of the visit by the EU parliamentarians and their political affiliations," Raja said.PTI
JD(U) raises questions on govt allowing EU delegation visit to Kashmir
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jdu-raises-questions-on-govt-allowing-eu-delegation-visit-to-kashmir/articleshow/71822433.cms
BJP ally JD(U) on Wednesday questioned Union government's decision to allow a visit by a delegation of EU parliamentarians to Kashmir, wondering if it did not go contrary to India's policy against internationalising the issue and if it was an appropriate time when even Indian MPs were not able to visit valley.JD(U) spokesperson Pavan Varma, a former diplomat, articulated his party's position on the two-day visit to the Valley by the 23-member European Union delegation.PTI
Kulgam attack: Mamata demands ‘strong’ probe into killing of Bengal labourers
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kulgam-terror-attack-bengal-murshidabad-labourers-mamata-banerjee-demands-probe-6094533/
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today called for a “strong investigation” into the “brutal” killings of 5 labourers from Murshidabad in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district to find out the “real truth”. Expressing shock over the “pre-planned” incident, AITC supremo posted on Twitter, “In a most unfortunate incident in Kashmir yesterday, five innocent labourers were brutally killed in a pre-planned manner.We are totally shocked! Presently there are no political activities in Kashmir and entire law and order is with the Government of India.”“We, therefore, demand a strong investigation so that the real truth comes out. We are deputing Shri Sanjay Singh ADG South Bengal to find out details from them,” she posted on the micro-blogging site.Suspected militants shot dead five labourers from Bengal in Kulgam district on the day when an unofficial EU delegation visited the Valley to assess the situation after the abrogation of Article 370. Indian express
Modi govt red-flags J&K lawyer who converted to Islam but SC ignores & picks her as judge
https://theprint.in/india/governance/judiciary/modi-govt-red-flags-jk-lawyer-who-converted-to-islam-but-sc-ignores-picks-her-as-judge/313005/
New Delhi: When the Supreme Court collegium cleared the appointment of lawyer Moksha Kazmi-Khajuria as a judge of the J&K High Court, it decided to overlook the Modi government’s reference to the fact that she had converted to Islam to marry a Kashmiri Muslim man.The collegium, at its 15 October meeting, had approved the names of two lawyers recommended by the J&K High Court collegium while refusing to clear two other names. Central government had also raised red-flags about the “sudden rise” in Kazmi-Khajuria’s income, her competence as a lawyer, as well as perceived closeness of her husband’s family to PDP led by Mehbooba Mufti.“It seems the government, without saying it categorically, hoped that the collegium would reject her name. But since when is a marriage like hers a crime?” said a Supreme Court source familiar with the matter. Kazmi-Khajuria, a Hindu from Jammu, had converted to Islam to marry Yasir Sayeed Kazmi, a businessman living in Barzulla, Srinagar.theprint
Nearly 1 million tweets on Kashmir blocked under govt pressure: Report
https://caravandaily.com/nearly-one-million-tweets-on-kashmir-blocked-under-govt-pressure-report/
New Delhi: Twitter has been found complying with the Indian government’s requests to censure account sharing news and information concerning Kashmir, according to a research article by Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an organization that promotes press freedom worldwide.CPJ researchers found that the social networking website has complied with a number of requests made by the Indian government on the plea of local laws, security and public order. The CPJ recently issued statements urging the government to allow journalists to work freely against the backdrop of mounting media censorship. The repressive crackdown imposed by the government in Kashmir restricting press freedom is not hidden from anybody.caravandaily
From midnight, Jammu and Kashmir transitions into two union territories
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/from-midnight-jammu-and-kashmir-transitions-into-two-union-territories/story-MVnCQLaN03TTO3f4AuTqXK.html
On Thursday, India will wake up to one state less and 2 union territories more as Presidential proclamation of August 9 giving assent to the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories comes into effect.The day will be marked by G C Murmu, a former bureaucrat from PM Modi’s home state of Gujarat, being sworn in as the first lieutenant governor of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Another former civil servant, Radha Krishna Mathur, will take office as the lieutenant governor of Ladakh. While UT of Ladakh will not have an assembly and will be directly governed by the Union Home Ministry through L-G, Kashmir will have an assembly and will largely work along the lines of the Delhi model but rules to govern Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 are yet to be notified. HT
PoK is ours, we will get it: Ex Army chief V K Singh
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pok-is-ours-we-will-get-it-former-army-chief-v-k-singh-6094728/
New Delhi:PoK is a part of India and New Delhi will get control over it, Union Minister General V K Singh (retired) said here on Wednesday. Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Singh also dubbed the criticism of the government by the opposition over the EU delegation’s visit to Kashmir as insignificant.“What is the need to capture it (PoK). PoK is ours. We will get hold on it…,” Singh replied to a query on the sidelines of an event by industry body Assocham.PTI
Maha, Haryana POLITICS
Fadnavis extends olive branch to Sena for Maharashtra alliance
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/-mahayuti-will-soon-form-maharashtra-govt-fadnavis/853940.html
Mumbai:Shortly after his election as leader of BJP legislative party for a second consecutive term here on Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended an olive branch to Shiv Sena. “This is a mandate for the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance) and only the Mahayuti will form the government,” Fadnavis told reporters shortly after being elected as leader of the BJP in Maharashtra Assembly. Thanking Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for the victory of the saffron alliance, Fadnavis dismissed as rumours reports of a rupture in their relationship. “There are many rumours about various formulas about government formation... these only have entertainment value,”Fadnavis said. Meanwhile backchannel talks between the BJP and the Shiv Sena have started again, according to sources. BJP has sought to placate the Shiv Sena with the post of deputy chief minister and some important portfolios. BJP leaders say they do not want to part with meaty portfolios like home, finance, co-operation and revenue. On the other hand, the Shiv Sena has gone silent after Tuesday’s sabre-rattling. “What will be, will be. What’s in Maharashtra’s fate will happen,” Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told reporters. The Sena is set to hold a meeting of its legislative party on Thursday where it will elect its leader. Aaditya Thackeray, the first from the family to win an election, is the most obvious choice. However Raut and other Shiv Sena leaders refused to comment on it.Earlier on Wednesday, all 105 newly-elected MLAs of the BJP met at Vidhan Bhavan to elect Fadnavis as the leader of the BJP legislative party. Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and party vice president Avinash Rai Khanna were the central observers. Only the name of Fadnavis was proposed and his election was unanimous, Tomar told reporters after the meeting.BJP leaders said Fadnavis will stake claim to form the government only after the Shiv Sena comes on board, party leader Girish Mahajan told reporters here.Meanwhile the Nationalist Congress Party reiterated that its mandate was to sit in the opposition. “The mandate is for us to sit in the opposition. We will see if the situation changes,” NCP leader Praful Patel told reporters.tribuneindia
"No Swearing-In Without Shiv Sena": BJP Amid Back-Channel Talks With Ally
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/maharashtra-election-results-2019-no-swearing-in-without-shiv-sena-says-bjp-amid-back-channel-talks-2124514
OTHERS
Manipur separatists announce 'Manipur govt in exile' in UK
https://thewire.in/politics/two-manipur-separatists-announce-manipur-govt-in-exile-in-uk
London: 2 dissident leaders from Manipur claiming to represent King Leishemba Sanajaoba on Tuesday announced the launch of the “Manipur Government in exile” here in UK.Addressing a press conference, Yamben Biren, claiming to be the “Chief Minister of Manipur State Council” and Narengbam Samarjit, claiming to be the “Minister of External Affairs and Defence of Manipur State Council” said they were speaking on behalf of the ‘Maharaja of Manipur’ to formally launch the government-in-exile- “The Manipur State Council”.There was no immediate comment from the High Commission of India here.Biren and Samarjit produced documents to show that they have been granted political asylum in UK in August this year.They said after getting their asylum status in the UK, “the de jure government is shifted from Manipur to London”.“We believe that now is the right time to make public the Independent Government of Manipur before the international community and seek recognition. We call on all Governments of the sovereign states of the members of the United Nations for their recognition of the de jure and exile Government of the Manipur from today onwards.“3 million Manipuri people want recognition as one of the Precious Native Nations. Our attempts to engage with Indian government were met with hate and hostilities,” they claimed.They claimed there are “more than 1,528 cases of the extra judicial killing which are pending before the Supreme Court of India”.The duo claimed the “State of Manipur is a de jure Government formed in Manipur under the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947. It received independence from the British Raj on Aug.14, 1947. They claimed the sovereign State of Manipur was excluded from India by Order in Council by his Majesty on 27 Dec.1946 and Indian Government annexed Manipur State of India by violation of the Act 1949″. Two leaders said that they would make an appeal to Queen Elizabeth II and after getting an order from the Privy Council they would move the UN for recognition.PTI
Indian Manipur separatists announce exiled government in UK:aljazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/indian-manipur-separatists-announce-exiled-government-uk-191029175417760.html?utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Trending+Content&utm_content=5db8e7bf4c15b80001492a77&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR0knk_Bu18C415dTmDargzvoEA-IhtUjhlxiwhZYcFOWXsxtyLkUN1Eqsc
Am shocked, says Manipur’s ex-maharaja on ‘govt-in-exile’ move by dissidents
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/manipur-s-ex-maharaja-said-to-have-formed-govt-in-exile-rebuts-claim/story-APX4FmQpkUqTirFxJF18DK.html
Manipur’s erstwhile king Leishemba Sanajaoba on Wednesday distanced himself from statements by two leaders who announced the launch of the ‘Manipur Government in exile’ in London. In a video message released early on Wednesday, Leishemba Sanajaoba said he did sign some papers at the request of Yamben Biren and Narengbam Samarjit - who made the controversial claim in London - but was told that the papers related to his “permission” to let them carry out some research into historic documents and photographs in London.“I was surprised and shocked to know the viral news,” he said in the statement made in Meithi.HT
Naga peace talks: NSCN-IM refuses to back down from demand for separate flag, constitution
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/naga-peace-talks-nscn-im-refuses-to-back-down-from-demand-for-separate-flag-constitution-6093581/
New Delhi :With Oct 31 deadline for the Naga peace talks to conclude just around the corner, negotiations continued to be stalled on Tuesday, with insurgent group NSCN-IM refusing to back down from its demand of a separate flag and constitution.Ahead of a round of talks between the government and various Naga insurgent groups, 22 members of the NSCN-IM quit the group on Monday and joined the Unification faction of the NSCN. Sources in NSCN-IM said more leaders were expected to quit the group on Wednesday to join Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) – an umbrella organisation of seven Naga insurgent groups, who are also part of the peace talks.The exodus follows the resignation of senior NSCN-IM member Hukavi Yepthomi, who joined NNPG along with 16 members on Friday. Yepthomi had issued a statement, saying that he was leaving the IM faction in the interest of the people of Nagaland, and referred to NSCN-IM supremo Th Muivah’s demands for a separate flag and constitution as impractical. However, sources said that despite the outflow of its leaders, NSCN-IM was “firm on its stand for a separate flag and constitution” and is not looking at backing down.“We don’t believe that the matter can be resolved by October 31 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has desired. We don’t believe that there will be an agreement by then. But this stalemate can definitely be resolved by the end of this year,” said an IM source.indianexpress
Rajasthan HC quashes cow-smuggling case against Pehlu Khan, his two sons
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-hc-quashes-cow-smuggling-case-against-pehlu-khan-his-two-sons-6094807/
Rajasthan High Court has quashed a cow-smuggling case against Haryana dairy farmer Pehlu Khan who was lynched by a mob in Alwar on April 1, 2017, his two sons and a truck driver, for allegedly illegally transporting cows for slaughter. A single bench of Justice Pankaj Bhandari quashed the case under Rajasthan Bovine Animals Protection Act and the chargesheet against the four, saying there is no evidence to show that the cows were being transported for the purpose of slaughtering. The petition was filed by truck driver Khan Mohammed and the 2 sons of Pehlu Khan. Khan (55), his two sons and others were stopped and assaulted by a mob of cow vigilantes near Behror in Alwar district on April 1, 2017 for transporting cows. Khan succumbed to his injuries 2 days later on April 3. All 6 accused in the lynching case were acquitted by an Alwar court on August 14, this year. Giving all the accused the benefit of the doubt, the court observed that the Rajasthan Police probe had “serious shortcomings” and signified “gross negligence”. In May 2019, a chargesheet was filed against Khan, his sons and Khan Mohammed. Pehlu’s sons Irshad and Aarif were charged under sections 5, 8 and 9 of the Rajasthan Bovine Animal (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, while Mohammed was charged under section 6 of the Act.indian express
Kin install statue of Bulandshahr riots accused, threaten to convert if demands are ignored
https://www.news18.com/news/india/kin-install-statue-of-bulandshahr-riots-accused-in-up-village-threaten-to-convert-if-demands-are-ignored-2365891.html
Family of Bulandshahr riots accused Sumit, who reportedly killed police inspector Subodh Singh and later died in the incident, has installed his statue in Syana village.Complaining about his demands being ignored, Sumit’s father Amarjeet Singh threatened conversion and self-immolation. Singh also demanded a CBI enquiry into the death of his son and set a deadline of December 3 for the state government. “If my demands are not met then on Dec. 3, I will convert and immolate myself,” he said.
Family of Bulandshahr violence accused threatens to accept Islam if demands not met
https://www.thestatesman.com/india/family-of-bulandshahr-violence-accused-threatens-to-accept-islam-if-demands-not-met-1502815564.html
Christian groups submit memorandum with home ministry, demand enforcement of legal protections for religious minorities
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/christian-groups-submit-memorandum-with-home-ministry-demand-enforcement-of-legal-protections-for-religious-minorities
New Delhi:A group of Christian organizations on Wednesday submitted a 12-page memorandum with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, detailing attacks against religious minorities in the last five years in the country. They demanded the central government to “Guarantee the security of religious minorities. There should be a clear signal, from central, state governments and police, that the protection of the safety and security of religious minorities is vital aspect of the ethos of India.”They also demanded enforcement of legal protections for religious minorities. “In addition to ensuring the rights guaranteed in the Constitution, the Government of India should take strict measures to end the culture of impunity, ensuring that violations are effectively identified, and appropriate and timely action is taken by police and the judiciary,” they said in the memorandum. Giving facts and figures about incidents of violence against religious minorities, the memo reads: “India continues to see frequent and systematic targeting of religious minorities. As you would be aware, according to data presented before the Parliament by your ministry, there were close to 3000 incidents of communal violence, during the period of 2014-2017, which resulted in over 300 people being killed and over 7300 people being injured. Communal incidents increased 28 percent over 3 years with 822 “incidents” being recorded in 2017, which led to as many as 111 people being killed and 2,384 others were injured.”indiatomorrow
SC verdict on Ayodhya case should be accepted wholeheartedly by everyone: RSS
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-verdict-on-ayodhya-case-should-be-accepted-wholeheartedly-by-everyone-rss/articleshow/71822609.cms
NEW DELHI: The impending Supreme Court decision on the Ayodhya case should be accepted wholeheartedly by everyone, the RSS said on Wednesday, stating that it is everybody's responsibility to ensure that harmony is maintained in the country whatever be the judgement.In its tweets, the Hindutva organisation said the issue arising out of the Supreme Court verdict, which is expected before November 17 when Chief Justice retires, is being discussed in the two-day meeting of its senior functionaries in the national capital.This meeting was earlier scheduled to be held with a conclave, between October 30-November 5, of RSS 'pracharaks' in Haridwar.Though the pracharaks' meeting has been adjourned, the meeting of its senior functionaries has been shifted to Delhi, it added."The Supreme Court decision on the issue of temple construction on the birthplace of Shri Ram is expected in the coming days. Whatever be the verdict, everyone should accept it wholeheartedly. It is everybody's responsibility to ensure that social harmony is maintained across the country. The meeting is also discussing the issue," the RSS publicity head Arun Kumar said.PTI
"Ayodhya One Of Most Important Cases In World": Chief Justice-Designate Justice SA Bobde
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/justice-sa-bobde-ndtv-exclusive-ayodhya-one-of-most-important-cases-in-world-chief-justice-designate-2124765?pfrom=home-topscroll
NEW DELHI: Justice SA Bobde, who would take over Justice Ranjan Gogoi as the Chief Justice of India in November, today told NDTV that the Ayodhya case is "one of the most important in the world". The 63-year-old Chief Justice-designate is part of the five-judge bench that heard the title suit in the decades-old politically sensitive temple-mosque dispute for over 40 days.The verdict in the case is expected to come before November 17, when Chief Justice Gogoi is set to retire. Asked if it was a milestone in his career, Justice Bobde said, "Ayodhya case is definitely important. It is one of the most important in the world".ndtv
2015 Jalandhar tiffin blast case: Ludhiana police nabs man accused of delivering RDX
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/2015-jalandhar-tiffin-blast-case-ludhiana-police-nabs-man-accused-of-delivering-rdx-6093663/
ludhiana police has claimed to have arrested one of the accused in the 2015 Jalandhar tiffin blast case, while searching for him in connection with a murder case lodged the same year at Sahnewal police station.Rattan Singh Dhanjal alias Chuha was arrested by a CIA team from his village Jeewan Nagar of Sirsa, Haryana, on Monday. ACP (Crime) Surinder Mohan said he was wanted in the murder case of one Saurav (25), a resident of Doraha, whose body was recovered from a vacant plot on Feb.9, 2015, by Sahnewal police. He further said that Rattan Singh was also one of six accused in the Jalandhar tiffin blast case, and was declared a proclaimed offender by a CBI court in 2017. Ludhiana Police is questioning Rattan Singh in connection with the Sahnewal murder case, after which CBI will take him on production warrant for interrogation in Jalandhar tiffin blast case.indianexpress
Politicians must stand up against NRC: Setalvad
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/301019/politicians-must-stand-up-against-nrc-teesta-setalvad.html
Hyderabad: Speaking in the city on Tuesday on the ongoing NRC exercise in Assam, human rights activist Teesta Setalvad expressed her apprehensions about the possibility of such an exercise being undertaken across the country. She spoke to the gathering, predominantly Muslims, about difficulties faced by people who failed to make it to list of citizens during NRC exercise in Assam. Both Hindus and Muslims have been trapped in detention centres for several years, she alleged, adding that families spend Rs 20,000 on an average on documentation and related expenses.Ms Setalvad outlined her talk with details of Nellie massacre in Assam in 1983,saying, “On Feb18, 1983, independent India’s first genocide took place. Nearly 3,000 Muslims were massacred on the tragic day. It was caused by the same discourse we see today — ‘who is an Indian and who is an infiltrator’,” she said. Some in the audiences said they had come out of curious about subject, some wanted to clarify their doubts about NRC and a few wanted to make sure they would be safe if such an exercise was undertaken in Telangana state. Towards the end of her talk, she noted that Union ministers and political leaders are indicating that NRC exercise would be undertaken across the country.“It is up to both the general public and political class to oppose such a move. But it would also be prudent to get ready for it,” she said. She wondered what the modalities of exclusion would be across various states in the country.Deccan Chronicle
Like with Rohingyas, Facebook aiding hate speech against Bengali Muslims in Assam: Report
https://theprint.in/india/facebook-aiding-hate-speech-against-bengali-muslims-in-assam-report/313490/
New Delhi: Facebook has failed to act on hate speech that has targeted Bengali Muslims in Assam ever since NRC was launched with earnest in the state, a new report has found.The report titled, “Megaphone for Hate”, was released by Avaaz, a non-profit global activism group Monday. It found that violent hate speech content on the social media platform such as posts terming Bengali Muslims as “criminals,” “rapists,” “terrorists,” “pigs,” and “dogs” were shared over 1,00,000 times and viewed at least 5.4 M times.The campaign group said it reviewed over 800 posts and comments regarding Assam and NRC process, and found that nearly 26.5 per cent or 213 posts and comments breached Facebook’s own community standards policy.The report alleges that Facebook only removed 96 of these 213 posts, which included threats and calls to “poison” daughters and legalise foeticide. Alaphia Zoyab, senior campaigner at Avaaz, told ThePrint that Facebook is being used as a “megaphone for hate” against minorities in Assam. Zoyab called out Facebook for its reliance on Artificial Intelligence in detecting hate speech and for lapses in hate speech norms, accusing the site of being complicit in persecuting the “world’s most vulnerable people through its inaction”. A Facebook spokesperson, however, told ThePrint that the social media giant had investigated all content flagged by Avaaz. theprint
Chapters glorifying Tipu Sultan to be removed from textbooks: Yediyurappa
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/chapters-glorifying-tipu-sultan-to-be-removed-from-textbooks-karnataka-cm-b-s-yediyurappa-6094502/
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa today said history lessons glorifying Tipu Sultan shall be removed from school textbooks.“Our government is trying to remove Tipu Sultan’s history lessons from textbooks in the state. Such topics must not find a place in textbooks. 101% we are not going to allow such things to happen,” he said in Bengaluru.Soon after, BJP Karnataka tweeted: “By ending public celebrations of Tipu Jayanti, our CM has restored dignity to Kannadigas. As the next step, textbooks must be rewritten to portray the real Tipu Sultan to our Children. They should be made aware of the Tyrant’s cruelty against Hindus & his anti Kannada rule.”Yediyurappa’s statement comes just a week after BJP MLA from Madikeri, Appachu Ranjan, demanded the removal of a lesson on Tipu from school textbooks, saying it “contains wrong information”. Following this, earlier in the week, Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar sought a report from MD of the Karnataka Textbook Society on Ranjan’s proposal. Reacting to the same, Leader of Opposition of state Legislative Assembly, Siddaramaiah, accused BJP government of acting like a “party fanatic.” He said, “Isn’t it a fact that Tipu fought the British for our freedom? This will be erased if history lessons on him are struck down. Our next generations should definitely be aware of his contributions to our freedom struggle.”indianexpress
Temple opens door for peace activists to offer Namaz during anti-mob lynching Yatra
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/temple-opens-door-for-peace-activists-to-offer-namaz-during-anti-mob-lynching-yatra?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
new delhi:People like temple priest Mahadev Das are the backbone of the secular and plural India. His big heart and broad thinking have impressed the young peace activists who are on a nationwide cycle tour to spread message against mob lynching and violence.The cycle rally for lynching-free and violence-free India was flagged off from the Rajghat, the mausoleum of Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi on Oct.18. After offering prayers at the mazar of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad near Jama Masjid, the rally proceeded on the national tour.On 10th day of the rally, the activists were in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh. They were offered night stay at the premises of Ma Kali Mandir. The activists included youths from different faiths including Hindu, Sikh and Muslim. Muslim participants wanted to offer Isha (night) Namaz. They met the chief priest of the temple to seek his permission. He readily granted permission.Leader of the cycle rally and convenor of Khudai Khidmatgar Faisal Khan said: “I sought permission for namaz from priest Mahadev Das ji. He said ‘this place is for worship and prayer only, you do not need any permission.’ I offer my salam to such priests and the country.”India Tomorrow
Tension at Bijnor village over death of man thrashed by 3 brothers
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/tension-at-bijnor-village-over-death-of-man-thrashed-by-three-bros/articleshow/71810592.cms
Bijnor: Tension gripped Naurangabad village in Bijnor’s Dhampur town over the death of a man who was allegedly forcibly picked up by three men and thrashed. A dispute regarding payment for some items he had purchased from the shop of the assailants is suspected to be the cause of the fatal beating. A police force has been deployed in the area to prevent any communal flare-up.The deceased was identified as Akram (37). According to his father, “Akram had bought a few items from the attacker's shop and there was a dispute over the payment. My son was brutally bludgeoned to death because of that.”Police have registered a case against the accused -- Mohit, Som Kumar and Ashu Kumar – all from the same village. All of them are at large.TOI
Gujarat: Man tied to pole, beaten to death on suspicion of theft in Vadodara
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-man-tied-to-pole-beaten-to-death-on-suspicion-of-theft-vadodara-6094692/
Vadodara :A 28 year-old-man was beaten to death over suspicion of theft in Chandranagar village of Vadodara’s Savli taluka. His friend was also grievously injured in the assault and has lodged a complaint against three persons.The deceased has been identified as Kamlesh Ganava (28), a native of Chilakota village of Limkheda taluka in Dahod. According to the police, 3 persons had picked them up on suspicion of being thieves, tied them to poles and thrashed them with sticks.The deceased’s friend, Dinesh Parmar (30), has alleged in his complaint that the main accused in the case, Jitubhai Patel, his son Sagarbhai Patel and another villager Sanjay Patel, saw them lingering outside the village on Tuesday and approached him in the evening and questioned him. indianexpress
Modi announces formation of India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-saudi-form-strategic-council/article29826191.ece
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council that will be led by the leaderships of both countries. The announcement was made in Saudi capital Riyadh where Prime Minister Modi paid a visit during Oct.28-29.Indian leader thanked the hosts for far sighted economic planning for Saudi Arabia and praised Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for his leadership role in giving a new vision to one of largest energy suppliers in the world. An announcement by Ministry of External Affairs declared that both sides sealed 12 MoUs on issues such as preventing narcotics trafficking, renewable energy, training of diplomats, defence industry production, security collaboration, and use of RuPay cards in Saudi. Both sides discussed a number of regional conflicts like the war in Syria and Yemen and sought lasting peace in Palestinian territories for the establishment of the independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with "Jerusalem as its capital".thehindu
Saudi Aramco to keep 4.6 million barrels of oil in Indian storage
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/saudi-aramco-46-million-barrels-oil-indian-storage-191030121411351.html
India will lease one-quarter of its strategic petroleum reserve in Padur to Saudi Aramco to store about 4.6 million barrels of oil, a government official said on Wednesday, as New Delhi seeks global investment in its expanding energy infrastructure.Global oil producers are eager to gain a foothold in India, where fuel demand is expected to keep rising as the country's economy grows. Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd, a government company charged with building oil storage, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi state firm for its participation in the 2.5-million-tonne facility in Karnataka state."Aramco has signed an MoU for only one compartment," said HPS Ahuja, chief executive of the Indian company.The Padur storage facility has four equal-sized compartments.aljazeera
Airports for sale: Modi government to privatise 6 more airports, Adani may get all of them
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/airports-for-sale-modi-government-to-privatise-six-more-airports-adani-may-get-all-of-them
In a bid to privatise state-owned airports and allegedly to benefit a well-known corporate house, the Central government has planned to privatise six more airports, nationalheraldindia has learnt.All six airports that have been listed for the second round of the privatisation – Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, Indore, Trichy, Amritsar and Raipur – will, in all probability, be awarded to the Adani group.The government has brushed aside the suggestions given by the ministry of finance to allegedly benefit Adani, said sources.Ministry of Finance had recommended that any company or corporate house will not be awarded more than two airports, but NH has learnt that the Modi government is planning to lift the cap that will pave the way for Adani to win all the six airports after the “bidding”.Sources claimed that a draft note has already been circulated to the concerned ministries in this regard. And by the first week of Dec, the Cabinet is expected to approve the proposal. By January 2020, process is likely to be completed.nationalheraldindia
Delhi govt to distribute 50 lakh masks among school students to combat pollution
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-govt-to-distribute-50-lakh-masks-among-school-students-to-combat-pollution/articleshow/71820536.cms
Delhi government will start distributing masks among school students from Friday following a spike in the pollution level, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said.Fifty lakh N95 masks would be given to students in both government and private schools in Delhi, Kejriwal said.
At 35%, stubble burning share in Delhi's pollution maximum so far: SAFAR
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/at-35-stubble-burning-share-in-delhis-pollution-maximum-so-far-safar/articleshow/71821389.cms
The share of stubble burning in Delhi's pollution has risen to 35 percent, the season's highest, and the hazardous haze shrouding the city on Wednesday can be "purely" attributed to it, said the ministry of earth sciences' air quality monitor SAFAR.Extremely calm surface winds on Tuesday night aggravated the problem, it said.Northwesterly winds, which are favourable for plume transport, will continue to blow in the region for another two days, it predicted."After recovering from firecracker smoke, Delhi's overall air quality has again plunged into 'severe' category. It can be purely attributed to stubble fire the share of which increased to 35 per cent today," SAFAR said in a report.TOI
By 2050, Mumbai and other major coastal cities may be wiped out by rising sea:researchers
https://scroll.in/latest/942069/by-2050-mumbai-and-other-major-coastal-cities-may-be-wiped-out-by-rising-sea-say-researchers
Rising sea levels, driven by climate change, may wipe out some of the famous coastal cities in world, including Mumbai, by 2050 and affect three times more people than estimated before, according to research published in the journal Nature on Tuesday.The paper’s authors – New Jersey-based nonprofit Climate Central’s Scott A Kulp and Benjamin H Strauss – developed a more accurate method of estimating the effects of sea level rise, and found that about 150 million people are currently living on land that may be below the high-tide line by midcentury.scroll
WORLD
Lebanon: Army begins clearing roads after PM resignation
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/lebanon-army-begins-clearing-roads-pm-resignation-191030102657988.html
Security forces in Lebanon began clearing roads hours after the Lebanese army issued a directive urging protesters to vacate major thoroughfares to allow life to return to normal.The army's statement came on Wednesday, a day after Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation and hours before a scheduled speech by President Michel Aoun. Aoun has not yet accepted Hariri's resignation and there is no clear solution emerging to the political crisis that has drawn warnings from Lebanon's foreign partners.Hariri's announcement on Tuesday came on the back of 13 days of mass protests demanding the departure of the country's entire political elite amid growing anger over official corruption, poor public services, and years of economic mismanagement. Demonstrators called for a technocratic cabinet that can work on improving the deteriorating economic situation in the country.aljazeera
Iraqi PM's main backers agree to remove him
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/iraqi-pm-abdul-mahdi-main-backers-agree-oust-191030072410106.html
Iraq Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's 2 main backers have agreed to work to remove him from office as protests against his government gained momentum in Baghdad and much of the Shia south only to be met with violence.Populist Shia Muslim leader Muqtada al-Sadr, who leads parliament's largest bloc, had asked Abdul Mahdi to call an early election. When PM refused, he called on his main political rival Hadi al-Amiri to help remove him."I hoping for you to leave with your dignity intact but if you've refused, then I call on Had al-Amiri to help oust you as premier immediately," al-Sadr told the embattled premier and his rival in a Twitter post.Al-Sadr warned on Wednesday that Iraq could turn into "another Syria" if the government does not resign.aljazeera
US reimposes sanctions on Turkey, a week after lifting them
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191030-us-reimposes-sanctions-on-turkey-a-week-after-lifting-them/
US House of Representatives approved sanctions against Turkey over its military operation and presence into northern Syria, only a week after President Donald Trump lifted them.The measure passed by 403-16, including 176 members of the Republican party voting in support and a mere 15 opposing it, showing the widespread sentiments against Turkey’s operation, its relations with US, and the increasing split between Washington and Ankara.Following Turkey’s launch of Operation Peace Spring, which aimed to both push back US-backed Kurdish militias from Turkish-Syrian border and establish a 32 kilometre-deep safe zone to house around two million Syrian refugees, many around the world and in US Congress and Senate were outraged. Among those US politicians who condemned the operation and were opposed to Trump’s decision to withdraw US forces from northern Syria were Senator Lindsey Graham and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who claimed that the move “would only benefit Russia, Iran, and Assad regime.”MEMO
Israel seeks US help it normalise relations with Gulf
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191030-israel-seeks-us-help-it-normalise-relations-with-gulf/
Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz said that he had asked the American Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin to help Israel normalise ties with Gulf states. Taking to Twitter, Katz wrote: “I asked the American secretary of the Treasury to help Israel build economic relations with the Gulf States in the light of the continuous normalisation wave, mainly with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.”He added: “In light of the Iranian threats and the alliance between America, Israel and the Sunni Gulf states, there is a historical opportunity being evolved that we must not lose. Goal of this opportunity is to reach a non-aggression deal.”His calls come as there has been an increase in the number of meetings between officials from Gulf states and Israel.Israel’s Labor party leader Avi Gabbay has visited a number of Arab state, including UAE. According to Times of Israel, the Moroccan national involved in arranging the Dec meeting had “previously arranged other meetings for Gabbay with senior Arab officials”.middleeastmonitor
Tunisia: Foreign Ministry denies visit of Tunisian delegation to Israel
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191030-tunisia-foreign-ministry-denies-visit-of-tunisian-delegation-to-israel/
Tunisian Foreign Ministry denied on Wednesday that a delegation comprising Tunisian citizens had visited Israel recently. The ministry called on “everybody not to make use of the Palestinian cause in settling adversities within domestic political matters.”The statement stressed that the “information circulated on social media regarding the visit of a Tunisian youth delegation to Israel” is incorrect.The statement added that “after acquiring further details from EU mission in Tunisia, EU institutions in Brussels, and inquiring in cooperation with the Palestinian authorities in Ramallah, and several other capitals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that this news is unfounded.”middleeastmonitor
Hamas calls for national conference to establish election rules
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191030-hamas-calls-for-national-conference-to-establish-election-rules/
Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement has called for a comprehensive national conference to establish election rules. Hamas said that it is ready to take part in elections, but needs “clear directions”.A statement from the movement noted that senior officials from Palestinian factions and a delegation from Central Election Commission, headed by Hanna Nasser, have met in Gaza to discuss a call for a general election made by Mahmoud Abbas at UN General Assembly last month.“A responsible spirit prevailed in the meeting, as all national factions have realised the dangers posed to the Palestinian cause, including conspiracies and serious challenges that require a unified Palestinian position to protect the Palestinian people and cause,” explained Hamas. “All PLO-affiliated factions and resistance movements have endorsed a specific national stance based on positivity and flexibility to meet the higher Palestinian interests.”middleeastmonitor
WhatsApp sues Israel’s NSO for allegedly helping spies hack phones around the world
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191030-whatsapp-sues-israels-nso-for-allegedly-helping-spies-hack-phones-around-the-world/
WhatsApp sued Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group on Tuesday, accusing it of helping government spies break into the phones of roughly 1,400 users across four continents in a hacking spree whose targets included diplomats, political dissidents, journalists, and senior government officials, Reuters reports.In a lawsuit filed in federal court in San Francisco, messaging service WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook Inc, accused NSO of facilitating government hacking sprees in 20 countries. Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were the only countries identified.WhatsApp said in a statement that 100 civil society members had been targeted, and called it “an unmistakable pattern of abuse.”WhatsApp said the attack exploited its video calling system in order to send malware to the mobile devices of a number of users. The malware would allow NSO’s clients – said to be governments and intelligence organizations – to secretly spy on a phone’s owner, opening their digital lives up to official scrutiny.MEMO
Egypt minister calls for effort to stop probe into Morsi’s death
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191030-egypt-minister-calls-for-effort-to-stop-probe-into-morsis-death/
A minister in Egyptian parliament called on the government to intervene to stop any international probes into the death of ousted President Mohamed Morsi.Morsi, who collapsed in court after being held in solitary confinement and tortured by the state for a number of year, died on 17 June.Tamer El-Shahawy attacked the European Parliament after it released a report on human rights in Egypt, saying the body has “suspicious objectives”. He added that the report contained false information and baseless lies.“The issuance of this report comes in conjunction with the international human rights lawyer to submit complaints and requests to UN and the European Parliament to investigate death of President Morsi.”middleeastmonitor
Egypt again renews detention Ola Al-Qaradawi
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191029-egypt-again-renews-detention-ola-al-qaradawi/
Egypt has renewed the detention of Ola Al-Qaradawi, daughter of Islamic cleric Sheikh Yusuf, detaining her or a further 15 days.Ola, 58, was returned to solitary confinement at the beginning of July despite a court ordering her release hours earlier.She has been charged with “joining a terrorist group”, in apparent reference to Muslim Brotherhood. She had already been in solitary confinement for 740 days. “The Supreme State Security Prosecution on Sunday ordered renewing the detention of Ola Al-Qaradawi for 15 days,” Ola’s defence lawyer, Ahmed Madi said. Madi said that Ola “has been suffering as a result of being held in solitary confinement for more than two years and four months, without being allowed to receive a visitor.”In this new case, the prosecution accused Ola of “joining a terrorist group and financing terrorism.” This is the second case against Ola since her arrest along with her husband, Hossam Khalaf, about two and a half years ago.middleeastmonitor
US Afghan peace envoy Khalilzad wraps up Pak visit
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/afghan-peace-envoy-khalilzad-wraps-pakistan-visit-191030092022276.html
US' envoy trying to resuscitate talks on ending Afghanistan's 18-year war has wrapped up his visit to Pakistan as Kabul hardened its stance on negotiations with Taliban.Zalmay Khalilzad met Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and other top officials during his 2-day visit to the capital, Islamabad. "Khalilzad discussed the current status of the Afghan peace process and the importance of reducing violence," US embassy to Pakistan said."He also underscored the economic and security benefits peace can bring to the region," the embassy statement added. Afghan government has set new conditions for talks with the Taliban and appeared to shed a previously conciliatory stand towards Pakistan.aljazeera
Flash: NEWS, views, Articles
How to read Tipu Sultan’s place in history:indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-how-to-read-tipu-sultans-place-in-history-6094686/
World won’t buy Modi’s high-profile diplomacy if he sends far-Right EU members to Kashmir:Salman Anees Soz
https://theprint.in/opinion/world-wont-buy-modis-high-profile-diplomacy-if-he-sends-far-right-eu-members-to-kashmir/312696/
Euro MPs In, Indian MPs Out – and Democracy Down the Drain in Kashmir:Siddharth Varadarajan
https://thewire.in/rights/kashmir-meps-visit-democracy
Modi’s PR disaster shows India not ready for independent scrutiny in Kashmir: Chris Davies
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/interview/modis-pr-disaster-shows-india-not-ready-for-independent-scrutiny-in-kashmir-chris-davies
As Modi Wraps Up Visit, India Gets Saudi to Drop Hint to Pakistan on Staying Out of Art 370 Move:Maha Siddiqui
https://www.news18.com/news/india/as-pm-modi-wraps-up-visit-india-gets-saudi-arabia-to-drop-a-hint-to-pakistan-on-staying-out-of-art-370-move-2366549.html
Going global: EU MPs visit shows that BJP has now thoroughly internationalised the Kashmir issue:Shoaib Daniyal
https://scroll.in/article/942151/going-global-eu-mps-visit-shows-that-bjp-has-now-thoroughly-internationalised-the-kashmir-issue
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:07 PM)
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