NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
07 OCT. 2019: 07 Safar 1441: Vol: 12, No: 30
INDIA
One of Modi’s biggest successes was getting Gujarat riots case quashed: Amartya Sen
https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/amartya-sen-on-modi-amit-shah_in_5d9b06f7e4b0fc935edd3318?utm_hp_ref=in-homepage
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, in an interview published in The New Yorker, has said that one of PM Narendra Modi’s biggest successes has been to “get the court” to acquit him in 2002 Gujarat riots case. In the interview, Sen spoke to Isaac Chotiner about the current state of the Indian democracy, and how not all is lost yet. When asked about Modi’s connection to 2002 Gujarat riots that killed over a thousand people, and still getting elected, Sen said, “One of his big successes has been to get the court to squash the case against him and the Home Minister, Amit Shah, in Gujarat killings of 2002.” Sen said because of this, not many Indians believe that Modi had a part to play in the riots. Sen also said that while Modi was a dynamic politician, he did not have the “breadth of vision” about the country. “Modi doesn’t have the breadth of vision about India—multireligious, multiethnic India.He has been, from his childhood, relating to RSS and the propaganda of that perspective,” Sen said.However, Sen highlighted that BJP was also a party that was backed by business community and managed to find more money than any other political party in the run-up to 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Sen said that while the Indian Constitution was “well based on analysis of the Constituent Assembly”, it overlooked the fact that a political group with much power, like BJP, could manipulate the situation easily. “Electoral system has its flaws. That massive majority(Modi had was based on less than 40%of vote,”he added.huffingtonpost
Afghan Taliban commanders freed 'in swap for 3 Indian hostages':BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49959557
Several senior Taliban members have been released in exchange for 3 kidnapped Indian engineers, sources in the militant group told BBC. 11 Taliban reported freed included a member of the militant Haqqani group.Indians released on Sunday were part of a group of 7 engineers kidnapped more than a year ago with their driver in northern Afghanistan. The news came after Taliban were said to have met the US peace envoy for the first time since talks collapsed.Zalmay Khalilzad reportedly met senior members of the group in Pakistan last week, almost a month after President Donald Trump cancelled secret plans to host a Taliban delegation in US.The prisoner swap was one of the issues discussed at the meeting, sources said. 3 key Taliban figures were released from prison in Afghanistan, according to the source within the militant group, including ex "shadow" governor of Nimroz province.New York Times reported that Abdul Rashid Baluch was previously listed as a Global Terrorist by US. A second "shadow" governor for Kunar province, and a member of the powerful Haqqani network, which is said to have been behind co-ordinated attacks on both Afghan and Nato forces in recent years, were also said to be among those released. Another 8 militants were freed as part of the deal, AP reported. Taliban commanders had been held in the high-security prison at Bagram, reports said. 3 Indian engineers have not been named. One of the hostages was released in March this year, while the fate of the rest of their colleagues remained unclear.There was no immediate comment from Afghan, US or Indian authorities.BBC
J&K ISSUE
Sen slams Modi Govt for clampdown in Kashmir
https://www.newsx.com/national/kashmir-news-amartya-sen-modi-Govt-amit-shah-article-370.html
Nobel Economics laureate Amartya Sen has accused successive Indian Govts of not doing enough on Kashmir and instead of doubling efforts to silence separatists in the state thereby turning them more pro-Pakistan in their outlook. Sen said the present Kashmir looks like more an Indian-administered territory rather than an integral part of the country and that fault is solely the responsibility of successive Govts. While not faulting Modi Govt directly on Kashmir, Sen said dilution of Article 370 need not have been done since that arrangement suited both sides.He said by resorting to such measures, Modi Govt has exploited peoples’ weakness for a cause.Sen was, however, scathing in his comments on attack on secularism and the targeting of Muslims, Dalits and scheduled tribes inIndia. newsx
Communication blackout in Kashmir truly a digital siege: Ex-Stanford University Scholar Jan Rydzak
https://caravandaily.com/communication-blackout-in-kashmir-truly-a-digital-siege-says-former-stanford-university-scholar/
Jan Rydzak, a research scholar who has been recently working at Stanford University’s Global Digital Policy Incubator (GDPi), is one of prominent global experts on internet shutdowns and information control. Earlier this year, he published a paper giving statistical details about the connection between internet shutdowns and protests in India.His research established that the Kashmir Valley has so far seen the highest number of state imposed internet shutdowns in the world.Rydzak said, “Internet shutdowns don’t seem to be effective against any kind of protest, violent or non-violent”. He said, "Access to Internet is a human right. 3 years ago, UN Human Rights Council issued a declaration to this effect, and although it is non-binding and not all of the member states in this body are shining examples of Internet freedom, it still has lots of weight from a normative standpoint."He said, "Most blackouts in Kashmir are ephemeral, lasting approximately 3 to 5 days on average; at 60 days and running, this one is a true digital siege. As we have seen elsewhere in the world – Cameroon, for example – such sieges are especially ruinous for digital economies. The stagnation of businesses in Kashmir under blackout is further proof of that."caravandaily
As Kashmir lockdown enters 3rd month, several youth risk losing jobs
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/as-kashmir-lockdown-enters-third-month-several-youth-risk-losing-jobs-1606958-2019-10-07
Srinagar:The communication blackout imposed after the abrogation of Article 370 has entered third month. With no mobiles and internet services, it is the worst communications lockdown the Valley has seen in decades. And it has started to take a toll of the Valley's economy.Scores of people risk losing their jobs as IT-related firms are at the verge of shutting down permanently. Kashmir’s biggest software park in Rangret area, which houses majority IT-related companies in the state, wears a deserted look.The tourism season in the Valley was completely ruined this year as the Govt issued an advisory asking visitors to leave just before the abrogation of Article 370 was announced.indiatoday
284 Eminent Citizens Write to Modi, Kovind on 'Unacceptable' Situation in Kashmir
https://thewire.in/rights/eminent-citizens-write-to-modi-kovind-on-unacceptable-situation-in-kashmir
New Delhi: A group of 284 eminent Indian citizens – including academics, journalists, political leaders and others–have written to PM Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind, calling the current clampdown in Kashmir “unacceptable”.The signatories have said the Centre’s decision to read down Article 370 and J&K’s bifurcate was taking without consulting locals, “and we still do not know how the people of J&K feel”.They also quoted a recent Kerala high court decision which said that the right to internet is a fundamental right, and said that internet services must be restored in the Valley on humanitarian grounds.thewire
Aarey trees greater than Kashmiri lives: Why Kashmiris being deprived same right, tweets Mufti
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/aarey-protest-mehbooba-mufti-tweet-iltija-kashmir-kashmiri-1606885-2019-10-07
New Delhi:Hitting out at the Centre over the security clampdown in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said trees in Aarey Colony of Mumbai were greater than Kashmiri lives. Following the Supreme Court's direction to the Maharashtra Govt to halt tree felling in Aarey, Mufti, whose Twitter is presently handled by her daughter Iltija, stated that Aarey trees were greater than Kashmiri lives.In another tweet from the handle of Mehbooba Mufti said she was glad that activists were able to stop the felling of trees in Aarey and asked why not the same right to Kashmiris."One wonders why Kashmiris have been deprived of the very same right to free speech and expression. The Govt claims they are now at par with other Indians but truth is they've been stripped of even fundamental rights," the tweet said.indiatoday
PDP delegation defers meeting with detained Mehbooba Mufti, conveys no reason behind move
https://www.newsx.com/national/kashmir-news-pdp-delegation-defers-meeting-with-detained-mehbooba-mufti.html
PDP delegation which was expected to meet the detained ex CM Mehbooba Mufti today has decided to meet her on some other day. Reports said 10-member delegation of PDP leaders have deferred the meeting with party chief by without citing any reason.PDP chief Mufti has been a critic to BJP-led Centre since the state wing of BJP pulled out its support from an alliance Govt in the state.newsx
Bhakts unmoved: Shashi Tharoor slams govt over reports of communication blackout in Kashmir
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bhakts-unmoved-shashi-tharoor-govt-communication-blackout-kashmir-1606969-2019-10-07
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor today said that reports on the situation in Kashmir was "heartbreaking" as it was creating trouble for the common people but the "bhakts" do not care.He slammed Central Govt over Kashmir and said that reports of of communication blackout in the Valley was affecting India's image abroad.He said, "More heartbreaking news. But it leaves bhakts unmoved. So let's reframe the issue:Does our Govt understand how much damage such reports are doing to India abroad?Can it seriously assert that our international image has improved under their tenure?"indiatoday
US Congressional Delegation Visits PoK
https://thewire.in/south-asia/us-congressional-delegation-visits-pakistan-occupied-kashmir
Islamabad: A high-level US Congressional delegation on Sunday visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to assess the situation on the ground and gauge the public sentiment after India revoked the special status of J&K. The delegation comprising senators Chris Van Hollen and Maggie Hassan and US charge d’affaires ambassador Paul Jones visited Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK. Pakistan foreign office (FO) said the purpose of the visit was to see the ground situation and gauge the public sentiment following India’s August 5 decision.“The US Senators said that they shared the human rights concerns and would continue to urge India to lift the curfew and release all prisoners as a first step. They also expressed their resolve to remain engaged for the resolution of the dispute,” according to the FO. The delegation also met PoK’s leaders Sardar Masood Khan and Raja Farooq Haider.Khan and Haider said that visit would help the delegation to have first-hand information, understanding of the prevailing “humanitarian crisis” in Kashmir. They asked US senators to press India to resolve J&K issue in accordance with UNSC resolutions. The visit came after foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday urged Hollen to visit both sides of Kashmir and see the situation on the ground.PTI
J&K Won't Be UT Forever, Statehood to Be Restored Eventually: Amit Shah
https://thewire.in/politics/jk-unionterritory-status-amit-shah
New Delhi: Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday said J&K would not remain a Union Territory (UT) forever and that its statehood would be restored once the security situation has improved. Shah also said that “not a single bullet has been fired and not a single person has died” after the reading down of Article 370 on August 5.Shah, according to an official release, said J&K would not remain a UT forever and the statehood would be returned once situation has normalised.PTI
Pak has not taken sufficient measures: FATF
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pakistan-has-not-taken-sufficient-measures-says-terror-watchdog-financial-action-task-force-2112916
Pakistan has failed to fully implement a UNSC resolution against Hafiz Saeed and other UN-designated terrorists, as well as outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Asia-Pacific division of global money laundering watchdogFinancial Action Task Force (FATF) said today. According to PTI, it also said Pakistan was fully compliant with only one of 40 recommendations on curbing money laundering and terror-financing in the country. FATF report, which was published on Saturday, comes a week before the agency decides whether to retain Pakistan in a "grey list" of countries with inadequate controls over terrorism financing. Ndtv
Pak rejects Rajnath's remarks over its FATF listing
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-rejects-rajnath-singh-remarks-over-its-fatf-listing-1606920-2019-10-07
Pakistan today objected to recent remarks by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that FATF can any time blacklist the neighbouring country, describing it as India's attempts to "politicise" international money laundering watchdog's proceedings.Singh during Defence Accounts Department Day event last week said that the FATF can anytime blacklist Pakistan for terror financing.Foreign Office (FO) said Singh's remarks "reinforces Pakistan's concerns, repeatedly highlighted to FATF membership, about India's attempts to politicise the FATF proceedings to further its narrow, partisan objectives,"It said India's "incessant smear" against Pakistan and blatant partisanship also call into question its credentials to be co-chair of Asia-Pacific Joint Group that reviews Pakistan's progress to implement FATF Action Plan. Pakistan also asked the FATF to take note of India's campaign to tarnish the country's image.PTI
Pakistan denies report of Saudi Prince recalling private jet flying Imran Khan
https://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistan-denies-report-of-saudi-prince-recalling-private-jet-flying-imran-khan-unga-speech-6057863/
New Delhi :Pakistan today dismissed a report that claimed that its PM Imran Khan had to take a commercial flight back home from New York after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered his “private jet to disembowel Pakistani delegation” following Khan’s speech at 74th UN General Assembly session last month.Khan-led PTI Govt has dismissed as “utter fabrication” an editorial published in Friday Times weekly magazine that claims the Saudi prince snubbed Khan over “some dimensions of Khan’s diplomacy in New York”.It was earlier reported that while returning to Pakistan, Khan and his delegation were forced to return to New York after the special jet given to him by the Saudi Govt developed a technical fault while heading to Islamabad. He then took a commercial flight back to Pakistan. Khan had arrived at US on a “special aircraft” of Saudi prince who had called him his “special guest”. “Inexplicably, Saudi crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, was so alienated by some dimensions of the Pakistani PM’s diplomacy in New York – he couldn’t have been happy at the prospect of Imran Khan, Tayyib Erdogan and Mahathir Mohammad planning to jointly represent Islamic bloc, nor with Pakistan’s interlocution with Iran without his explicit approval — that he visibly snubbed Imran by ordering his private jet to disembowel the Pakistani delegation,” says the editorial written by journalist Najam Sethi.“It is totally false and absolutely carries no truth whatsoever,”a Pakistan Govt spokesman said quoted by Express Tribune. Reacting to writeup, Govt official said report carried “baseless self-created theory with respect to premier’s meetings with leaders of Turkey and Malaysia in New York”. indianexpress
Imran Khan to meet China's Xi to discuss JK, CPEC
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-meet-china-s-xi-jinping-to-discuss-kashmir-cpec-1607029-2019-10-07
Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Tuesday to discuss the security situation in the disputed region of Kashmir as well as economic ties, his office said today. Tensions over Kashmir have risen drastically since August when New Delhi revoked the autonomy of its portion of the territory.The visit will be instrumental in further cementing Pakistan’s economic, investment and strategic ties with China, said the statement from Khan’s office. PM will exchange views...the state of peace and security in South Asia arising from the situation in J&K. Khan’s visit will also include talks on progress of CPEC, $60 billion infrastructure programme China launched as part of its flagship Belt and Road project.Reuters
5 days to go, India awaits official word on Xi’s visit
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/modi-xi-jinping-india-visit-kashmir-6056902/
5 days to go for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s likely visit to India for an informal summit with PM Narendra Modi, there is no official confirmation from Beijing on it.The two leaders are expected to meet in Mamallapuram near Chennai on Oct.11-12. Sources said next 24 to 48 hours are key to the announcement of the visit, stressing that 2 sides have a very robust diplomatic communication in place. The announcement, sources said, would be done in coordination with each other once the confirmation comes through.In 2018 too, the announcement of the informal Wuhan summit between Modi and Xi had been announced by then External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on April 22, 5 days before the summit took place on April 27 and 28.New Delhi has made preparations in Mamallapuram to receive Xi, including sprucing up the temples around the town. As per the proposed schedule, Xi would arrive in Chennai on Oct.11 and leave the next day. On Sunday, China’s envoy to India Sun Weidong tweeted, “Since Wuhan Informal Summit, relations have witnessed steady progress. Glad to see our leaders’ consensus… transformed into cooperation. Hope more impetus for our friendship.” There are reports in Nepalese media that Xi may visit Kathmandu as well after his India visit, while PTI reported from Beijing that Imran Khan would be visiting China. indianexpress
Punjab govt seeks fresh permission from Centre for delegation to visit Pakistan
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/punjab-govt-seeks-fresh-permission-from-centre-for-delegation-to-visit-pakistan-6057467/
Chandigarh:Punjab Govt has sought fresh permission from the Centre to allow a delegation of ministers and MLAs to visit Pakistan from Oct.29 to Nov.3 in connection with 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak. 3 ministers — Medical Education Minister OP Soni, Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Tourism Minister Charanjit Singh Channi — had in July taken Centre’s permission to visit Pakistan from August 22 to 27, but after scrapping of Article 370 in J&K, it had to be sought again. Punjab’s tourism department had written to Union Ministry of Home Affairs on August 16 but did not get any response.The state Govt has now sought yet another clearance from Centre for five ministers — Soni, Channi, Randhawa as well as Rural Development Minister Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu — to visit the neighbouring country. indianexpress
OTHERS
How will you deal with 19 lakh ‘non-citizens’, Chidambaram asks Centre after India's assurance Bangladesh PM
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/how-will-you-deal-with-19-lakh-non-citizens-chidambaram-asks-centre-6057515/
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram today asked Govt how it will deal with 19 lakh people being declared non-citizens if it has assured Bangladesh that the whole NRC exercise will not affect their country.Last week, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who was on a visit to India, had said that she was satisfied with PM Narendra Modi’s assurance on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that Bangladesh should not be worried over NRC being implemented in Assam. Responding to questions on the NRC, Hasina had said: “I don’t see any problem. I had a talk with PM Modi. Everything is OK.”Chidambaram, who is lodged in Tihar Jail since his arrest by CBI, has asked his family to tweet on his behalf. Chidambaram also asked how long will the 19 lakh people left out of NRC live with uncertainty, anxiety and denial of civic and human rights.Chidambaram also said the country is obliged to answer these questions as it celebrates Mahatma Gandhi’s humanism.indianexpress
NRC should be seen as constitutional exercise, not political: Amit Shah
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/national/698268-nrc-should-be-seen-as-constitutional-exercise-not-political-amit-shah
NRC should be seen as a constitutional and not political exercise, Home Minister Amit Shah has said. He said NRC would ensure that benefits of development reach all citizens.A Home Ministry release said minister spoke on the need for NRC, asserting that it was essential not just for national security but for good governance as well. He said that NRC must not be seen as "a political exercise but a constitutional one" as it is very important to have a national citizen register in order to ensure that benefits of development reach all our citizens.ANI
Amit Shah's statement on NRC draws Jamiat ire
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amit-shahs-statement-on-nrc-draws-jamiat-ire/articleshow/71471220.cms
Criticising home minister Amit Shah's recent statement on NRC, Jamiat Ulama general secretary Mahmood Madani alleged that it seemed only Muslims would be kept in detention camps in Assam.Madani cautioned that if that happened, then it would bring bad name for India and would give a tool to inimical forces bent upon tarnishing the country's image. Reacting to Shah's speech, Madani said, "If the Govt is really moved by the plight of persecuted minorities in India's neighbourhood, it should offer to take in Rohingya from Myanmar without discriminating on the basis of religion and if Govt is really worried about intruders or infiltration, then no intruders should be allowed in India at any cost."TOI
NRC: Gauhati High Court pulls up foreigners tribunal in Morigaon, sets aside 57 orders
https://scroll.in/latest/939688/nrc-gauhati-high-court-pulls-up-foreigners-tribunal-in-morigaon-sets-aside-57-orders
The Gauhati High Court has pulled up a foreigners tribunal in Assam that will deliver the final judgement for those excluded from the National Register of Citizens. The court indicted the functioning of the tribunals while setting aside 57 of its orders in Morigaon district.In its Sept.19 order, the High Court said that “in the ordinary course, this would have called for some action, disciplinary or otherwise” against a former member of the tribunal for irregularities in the orders passed. “All the above 57 references shall now be heard afresh from the respective stages,” the court said. “The member of the tribunal shall list the above references in the notice board of the tribunal giving fresh dates. Fresh notice may also be issued to the proceedees.”The court also said that the tribunal’s order would not be “acted upon by SP(Border) Morigaon as well as by Deputy Commissioner” as the orders would be considered as pending references. However, Morigaon SP Swapnaneel Deka said she had not received the High Court order yet.During examination of 232 cases, the HC detected lapses in 57 of them with judgement not found in 11 cases and a mismatched copy of the judgment and order sheet in 6, among other anomalies, according to The Sentinel. The court also voiced its disappointment over foreigners tribunal member’s conduct and said it was unexpected.scroll/Indian Express
Aarey plea: SC stays further cutting of trees, govt says we have cut what we had to
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/aarey-protests-supreme-court-mumbai-tree-felling-6057276/
The Supreme Court today ordered the status quo on the felling of trees in Aarey forests in Mumbai for the construction of a Metro Rail car shed.A special bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Ashok Bhushan said that the top court’s Forest Bench will hear the matter in detail on October 21 to ascertain if it fell in the eco-sensitive zone and ordered status quo with respect to the cutting of trees till then.The court ordered the status quo after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Maharashtra and Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) submitted that there will be no further cutting. Mehta said the court could record his statement that “whatever has to be cut is cut” and “nothing further is to be cut”. He added that the court would go into the legality of the tree cutting whenever it hears it in detail.indianexpress
Case against 49 individuals who wrote to PM Modi filed on court’s orders, says Bihar police chief
https://scroll.in/latest/939684/case-against-49-individuals-who-wrote-to-pm-modi-filed-on-courts-orders-says-bihar-police-chief
Bihar Police has clarified that case against 49 individuals who wrote a letter to PM Narendra Modi against mob lynchings in the country were filed on the basis of a court order, NDTV reported. State Police chief Guptesvar Pandey’s remarks came a day after Union minister Prakash Javadekar said that case against the signatories had not been filed by the central Govt.“We have taken cognizance of this matter and whatever FIR was filed, it was on local CJM court’s order,” Pandey said. “I can assure you that an investigation will be done as per the order, and there’s no cause of worry or panic. In view of the sensitivity of the matter, we would like to finish the investigation sooner rather than later.”scroll
Oppn demands for withdrawal of sedition charges against 50 celebrities
https://caravandaily.com/oppn-demands-for-withdrawal-of-sedition-charges-against-50-celebrities/
Reacting to the sedition cases foisted on nearly 50 celebrities, including Aparna Sen, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Ramchandra Guha, with shock and dismay, Opposition parties on Sunday denounced the move attributing it to “authoritarianism and fascism”.Strongly condemning Muzaffarpur police in Bihar for registering FIR against the celebrities, CPI (M) pointed out that they are prominent Indians who have great accomplishments in their respective fields.Welfare Party of India also criticised filing of FIR against the eminent personalities. Calling it true face of “fascism”, its national president, Dr SQR Ilyas, told CaravanDaily said it is an unprecedented incident as mere writing a letter has become the basis of invocation of such draconian law.Caravan Daily
NHRC issues summons to Gujarat IG of Prisons on custodial death
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/nhrc-issues-summons-to-gujarat-ig-of-prisons-on-custodial-death
In an unprecedented move, NHRC has issued “unconditional summons” to Gujarat’s IG of Prisons to appear before the commission on Tuesday, Nov 8, at 11 am in connection with the custodial death of a 30-year-old man lodged in Amreli jail in June 2017. NHRC has also issued unconditional summons to the district magistrate, the SP, and the Amreli district jail superintendent. Earlier on July 11, 2019, NHRC had issued “conditional summons” to these officials to file a report on or before Sept.6, 2019 regarding action taken against those accused of causing the custodial death of one Jigneshbhai Sondarva.national herald india
Gujarat: Man thrashed over suspicion of child lifting
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/muslim-man-thrashed-over-suspicion-of-child-lifting-in-ahmedabad/articleshow/71468539.cms
Ahmedabad: A 24-year-old man from Muzaffarnagar district of UP was allegedly thrashed by a group of 10 people in a residential society on KK Nagar road in Ghatlodia on Saturday over suspicion of child lifting, states FIR filed with Ghatlodia police. Mohammed Asif Hanif Multani, who sells women dress materials by roaming around in the city, had gone to Ghatlodia in a hired autorickshaw along with his two friends, Fazin Mohammed Zakir and Afvan Isteqar on Saturday. At Shantanu society in Ghatlodia, Multani saw a woman, who was talking on her cellphone outside a house, and asked her on if she wanted to buy clothes but the woman denied. Meanwhile, a man came from the same house, and asked on why Multani was roaming there, reads FIR. To this, Multani told the man that he came there to sell clothes but the man went aggressive and asked on how he dared to enter the society. “Man threatened me with dire consequences and rushed towards me, before I could understand anything, he held me by my collar and slapped me,” states Multani in FIR. Scared with this, Multani ran to protect himself but man chased him and held him soon. Later, around 10 other men rushed there and started thrashing Multani.TOI
UP:Wanted Kairana MLA Nahid declared absconder
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/wanted-kairana-mla-nahid-hasan-declared-absconder-6056914/
A local court in Shamli has declared Kairana MLA Nahid Hasan an absconder, clearing the way for police to begin proceedings to attach his properties.According to police, SP legislator is evading arrest in 12 FIRs, including those relating to attempt to murder and extortion. “A public announcement was made in Shamli today in which people were informed of Nahid Hasan’s current absconding status. 8 cases against him have been filed in Shamli while 4 are registered in Saharanpur. Nahid is accused of threatening people from the weaker sections of society. We will be looking to attach his properties as well,” Shamli SP Ajay Kumar.indianexpress
MP stops chicken sale at milk kiosk
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/madhya-pradesh-stops-chicken-sale-at-milk-kiosk-6056968/
MP State Livestock and Poultry Development Corporation has decided to stop sale of chicken at a kiosk that also sells milk in Bhopal.The kiosk — with 2 separate counters and separate vendors — had been set up 5 months ago.On Saturday, Sahakari Bharati, an organisation with links to RSS staged a protest near the kiosk. “Chicken parlour and milk parlour are (already) separate … Until new milk parlour is not set up further away or constructed, chicken parlour will remain closed,” read the statement, signed by corporation’s executive director, Dr TS Tomar.indianexpress
Rahul Gandhi's Meditation in Cambodia May be Masterplan for His 2nd Innings: News 18
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/congress-coup-in-the-works-rahul-gandhis-meditation-in-cambodia-may-be-masterplan-for-his-second-innings-2336063.html
News of Rahul Gandhi going off for ‘vipassana’ to Cambodia for a few days has created a flutter. It leaves many of his chosen leaders in confusion as his meditation comes in the midst of crisis for young and restless in the Congress.What’s common in the rebellion of Ashok Tanwar, Sanjay Nirupam and Pradyot Debbarman is that all spoke of the "tyranny" of Old Guard over the young — “Rahul’s people are being attacked and sidelined by Sonia’s group.”In fact, before quitting the party, Tanwar said: “Mera maseeha hi mera qaatil hai” (my messiah was my killer) — a reference to the fact that he was chosen by Rahul and targeted by Bhupinder Hooda for being a part of the young guard. The timing of Rahul’s sudden departure comes as a surprise. It’s not just in the midst of the state elections but also when his team is facing the heat. Many juniors who are still with the party are unhappy and at a loss with regards to their future.So why then did Rahul leave right now? And why isn’t he breaking his silence? Sources close to his office say Rahul will be back soon and will campaign in the last leg but he will not be the face of the party campaign nor canvass aggressively as he did during the Lok Sabha elections.Sources say the restlessness of the young guard is not lost on him but the Gandhi scion prefers to wait this time. “When Indira Gandhi was about to take charge of the party, the seniors made her life hell. She faced stiff opposition and rebuke. This time, it is his [Rahul’s] mother’s team that is making his life tough,” said a senior leader.
Assam: Ex-MLA Abdur Rouf resigns from Congress
https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/north-east/ex-mla-abdur-rouf-resigns-from-congress/cid/1710145
Guwahati:Senior Congress leader and ex Jania MLA Abdur Rouf on Sunday resigned from the party over conflicting statements by senior state leaders on the NRC and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.Rouf was holding the post of vice-chairman of the PCC’s minority cell and was also its executive member.“For the past few months, senior Congress leaders in the state are making conflicting statements about the NRC and the bill. The lobby-centric politics has become so deep in the Congress that Gandhian principles and ideologies no longer exist,” Rouf said.Asked whether he would join another party, he said: “I have not yet decided though I will support Hafiz Rafikul Islam of the AIUDF in the Jania bypoll as he is a good man.”The Telegraph
Speakers stress need of learning English language to meet challenges, propagate Islam
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/speakers-stress-the-need-of-learning-english-language-to-meet-contemporary-challenges-and-propagate-islam-globally?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi:Various speakers at the conclusion of 3-day international seminar on “Ulema, Muslim Youth and Contemporary Challenges” stressed the need of learning international languages, particularly English, to meet the challenges of removing misunderstanding from among the people about Islam and propagate correct teachings of Islam with a view to built a just and equitable society. The seminar was organised on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations of the Markazul Maarif Education and Research Centre(MMERC) that trains ‘madrasa’ passout boys in English language so that they can preach and propagate the message of Islam in English language that has acquired the status of a global language now. A large number of alumni of MMERC were present in the concluding function.Speaking as chief guest, Mohammed Saleem Engineer, vice-president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, said that the Muslims did not require to be disappointed with adverse circumstances. IIM Kashipur director KM Bahrul Islam stressed on the importance of latest technology in propagation of Islam.Jamait-ul-Ulema general secretary Mahmood Madni said the knowledge of language was key to promote ideas and though. “How can we solve the problems if we don’t have command over the language”, he said, adding that the knowledge of English language being imparted to ‘madrasa’ passouts by MMERC would go a long way in achieving the goals of the community. Maulana Umar Gautam, founding director of MMERC, in his report, said that as many as 47 students of MMERC had done PhDs in different subject since the centre was founded in 1994. Indiatomorrow
Mumbai beggar dies millionaire with assets over 10 Lakh
https://www.ndtv.com/mumbai-news/over-10-lakhs-including-bank-deposits-found-in-dead-mumbai-beggars-home-2113000?pfrom=home-topscroll
Mumbai: Documents for fixed deposits worth Rs. 8.77 lakh with several banks and at least Rs. 1.5 lakh in coins were found at the home of a beggar who died in an accident in Mumbai, the police said.The policemen who walked into the dilapidated one-room home of the beggar, Birju Chandra Azad, could not come out for some time - they had to spend hours counting the bagful of jangling coins that tallied up to approximately Rs. 1.5 lakh.The beggar lived alone in the house at a slum in southeast Mumbai's Govandi. He left behind a voter identity card, PAN card and Aadhaar card, the police said. The room is littered with old newspapers and polythene bags."Birju Chandra Azad died in an accident while trespassing on railway track between Govandi and Mankhurd station," a senior police officer said.
Kolkata household worships Muslim girl
https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/kolkata-household-worships-muslim-girl-in-kumari-puja-6057442/
Kolkata:A 4-year-old Muslim girl was worshipped as Kumari – a custom of paying obeisance to a pre-puberty girl as deity, during Durga Puja.Fatima, daughter of a grocery store owner near Fatehpur Sikri, had come all the way to Kolkata on the invitation of Tamal Dutta, engineer at Kamarhati municipality who stays at Arjunpur, Baguihati in North East fringes of the city. Fatima’s maternal uncles Md Ahamed and Md Ibrahim and mother Bushra Begum were also present in Dutta household where the ceremony was performed on Sunday. indianexpress
ECONOMY
Economic slowdown: Fund flows to commercial sector down 88%, says RBI data
https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/fund-flows-to-commercial-sector-down-88-rbi-data-6056890/
Mumbai :Overall financial flows to the commercial sector have declined sharply, by around 88 %, during the first 6 months of current financial year amid the slowdown in the economy. According to the latest RBI data, the flow of funds from banks and non-banks to the commercial sector has been Rs 90,995 crore in 2019-20 so far (April to mid-September) as against Rs 7,36,087 crore in the same period last year. The commercial sector does not include farming, manufacturing and transportation. With the financial sector going through a turbulent phase, there was a reverse flow of Rs 1,25,600 crore from the commercial sector to non-deposit-taking NBFCs and deposit-taking NBFCs as against a flow of Rs 41,200 crore in the same period last year.indianexpress
1ST chunk of data on Swiss bank account holders
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/swiss-bank-indian-accounts-india-gets-first-chunk-of-data-on-account-holders-2113089?pfrom=home-topscroll
India has got first chunk of Swiss bank account details of its nationals under a new automatic information exchange pact, a major milestone in Govt's fight against black money stashed abroad.India is among 75 countries with which Switzerland's Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has exchanged information on financial accounts within framework of global standards on Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI), FTA spokesperson told PTI.The next exchange would take place in Sept.2020, the spokesperson added.This is the first time that India has received details from Swiss authorities under AEOI framework, which provides for exchange of information on financial accounts, currently active as well as those accounts that were closed during 2018, the year in which framework agreement became effective.However, information exchange is governed by strict confidentiality clauses, and FTA officials refused to disclose specific details on the number of accounts or about the quantum of financial assets associated with Indian clients of Swiss banks. However, AEOI only relates to accounts that are officially in the name of Indians and they might include those used for business and other genuine purposes.PTI
Food Corporation of India’s debt increases 3-fold under the 5 years of the Modi rule
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/food-corporation-of-indias-debt-increases-three-fold-under-the-five-years-of-the-modi-rule
FCI, responsible for overseeing National Food Security Act, does not have any stream of income of its own. In the 5 years of the Modi Era, Food Corporation of India has seen its debt level magnified itself from ₹91,409 crore to ₹2.65 lakh crore in March 2019.The debt levels went starkly up in 2016-17, because Govt decided to start giving credit to FCI from the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) to fuse the gap between what the Govt should have provided for in the fiscal budget and what it could actually dispense due to its budgetary constraints, according to The Print.FCI is completely dependent for revenue on Centre. Centre is responsible to fix minimum support price for buying the foodgrains from farmers, as well as the issue price which is the price at which they are supplied to the states. This difference, along with cost of distribution, are paid by Govt to FCI in the form of food subsidy.
WORLD
US troops start pullout in Syria as Turkey prepares operation
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/white-house-turkey-military-operation-northern-syria-191007034354242.html
US troops began withdrawing from northeast Syria ahead of a Turkish invasion that Kurdish fighters say will overturn the victory over ISIL group. Washington's forces "will not support or be involved in [Turkish] operation" and "will no longer be in the immediate area", White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement.It was not clear whether that meant the US would withdraw its 1,000 or so troops completely from northern Syria."Turkey will soon be moving forward with its long-planned operation into northern Syria," said the statement.A US official said US forces had on Monday evacuated two observation posts at Tel Abyad and Ras al Ain in northeast Syria, along Turkish border. Other US troops in the region were still in position for now, the official said.The withdrawal marks a major shift in US policy and effectively abandons a US ally in the battle against ISIL, which took over swathes of Syria before being defeated a year ago.US President Donald Trump on Monday defended the decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria, saying it was too costly to keep supporting its allies."Kurds fought with us but were paid massive amounts of money and equipment to do so. They have been fighting Turkey for decades,"Trump said in tweets. "Turkey, Europe, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Russia and the Kurds will now have to figure situation out."aljazeera
‘Can Come Any Night Without Warning’: Erdogan Says Turkish Army Ready for Syria Operation
https://www.news18.com/news/world/can-come-any-night-without-warning-erdogan-says-turkish-army-ready-for-syria-operation-2336683.html
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said that his army was ready to launch operations against Kurdish militants in Syria at any moment following US announcement that it would not stand in the way."There is a phrase that we always say: we can come any night without warning," Erdogan said. "It is absolutely out of the question for us to further tolerate the threats from these terrorist groups,"he said, referring to Kurdish militants. Erdogan said he would work with European Govts to deal with foreign Islamic State prisoners in the region."There are (IS prisoners) from France, Germany, other countries. They say 'We don't want to have control over them,' he said. AFP
Trump makes way for Turkey operation against Kurds:BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49956698
UN ready for 'very close' coordination in Syria op
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/un-ready-for-very-close-coordination-in-syria-op/1604940
UN is prepared for "very close" coordination with Turkey on a possible military operation in northern Syria, an official said. Panos Moumtzis, UN assistant secretary general and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, said Turkey has provided necessary guarantees to UN on humanitarian issues.Anadolu
Impeachment peril engulfs Trump’s WH, historians say ‘worse than Watergate’
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/impeachment-peril-engulfs-trumps-wh-historians-say-worse-than-watergate
As impeachment alarm has engulfed Donald Trump's White house and a second whistleblower has come forward about former's dealings with Ukraine and asking for dirt on his political opponent Joe Biden,Americas top legal minds weighed in on the big questions that were consuming Washington DC: Is Trump asking for dirt from a foreign country an impeachable offence? Was this about personal interest or foreign policy? Does the House have enough evidence to impeach Trump? What does this moment mean in the wide arc of Americas history? Is this what impeachment was made for?"I think this ranks with or right above Watergate, just historically speaking," Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning and NYT bestselling presidential historian and journalist, told MSNBC. IANS
Israel seeking 'non-aggression' deal with Gulf states
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/israel-seeking-aggression-agreements-gulf-states-191006145121280.html
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has said he is seeking "non-aggression" agreements with Gulf states, as relations between two sides warm against common foe Iran.The Israeli minister, who met Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa in July, wrote on Twitter on Sunday that aim was to eventually forge future peace agreements with the Arabs.All 22 Arab countries - except Egypt and Jordan - do not recognise Israel over latter's illegal occupation of Arab lands in Palestine and Syria."Recently, I have been promoting, under the backing of US, a political initiative to sign 'non-aggression agreements' with the Arab Gulf states," Katz wrote on Twitter on Sunday."The historic move will put an end to the conflict and allow civilian cooperation until peace agreements are signed."It is seen as the latest push by Israel to improve relations with Gulf states who do not formally recognise Israel and do not have formal diplomatic relations.In his tweet, Katz said he discussed the "non-aggression" plan with Arab foreign ministers and US President Donald Trump's outgoing envoy for Middle East Jason Greenblatt during the assembly.aljazeera
Report: Israel plans to stop Turkey's J'lem activities
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/report-israel-plans-to-stop-turkeys-jlem-activities-/1604858
Israeli Govt is seeking to stop Turkish activities in occupied East Jerusalem, according to Tel Aviv-based daily Israel Today. According to the paper, Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz ordered his office to draw up plans to stop Turkish Govt's "efforts to undermine Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem". According to the paper, Israeli Foreign Ministry's plan suggests a number of steps against Turkey's activities in the revered city.The plan proposes to obligate Turkey's state-run aid agency, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), to coordinate its activities with Israel in advance.Anadolu
Iran: Chinese oil firm has withdrawn from $5bn deal
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/iran-chinese-state-oil-firm-withdraws-5bn-deal-191006191347427.html
China's state oil company pulled out of a $5bn deal to develop a portion of Iran's massive offshore natural gas field, the Islamic Republic's oil minister said.South Pars field deal, struck in the wake of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, appears to be just the latest business casualty of US' pressure campaign on Tehran following President Donald Trump's unilateral withdrawal of US from deal.It also comes as China and US engage in their own trade war, as Beijing and Washington levy billions of dollars of tariffs on each other's goods.Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh, quoted by ministry's SHANA, said on Sunday China National Petroleum Corp was "no longer in the project".He did not elaborate or give any reason for the withdrawal, though SHANA said the company "had pulled out of a contract" to develop the field.aljazeera
Iraq's military admits 'excessive force'
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/iraq-protests-latest-updates-191004085506824.html
Iraq's military admitted for the first time it had used "excessive force" against protesters demonstrating in Baghdad and several other cities dotted throughout the country's south. "Excessive force outside rules of engagement was used and we have begun to hold accountable those commanding officers who carried out these wrong acts," the military said.It added that Abdul Mahdi had ordered those forces to be replaced with federal police units and the intelligence services to open an investigation into the incident.aljazeera
Voting in Tunisia Ends in Uncertainty and Discontent
https://thewire.in/world/voting-in-tunisia-ends-in-uncertainty-and-discontent
Ennahda party seemed set to face massive loses but stay the strongest party in Tunisia after the Sunday vote, according to exit polls.The moderate Islamists were set to claim 17.5% of the vote, according to a poll conducted by Sigma Conseil. Their rivels from the Heart of Tunisia party, controlled by jailed media magnate and presidential candidate Nabil Karoui, was estimated to about 2%age points behind.The Sunday vote featured more than 16,000 candidates from over 200 different parties competing to fill 217-seat unicameral legislature, the Assembly of People’s Representatives.It follows the first round of a presidential election that garnered much greater public attention. The presidential vote ended inconclusively, forcing a runoff on Oct.13.The parliamentary vote saw the Islamist party Ennahdha, which previously held the most seats in parliament, hoping to maintain its lead against Qalb Tounes (Heart of Tunisia), led by Karoui. He has been accused of tax evasion but says charges against him are politically motivated.DW
Leftist-nationalist edges ahead in Kosovan polls
https://thewire.in/world/leftist-nationalist-vetevendosje-edges-ahead-in-kosovan-parliamentary-polls
Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) snatched 26% of vote at the Sunday’s parliamentary election, in Kosovo, barely edging out another opposition party, LDK, which claimed around 25% according to an early count.The results are based on over 76% of ballots cast, the electoral officials said. 2 opposition parties are followed by PDK which is part of the ruling coalition and associated with President Hashim Thaci. PDK won some 21% of the votes. Alliance coalition led by ex PM Ramush Haradinaj (AAK-PSD) placed fourth with around 12% of support.DW
Afghan spokesman fired for praising Taliban visit
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/afghan-spokesman-fired-for-praising-taliban-visit/1604189
Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman has been sacked following remarks supportive of Taliban's visit to Pakistan to revive peace talks, an official confirmed.Giving no reason, ministry indirectly announced sacking of Sibghatullah Ahmadi, the spokesman.Announcing on Twitter promotion of Mirwais Naab to deputy foreign minister, Waheed Omer, head of ministry’s Office of Public and Strategic Affairs, added: “He will also oversee work of spokesperson’s office in MFA." Anadolu
Taliban chiefs meet US envoy in bid to resurrect deal
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/taliban-chiefs-meet-us-envoy-in-bid-to-resurrect-peace-deal-gbhpn3r59
Blast kills 9 soldiers, 1 child in Afghanistan
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/blast-kills-9-soldiers-1-child-in-afghanistan/1604946
Kabul:At least ten people, including a child, were killed in an improvised explosive device attack on fresh army cadets in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province on Monday, an official said.Attaullah Khogyani, spokesman for the provincial governor, told Anadolu Agency a minibus carrying young army recruits from provincial capital Jalalabad to the country's capital Kabul was targeted with an IED planted in an autorickshaw.He confirmed at least nine soldiers and a child got killed and 28 others were injured in the attack.There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the assault.Anadolu
2 African Muslim women nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/two-young-african-women-nominated-for-this-years-nobel-peace-prize
2 young Muslim African women have been nominated for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. The award will be given on Dec.10 in Oslo, Norway.2 women are 29-year-old Ilwad Elman, a social rights activist from Somalia and 26-year-old law student Hajer Sharief from Libya. They are from among 301 list of candidates for the prestigious award.Both are part of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's initiative Extremely Together, which brings together 10 young change makers from around the world. indiatomorrow
‘Israel should back Egypt’s Sisi in face of protests’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191007-report-israel-should-back-egypts-sisi-in-face-of-protests/
Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv University called on the Israeli Govt to back Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi who is facing calls to resign. In a report, INSS stated that Israel should stop taking strict measures against the Palestinians in order not to inspire Egyptian youths to protest against Al-Sisi “who has been facing the most dangerous crisis since he became president.”However, the report said, only a few thousand had protested against Al-Sisi after the videos posted on rnet by the contractor Mohamed Ali about corruption in political and military institutions.MEMO
Flash:NEWS,views,Articles
Home Ministry Believes in Internet Ban, Mass Detention But Not in Paperwork: Venkatesh Nayak
https://thewire.in/Govt/home-ministry-believes-in-internet-ban-mass-detention-but-not-in-paperwork
J&K Police Has Violated the JJ Act in Detaining Children:Anjana Prakash
https://thewire.in/rights/jammu-and-kashmir-police-has-violated-the-jj-act-in-detaining-children
We Need to Stop Raising Children to Hate Muslims: Rohini Singh
https://thewire.in/communalism/parents-and-teachers-need-to-ensure-little-indians-are-not-schooled-in-hate
Kashmir Residents Say Police Forcibly Taking Over Their Homes For CRPF Troops: Rayan Naqash
https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/kashmir-residents-say-police-forcibly-taking-over-their-homes-for-crpf-troops_in_5d97319ee4b0f5bf797310d0
Cooperation with West Asian kingdom could shield India’s oil and gas assets against Pak threat:Vikram S Mehta
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-saudi-arabia-relations-crude-oil-price-6056802/
Everyone misinterprets Ghazwa-e-Hind, but a Jamiat scholar explains what it really means:Rasheed Kidwai
https://theprint.in/opinion/everyone-misinterprets-ghazwa-e-hind-but-a-jamiat-scholar-explains-what-it-really-means/301686/
Muslims: In Maharashtra, they are trying to reshape political identity: Zeeshan Shaikh
https://indianexpress.com/elections/in-maharashtra-muslims-trying-to-reshape-political-identity-6056835/
Amnesty report: Hate crimes rose sharply first half of 2019
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amnesty-report-hate-crimes-rose-sharply-the-first-half-of-2019/article29598191.ece
Supreme Court of India has been slow and divided: Prof Amartya Sen to New Yorker
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/supreme-court-of-india-has-been-slow-and-divided-says-prof-amartya-sen-to-new-yorker
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:59 PM)
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Good job. A lot of important news.
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