NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
12 Nov. 2019: 14 Rabiul Awwal 1441: Vol: 12, No: 55
POLITICS
President's rule imposed in Maharashtra even with hours left of NCP's 'deadline'; Shiv Sena goes to SC; Cong, Sena will work together, says Uddhav
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-govt-formation-highlights-presidents-rule-imposed-cong-says-dishonest-decision/
President Ramnath Kovind Tuesday gave assent to the imposition of President’s rule in Maharashtra. Earlier today, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari had submitted a report to the President recommending President’s rule in the state saying he is not satisfied that any party or coalition would be able to form a stable Govt.On the other hand, the Shiv Sena moved the Supreme Court against the Governor for not granting an extension of three days to the party to get letters of support from NCP and Congress. Meanwhile, three senior Congress leaders including — Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge and K C Venugopal — have reached Mumbai to hold discussions with Pawar. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in a presser said even though Congress, NCP and Sena share different ideologies, they will find a way to work together. On the imposition of the President's rule, Uddhav said, "We asked for 48 hours, the President has given us six months.""Yesterday we formally requested Congress-NCP for their support to form the Govt. We needed 48 hours, but the Governor didn't give us time,"Sena president said. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, among the three who flew down to Mumbai today, criticised the Centre's decision to impose the President's rule and questioned why Congress was not invited to form a Govt. "They don't follow rules,"Patel said. In a joint press conference, Congress and NCP said both parties met and have drafted a joint letter. Concluding 2 and half hour meeting, the parties said they will discuss future strategy."The first formal proposal by the Sena was made to the congress and NCP on Nov.11. Before taking a decision on such an important matter we need to have a consultation with each other. A decision on talks with Sena will be taken once we have talks between ourselves," Patel said. In connection with Shiv Sena moving the Supreme Court against Governor's refusal to grant an extension of time to get letters of support from NCP and Congress, the top court will not hear the matter today as learnt by Indian Express. The top court has asked the Counsel for the petitioner to mention the matter on Wednesday before the court. Sena had filed the petition in the apex court for an urgent hearing. After imposition of President's rule in Maharashtra, Ministry of Home Affairs claimed state legislature is in suspended animation.Indian express
Bhagat Singh Koshyari: RSS functionary who rose to become Maharashtra Governor
https://indianexpress.com/article/who-is/who-is-bhagat-singh-koshyari-6116168/
‘Better having a BJP govt’: Many Maharashtra Muslims support a Shiv Sena-NCP combine
https://scroll.in/article/943404/better-than-having-a-bjp-Govt-many-maharashtra-muslims-support-a-shiv-sena-ncp-combine
Maharashtra Governor has made mockery of constitutional process: Congress
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/maharashtra-governor-has-made-mockery-of-constitutional-process-surjewala20191112171708/
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has said that Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari had made "a grave travesty of the democracy" and "a mockery of the constitutional process" by recommending imposition of President's Rule in the state.Surjewala, said, "4 grave violations of the Constitutional Scheme, as expressed in SR Bommai judgment, stand out".ANI
Lawyer alleges Fadnavis won assembly polls using ‘corrupt practices,’ approaches HC seeking his disqualification
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/devendra-fadnavis-won-assembly-polls-using-corrupt-practices-lawyer-approaches-high-court-seeking-former-cms-disqualification/272293/
A Maharashtra lawyer has approached Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court seeking the declaration of Devendra Fadnavis’s election as ‘null and void’ for acquiring votes using corrupt practices. In his petition, lawyer Satish Uke has asked the court o ‘direct the returning Officer of 52, South-West Nagpur Constituency in 2019, to cancel and recall the certificate as an elected Member of House of the people in Election, 2019 from the 52, South-West Nagpur Constituency in 2019 as with immediate effect of the order Hon’ble Court.”Fadnavis, who served as Maharashtra’s CM between 2014 and 2019, was elected as an MLA in this year’s elections from South-West Nagpur seat.jantakareporter
Jharkhand elections: BJP’s ally LJP to go it alone, will field candidates from 50 seats
https://indianexpress.com/elections/jharkhand-elections-ljp-to-contest-50-seats-says-chirag-paswan-6115955/
LJP president Chirag Paswan Tuesday announced that his party, which is in alliance with the BJP at the Centre, will go solo in upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections. Paswan said LJP,which unsuccessfully contested only one seat in 2014 polls, would field candidates from 50 seats this time around.Jharkhand elections are scheduled to be held in 5 phases between Nov.30 and Dec.20. The results will be declared on Dec.23. “LJP has decided it will contest 50 seats alone. The first list of party candidates will be announced this evening,” Paswan, who recently took over the reins of the party from his father and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, tweeted. As per a report in PTI, LJP was keen to form an alliance with the BJP for the polls. However, the saffron party was reluctant as its leaders believed LJP did not have much to offer electorally. BJP and LJP are allies in neighbouring Bihar.indianexpress
BABRI MASJID VERDICT
Muslim leaders call Ayodhya land offer 'lollipop', say 'will accept only if given in acquired 67-acre area'
https://www.news18.com/news/india/muslim-leaders-call-ayodhya-land-offer-lollipop-say-will-accept-only-if-given-in-acquired-67-acre-area-2382873.html
Ayodhya: 5 acres of land to be allocated for building a mosque under the Supreme Court verdict in Babri Masjid dispute should be within the 67 acres of acquired land in Ayodhya, Iqbal Ansari, a main litigant in the case, and several other local Muslim leaders have demanded."If they want to give us land, they must give us according to our convenience and only in that acquired land of 67 acres. Then we will take it. Otherwise we will reject the offer, as people are saying 'Go out of Chaudah Kos and construct Masjid there'.This is not fair,"Ansari said. Maulana Jalal Ashraf, a local cleric, said Muslims can buy land on their own to build a mosque are not dependent on the Govt for it. "If the court or the Govt wants to pacify our sentiments to some extent, the five acre land must be given to in the acquired area as many graveyards and Dargaah including that of 18th century Sufi saint Qazi Qudwah are in that area," he said.Khaliq Ahmad Khan, General Secretary of Milli Council, expressed similar views. Haji Mahboob, who was also a litigant from Muslim side, said, "We will not accept this lollipop. They must make clear that where they want to give us the land."Haji Asad Ahmad, Corporator of Ayodhya Municipal Corporation, said the community does not want any land in lieu of Babri Masjid. "If the court or Govt wants to give land for mosque they must give it in the acquired area of 67 acres, otherwise we don't want donation," he said. Maulana Baadahah Khan, Ayodhya president of Jamiat Ulema , said the Muslim side was fighting the case for Babri Masjid, not for any other land. "We don't want any land for mosque anywhere. Instead we offer this land also for Ram Mandir," he said.Yusuf Khan, a social activist, said "We have enough mosques in Ayodhya to fulfil our religious needs, the SC has given its verdict in favour of Ram Temple. The issue is closed now." PTI
Ayodhya Verdict: SC has rewarded mob that broke law, say journalists, profs in MP
https://www.newsclick.in/ayodhya-verdict-SC-rewarded-mob-broke-law-journalists-profs-MP
Bhopal:Ayodhya verdict has evoked a lukewarm response in MP, with some people criticising judgement while others have outrightly expressed their resentment towards the judgement. Following the verdict, NewsClick spoke with senior journalists, researchers, professors, as well as Muslim clerics from MP to find out their view on the issue. Visiting professor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi University of Journalism and Gandhian researcher Arun Tripathi claimed that pressure built by the majoritarian ideology and a group of media has reflected in the verdict. “It seems that the court has tried to end the prolonged fight but not delivered the justice. We cannot claim that complete justice was done with the issue, although we respect it. The court has respected the faith of Hindu community, irrespective of the evidences,” he said.While criticising the verdict, senior journalist Rakesh Dixit told NewsClick that it seems that the Supreme Court has read out a statement issued by PMO. “What the saffron parties had been demanding for the last three decades has come with a stamp from the Supreme Court. We have not been expecting such judgement from the apex court, although we respect it. The court has just rewarded the mob that broke the law,” he said.Rasheed Kidwai, senior journalist and author, thinks that the SC verdict has brought a sense of closure to the issue which has led to the spilling of too much blood and enmity between two communities.Professor Praveen Jha, who teaches in JNU, pointed out, “In the verdict the court has said that there are evidences that the Muslims offer namaz there and Hindus puja. The court further said that the demolition was an unlawful act, then how can they justify their own verdict of alloting the 2.77 acres of disputed land to a single party?”newsclick.in
Co-convener of Babri panel Dr Ilyas questions Ayodhya verdict
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/121119/babri-masjid-panel-official-questions-verdict.html
Hyderabad: Dr S.Q.R. Ilyas, co-convener of Babri Masjid Committee of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said the judgment of the Supreme Court on the Ayodhya dispute has created doubts in the minds of the minority community and shaken their confidence in their constitutional position.Dr Ilyas, who is also president of the Welfare Party of India, was addressing the media here on Monday. He said, “Our party believes that the Constitution upholds the secular and plural ethos of the country. It guarantees equality to every religious and cultural entity and to every individual even if he/she belongs to a micro minority. The SC has through its judgment imposed majoritarian supremacy and belief, surpassing the legal framework.”Dr Ilyas said the verdict is devoid of reasoning, disappointing, self-contradictory, against the spirit of the Constitution. Deccanchronicle
Which trust will build the temple? In Ayodhya, war of words breaks out: indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/which-trust-will-build-the-temple-in-ayodhya-war-of-words-breaks-out-6115237/
Ayodhya:2 days after the Supreme Court ruled that entire Babri Masjid site be transferred to a trust constituted by the Centre for the construction of a Ram temple, elation has given way to a war of words in Ayodhya on the nature of the proposed trust and its composition.Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, a leading light of Ayodhya temple movement in the 1990s and president of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, said that there is no need to form a new trust because the Nyas is a trust constituted for construction of Ram temple and others like the Nirmohi Akhara can join it to complete the task.But Mahant Dinendra Das of Nirmohi Akhara does not agree. “We have been fighting against them i.e. Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas.How can one can expect us to become a member of their trust? They can surrender their trust and become part of the trust with us. We are Nirmohi and cannot be a part of them. It is for the Govt to find a solution and bring everyone together,” he said. Digambar Akhara—one of dominant Akharas in Ayodhya, it used to be headed by Paramhans Ramchandra Das, also Nyas head, till he passed away in 2003 — said their chief Mahant Suresh Das would be meeting UP CM Yogi Adityanath tomorrow to discuss the issue. It maintained that no existing trust should be told to construct Ram temple. Nyas chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das questioned the need for a new trust: “Why should it be formed? Who will form it?Who will be its members? What is the need?.”Mahant Suresh Das of Digambar Akhara confirmed he would be meeting CM.
VHP to take crowd-funding route for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya: Report
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/vhp-to-take-crowd-funding-route-for-construction-of-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-report-4630071.html
VHP has decided to seek contributions for the proposed Ram Mandir to be built in Ayodhya, according to a report by TOI.It is also exploring ways to enlist involvement of Ram devotees in temple’s construction. A formal plan on this will be released soon.Devotees from all of India’s 718 districts will be invited to stay at the site in Ayodhya for a week and help in temple’s construction.TOI
Babri demolition verdict likely by April next year
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/babri-demolition-verdict-likely-by-april-next-year-6115245/
Lucknow :A special court in Lucknow, which is hearing the Babri Masjid demolition case in which senior leaders of BJP and VHP are accused, is most likely to deliver its verdict by April next year when the term of Judge S K Yadav will come to an end.The Supreme Court had extended the term of Judge Yadav, who was set to retire on September 30 this year, in July this year and directed him to deliver judgment in nine months.Among the 32 people facing trial in the case are veteran BJP leaders Lal Krishna Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Kalyan Singh and former Union minister Uma Bharti, and sitting MPs Brij Bhushan Singh and Sakshi Maharaj.indianexpress
Masjid on 5-acre land can be named after Muslim nationalist or Muhammad Sahab: Mahant Paramhans
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/masjid-on-5-acre-land-can-be-named-after-muslim-nationalist-or-muhammad-sahab-mahant-paramhans-das-1617824-2019-11-11
Ayodhya:Mahant Paramhans Das has suggested that if Masjid was constructed on a 5-acre land to be given by the state Govt, it can be named after a Muslim nationalist or founder of Islam, Muhammad Sahab. "Masjid is home of Allah.There is no need to name it after someone but if required then it can be named after a Muslim nationalist or Muhammad Sahab,"Das said.ANI
Withdraw Babri cases: Mahasabha writes to PM
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/withdraw-babri-cases-hindu-mahasabha-writes-to-pm?fbclid=IwAR0QAd8QUX63uVdHSm65A5cazoqA1OT8W5dzQIsAwHpZzz9XdvosRug6EvQ
Just 72 hours after Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya title suit, Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha has shot off a letter to PM Narendra Modi demanding criminal cases against Ker Sevaks for bringing down Babri Masjid, be withdrawn. It has also demanded 'martyr' status for Kar Sevaks killed in 1992 and during other endeavours for kar seva. Mahasabha's President Swami Chakrapani also sent a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah and UP CM Yogi Adityanath. The letter reads, "Now that it has been made clear that Ram Lalla is an undisputed temple area (inAyodhya), it has also become clear that the dome made on top of it was the dome of a temple and not of any supposed Babri Masjid. Hence, the criminal cases of bringing down the Babri mosque was an act by Ram worshippers who unknowingly brought down the shikhar of temple. I urge that the Govt withdraw the pending cases against them and end the matter". Chakrapani also demanded 'martyr' status for kar sevaks who were killed in not just in 1992 but in different incidents in attempting to do kar seva.IANS
Why didn’t Babri lawyers question ASI report: Mehmood Paracha
https://caravandaily.com/why-didnt-babri-lawyers-question-asi-report-asks-sc-lawyer-mehmood-paracha/
Noted Supreme Court lawyer Mehmood Paracha has said he was having doubts about the competence of the lawyers and Muslim leaders who defended the community in the Babri Masjid title case. ASI excavated the site of Babri Masjid on direction from the Allahabad High Court in 2003. The Supreme Court judgement says that counsel representing Muslim parties did not cross-examine the ASI commissioner during arguments in the Allahabad high court though there was a provision for this, he said.Paracha is member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, one of the Muslim parties in the case.“For 11 years post the demolition of the mosque, that spot was not kept sanitized. Therefore, there was all the possibility of planting evidence deep down,” Paracha said, adding, “We did not raise any doubt vis-a-vis the findings in the report.”Caravan Daily
ASI set to excavate Purana Quila again in decades-long hunt for Mahabharata link
https://theprint.in/india/asi-set-to-excavate-purana-quila-again-in-decades-long-hunt-for-mahabharata-link/319347/?fbclid=IwAR2mdInCsWqmshmsdOoGslvFz_dUgpHGBFrGKR9_EV9nrG8Elu39rhasmmE
New Delhi: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to launch an excavation at Delhi’s Purana Quila just over a year after another expedition at the 16th-century fort was wrapped up.Objective of the latest excavation is unclear, but an ASI official said the purpose was to “carry forward research from previous excavation”, whose objectives included finding a link between the Purana Quila and the epic Mahabharata.Even so, insiders described a second excavation in such quick succession as “unusual”. Purana Quila’s supposed association with the mythical city of Indraprastha — the capital of the Pandavas and Kauravas — from Mahabharata has long fascinated the ASI.The previous expedition, which ended in early 2018, was led by archaeologist Vasant Swarnkar, and failed to establish site’s association with Mahabharata. The new project is scheduled to begin within a month-and-a-half, led by superintendent archaeologist B.R. Singh, who is due to retire in two to three months. The fact that a different archaeologist, and one who will retire much before the project is likely to be completed, will lead the fresh excavation has also left insiders puzzled. “Normally, the previous leadership carries the excavation forward, since they are familiar with the terrain,” said a second senior ASI member, adding that an excavation of this kind would require a commitment of at least 6 months to a year. V.N. Prabhakar, the director of ASI’s Institute of Archaeology, Exploration & Excavation, will oversee the project along with Singh.ThePrint made repeated attempts to reach Singh and Prabhakar for comment, but there was no response. theprint
Secular India disregarding Gandhi, buried under RSS ideology: Pakistan Foreign Minister
https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2019/11/12/secular-india-disregarding-gandhi-buried-under-rss-ideology-pak-minister.html
Ever since the Supreme Court announced its verdict in the Ayodhya dispute, ministers in the Imran Khan Govt in Pakistan haven't shied away from commenting on the issue. Pakistan Govt even used the opening of Kartarpur Corridor on November 9 to highlight its views on Kashmir and the Ayodhya verdict. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi claimed India had moved away from the non-violent path of Mahatma Gandhi and moved to a trajectory set by RSS. Qureshi made the comments while speaking to reporters at Parliament House on the issue of Pakistan's policy on Kashmir issue. Dawn quoted Qureshi as saying, “India of today is not India of Gandhi and Nehru. It is now Hindustan, which is dominated by supremacist Hindutva ideology. After disregarding Gandhi’s values,secular India has got buried…under RSS ideology."According to The Nation, Qureshi claimed the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya was "full of contradictions and against the spirit of justice".Qureshi used the Kartarpur Corridor initiative to project Pakistan as reaching out to minorities, noting Islamabad was "setting up a Gurdwara", while India "demolishing a mosque".Qureshi claimed the purpose of establishing the Kartarpur Corridor was to show the "Pakistan was a country that valued religious minorities and offered them complete freedom to practice their religion." In contrast, Qureshi claimed that the Indian Govt had locked Srinagar's Jamia mosque, disallowing Eid prayers, Moharram processions and Milad-ul-Nabi celebrations. theweek
4 Muslim youths booked for their opinion on Ayodhya Verdict; one had asked for judicial review
http://twocircles.net/2019nov11/433347.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
UP Police booked four people, including one student of AMU, for their Facebook posts following the Ayodhya Verdict. UP Police booked Aaquib Khan, Asif Idress, Mudabbir Ali Chaudhary and Mohamed Abdulla under Section 153 A of IPC and section 67 IT Act. 4, who are yet to get a copy of FIR, had taken to Facebook to express their opinion on Ayodhya Verdict. Mudabbir Ali Choudhary, one of persons booked, said he was extremely surprised at action of UP Police. Choudhary is an ex-student of AMU and currently resides outside UP. “I merely asked for a judicial review on the matter in my post, something that has been said by several people,” he said. twocircles
Celebs do not represent Muslims: Lawyers on Salim-Javed's Ayodhya remarks
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/lawyers-express-unhappiness-over-remarks-by-salim-khan-javed-akhtar-119111101292_1.html
New Delhi :Lawyers who represented Muslim parties in Ayodhya land dispute on Monday expressed displeasure over the remarks of screen writers, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, that 5 acres of land which is to be given for construction of a mosque as per the apex court's decision be used for building "schools, colleges and hospitals" there. Lawyers asserted that that celebrities do not represent the Muslim community and have no role in the Ayodhya case. PTI
Paid price by resigning from CM's post when Babri Masjid was demolished: Kalyan Singh
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kalyan-singh-babri-masjid-ayodhya-1617975-2019-11-11
Former Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh has said that he paid the price by resigning from the post of CM by taking responsibility for the deteriorating law and order situation when Babri Masjid was demolished in Ayodhya in 1992.He said, "When Babri Masjid was pulled down I had personally taken full responsibility for lawlessness in Ayodhya. I paid the price by resigning from CM's post and handed over my resignation to the governor the same day. I believe that a grand Ram temple will be constructed in Ayodha by 2022-23 which will be visited by people from across the globe."indiatoday
Digvijay dares Subramanian Swamy to expose names after BJP MP’s cryptic tweet
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/digvijay-singh-of-congress-dares-subramanian-swamy-to-expose-names-after-bjp-mps-cryptic-tweet/272251/
Congress leader Digvijay Singh has asked BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy to expose those who, according to him, conspired against the listing of Babri Masjid case in the Supreme Court for 7 years. This was after Swamy posted a cryptic tweet implying that many within his own party may have conspired to stop the listing of Ayodhya dispute case in the Supreme Court. Swamy’s tweet read, “All those who now want to claim credit for Ram Temple case should explain what they did from 2010 to 2017 to get the hearing the matter dates and matter listed?Zamindars can collect the crop revenue without planting the seeds.”While Swamy did not name anyone, many felt that he was targetting leaders from his own party, who were taking credit for the favourable verdict in Ayodhya case by the Supreme Court. Congress leader Digvijay asked Swamy to expose them by making their names public. Singh wrote, “Subramanian Swamy ji would you please be kind to come out with names to expose them? ”jantakareporter
PFI holds protests in Kerala against SC verdict on, several activists arrested
https://thecognate.com/popular-front-of-india-holds-protests-in-kerala-against-sc-verdict-on-babri-masjid-several-activists-arrested/?fbclid=IwAR1JZIDMYU-3i7NyudOSzadysJ8l0qiK73zmIqX7n2UeFTxiurLMMQguBZc
PFI carried out a massive protest across Kerala on Monday against the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Babri Masjid case.Thousands of PFI cadres participated in the protest across the state, despite warnings from the authorities of action and cases against those who spoke against the verdict. Police arrested 70 members of the organization in Wayanad, and in several other districts. The police removed the activists using Police vans and jeeps. The police also took into custody the placards and the mike sets used by the protesters.The Cognate
OTHERS
British Indians warn BJP not to meddle in UK elections, Labour Party explains its stance over J&K
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/british-indians-warn-bjp-not-to-meddle-in-uk-elections-labour-party-explains-its-stance-over-kashmir
Indians living in Britain are facing a tough challenge these days. They are trying hard to counter a narrative propagated by a support group linked to BJP that Indians living in UK should not vote for the Labour party of Britain which took “anti-India” stand on Kashmir issue. As per a report published in The Guardian, Indians living in Harrow had received a message last week in which they were appealed not to vote for Labour party.The message was allegedly sent by a UK based support group of BJP - Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP).Group claims that it campaigned in favour of Conservative on 48 marginal seats.“It also emerged that WhatsApp messages were circulating among British Hindus urging them to vote against Labour, accusing it of being “anti-India”, raising fears that tensions are being stoked ahead of the election,” reads the report.However, as per the newspaper, most of the respondents whom they spoke with, have rejected BJP interference.Britain's Opposition Labour Party has stepped in to counter its perceived anti-India stance to urge that the Kashmir issue not be allowed to divide communities in the UK in the lead up to December 12 general election, in the wake of protests from sections of the Indian diaspora. Chair of the Labour Party, Ian Lavery, issued a letter to stress that Kashmir is a "bilateral matter" for India and Pakistan and that the party is opposed to external interference over the issue, as had been implied by some of the wording of a controversial emergency motion passed by party at its conference in Sept."Kashmir is a bilateral matter for India and Pakistan to resolve together by means of peaceful solution which protects the human rights of the Kashmiri people and respects their right to have a say in their own future," reads the letter issued by Lavery dated Nov.11."Labour is opposed to external interference in the political affairs of any other country. As an international party, our concern is to ensure respect for the human rights of all people in the world, regardless of where they live," it notes.nationalheraldindia
British Indians warn Hindu nationalist party not to meddle in UK elections
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/11/british-indians-warn-hindu-party-not-to-meddle-in-uk-elections
US Congressional Caucus to convene hearing on Kashmir
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/us-congressional-caucus-to-convene-hearing-on-kashmir
A US Congressional Caucus on human rights will hold a hearing this week on situation in J&K following India's decision to revoke its special status, but some observers have raised suspicion over its intentions saying witnesses on the panel are well known India bashers. Announcing the hearing, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission said: "Witnesses will examine the human rights situation in J&K in the context of the region's history and larger patterns of rights violations in India and Pakistan, and will offer recommendations for action by Congress."Commission has invited Anurima Bhargava, Commissioner, US Commission on International Religious Freedom as a witness in the first panel for the hearing on Wednesday. Raising eyebrows over real intentions of Tom Lantos Commission, congressional observers said its Co-Chairs Congressmen James P McGovern and Christopher H Smith, announced the hearing without notice and has chosen a panel that is "loaded against India".PTI
Centre on Article 370: No House rules violated
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/centre-on-article-370-no-house-rules-violated-6115252/
No rule of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha was violated while passing the resolutions amending Article 370 of Constitution and reorganisating the erstwhile state of J&K into two union territories, Centre has told the Supreme Court.This week, the court is due to take up petitions challenging constitutionality of Govt’s decisions. In a “comprehensive affidavit” filed in response to the petitions, the Centre stated that the resolutions of August 5 and 6, introducing the changes, were “taken up and passed by the respective House of Parliament strictly in accordance with all applicable Rules”.indianexpress
Journalists in Kashmir protest against continued suspension of internet services
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/journalists-in-kashmir-protest-against-continued-suspension-of-internet-services/article29954216.ece?homepage=true
Journalists in the Valley took out a protest march here against the continued suspension of internet services which completed 100 days on Tuesday since the abrogation of the J&K’s special status on August 5.Scores of journalists working with different media organisations assembled at Kashmir Press Club here and took out a protest march against the snapping of internet services in the Valley on the night of August 4, hours before Centre revoked the state’s special status under Article 370.The journalists demanded immediate restoration of the services to facilitate the media persons to discharge their professional duties.“We took out the protest against the suspension of internet services for 100 days now. Internet is a basic took for journalists to discharge their professional duties and we demand its immediate restoration,” senior journalist Pervez Bukhari told reporters after the protest.thehindu
UP Cabinet sets madrassa funds code, scraps Buddha project
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/cabinet-sets-madrassa-funds-code-scraps-buddha-project/articleshow/72014761.cms
Lucknow: Cabinet on Monday approved the expenditure burden under new guidelines of Madrassa Modernization Scheme.As per this, Centre will contribute 60% of the funds while the remaining 40% will be borne by the state Govt. The scheme has been renamed as the Scheme for Providing Education in Madrassa.There are 7,442 madrassas identified under the scheme and the total cost of running them will be Rs 213 crore.In another important decision, the cabinet approved cancellation of an MoU between the Govt and Maitreya Trust, which was entrusted with development of projects under the Integrated Buddha Circuit in Kushinagar. A Govt spokesperson said that even though the agreement was signed in 2003 and land was allocated in 2014, the trust did not even start work till 2017.DM Kushinagar, A K Singh said the MoU was signed when Mulayam Singh Yadav was the CM of the state. “It was signed in 2003 and amended in 2014 under Akhilesh Govt. In 2014, 195- acre land was made available to the trust by cultural department. However, trust did not carry out any work till 2017,” said an official. Besides, Cabinet cleared an amendment to State University Act, 1973, for setting up of the Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University in Aligarh. TOI
Naroda Patiya: ‘Insecure’ survivors of riots still flee whenever anything ‘major’ happens
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-verdict-judgment-naroda-patiya-ram-janmabhoomi-babri-masjid-demolition-6115094/
Ahmedabad :Salim Sheikh, 45, a resident of Naroda Patiya in Ahmedabad, received a surprise visit by his son-in-law on the night of Nov.8. Sheikh’s 23-year-old daughter was unwell and recuperating at home when her husband arrived and asked her to pack her bags. He informed Sheikh that news had flashed regarding the Supreme Court delivering verdict in Ayodhya case the next morning, on November 9.He then left with her to Gomtipur area of the city, claiming that she will be “safe” over there.Sensing fear, Sheikh immediately sent his 20-year-old son and another 19-year-old daughter to his brother’s place in Juhapura area of Ahmedabad, said to be the largest Muslim ghetto in Gujarat.Similar is the story of Nadeem Sayyed, 57, ex resident of Naroda Patiya, who brought 18 of his relatives from the area on the night of Nov.8 and took them to a hotel in Citizen Nagar area of Ahmedabad. Sheikhs and Saiyyeds are among the over 400 families in Naroda Patiya area of Ahmedabad who left their homes and took shelter at different localities in the city amid fear of violence, ahead of Ayodhya verdict. During the riots of 2002, several Muslims were killed in Naroda Patiya.There are as many as 1100 houses, with a population of over 6,500 people in Naroda Patiya, which is divided into 2 localities by a BRTS corridor. The residents are usually employed as skilled and unskilled labourers in different factories in the surrounding areas.indianexpress
Elgaar Parishad case: Pune court rejects Gautam Navlakha’s anticipatory bail plea
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/elgaar-parishad-case-pune-court-rejects-gautam-navlakhas-anticipatory-bail-plea/article29953392.ece?homepage=true
A special UAPA court in Pune today rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Delhi-based journalist, author and civil rights activist Gautam Navlakha, who is an accused in Elgaar Parishad case as well as for alleged links with the outlawed CPI(Maoist).Additional Sessions Judge S.R.Navandar passed the order on Navlakha’s plea, while also rejecting his application seeking a three-day extension from arrest.It is likely that Mr. Navlakha would be soon taken in the custody of the Pune police as the extension of his interim relief period granted by the Supreme Court in October expires today.Pune police is probing.Navlakha, along with 21 other prominent lawyers, academics, Dalit and human rights activists, in this case in which so far 9 persons have been booked under relevant provisions of UAPA and IPC.thehindu
Reality of Modi’s Make in India: India sees biggest fall in industrial output in 8 yrs
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/the-reality-of-modis-make-in-india-india-sees-biggest-fall-in-industrial-output-in-8-years?fbclid=IwAR3fSvz8HNn2wAa6McBy__1LvMDhvQ4Iq1YY7MPe2Ars0rvb6EV6TyXhT6o
The industrial output of the country fell the most in nearly eight years with all three industrial sub-segments showing output contraction, Bloomberg Quint reported, citing Govt data that was released on Monday. Index of Industrial Production (IIP) showed a 4.3 % contraction in Sept., and a 1.1% contraction in August as compared to the figures for same two months in 2018. The data lends credence to widespread fears that the economy had slowed down further in the second quarter of the current fiscal year as compared to the first. Clubbing 2 quarters together, industrial output rose by 1.3 % in the current fiscal as compared to a 5.2 % rise for the same two quarters last year. Bloomberg Quint quoted Aditi Nayar, economist at ICRA Ratings. “The lead indicators point to a continued weakness in Oct. 2019, which coupled with an unfavourable base effect, may well result in a further deterioration in the just-concluded month,” she said. “Manufacturing output contracted by 3.9% in Sept as compared to a contraction of 1.2 % in Aug. 17 of 23 manufacturing industry groups saw a contraction in output in Sept. Within the manufacturing segment, segment of ‘motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers’ saw a fall of nearly 25% in output,” the report added. Even mining output fell by 8.5% in Sept., 2019. In August, it had risen by 0.1 %. nationalheraldindia
BJP got over ₹350 crore in donations from Tata-controlled trust in 2018-19
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bjp-got-over-350-crore-in-donations-from-tata-controlled-trust-in-2018-19/article29952994.ece?homepage=true
BJP received ₹356 crore in donations from an electoral trust controlled by Tata Group during 2018-19, according to documents submitted by the ruling party before the Election Commission.As per information provided by the BJP to the EC on October 31, it received a total of over ₹700 crore in donations through cheques and online payments during the financial year 2018-19.Around half the contributions—₹356 crore— were made by the Tata-controlled Progressive Electoral Trust.PTI
Agartala: 20 injured in ethnic clashes between tribals and Bengalis, CPM blames BJP
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/agartala-20-injured-in-ethnic-clashes-between-tribals-and-bengalis-cpm-blames-bjp-2993108/
Kolkata :At least 20 people were injured and 15 vehicles torched in Agartala in ethnic clashes between tribals and Bengalis Tuesday, even as voting was under way for by-election to the Simna-Tamakari seat, the state’s lone tribal autonomous body.Tension between the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) and Left Front had been building in the state for some time, with IPFT fast becoming a force to reckon with. Police officials said the political tension led to Tuesday’s ethnic clashes in Agartala.The ruling CPM blamed BJP for participating in the clashes along with the IPFT.indianexpress
Can’t accept foreigners even if they speak Assamese: new NRC coordinator
https://theprint.in/india/cant-accept-foreigners-even-if-they-speak-assamese-new-nrc-coordinator-said-on-facebook/319466/?fbclid=IwAR0aB9FJoln8bCt6iDlMzw06GB4sEinafZqkRAMoQDT6059kkBk2vjhp7CQ
New Delhi: The new state coordinator of NRC has, in the past, expressed views on social media that could raise questions about how he approaches the contentious exercise. Hitesh Dev Sarma, a 1989-batch Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer, has made several posts on Facebook which have been critical of “East Pakistani Muslims” (Muslims from Bangladesh) residing in Assam.In one such post on 1 Oct, Sarma said: “I like Arnab Goswami’s logic. We cannot accept a foreigner as Indian even if he speaks Assamese…”Approached for a comment by ThePrint, Sarma refused to comment on whether his posts regarding the NRC would lead to a conflict of interest, adding that his Facebook profile was “very personal”.Sarma, whose appointment was announced Saturday, replaces Prateek Hajela, who was released from duty on 18 Oct for inter-cadre deputation to Madhya Pradesh by the Supreme Court. A 1995-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, Hajela was criticised by BJP Govt in Assam, which was unhappy with the large number of Hindus excluded from the final NRC list.theprint
Mumbai: Jamat-e-Islami Hind helps prep for ‘possible NRC exercise’
https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/islamic-group-helps-prep-for-possible-nrc-exercise/articleshow/72015170.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Islamic organisation Jamat-e-Islami Hind organised a workshop to create awareness and dispel doubts about NRC at the Haj House on Nov.10. NRC is a recently concluded exercise to compile a list of bonafide Indian citizens in Assam. The organisation said it decided to hold the workshop because of speculation that the Centre may expand NRC’s scope to other states. Jamat-e-Islami Hind’s workshop was held for Muslim activists, social workers and organisations, who in turn will help Muslim residents apply for inclusion in NRC, if needed. The organisation’s president, Abdul Haseeb Bhatkar, said the event aimed at clearing the air about the documentation needed to prove citizenship. Advocate Saeed Akhtar said that the law needs to be understood and not feared. “There is no need to panic,” Akhtar said. “We should focus on document preparation. And the most important document is the birth certificate. There are problems because of a difference in how names have been spelt, so we need to correct the names on documents.”Criminal lawyer and president of Initiative for Peace, Compassion and Community Togetherness, Mubin Solkar, suggested that people can use the speculation over NRC, as an opportunity to get their documents rectified. “Why would a person not want to have evidence to prove that he is a citizen of this country?”Solkar asked. “A fear is being created that right wing political parties are using NRC as a tool against the minority. This kind of rhetoric supports such parties to oust you out of the country. But we as citizens should take a positive approach to this exercise because we have enough documents to prove otherwise.”Solkar added that everyone has to individually assess the category they fall under as the Indian Citizenship Act has been amended several times. “Citizens need to collect and correct their documents to be prepared for this exercise,” Solkar said.mumbaimirror
AP: CM defends plan to turn Govt schools into English medium institutions
https://scroll.in/latest/943353/andhra-pradesh-cm-defends-plan-to-turn-Govt-schools-into-english-medium-institutions?fbclid=IwAR0H_RpqNbmGicapvNc8TPpVw85e345zBciXEsUxuEpYsZN_OCSuVbl80gg
Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday castigated Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and former CM Chandrababu Naidu for opposing the move to turn all Govt-run schools in the state into English medium schools from the next academic year, IANS reported.At a review meeting with officials of the education department last week, Reddy had decided to go ahead with the conversion of the Govt, Mandal Praja Parishad and Zilla Parishad schools into English medium from Classes 1 to 6 in first phase. However, Opposition leaders claimed that the decision would adversely affect Telugu language and that students would find it difficult to learn in English.scroll.in
'Ulema's Role in India's Freedom Movements': An Academic Bid to Stop Saffron Eraser in its Tracks
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/ulemas-role-in-indias-freedom-movements-an-academic-bid-to-stop-saffron-eraser-in-its-tracks?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi:Amidst well-organized and power-backed attempts to erase M-word from the history of India’s freedom movement, has come out a humble academic bid to preserve in black and white the key role of Ulema or Muslim clerics in the ‘bloody’ freedom struggle spreading over around one century. Written by a young writer Syed Ubaidur Rahman, who is just 44, book ‘Ulema’s Role in India’s Freedom Movements: With focus on Silk Letter Movement (Reshmi Rumal Tehrik) captures Ulema’s sacrifices in the Mutiny of 1857 and 1858, Faraizi Movement and Sayyid Ahmad Barelvi’s movement besides mainly focusing on the Silk Letter Movement as the title declares.“The word ‘Ulema’ has become a rather very misunderstood term in the present day Indian society. Like everything Muslim, a conscious effort has been made to malign and ridicule the Muslim clergy…Over the last few centuries, the Muslim scholars have contributed immensely in seeing to it that the nation remains a single, united and cohesive unit and have made significant contributions to this end,” writes the author in the introduction of the book.India Tomorrow
Warrant against Shashi Tharoor after he skips hearing in defamation case
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bailable-warrant-against-shashi-tharoor-after-he-skips-hearing-in-defamation-case-6115940/
A Delhi court has issued bailable warrants against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor after he failed to turn up for a court hearing in a defamation case. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Naveen Kumar Kashyap issued the bailable warrants in the sum of Rs 5,000 and notice for his surety on Nov.27.The court took notice of the fact that Tharoor and his counsel did not turn up for the court hearing and no exemption application was filed for his non-appearance. It added that complainant in the case, Rajiv Babbar and his main counsel were also not present. indianexpress
Ex-Army officer’s death in Tihar: Police say China link, Rs 65-crore FD
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ex-army-officers-death-in-tihar-police-say-china-link-rs-65-cr-fd-6115226/
New Delhi: 4 days after Captain Mukesh Chopra, a discharged Army officer, allegedly fell to his death in Tihar Jail, prompting a magisterial inquiry, police sources claimed their investigation had found that the 64-year-old had been staying at a guest house of Aviation Research Centre where his room had been booked by a retired officer who had once worked with the ARC. Chopra, the sources claimed, had been chatting with a China-based individual via a social media app.Arrested on Nov.2 for allegedly stealing strategy-related books from the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantonment, Canada-based Chopra was questioned in police custody for three days. He was sent to judicial custody on November 6 and died a day later. Chopra’s lawyer and brother have questioned the circumstances of his death and the police insinuation that he had been spying for the Chinese.His brother Rangnesh Chopra told The Indian Express: “My brother was subjected to interrogation which lasted for more than 15 hours every day he was in police custody. He would sleep for only five hours before they would wake him up. My brother was a former Indian Army officer and he was branded a spy.”indianexpress
Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict AG Perarivalan released on parole
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajiv-gandhi-assassination-case-convict-ag-perarivalan-released-on-parole-6115780/
Chennai:Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict AG Perarivalan was released on parole for a month from Vellore Central Prison to take care of his ailing father. Perarivalan, alias Arivu has been in prison since 1991 and serving life term at Vellore Central jail.indianexpress
UK academics up in arms after Home Department asks researcher Dr Asiya to return to India
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/uk-academics-protest-after-researcher-asked-to-reurn-to-india-write-to-home-department-6116461/
More than 250 academics have signed an open letter to UK Home Office after it denied an Indian researcher indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK.Dr Asiya Islam, 31, is a junior research fellow in the Cambridge sociology department. Her request to stay on in the UK was rejected last week on the grounds that she had spent more time than allowed outside the country. Dr Islam, however, says the time was spent doing fieldwork in India for her PhD on ‘Gender, Class, and Labour in the New Economy of Urban India’.“I provided several letters to present the case that fieldwork is a crucial aspect of my work and should not count towards my days out of the country. But nope, apparently I “failed to provide any exceptional reasons in support of your out of time application”,” Dr Islam tweeted.Those speaking out in her support now claim she is a highly respected academician, and her work being interrupted by the Home Office’s decision may propel foreign researchers to stay away from the UK.indianexpress
FCRA Registrations of 1,807 NGOs Cancelled in 2019 for Violation of Laws
https://thewire.in/Govt/fcra-registration-ngo
Over 1,800 NGOs and academic institutes found to be violating laws have been banned by the Govt from receiving foreign funds this year, officials said.Among those whose registration under FCRA has been banned include University of Rajasthan, Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Young Mens Christian Association, Gujarat and Swami Vivekananda Educational Society, Karnataka.“With the cancellation of the FCRA registration, all NGOs and academic institutions were prohibited from accepting foreign contributions,” a Home Ministry official said.Other associations whose FCRA registration has been cancelled include Institute of Pulmocare and Research, West Bengal, National Geophysical Research Institute, Telangana, National Institute of Virology, Maharashtra, Rabindra Nath Tagore Medical College Hospital and Research, West Bengal and Baptist Christian Association, Maharashtra.PTI
BHU’s first Muslim professor of Sanskrit sings on DD, stages Sanskrit plays
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bhu-s-first-muslim-professor-of-sanskrit-sings-on-dd-stages-sanskrit-plays/story-Mgt70abSlB2weX0d7IjU0K.html
Jaipur:Dr Firoze, whose appointment as an assistant professor of Sanskrit in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) last week created a mild controversy, says he was never discriminated against while learning the language due to his religious identity. He was the only Muslim student in the Jaipur institute that awarded him the doctorate degree in 2018.“When I want to propagate Sanksrit through teaching, I have suddenly become a Muslim,” he said when reminded about the sit-in protest by some students against his appointment last week.BHU administration defended his appointment and said the “most qualified candidates” were chosen through a “transparent” screening process headed by V-C.HT
Supreme Court to deliver judgement tomorrow on whether CJI’s office comes under RTI purview
https://scroll.in/latest/943477/supreme-court-to-deliver-judgement-tomorrow-on-whether-cjis-office-comes-under-rti-purview
The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on Wednesday on the pleas challenging the Delhi High Court order to bring the chief justice of India’s office within the purview of Right to Information Act. A five-judge Constitution Bench, led by outgoing CJI Ranjan Gogoi, is expected to pass the judgement at 2 pm.scroll
Inverter battery explodes inside mosque, panic ensues in UP village
https://www.news18.com/news/india/inverter-battery-explodes-inside-mosque-panic-ensues-in-up-village-2382691.html
Gorakhpur:An inverter battery exploded in a village mosque in UP's Kushinagar district on Monday creating panic in the area, police said.The incident took place in Bairagi village under Turkpatti Police Station area of Padrauna township of the district, they said.There was no casualty as nobody was inside the mosque at the time of the incident, Kushinagar SP, Vinod Kumar Mishra said.The walls and roof of the mosque that was built around 4 years ago were slightly damaged, the SP added.PTI
12 dead as passenger vehicle falls into gorge in J&K’s Doda
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/12-dead-as-passenger-vehicle-falls-into-gorge-in-jandks-doda
12 people were killed and four more were injured on Tuesday when a passenger vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in J&K's Doda district, police said.The accident took place near the Marmat area of the hilly district, Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, Mumtaz Ahmad told PTI.PTI
WORLD
Israeli forces kill top Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza air raid
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/israeli-forces-kill-top-islamic-jihad-commander-gaza-strike-191112040427905.html
Palestinian group Islamic Jihad has said one of its commanders was killed in an Israeli air raid on his home in the besieged Gaza Strip, as armed groups responded by firing rockets towards Israel.Islamic Jihad's armed wing announced the killing of Bahaa Abu al-Ata in a statement today after Israel confirmed it had targeted the 42-year-old commander.Separately, the Palestinian group said that Israel also attacked the home of one of its political leaders in Syrian capital, Damascus. Islamic Jihad said Abu al-Ata's wife was also killed in the blast that ripped through the building in Gaza City's Shejaiya district before dawn. At least two others were wounded, according to medics. The group said Abu al-Ata was killed during "a heroic action", without elaborating, and promised to take revenge."Our inevitable retaliation will rock the Zionist entity," it said, referring to Israel.Hamas, the Palestinian group that administers the Gaza Strip, said Israel "bears full responsibility for all consequences of this escalation" and promised that Abu al-Ata's death "will not go unpunished".Israeli military said PM Benjamin Netanyahu had authorised the operation against Abu al-Ata, blaming him for recent rocket, drone and sniper attacks against Israel, and attempted infiltrations into the country. Separately on Tuesday, Syrian state media said that Israel launched a missile attack targeting the home of an Islamic Jihad official in Syrian capital, killing his son and granddaughter.A Syrian official said Israeli fighter jets fired three missiles towards Damascus one of which was intercepted, while other 2 struck the home of Islamic Jihad political leader Akram al-Ajouri in Mezzah, a western district of the city, according to state agency SANA. Al-Ajouri's son Muath and granddaughter Batoul were killed, official was cited as saying, while 9 others were wounded.aljazeera
Jordan 'foils' plot against US, Israel diplomats and US troops
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/jordan-foils-plot-israeli-diplomats-soldiers-191112064305531.html
Jordanian intelligence has said it foiled a plot by two people to mount attacks against American and Israeli diplomats alongside US troops deployed at a military base in the south of country, according to a statement issued by General Intelligence Directorate (GID) cited by the state-owned al-Rai newspaper.GID statement, which was reported on Tuesday, said the suspects had viewed ISIL group's materials online in 2015 and were communicating with each other via messaging apps to discuss their views and support for ISIL's objectives in the region.The report cited GID statement as saying the suspects planned to drive vehicles into their targets and attack them with firearms and knives. It added that the suspects were arrested last July and would stand trial in Jordan's state security court. The court hears "terrorism" and other high-profile criminal cases, but is not part of the country's civilian justice system. Jordanian legal scholars have questioned the court's constitutionality.A former Jordanian intelligence officer, who spoke to Al Jazeera on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media, that: "The timing of the announcement is rather peculiar given the suspects have been in custody for a long time."The officer argued that the timing of the announcement "is politically motivated and its intended audience is American political leaders to show Jordan's war on terror efforts".aljazeera
European court demands labelling of Israeli settlement goods
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191112-european-court-demands-labelling-of-israeli-settlement-goods/
Israel has been struck a massive blow by European Union’s top court which today ruled that EU countries must identify with special labels products made in Israeli settlements. All of Israel’s settlements are illegal under international law.In a statement granting consumers the right to boycott goods produced in the settlements, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) insisted that labelling must provide an “indication of that provenance” so that consumers can make “informed choices” when they shop. The decision of the Luxembourg-based court comes as a huge boost to the global Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and undermines Israel’s claim that labelling products is unfair and discriminatory.The case came to court after an Israeli winery based in a settlement near Jerusalem contested France’s application of a previous ECJ ruling on such labelling. That ruling backed the use of origin identifying tags but did not make their use legally binding.With Europe’s top court going one-step further by prescribing labelling after the challenge by an Israeli company wanting to overturn international laws and conventions, the verdict will be seen as a rejection of Israel’s policy of normalising annexation, which has been denounced by EU and international community.MEMO
Afghanistan to release Taliban fighters in prisoner swap
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/afghanistan-release-taliban-fighters-prisoner-swap-191112063804281.html
Afghan Govt will release three high-ranking Taliban figures in exchange for American and Australian professors kidnapped nearly 3 years ago, President Ashraf Ghani's office announced on Tuesday.The two men - an American identified as Kevin King and an Australian identified as Timothy Weekes- were abducted from the capital, Kabul, outside the American University in 2016."We have decided to conditionally release three Taliban prisoners who were arrested outside the country with the help of our international partners and have been in Bagram prison in the custody of Afghan Govt for some time," the Afghan president said.Ghani said at a press event broadcast live on state television that the release of the Taliban fighters linked to the notorious Haqqani Network was a hard decision made in the "interest of the Afghan people". The Afghan president said that the 3 Taliban leaders - Anas Haqqani, Haji Mali Khan and Hafiz Rashid - are being released "conditionally in exchange" for the two professors. Anas Haqqani, whose older brother is the deputy Taliban leader and head of the Haqqani Network, a Taliban affiliate, was captured in 2014. aljazeera
Egypt: Brotherhood calls for UN hold ‘Morsi’s murderers’ to account
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191111-egypt-brotherhood-calls-for-un-hold-morsis-murderers-to-account/
UN must investigate the death of ex Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and hold those responsible for his murder to account, Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood said on Saturday.“As part of UN’s efforts to fight for human rights, we demand the highest international institution to adopt an investigation into the murder of Egypt’s ex-president Mohamed Morsi,” Brotherhood said.The group called on UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, Agnes Kalamard, to take “swift action to refer Morsi’s murder case to the International Criminal Court.”MEMO
Iran breaches N-deal with enrichment push:UN watchdog
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/iran-breaches-nuclear-deal-enrichment-push-watchdog-191111183454063.html
Iran has begun enriching uranium at its underground Fordow site in the latest breach of its deal with major powers, UN nuclear watchdog confirmed, adding that Tehran's enriched uranium stock has continued to grow. Iran is overstepping the deal's limits on its nuclear activities one after the other in response to US' withdrawal from the accord last year and its reimposition of sanctions that have crippled Iran's oil trade. Tehran has said it can quickly undo those breaches if the sanctions are removed.In perhaps its most symbolic breach yet, Iran said last week it had begun refining uranium at Fordow, a site built inside a mountain apparently to protect it from any aerial bombardment, and one that Tehran concealed from UN inspectors until 2009. In a quarterly report obtained by Reuters, IAEA policing the deal said: "Since 9 Nov ... Iran has been conducting uranium enrichment at the plant."aljazeera
Flash: NEWS, views and Articles
India’s SC endorses right-wing vision relegating Muslims to second-class citizens:Rana Ayyub
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/11/11/indias-supreme-court-endorses-right-wing-vision-relegating-muslims-second-class-citizens/
Ayodhya Verdict: it is an unjust order, Milords:Zafarul-Islam Khan
https://caravandaily.com/ayodhya-verdict-it-is-an-unjust-order-milords/
‘Shameful collapse of Indian judiciary’:Tariq A. Al-Maeena, saudigazette
http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/582345/Opinion/OP-ED/The-shameful-collapse-of-Indian-judiciary
Can court ask a secular State to construct a temple?Krishnadas Rajagopal
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/can-court-ask-a-secular-state-to-construct-a-temple/article29946603.ece
Ayodhya verdict | Several positives for the Muslim plaintiffs:Faizan Mustafa·Aymen Mohammed
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/several-positives-for-the-muslim-plaintiffs/article29947180.ece?fbclid=IwAR0sGmcbUQPWPdKlPGEEAgJAG_Pd5eGIql5kMhExoMXdsoZelkNTKA7_62E
100 Days and Counting: Glimpses of the Lockdown, Shutdown in Kashmir:Majid Maqbool
https://thewire.in/rights/100-days-of-kashmir-lockdown-shutdown-photos
The abrogation of Article 370 has backfired horribly: Ramachandra Guha
https://www.telegraphindia.com/amp/opinion/the-abrogation-of-article-370-has-backfired-horribly/cid/1717866?__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR1x1eBO4lrCB3Hy1eZ6fCec6mSVtUKWZSqu4qSgLzGuDqwhnmMRf0SN2Oc
The corridor is a trap that Pakistan has set for India:Sushant Sareen
https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/the-corridor-is-a-trap-that-pakistan-has-set-for-india-opinion/story-s2OhzU4zJHMXW1FSwodnFN.html?fbclid=IwAR3dyKk2becTkkdgqVFIXI6JssPoEBRjvfJW13ovzVfdocGlBMEBvXK1HDs
Ayodhya verdict & Babri demolition confirmed status of Muslims as second-class citizens:Zainab Sikander
https://theprint.in/opinion/ayodhya-verdict-babri-demolition-confirmed-muslims-as-second-class-citizens/318988/?fbclid=IwAR1h-8KmnYwswSHgsyH6KMVA7yrzcW4ACenckUZA8drdxKnKr5kdaJIdGG4
Judgment and Justice: What Karunanidhi Wrote About Babri Masjid and Ram Temple
https://thewire.in/politics/karunanidhi-babri-masjid-ram-temple-ayodhya
Justice A.K. Ganguly: 'If Babri Masjid Was Still Standing, Would SC Have Had it Demolished?'
https://thewire.in/law/babri-masjid-ayodhya-verdict-justice-ak-ganguly
Has RSS Really Distanced Itself From Hindu Claims Over Kashi and Mathura?Mahtab Alam
https://thewire.in/communalism/rss-ayodhya-verdict-kashi-mathura-claims
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:24 PM); Pls open this link for ND:
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