23 NOV. 2019: 25 Rabiul Awwal 1441: Vol: 12, No: 64
INDIA: POLITICS
Sena-NCP-Cong move SC against Maha Guv, demand immediate floor test; hearing tomorrow at 11:30 am
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-developments-live-updates-bjp-devendra-fadnavis-ncp-pawar/article30058509.ece?homepage=true
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maha-coup-sena-ncp-congress-approach-sc/articleshow/72199717.cms
Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine tonight filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking quashing of the Maharashtra governor's decision to swear-in BJP's Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister and demanded an immediate floor test to avoid "further horse trading".The three parties also sought a direction to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to invite them to form government under the leadership of Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, saying they have the support of more than 144 MLAs.The petitioners alleged that the governor has acted in a "partisan manner" and allowed himself to be a "pawn in the BJP's illegal usurpation of power".The parties further prayed for an "immediate floor test within 24 hours so as to avoid further horse trading and illegal maneuvers to somehow cobble up a majority from MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi)".The Supreme Court will hear the matter tomorrow at 11.30am."It is submitted that the governor has acted in a partisan manner and made a mockery of the high office of governor," the plea said. Earlier, BJP today made a stunning comeback in Maharashtra, with some deft political maneuvering that saw NCP's Ajit Pawar changing sides. Shiv Sena, Congress and Ajit Pawar's uncle and NCP chief Sharad Pawar busy cobbling up an alliance, appeared shell-shocked as the country woke to the news that Devendra Fadnavis has taken oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister with Ajit Pawar - whom he repeatedly accused of corruption - as his deputy. What followed were hectic meetings and claim from Sharad Pawar that his nephew acted on his own, misled Governor and doesn't have the numbers. A number of MLAs who attended the oath ceremony, turned up at NCP office soon after, indicating that the party chief was right.The political twists of the day had started with President's Rule in Maharashtra being called off at 5.47 am with a sign-off from President Ram Nath Kovind. It was followed by the oath ceremony at 7.50 am - attended by a handful of NCP members, some of whom later claimed that they were tricked into attending the ceremony.While imposition and revocation of President's Rule has to be cleared by the Union Cabinet, the BJP said it was bypassed through a particular rule in the Allocation of Business Rules 1961. Under it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vested with special powers, had given the green signal.At a press conference held in the morning, Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray at his side, denied that he was aware of Ajit Pawar's intended shift. He also paraded three MLAs before the media, who said they ended up at the Governor's house by a ruse from Ajit Pawar. Some of the "rebel" MLAs were flown to Delhi by the BJP, a fraction of whom were said to return late in the evening.The Sena has claimed that Ajit Pawar, who has several corruption cases against him, was armtwisted into supporting the BJP. "They misled the governor and took 10 MLAs with them. Five of those came back and Ajit Pawar will also come back," said Sena leader Sanjay Raut. Am NCP meeting in the evening, was attended by 50 of the 54 MLAs. The BJP claims it has the support of all 54 NCP MLAs. Ealier, NCP and the ideologically disparate Sena and the Congress, had ironed out most of the niggles, including having Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister for 5 years. A decision on the Speaker was pending and there were plans to hold further talks today.Amid the delay, BJP leader Bhupendra Yadav, a close aide of Amit Shah, was despatched to Mumbai. Away from the media spotlight, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar reached an agreement a little before midnight, after which the official machinery started moving, sources said.NDTV/PTI
Ajit Pawar, ‘man of the moment’, who Fadnavis said would be in prison after the election
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/ajit-pawar-man-of-the-moment-who-fadnavis-said-would-be-in-prison-after-the-election
As Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar Join Hands, Has the Irrigation Scam Charge Been Forgotten?
https://thewire.in/politics/maharashtra-devendra-fadnavis-ajit-pawar
Ajit Pawar faces two criminal cases
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ajit-pawar-faces-two-criminal-cases/article30059283.ece?homepage=true
How BJP stitched a deal with Ajit Pawar to return to power in Maharashtra
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/how-bjp-patched-the-deal-with-ajit-pawar-to-return-to-power-6132983/
Centre invokes special power to revoke President’s Rule without prior Cabinet nod
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/ram-nath-kovind-revokes-presidents-rule-in-maharashtra/article30058635.ece?homepage=true
In Maharashtra, ‘Ab Ki Baar, Midnight Sarkar : Notification at 5.47 am, oath at 8 am; But floor test?
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/politics/maharashtra-governor-satisfies-himself-of-a-stable-government-but-how?fbclid=IwAR2Z756sjMk66AVwMebEoqJLyUndn75ueLnksbU-D5GCVLXn1i_Ws6xDwEI
‘Betrayal’, ‘coup’, ‘murder of democracy’: Opposition reacts to Maharashtra development
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/betrayal-coup-murder-of-democracy-opposition-reacts-to-maharashtra-development
Opposition reacted bitterly to the developments in Maharashtra where BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis was sworn-in as the chief minister by the state Governor early Saturday morning, day NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena combine was supposed to stake claim to form the government. Various Opposition leaders expressed their dismay and shock at the way the President’s Rule was lifted from the state at 5:47 am with Prime Minister invoking his special executive powers to circumvent Cabinet approval for the same and all democratic procedures were thrown out of the window to swear-in BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis.Fadnavis claimed to have had the support of 175 MLAs, including those of NCP. Congress termed it as a “betrayal” by BJP with Maharashtra voters while CPI-M termed it as a “early morning coup” lashed out at the BJP saying its political immorality has “reached its nadir”.“BJP had promised to send Ajit Pawar to Arthur Road jail in an alleged Rs 72,000 crore irrigation scam. Instead BJP has sent him to the ministry now.If it is not the betrayal with the Maharshtra’s voters, what is?” Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said.He said that it is for the first time in the history of Independent India that “having torn the Constitution apart in the dark of night”, a chief minister was clandestinely administered the oath of office in the wee hours.“Maharashtra Governor has not acted as the guardian of the Constitution but as a hitman of (Union Home Minister and BJP chief) Amit Shah,” Surjewala said.He termed the entire process as “loktantra ka cheer haran” (disrobing of the democratic values), alluding to an episode in Mahabharata in which Kauravas tried to publicly disrobe queen Draupadi.CPI-M termed the development as “sordid manipulation” by BJP for grabbing power in the state.“The political immorality of BJP has reached its nadir. The clandestine manner in which the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra have been sworn in shows the extent to which the BJP can stoop to grab power. This is in line with what they have done earlier in Goa, Karnataka, north eastern states etc,” the Left party said in a statement.Senior AAP leader and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia took to Twitter to take a dig at the developments in Maharashtra."Abki baar - chori chhipe Sarkar (This time, a clandestine government)," he wrote, playing on BJP’s popular election slogan “Abki baar, Modi Sarkar”.AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh hit out at Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, saying Raj Bhavan had turned into “Raja Bhavan”.Commenting on the development, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said: “It seems now that who has the Governor on his side, will form the government.”nationalheraldindia
Black spot in the history of Maharashtra, nothing can be more shameful: Congress
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/black-spot-in-the-history-of-maharashtra-nothing-can-be-more-shameful-congress-6133277/
We are together and we will remain together, say Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray at joint press meet
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/we-are-together-and-we-will-remain-together-say-sharad-pawar-and-uddhav-thackeray-at-joint-press-meet/article30059336.ece?homepage=true
After NCP leader Ajit Pawar defected from the party and became the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, party chief Sharad Pawar said it would be hard for the BJP government to prove majority in a floor test. "We are together and we remain together with Shiv Sena from here," the senior Pawar said addressing a joint press meet with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at Y.B. Chavan Centre in Mumbai on Saturday.Echoing Pawar, Thackeray said, "this is shameful what is happening in the name of democracy." Hitting out at the BJP for "splitting a party," Thackeray dared his former ally to try these tactics with the Shiv Sena.thehindu
The Wire exclusive: BJP Received Donation From Company Being Probed for 'Terror Funding'
https://thewire.in/politics/bjp-donations-companies-terror-funding-iqbal-mirchi
New Delhi: BJP took a large donation from a company that is now being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for facilitating “terror funding,” financial declarations by BJP itself reveal.RKW Developers Ltd, a company at the heart of a probe by ED for carrying out transactions with and buying properties from the late Iqbal Memon alias Iqbal Mirchi – an accused in 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts and a close aide of mafia boss Dawood Ibrahim – gave money to the ruling party, according to BJP’s filings with the Election Commission.In 2014-15, RKW, which is associated with the beleaguered Dewan Housing Finance Limited, gave Rs 10 crore to the party. This was also pointed out by CobraPost in Jan. While BJP regularly receives larger sums from the various electoral trusts, which pool in donations from various corporate houses, no individual company donating on its own has given the party more than what RKW gave it.In light of the ongoing controversy over electoral bonds, it is worth bearing in mind that had Modi government introduced this anonymous form of political lobbying in 2014-15, RKW’s donation would never have come to light.thewire
FinMin Dropped Plan to Discuss Electoral Bonds With Opposition After Meeting PM
https://thewire.in/government/finmin-dropped-plan-to-discuss-electoral-bonds-with-opposition-after-meeting-pm
New Delhi: Though the Ministry of Finance had thought about sharing details of the electoral bond scheme with political parties and seeking the public’s comments on it, the idea was dropped after a presentation before the prime minister on Aug.21, 2017. Electoral bonds are now in the eye of a storm, after a series of reports have questioned how the Modi government pushed through this mode of opaque of political funding and later broke multiple regulations. Both the Election Commission and the Reserve Bank of India had objected to several provisions of the scheme on the grounds that they would promote black money and money laundering.According to documents accessed by right to information activist Anjali Bhardwaj, on Aug. 14, 2017, joint secretary (budget) in Department of Economic Affairs Prashant Goyal sent an email with the subject ‘Electoral Bond Scheme’ to another IAS officer. He said that “FM has desired that a time may be fixed to make a presentation to PMO on the aforesaid subject”.thewire
J&K & SOUTH ASIA
‘Civil society delegation not allowed to visit Pulwama citing possible terror attack’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/civil-society-delegation-not-allowed-to-visit-pulwama-citing-possible-terror-attack-6133620/
Srinagar: 5-member civil society delegation led by former Union Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha was Saturday not allowed by the police to visit Pulwama district citing possibility of a terror attack.“We had plans to go to Pulwama, but we were advised by SSP Security that the situation there was not conducive and there was possibility of a terrorist attack. So, the group decided not to go there. We were also told not to go anywhere outside Srinagar,” Wajahat Habibullah, ex chief information commissioner, who is part of the Concerned Citizens Group, told reporters here.He said the group met several people to know about the difficulties being faced by Kashmiris. “We met several people and delegations who told us about the issues they were facing. Our aim of coming here is to identify those issues for the rest of the Indians to know and understand. We can make the people in the country understand about the difficulties being faced by the people in the Kashmir valley,” he said.PTI
Day after Amit Shah’s ‘normalcy’ remark, Valley shops down shutters
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/day-after-amit-shahs-normalcy-remark-valley-shops-down-shutters-6131007/?fbclid=IwAR1AeEYBUvXI-AlosdxWUU6gYr33dQ8li8XEKf4733MILSIEwNS9ZMbsgAI
Srinagar :A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah told the Rajya Sabha that normalcy had returned to Kashmir, shopkeepers across Valley downed their shutters Thursday. While there was little public transport on the roads, private vehicles were operating normally. Shops and businesses across Kashmir had been shut for over 100 days to protest against the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on Aug.5. Recently, business establishments and shops in parts of the Valley had started to remain open for the entire day. This was despite posters threatening shopkeepers against opening their establishments being seen sporadically in parts of the Valley.Shops and businesses across Kashmir had been shut for over 100 days in protest against the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on Aug.5. The opening of shops was a hint that the Valley was slowly returning towards normalcy.indianexpress
First time in 109 days, restrictions lifted from Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid area
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/first-time-in-109-days-restrictions-lifted-from-srinagars-jamia-masjid-area/articleshow/72190052.cms
Srinagar: For the first time in 109 days, security restrictions were lifted from Srinagar's Jamia Masjid area on Friday even as the mosque remained shut. This is 16th consecutive Friday that the grand mosque has remained locked since August 5.“No restrictions were imposed in and around the Jamia Masjid on Friday. Auqaf (mosque management) was asked to open the mosque and hold congregational prayers there,” a senior police officer said.A senior member of the Auqaf said prayers weren’t held because Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads the committee and delivers sermons at the mosque, was being kept under house arrest at his Nigeen residence since August 5. The police denied that he was under house arrest.The Auqaf member said the administration must first release the Mirwaiz from house arrest and withdraw security forces from in and around the mosque.TOI
Rajasthan: Kashmiris Called 'Terrorists', Thrashed by Fellow Students
https://thewire.in/rights/rajasthan-kashmiris-called-terrorists-thrashed-by-fellow-students
Jaipur: Following an altercation, 4 Kashmiri students were beaten up by students from Bihar at Mewar University in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh on Friday.One of the students, Tahir Majeed from Kashmir’s Handwara, was severely injured during the attack. He is currently admitted in a hospital. 3 others – Bilal Ahmad, Isfaq Ahmad Qureshi and Mohammad Ali – have received minor injuries. According to the police, in the afternoon, the students indulged in a scuffle after a gate pass was given to a Kashmiri student and denied to a student from Bihar.“The student from Bihar, while arguing with the security guard about denying him a gate pass, abused the Kashmiri student. When the Kashmiri students go to know about it, two groups of students clashed with each other,” FIR reads. “The students from Bihar had behaved very rudely. They even called us terrorists,” Bilal Ahmad, one of 4 Kashmiri students beaten up on Friday, said. The clash was settled by the university dean.But, later at night, when the students gathered in the mess, students from Bihar attacked the Kashmiri students. the wire
China-Pak relation win-win cooperation, says Chinese envoy amid US' CPEC warning
https://www.news18.com/news/world/china-pakistan-relation-win-win-cooperation-mutually-beneficial-says-chinese-envoy-amid-us-cpec-warning-2397253.html
The relation of China and Pakistan are based on "win-win cooperation" and mutually beneficial for both the nations, Chinese envoy to Pakistan Yao Jing said on Friday.Yao's statement came as US warned Islamabad against China's ambitious China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, claiming it is going to take a toll on Pakistan's economy. CPEC is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on Arabian Sea. Addressing 5th CPEC Media Forum in Islamabad, Yao said China had always come forward to assist Pakistan in need without any political or government differences. "Pak-China relations were based on 'win-win cooperation' and were mutually beneficial for both countries. If Pakistan was in need, China would never ask it to repay its loans in time, whereas, IMF, which is mainly governed by the West, was strict in its repayment system," he said.Yao also questioned the US for suspending its aid promised to Pakistan."Why the US suspended its aid promised for Pakistan only because of political priorities, he asked.PTI
Former NSCN(IM) Commander-in-Chief and associates slip into China
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/former-nscnim-commander-in-chief-and-associates-slip-into-china
Phunting Shimrah, the former self-styled Commander-in-Chief of the armed wing of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah)– NSCN(IM) – has crossed over to China. He is said to have been spotted at Ruili area in Yunnan.There are red faces in Home Ministry as former underground Naga leaders were under the watch of security forces and Intelligence agencies. The escape of a high-profile former Commander-in-Chief has come as an embarrassment to the Government with the Naga accord believed to be at an advanced stage for signing.It is not just Shimrah alone who has escaped to China, say reports. Shimrah is understood to have taken with him Pamshing Muivah (Apam) and Hansi, besides a handful of other cadres.It is learnt that his other associate, self-styled Major General Absalom Rockwang Tangkhul has also crossed over across Tirap (in Arunachal) to Myanmar along with 100-140 cadres.Sources said that initially, Shimrah and his men sought help from NSCN(Khaplang) group who operate from Myanmar. However, NSCN(K) group’s commander is believed to have turned down the request.nationalheraldindia
BABRI MASJID CASE
UP govt to look for land after Sunni Board’s clarity
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/govt-to-look-for-land-after-boards-clarity/articleshow/72192116.cms
Lucknow:Ayodhya district administration has decided to put on hold its search for an alternative site for a mosque till Sunni Waqf Board expresses its intent to accept the 5-acre plot. UP Sunni Waqf Board, which is split on accepting land or going for a review, is scheduled to meet on Nov.26 to hammer out a consensus. Sources in the government said preliminary work for identifying land for the mosque took place in the first week after the verdict. Now, they are waiting for clarity from the Sunni Waqf Board before offering options.“As per court’s directions, the district administration began work on identifying land, a day after the judgment. Now, the Board is unsure on accepting the offer so there’s no point going through the exercise in advance,” said a senior government official. On the ground, the local administration kept land options under wraps without a go-ahead from the Centre.TOI
Congress wants a ‘grand temple’ to be built in Ayodhya: Rajasthan deputy CM Sachin Pilot
https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/congress-wants-a-grand-temple-to-be-built-in-ayodhya-says-rajasthan-deputy-cm-sachin-pilot/1772495/
Jaipur:Congress wants a “grand temple” to be built in Ayodhya, Rajasthan Deputy CM Sachin Pilot said on Friday, days after the Supreme Court cleared the way for the construction of the shrine in the Hindu holy town. He also said the court’s decision was acceptable to all and people should now stop doing politics on the issue. “Everyone has welcomed the decision and the Congress party wants a grand temple be built there (Ayodhya),” Pilot told reporters in Dausa district. “We have to happily respect and maintain that decision. Now we have to stop doing politics on this issue; the world is moving forward,” he said. People who had been doing politics over the case for the past 30 years understand now that no one will benefit politically by raising the issue again and again, he added, without naming anyone.PTI
Shia cleric Kalbe Jawad : Filing review plea against Ayodhya verdict would be insensible
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/shia-cleric-filing-review-plea-against-ayodhya-verdict-would-be-insensible/articleshow/72187766.cms
Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad has said that filing a review petition in Ayodhya matter is not a “sensible” decision and will vitiate the communal atmosphere in the country.“Everyone should accept the apex court’s verdict. All India Muslim Personal Law Board's (AIMPLB) move will put the whole country in trouble. They are unnecessary vitiating the peaceful atmosphere”. He said if by any chance a decision comes in favour of the Law Board, will they be able to build the mosque in Ayodhya and take the responsibility of the consequences.He said the truth is that there are some Muslim leaders who don’t want this dispute to end just for their own vested interests.Jawad said that Muslim leaders should address issues like unemployment among the community members and work to end illiteracy and make efforts to improve the economic condition of Muslims, instead of focusing on Ayodhya.TOI
OTHERS
BJP MP’s Bill in Lok Sabha: Limit kids per couple to 2
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/population-control-bill-uniform-civil-code-bjp-parliament-6132658/
New Delhi :Months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised issue of population control in his Independence Day speech, a BJP MP on Friday introduced a private member’s Bill in Lok Sabha, seeking to limit the number of children per married couple to 2. MP also introduced a Bill to amend the Constitution to implement the Uniform Civil Code.The Population Control Bill, 2019, introduced by Ajay Bhatt, BJP MP from Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar constituency in Uttarakhand, proposes that couples who have more than two children, after the Act comes into effect, should be deprived of all government benefits and the right to apply for a government job. They should also have to pay a fine up to Rs 50,000.The Bill also proposes incentives for those who comply, including preference in government jobs.“After China, India is the most populous country in the world. Increasing population leads to more poverty. The increasing growth rate is pulling India into a vicious cycle of population and poverty. It is also leading to unemployment and inflation, and is a roadblock to economic development. So, it is important that a law is brought to control population,” Bhatt has said in the Bill. According to the Bill, a couple would be allowed to have more than two children only if twins or triplets are born after the first child. Then too, they would have to seek the district authority’s permission during pregnancy.The Bill proposes that state governments should set up state and district committees, which would keep a record of couples who follow the new law and also be responsible for promoting and incentivising smaller families. It has pegged the annual cost of sustaining this system at Rs 500 crore. In his Bill on implementing the Uniform Civil Code, Bhatt has sought amendment to Article 44 of the Directive Principles of the Constitution. Meanwhile, BJP MP from Baghpat,Satyapal SIngh, also introduced a constitutional amendment Bill, proposing that special rights given to minorities are also available to Hindus.indianexpress
Ex IAS officer Gopinathan to head protest against NRC and Citizenship Bill
https://caravandaily.com/ex-ias-officer-gopinathan-to-head-protest-against-nrc-and-citizenship-bill/
New Delhi;A civil rights group has announced a Gandhian non-cooperation movement against the nationwide NRC and the citizenship bill –latter having a provision to grant citizenship to refugees belonging to all communities except Muslims.Former IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan, who recently resigned from the elite bureaucracy in a protest against the Kashmir lockdown, is among leading voices taking a strong stand against NRC and the Citizenship bill.Commenting on Shah’s statement, he said he will do whatever possible to block the NRC exercise. “Let me tell you HM @AmitShah that there won’t be a nationwide NRC in India. Ever! Your efforts to make citizens feel insecure about their own citizenship will not be allowed by this country,” he tweeted alongside a report on Shah’s statement.The tweet has angered BJP activists, who went on to dub him a traitor and supporter of terrorism. Gopinathan also replied to the objections raised by twitter users. A day later, he made another tweet on the NRC, reminding the people of the past decisions like Demonetization by the Modi-led BJP government which inflicted harm and losses on the country.Caravan Daily
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, PFI Oppose NRC, CAB; Say BJP Pursuing its ‘Communal Agenda’
https://caravandaily.com/jamaat-e-islami-pfi-oppose-nrc-cab-say-bjp-pursuing-its-communal-agenda/
New Delhi:Prominent Muslim groups have announced that they will oppose the govt moves to extend the NRC process across the country and introduction of the proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB).Reacting to the Union home minister Amit Shah’s statement on NRC, they said this was another ploy to divert attention of public from the failures of the present government and the serious economic downturn since 2014. They also said this was part of the ruling BJP’s “communal agenda.”Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) said it will oppose the moves. In a statement, JIH vice president Muhammad Salim Engineer said, “Jamaat expresses its grave apprehensions over the announcement by the home minister that NRC shall be implemented all over the country.” Jamaat felt that this is an exercise in vain and a deliberate diversion of the priorities by the government to hide its “failures” on the economy and other core issues of welfare and development. He said there were existing procedures and laws to detect foreigners or illegal immigrants, than introducing a new one and subjecting the 135 crore people into an ordeal. This would cause a huge financial burden on the exchequer, while the national economy was facing a deep crisis, he said.caravandaily
Kanhaiya, Umar Khalid, Yogendra Yadav join massive march sgainst fee-hike
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/jnu-kanhaiya-kumar-yogendra-yadav-umar-khalid-join-march-against-fee-hike?fbclid=IwAR0c04VX4PbqQGxVXRpcsnCsAO2tYvoOS-qJMTNRphKYM7L1eymUH9ALRwA
Amid chants demanding to make education affordable for all, hundreds took to the streets in Delhi on Saturday, in support of the students' protest against the hostel fee hike in JNU.The march was joined by the likes of Yogendra Yadav, founder of Swaraj Abhiyan, and former JNU students and activists Umar Khalid and Kanhaiya Kumar.The protesters gathered at the Mandi House and started marching towards Parliament amid the presence of a huge police posse. Police personnel blocked roads leading to Connaught Place to prevent traffic snarls.Amid a massive crowd of students groups, teachers, activists and workers of RJD and Dalit group Bhim Army, The Quint spoke to some of the prominent voices on fee hike issue. Yogendra Yadav said, “We are witnessing privatisation of higher education, and all these tiny fee hikes, increase in costs, they are steps in that direction.” With the protests continuing for more than 20 days, Umar Khalid said that there has been “no dialogue” between students and JNU V-C Jagadesh Kumar. Student-turned-politician Kanhaiya Kumar lashed out at the media portals and politicians defaming JNU, and talked about the perception that is being created among the masses regarding the ‘right way’ to spend the public money.thequint
Massive citizens’ rally in Delhi in support of JNU students, affordable education
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/education/massive-citizens-rally-in-delhi-in-support-of-jnu-students-affordable-education?fbclid=IwAR1M_KT08BDAmCDLFYwZln7PMnjyWWVtHQNqPiNct2lfK6LEsymPHw3n8qI
Row over Muslim prof: BHU says Sanskrit Dharam faculty open, students say dharna on
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/row-over-muslim-prof-bhu-says-sanskrit-dharam-faculty-open-students-say-dharna-on-6131863/?fbclid=IwAR2nWVg3pr1Subk_bqpo-23Qa4PPisdblusPqyI7koJQDZUZS6qblyA1FMU
Sanskrit Vidya Dharam Vigyan (SVDV) faculty of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) that remained closed for the last two weeks as students protested against the appointment of a Muslim assistant professor, university administration announced that the faculty has finally opened.“SVDV faculty building has been opened Thursday and classes will start.The students are however yet protesting,” said university spokesperson Rajesh Singh. Asked if any action would be taken against the protesting students, he said the main priority of the university administration was to open the faculty and run the classes. “There are 13 protesting students, and if there is any action against them then it will be as per rules,” he added.A press statement issued by BHU late night, said the protesting students of the faculty have handed over a list of questions to the university administration, seeking their answers.“After written assurances by Chief Proctor and Head of the Department to respond to the question within 10 days, students said they would end their sit-in protest,” it added. Protesting students, however, said they are yet continuing with their dharna and added that they were unaware that faculty has been opened.indian express
Amid BHU protest over religious identity, Bengal college appoints Muslim teacher in Sanskrit dept
https://www.news18.com/news/india/after-bhu-protest-over-communal-identity-belur-college-appoints-muslims-teacher-in-sanskrit-department-2396509.html
Kolkata: At a time when students of BHU are up in arms over the religious identity of one of its Sanskrit teachers, a college, on outskirts of Bengal capital, has appointed a Muslim man as an assistant professor to teach the subject.Ramzan Ali, who joined Ramkrishna Mission Vidyamandira in Belur following nine years of experience at a north Bengal college, said he was overwhelmed by the warm welcome extended to him by the students and faculty members."I was welcomed by principal Swami Shastrajnandaji Maharaj, and everyone... Maharaj told me that my religious identity was not important, what mattered was my grasp over the language, my indepth knowledge and my ability to share it with the students," Ali,who joined Belur college, told PTI.PTI
In BHU, this madrasa-trained Hindu teaches Urdu
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/religion-no-bar-to-this-professor-of-urdu-in-bhu/article30041220.ece
Lucknow:While Sanskrit Department of BHU, has been at the centre of protests for two weeks now over the appointment of a ‘Muslim’ teacher, across the campus, Urdu Department counts among its faculty Rishi Kumar Sharma, whose journey with Urdu language started during his formative years in a madrasa in West Bengal.One of 7 teachers —other 6 being Muslim — teaching Urdu at the department in BHU’s Arts Faculty, Sharma’s story not only throws light on the history of the language in India, but also busts the myths regarding its perceived association with a particular religion.thehindu
Drop Urdu, Arabi, Farsi from Chishti University's name: UP governor Patel
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/drop-urdu-arabi-farsi-from-moinuddin-chishti-varsitys-name-suggests-governor-anandiben-patel/articleshow/72176805.cms
Lucknow:UP governor Anandiben Patel has suggested authorities of the Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Urdu, Arabi-Farsi University and higher education minister to delete ‘Urdu, Arabi and Farsi’ from varsity’s name.“The mention of three languages — Urdu, Arabic and Persian — in the name of the institution gives an impression that it only teaches these three language subjects, whereas the fact is that it imparts education in various streams, including arts, science and technical,” she said while addressing the 4th convocation of the university.On the occasion, senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar, Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad, Hindu spiritual leader Swami Sarang and principal of Darul Uloom Nadwa-tul Ulama Saidur Rahman Azmi were conferred with ‘honoris causa’ (honorary degrees). Indresh and Azmi were conferred with honoris causa DLitt for contribution to spreading peace and academics respectively, while Jawad and Sarang were honoured with PhDs for academics and communal harmony respectively. Taking a dig at teachers on seeing that they were not cheering the students, she said what is the use of such an event, if professors do not applaud students.“Even the primary school students who were brought to get inspired by from university students are more excited,” she said.TOI
India joins 164 countries to vote in favour of Palestinians' right to self-determination
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-joins-countries-vote-favour-palestinians-right-to-self-determination-1621227-2019-11-21?fbclid=IwAR38aaEI7dQwBIOOvyirq5SE7x0-Aejl-lThU4Q46ge_zoz_E0Y9h4omGSA
New Delhi:Sticking to its historic stance towards the Palestinian cause, India was among 166 nations that endorsed Palestinian "right to self determination".While India and other 165 nations voted in favour of the resolution titled "The right of Palestinian people to self-determination" at UN General Assembly's Third Committee, US, Israel, Nauru, Micronesia and Marshall Islands voted against it. 9 countries, including Australia, Guatemala and Rwanda, abstained. Resolution was sponsored by North Korea, Egypt, Nicaragua, Zimbabwe and Palestine and voting took place on Nov. 19.The vote came a day after the announcement of the policy change by US on Israeli settlements in "Occupied Palestinian territory".On Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "Calling the establishment of civilian settlements inconsistent with international law hasn't worked. It hasn't advanced the cause of peace."hile reacting to the policy reversal announced by US, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, during a press conference on Tuesday in New York,said: "Longstanding position of UN regarding Israeli settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territory - that they are in breach of international law - is unchanged."Resolution recognised Palestinian people's right to "self-determination" and stressed the end to the "Israeli occupation that began in 1967 and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, based on the relevant resolutions of UN, Madrid terms of reference, including the principle of land for peace, Arab Peace Initiative and Quartet road map to a permanent two-State solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict." The resolution also urges "all states and the specialised agencies and organisations of UN system to continue to support and assist the Palestinian people in the early realisation of their right to self-determination."india today
Will apologise for Jallianwala Bagh massacre if voted to power: Labour Party’s manifesto
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/will-apologise-for-jallianwala-bagh-massacre-if-voted-to-power-labour-party-s-manifesto/story-5YOTcNR1oxJeBBnRdfCpuI.html?fbclid=IwAR1wmuKykh1uqwJuaw9gUO6BCQtthuN8KRZGR0_E9Yf031birALXXTXbKII
London:Labour Party has promised to tender a ‘formal apology’ on behalf of the British government for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and hold a ‘public review’ into the UK’s role in 1984 Operation Bluestar if it is voted to power in the December 12 elections. Releasing the party’s manifesto on Thursday, party leader Jeremy Corbyn set out an ambitious plan to shake-up the status quo that, according to him, benefits the rich and wealthy, and bring about real change for the common people.In the centenary year of the massacre, the British government confined itself to expressing ‘deep regret’, despite facing any calls for a formal apology, but senior functionaries have since insisted that the issue is ‘work in progress’ and may well happen before the year ends.The manifesto promises that besides the apology, the party’s government would hold a ‘public review’ into “Britain’s role in the Amritsar massacre”, referring to Operation Bluestar in Amritsar. In the 2017 manifesto, it had promised an ‘independent inquiry’ into the role.
329 people held at border after trying to enter Bangladesh from India: Report
https://thewire.in/rights/bangladesh-border-assam-nrc
New Delhi: As many as 329 people, including children and women, were taken into custody by Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) on the charge of trespassing into the country from India in the last three weeks, according to a new report in a Dhaka-based paper. The report, published in The Daily Star, quoting BGB and police officials, said that those arrested “were mostly from Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka. Some of them had shifted to the city from Assam.” It said they claimed to be Bangladeshi citizens but were detained because they couldn’t show any documentary proof to back their claim.“They also claimed they fled from India fearing harassment and detention by the police there.” It said, “arrestees, who entered the country through borders in Jhenidah and Jashore’s Benapole, were detained by the Bangladesh Border Guard and handed over to police. They were sent to district jails by courts after cases were filed against them for trespassing.” thewire
Kerala: CPM backs Mohanan on controversial Maoist-Islamic statement
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2019/nov/23/cpm-backs-mohanan-on-controversial-maoist-islamic-statement-2065707.html
Even as the controversial statement by CPM Kozhikode district secretary P Mohanan linking Maoists and Islamic terrorists kicked up a row, CPM state leadership has come out in support of Mohanan. The party-state secretariat on Friday observed that the statement was not against the Muslim community.The secretariat is of the view that the senior leader was talking against Islamic terror. There is no need to misinterpret it as a statement against the community, they felt. “He himself has clarified this. The mention was not about Muslim community, but about organisations like SDPI and Popular Front. The party feels that there is nothing wrong in it,” said a source. newindianexpress
Muslim couple’s dispute decided under Hindu Marriage Act; HC summons UP judge
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/up-judge-applies-wrong-law-hc-summons-his-successor/articleshow/72178494.cms
New Delhi:A man’s legal quest to get back his estranged wife in 2015 triggered a series of events that left the Allahabad high court shocked earlier this week. A division bench of the HC had to grapple with this case where the Muslim couple’s matrimonial dispute was decided under the Hindu Marriage Act and an interim maintenance fixed for the husband to pay the wife. When the HC tried to find out from the family court judge how such an error could occur, he appeared in court and argued that his predecessor had passed the order. The judge instead questioned the wisdom of the high court in summoning him for an explanation. In its order passed on Monday, the HC bench reported the “misdemeanour” to the chief justice, adding that the judge concerned is “in this case, most astonishingly of the rank of district judge.”Justices Anil Kumar and Saurabh Lavania added that judge Manoj Kumar Shukla said he had been unnecessarily called before the bench as he had not passed the order, which was stayed by the HC in Oct.this year. The HC, in its order, recorded that “we are constrained to observe, that too, with a heavy heart and affliction that the scene created by judicial officer, Sri Manoj Kumar Shukla today inside the court room has diminished the image of judiciary which was unwarranted and also it manifested disrespect to this court which is not expected of a judicial officer. The conduct of the judicial officer in full view of the members of the Bar was not only disrespectful but was an attempt to show this court in poor light.”He also maintained that HC should not have called him in such a manner despite the fact that he has not passed the order and cited Supreme Court rulings that a judicial officer should not be called before the court.The HC in its order narrated that judge Shukla then argued that “such types of mistakes are committed by a judicial officer, due to heavy rush of work in the family court and such errors are bound to take place as only one steno has been provided for writing order/judgment.”TOI
Age 18-21 male can’t be punished for marrying woman above age 18, says SC
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/age-18-21-male-cant-be-punished-for-marrying-woman-above-age-18-says-sc-6132652/
New Delhi :A male who has not reached the age of 21 is a “child” as per Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. However, a male aged between 18 and 21 marrying a female above 18 years will not be punishable under the Act for contracting a child marriage, the Supreme Court has ruled.The judgment came from a bench of Justices Mohan M Shantanagoudar and Aniruddha Bose, which set aside a Dec.2010 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court directing registration of FIR under Section 9 of the Act against a man for allegedly concealing his age of 17 years as per his birth certificate while seeking police protection to marry. He had approached the High Court seeking police protection as the family of the girl — who was above 18 at the time — was not agreeing to their union. The HC granted protection on April 26, 2010. However, on Nov.26, 2010, the HC while hearing a plea by the girl’s father recalled the earlier order and directed registration of the FIR. indianexpress
In plea to Bombay HC, Govind Pansare’s family seeks new IO to probe murder case
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-plea-to-bombay-hc-govind-pansares-family-seeks-new-io-to-probe-murder-case-6133044/
Mumbai:Family of slain activist Govind Pansare has filed a plea before Bombay High Court, seeking that the investigating officer of SIT probing the murder case be changed, and a “seasoned IPS officer” be appointed instead.The division bench of Justice S C Dharmadhikari and Justice R I Chagla has directed the SIT to file its reply to the application during the next hearing. In plea, Pansare’s family said it was not satisfied with the manner in which the probe was led by the investigating officer. The family’s lawyer, Abhay Nevagi, said while the probe agency has made some arrests in the case, it has still not traced Pansare’s shooters. indianexpress
Alwar Police Withdraw Day-Old Order Revoking Beard Permissions for 9 Muslim Cops
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/alwar-police-withdraw-day-old-order-revoking-beard-permissions-for-nine-muslim-cops
Jaipur:Alwar Police in Rajasthan have withdrawn their controversial Thursday order through which they had revoked the previous permissions granted to 9 Muslim policemen to sport beard. “Through the order no. 4921, the permission granted in the past to have beard was revoked. As per order, the said order no.4921 dated 21.11.2019 stands cancelled with immediate effect,” said Alwar district SP Paris Anil Deshmukh in his written order on Friday. On Thursday, SP Deshmukh himself had issued the order revoking the previous separate permissions granted to nine Muslim cops – one ASI, one head constable and 7 constables – to have beard. SP had said that the permissions would stand cancelled with immediate effect. Reports say that the Thursday order had led to resentment among the local Muslim community. State cabinet minister Saleh Mohammad had also said he would look into the issue as to why SP revoked the beard permissions. Talking to India Tomorrow about the issue, state cabinet minister Saleh Mohammad said: “I have got to know about this incident through you. I will get details as to why SP has cancelled permission to sport beard. Only after that, it will be proper for me to say anything.”On Friday, the district police not only withdrew their Thursday order but also issued a clarification. indiatomorrow
Case filed against Akbaruddin Owaisi for 'going back to' his '15 minutes to finish 100 crore Hindus' threat
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/case-filed-against-aimims-akbaruddin-owaisi-for-going-back-to-his-15-minutes-to-finish-100-crore-hindus-threat
Hyderabad: Saidabad police on Friday registered a case against AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi following court's order for his controversial '15 minute' threat at a meeting in Karimnagar in July earlier this year. "A case has been registered in Saidabad Police Station following court's order against Akbaruddin Owaisi for making controversial comments in a public meeting held in Karimnagar earlier. According to Karunasagar, advocate, and petitioner in the matter, "On Thursday court had ordered Saidabad Police Station to register a case on my complaint against Akbaruddin for his controversial comments repeating his '15 Minute' threat at a meeting in Karimnagar and asked to file a report by Dec. 23." Freepressjournal
4 cops killed in Naxal attack in Jharkhand’s Latehar
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/four-jharkhand-cops-killed-in-naxal-attack-6133129/
Latehar :A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah credited Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das for “curbing Naxalism” in Jharkhand, four police personnel were killed in Chandwa, Latehaar district in an ambush attack. The attack comes a week before the first phase of elections.Police said that the attack took place 3 kms from Chandwa police station at around 8.30 pm, when the police party was patrolling.“The ambush attack took the patrolling party from Chandwa Police Station by surprise. Two of them were home guards,” said a senior police officer.indianexpress
Muslims pour in as Ijtema begins in Bhopal
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/muslims-pour-in-as-ijtema-begins/articleshow/72190968.cms
Bhopal: 4-day Ijtema began at Intkhedi with spiritual Islamic groups from 54 countries in attendance.The congregation opened with fajr ki namaz, followed by sermons delivered by Islamic scholars.District administration has made elaborate arrangements for the participants at the event. Collector, Tarun Pithode, DIG (city) and DIG (rural), Shailendra Singh Chauhan visited Ijtema site and took stock of the preparations for the event. Pithode instructed officials on duty at the Ijtema site to keep their respective reporting officers posted on the place they are deployed and leave the site only after their reliever arrives there.Ijtema will end on Nov 25. TOI
Godhra train fire part of ‘conspiracy’ by Congress: Gujarat govt book
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/godhra-train-fire-part-of-conspiracy-by-congress-gujarat-govt-book-6132799/
Ahmedabad :Feb.2002 Sabarmati train fire, which killed 59 kar sevaks and triggered large-scale riots, was part of a “conspiracy” hatched by Congress’s elected members from Godhra, according to a reference book on political history of Gujarat published by a state board.The opposition Congress, however, termed it as BJP govt’s attempt to saffronise University Granth Nirman Board (UGNB), which has published the Gujarati book, and said it would seek a legal opinion against the writers for “twisting” the court verdict in Godhra train burning case. The book, titled “Gujarat Ni Rajkiya Gatha” (Political Saga of Gujarat), published in Dec. 2018, is edited by Bhavnaben Dave, a former BJP MP and current vice-chairperson of the board.When asked, Dave told this paper, “Nothing mentioned in the book is without facts. Every mention is supported by facts. We have prepared it keeping all the facts in mind. Since all do not know about the history of Gujarat, it was the responsibility of University Granth Nirman Board to prepare books on the state’s history”.indianexpress
WORLD
Israel foreign minister: 'Rail link project with Gulf states on track'
https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/11/21/israel-foreign-minister-rail-project-with-gulf-on-track?fbclid=IwAR3FTE4vEynhfCmHMKe0hwEcnjRcLz1HNEj95naVxbi8vR275KEtOhty48U
Israel's foreign minister has confirmed that a project to connect the country with Gulf region by rail is well underway."Israel is ready to promote cooperation in the region," Yisrael Katz said at Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference. "This is the best way to ensure Israel's security." Israeli foreign minister also welcomed the warming ties with Gulf states. "Tracks for Regional Peace" railway project is one facet of this, an ambitious project that will link Israel, via Jordan, to the Gulf states - countries that currently do not have official diplomatic ties.UAE and Saudi Arabia share Israel's concerns about Iran, while the Palestine issue has also been dropped from the main foreign policy agendas of Arab states."We have no conflict with the Gulf States, and we have common interests in the field of security against the Iranian threat as well as in developing many joint, civilian initiatives," he added, according to Jerusalem Post." Israel has a lot of capabilities in many areas, including hi-tech, innovation, agriculture and water technology, which can help Gulf States, and Gulf States have many capabilities that can help Israel as well."alaraby.co.uk
PA: Escalation of settlers’ violence is a result of Pompeo’s announcement
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191123-pa-escalation-of-settlers-violence-is-a-result-of-pompeos-announcement/
Palestinian Authority (PA) condemned the escalation of Israeli settlers’ violence against Palestinian citizens and blamed the US for this escalation, Al-Watan Voice reported. PA’s Foreign Ministry announced that the escalation against Palestinians “is part of an expansionist colonial project which is being carried out by Israeli settlers and backed by the Israeli occupation.” According to the statement, the latest escalation was the aggression carried out by the settlers in the villages of Fadel, Qublan, Barqa, Kafr Al-Deek and others across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.MEMO
Social media solidarity for wounded Palestinian journalist
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/social-media-shows-support-wounded-palestinian-journalist-191123091324902.html
Thousands of social media users have taken part in a campaign to support Palestinian freelance journalist Muath Amarneh, who lost his eye after being wounded while covering a protest in the occupied West Bank last week.Journalists from across Arab world launched the campaign of solidarity after Amarneh was hit in the eye, apparently with a rubber bullet fired by Israeli forces who had arrived to quell the demonstrations last Friday in Surif.As a result of the incident Amarneh lost one eye, posing a significant challenge to his career.Israel's border police said it did not target Amarneh at protest near the city of Hebron and said it had used "nonlethal" means to disperse the crowd. In a show of support, activists took photos of themselves covering an eye with one hand and posted them on social media, using the hashtags #MuathEye, or #EyeOfTruth.aljazeera
Turkey offers $700,000 bounty for former official of Palestinian Fatah Mohammed Dahlan
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/turkey-offers-700000-bounty-mohammed-dahlan-191123111142479.html
Turkey has offered 4 million lira ($700,000) for information leading to arrest of Mohammed Dahlan, a former official in the Palestinian Fatah party who lives in exile in UAE.Ankara accuses 58-year-old of being a mercenary for UAE and involved in a 2016 coup attempt against Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu on Friday told the Hurriyet paper that Dahlan was placed on the "most-wanted terrorists list", linking him to what Ankara calls the Gulenist Terror Group (FETO) and US-based Turkish businessman Fethullah Gulen. Daily Sabah reported on Friday that Dahlan was accused of transferring funds to FETO. Turkish media regularly accuse Dahlan of involvement in the coup bid, and recently of playing a role in last year's murder of Jamal Khashoggi at Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul.aljazeera
Saudi King congratulates Ghannouchi on his election as Speaker of Tunisian Parliament
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191123-saudi-king-congratulates-ghannouchi-on-his-election-as-speaker-of-tunisian-parliament/
Congratulations were conveyed by Saudi ambassador to Tunisia, Mohammed Bin Mahmoud Al-Ali, during his meeting with speaker of Assembly of the Representatives of People, Rached Ghannouchi in parliament. On Friday, Bin Mahmoud Al-Ali relayed the congratulations of King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz to Sheikh Ghannouchi, on the occasion of his election as the speaker of parliament.This came during Ghannouchi’s reception of the Kingdom’s ambassador to Tunisia at Bardo Palace (House of Parliament), according to a statement issued by the Assembly of Representatives of the People, monitored by Anadolu Agency.“The Saudi ambassador conveyed to Ghannouchi the congratulations of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, on the occasion of his election to the presidency of the parliament and the start of its duties,” detailed the statement.middleeastmonitor
Defiant protesters hold rival parade on Lebanon independence day
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/defiant-protesters-hold-rival-parade-lebanon-independence-day-191122202937296.html
Beirut;For the first time in Lebanon’s history, the country marked Independence Day with a civilian march in downtown Beirut, while politicians oversaw a stiff, invite-only military parade at the defence ministry outside the capital.Last year, politicians had held a large military parade in downtown Beirut, with the participation of the air force and armoured units. Friday's event, attended by President Michel Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri, included foot soldiers and lasted about 30 minutes.aljazeera
Sri Lanka's election results worry ethnic Tamils
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/sri-lankas-election-results-worry-ethnic-tamil-191123112824719.html
The result of Sri Lanka's presidential election highlights a split along ethnic lines.Most of the majority Sinhalese Buddhist community voted for the winner, Gotabaya Rajapaksa.But his support dipped in majority Tamil areas. People there have not forgotten Rajapaksa's role in the civil war.aljazeera
Saudi-led coalition air attacks in Yemen down 80 percent: UN
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/saudi-led-coalition-air-attacks-yemen-80-percent-191122174301451.html
UN Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths has told UNSC that the number of air attacks by Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthi rebels has dropped by nearly 80 percent in the last two weeks.The coalition, which intervened in the war in 2015 to restore President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's internationally recognised government, has carried out thousands of air attacks, killing thousands of civilians at hospitals, schools and markets, drawing international criticism."In recent weeks, there have been entire 48-hour periods without air strikes for the first time since the conflict began," Griffiths said. "We call this de-escalation, a reduction in the tempo of the war, and perhaps a move towards an overall ceasefire in Yemen."aljazeera
Australia attack on pregnant woman highlights rising anti-Muslim hate
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/australia-attack-on-pregnant-woman-highlights-rising-anti-muslim-hate-31579
Victim Rana Haidar was attacked without provocation by a man in a Sydney cafe. Attacker was then apprehended by others nearby and arrested by police.A series of viral surveillance videos capture the moment a man shouting anti-Islam slurs launched a vicious and unprovoked attack on a Muslim woman at a cafe in the Australian city of Sydney.The videos show the man approaching a group of women wearing the Islamic head covering, known as hijab, then appear to berate the group before throwing punches at one of the women sitting at a table.Rana Haidar said attack, which happened on Thursday while she is 38 weeks pregnant, revealed “weakness” and a lack of “basic human empathy”. The attacker was apprehended by those in the cafe after the other women sitting with Haidar tried to stop his attack. He was later arrested by Australian police and charged with assault.In a Facebook post, Haidar wrote:“I am a Muslim. I have experienced occurrences of verbal abuse and hate from other Australians in the past but I have never thought that physical abuse of this nature could happen to me.”“This man verbalised his hatred of Muslims prior to hitting me. He decided that he was going to take it in his power to act upon his hatred and he neither knows me, nor my religion.trtworld.com
Turkey condemns, Pakistan summons Norwegian envoy to protest desecration of Holy Quran
https://www.geo.tv/latest/257961-turkey-condemns-desecration-of-holy-quran-in-norway
Turkey condemned the desecration of the Holy Quran in a Norwegian city in strong words, on Friday. In a video on social media, 'Muslim hero' could be seen jumping into the barricaded circle to save the holy book from being desecrated. The rally soon turned violent, after which police took Thorsen and his attackers into custody. The incident took place in the Norwegian city of Kristiansand. Following the incident, netizens took to social media to praise the man for his attempt to save the Holy Quran."We strongly condemn the disrespect for our holy book, the Holy Quran, in a demonstration organized by an anti-Islamic organization onin Kristiansand, Norway,"read a statement from the Turkish foreign ministry. Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign Office today summoned the ambassador of Norway to convey the "deep concern" of the government and people of Pakistan over an incident of desecration of the Holy Quran in the Norwegian city of Kristiansand. During the meeting, Pakistan’s condemnation of the action was reiterated, a statement issued by FO said."It was underscored that such actions hurt the sentiments of 1.3 billion Muslims around the world, including those in Pakistan," the press release said, adding that such actions could not be justified in the name of "freedom of expression".According to the statement, FO urged the Norwegian authorities to bring those responsible for the act to justice and to "prevent the recurrence of any such incident in the future".dawn.com/ geo.tv
. Desecration of Holy Quran in Norway: Social media hails efforts of 'Muslim hero'
https://www.geo.tv/latest/257954-desecration-of-holy-quran-in-norway-social-media-hails-efforts-of-muslim-hero
UK and US forces ran secret desert prisons in Iraq after 2003 invasion
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-and-us-forces-ran-secret-prisons-iraq-after-2003-invasion?fbclid=IwAR3bSTMTg0QshmTV7jaaqBJHlVuFP-9KCAR8lK4r8BCuC2FDvwswIqg3G40
US and British military ran at least two secret prisons in Iraq during months following 2003 invasion, concealing prisoners from Red Cross inspectors, Middle East Eye has learned.The British army’s most senior legal advisor in the country at the time is understood to have made a criminal complaint to police when he discovered the existence of the so-called black sites.He alleged that the prisoners may not have been notified to Red Cross and may subsequently have been rendered out of the country.The disclosure comes after a joint investigation by BBC and Sunday Times paper concluded that British govt and senior army commanders covered up evidence that troops had been involved in murder and torture in both Iraq and Afghanistan.middleeasteye
views, Articles, FEATURES
In 10 Steps, Here’s How Modi and Shah Managed Murder of Democracy in Maharashtra:Siddharth Varadarajan
https://thewire.in/politics/maharashtra-amit-shah-narendra-modi-democracy
Secret, Hurried and Anonymous When Convenient: Revisiting ASI's Ayodhya Dig Report: Ashish Avikunthak
https://thewire.in/the-sciences/secret-hurried-and-anonymous-when-convenient-revisiting-asis-ayodhya-dig-report
BHU agitation is proof that Hindutva has force-fed many with an atrophied concept of Hindu dharma: Mrinal Pande
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/bhu-sanskrit-department-muslim-professor-firoze-khan-6132557/
Ayodhya land for Muslims not ‘charity’:Nilofar Suhrawardy
http://www.asianage.com/opinion/oped/231119/ayodhya-land-for-muslims-not-charity.html
FPJ Editorial: NRC countrywide is a bad idea
https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/fpj-edit-nrc-countrywide-is-a-bad-idea
#BoycottNRC: Muslims are calling for Gandhian civil disobedience against a communal citizenship test:Shoaib Daniyal
https://scroll.in/article/944594/boycottnrc-muslims-are-calling-for-gandhian-civil-disobedience-against-a-communal-citizenship-test
Ayodhya verdict's link to Lahore's Shahid Ganj mosque demolition through 80-yr-old Privy Council ruling:TOI
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ayodhya-verdicts-link-to-lahores-shahid-ganj-mosque-demolition-through-80-yr-old-privy-council-ruling/articleshow/72184906.cms
For Ayodhya’s sake:Why we need a tomb of the unknown civilian: Ramachandra Guha
https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/for-ayodhyas-sake/cid/1721362
Supreme Court’s Ayodhya verdict has not upheld the law, nor delivered justice:Abdul Khaliq
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ayodhya-verdict-babri-masjid-demolition-ram-temple-supreme-court-the-way-of-the-majority/
Pragya Thakur: BJP’s Original Sin Was to Make Her an MP:Siddharth Varadarajan
https://thewire.in/politics/pragya-thaku-bjp-narendra-modi-defence-panel
In Kashmir, people’s fears about loss of identity must be addressed:Abhinav Kumar
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/starting-afresh-in-the-valley-kashmir-violence-lockdown/
Ajit Pawar: Jittery within the clan:ZEESHAN SHAIKH
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/who-is-ajit-pawar-ncp-maharashtra-deputy-cm-6132876/
Veterans on TV news have shamed Indian armed forces enough. Time to board out rotten apples:Snehesh Alex Philip
https://theprint.in/opinion/brahmastra/veterans-on-tv-news-have-shamed-indian-armed-forces-enough-time-to-board-out-rotten-apples/324620/?fbclid=IwAR2UJS8g26By0R0IjjyWALqKeiSoHwqvxTvLC23DJgRlWmhmYBXjXHFegfo
Vote mismatch in 347 LS seats: Petition
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/vote-mismatch-in-347-ls-seats-petition/cid/1720761?fbclid=IwAR2J1Tf2F8QJ5WagvU-tRdVsJc4maBOnsBolQN6CdUyymPs-QUY_kEibINs
Why BJP and Amit Shah Are Pushing For Another Round of NRC in Assam:Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty
https://thewire.in/politics/assam-nrc-another-round-bjp-amit-shah
Coup in Maharashtra: Let Us Celebrate the Quiet Burial of ‘New India’:Harish Khare
https://thewire.in/politics/coup-in-maharashtra-devendra-fadnavis
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 9:06 PM).
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment