*11 DEC. 2019: 13 Rabius Sani 1441: Vol: 12, No: 80*
*INDIA- CAB NRC*
Contentious Citizenship Bill that excludes Muslims passed by Rajya Sabha 125-105 votes,to be law soon
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/rajya-sabha-passes-citizenship-amendment-bill-amid-stiff-opposition
Rajya Sabha today passed the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019, amid stiff resistance by the Opposition parties.The Bill was passed by a margin of just 20 votes with 125 members voting in favour of the bill and 105 against it.Earlier, a proposal moved by the Opposition to refer the Bill to a select committee of the House for a proper scrutiny was rejected by almost the similar margin.In the course of the passage of the Bill, all the amendments moved by Opposition members were defeated.Besides BJP, its allies such as JD-U and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the legislation was supported by AIADMK, BJD, TDP and YSR-Congress.The major Opposition parties which voted against the Bill included Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, Left parties, DMK, NCP,BSP, RJD and APP. Shiv Sena abstained from voting and walked out of the House.
Shiv Sena boycotts Citizenship Bill vote in RS
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-bill-shiv-sena-keeps-government-guessing-on-citizenship-bill-vote-talks-tough-2146941?pfrom=home-topscroll
Mumbai: Shiv Sena abstained from the vote on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha, 2 days after voting in favour of the bill in the Lok Sabha citing "national interest". Behind the U-turn from one house to the other is the Sena's new Maharashtra ally Congress, which had made clear its displeasure at the party's support to the bill in Lok Sabha.The walkout by 3 Shiv Sena members brought the half-way mark down, making it easier for the government, which does not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha and needs every vote possible to pass legislation.Shiv Sena had repeatedly said it could vote differently in the Rajya Sabha if Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on the bill was not satisfactory."I have been hearing since yesterday that those who do not support this Bill are anti-national and those who support it are nationalists. We don't need any certificate on our nationalism or Hindutva," the Sena's Sanjay Raut said during the debate in the Rajya Sabha.
‘Muslims in India needn’t worry’: Amit Shah on Citizenship Bill as debate begins in RS
https://www.thestatesman.com/india/muslims-india-amit-shah-citizenship-bill-debate-begins-rs-1502832290.html
New Delhi : Amid objections against the Citizenship Bill, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said it is “a ray of hope for lakhs of persecuted people”.Expressing his concern, Shah in his opening address said it is “unfortunate” that the minorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have not been given a chance to live as equals in their country.“There has been an almost 20 per cent decline each in the population of religious minorities in both Pakistan and present-day Bangladesh. Either they were killed or they fled to India for shelter,” he said.He, however, asserted that the Muslims in India need not be worried over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill while adding that misinformation has been spread that this bill is anti-Muslim.“I want to ask the people how is this bill related to Indian Muslims? They are Indian citizens and will always remain, no discrimination against them,” Shah said.The Home Minister added that no Muslim in India needs to worry as the Narendra Modi government is working according to the Constitution that the minorities get full protection.thestatesman
Sonia calls it a 'dark day', Modi hails ‘landmark day’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajya-sabha-approves-cab-pm-modi-terms-it-landmark-day-sonia-calls-it-dark-6162389/
New Delhi :As the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi termed it the “victory of narrow-minded and bigoted forces over India’s pluralism”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, said the passage of the Bill marks a landmark day for “our nation’s ethos of compassion and brotherhood”. Congress president said: “Today marks a dark day in the constitutional history of India.”“The Bill fundamentally challenges the idea of India that our forefathers fought for and, in its place, creates a disturbed, distorted and divided India where religion will become a determinant of nationhood,” she added. PM Modi, on the other hand, said the Bill shall “alleviate the suffering of many who faced persecution for years”.Calling the Bill an affront to “eternal principles of equality and religious non-discrimination enshrined in our Constitution”, Gandhi said it was ironic that the Bill “has been pushed through at a time when the whole world is celebrating 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.…this flawed legislation is antithetical to the spirit of the freedom movement and violative of the soul of our nation.”“In this moment of anguish, I would like to reiterate the Congress Party’s determination to be relentless in our struggle against BJP’s dangerously divisive and polarizing agenda,”she added.indianexpress
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind to challenge CAB in SC
https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2019/12/11/del156-citizenship%20bill-jamiat.html
New Delhi: Asserting that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is against the basic structure of Constitution, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind said it will challenge the legislation in the Supreme Court. Terming the passing of the Bill in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha a "tragedy", Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani said the bill is against the basic structure of the Indian Constitution and the Jamiat will challenge it in Supreme Court. Madani said that the Jamiat will challenge it in the court because the legislature has not done its job honestly. "Now the judiciary can make a better decision on it. Advocates have been consulted in this regard and a petition is being drafted," he said in a statement. PTI
Jamiat to observe a nationwide day of protest against cab on Dec 13
https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/jamiat-ulema-e-hind-to-observe-a-nationwide-day-of-protest-against-cab.html
Mumbai:At a press conference called by Trinamool Congress Minister and President of the Bengal unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Siddiquillah Chowdhury stated his displeasure against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and informed about the organization's move to take out a massive protest rally in Kolkata against CAB and NRC on Dec13."We will protest against CAB. 13th of Dec will be the protest day throughout the country. We will try our best to make it successful by peaceful ways only. We respect law and order and we will abide by it. This will be done in masjids, whether before or after Friday prayer that has to be decided. It will be done in madrasas and clubs throughout districts as well", said Siddiquillah Chowdhury, the man who has been heading the Bengal unit for the past 38 years.republicworld
Trains cancelled, army deployed,internet suspended as Northeast boils over Citizenship Bill
https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/trains-cancelled-army-deployed-internet-suspended-as-ne-boils-against-citizenship-bill-502143.html?fbclid=IwAR0fof1z2uq-rhQUD1IeKVB1KDHU4WFz9padHys43uTTEc4VIpHEfdzT2Fs
Even as contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, that has been called ‘divisive’ and ‘unconstitutional’ by members of civil society and the intelligentsia, was passed by Rajya Sabha, its ripples have sent the people on the streets in the northeastern flank of the country. Assam turned into a battleground on Wednesday with massive and violent protests across the state against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, but the government pushed contentious legislation through Parliament overruling a vociferous Opposition that alleged it was against the idea of India as a secular nation. As thousands of people including students hit the streets in Assam, police fired rubber bullets and tear gas shells and baton-charged the protesters leaving many of them injured, while curfew was imposed in Guwahati and a clampdown on internet services was announced across several districts of the state.In view of the massive protests against the much controversial Bill in Assam, the Northeast Frontier Railway on Wednesday cancelled many trains and rescheduled a few that originate from the state. As per news agency PTI, at least 14 trains have either been cancelled, short terminated or diverted anticipating "disruptions in train movement," NF Railway Chief PRO said.Out of these, 8 trains have been "completely" cancelled, while the rest have been short terminated, PRO said. Protests erupted across the state since early morning against the Bill. By early afternoon on Wednesday, reports announcing deployment of army in parts of Tripura surfaced on news channels. As of now, Tripura and Assam have already come under prohibitory orders as army personnel have taken to major spots in order to quell protests. Sources attributed by NDTV have confirmed that at least 2 columns have been dispatched to the Kanchanpur and Manu areas of the state, while a third has been sent to Bongaingon in Assam. Notably, one column consists of at least 70 soldiers. The deployment of the army came amid several incidents of violence that have surfaced across the northeastern states. Meanwhile,PTI reported that a 2-month-old ailing child died on way to a hospital when the ambulance carrying the baby got stuck in a road blockade, while about 40 people were injured in clashes in 3 places of Tripura during an 11- hour bandh to protest against the contentious bill. BJP govt in Tripura has suspended Internet service for 48 hours to prevent mischief mongers from spreading rumours in state that witnessed skirmishes between tribals and non-tribals and at least one incident of arson. indiatimes
1,000 detained as anti-Citizenship Amendment Bill protests intensify in Assam
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/anti-citizenship-amendment-bill-assam-protest-1627464-2019-12-11?fbclid=IwAR2M4fCs7A2bXxIqBdjMfd1FGLSaZap8GjyXYN16PxwQIFGonO39nEFjlMI
Protests: Troops shifted from Kashmir to Northeast,
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/amid-citizenship-amendment-bill-protests-paramilitary-troops-from-kashmir-shifted-to-northeast
With the situation in Jammu and Kashmir improving, the Central government is withdrawing paramilitary troops from the valley. But there is a new hotbed of unrest at present. As protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which is being debated in Parliament heat up in the Northeast, 5,000 paramilitary personnel are being sent to the region. Ten companies of CRPF have been moved from Jammu and Kashmir to Assam. According to sources, as many as 20 CRPF companies may be sent to Assam from Jammu and Kashmir. A special train has also been started to help security personnel reach Assam conveniently.freepressjournal
BJP Assam MPs flag fear & confusion in state, say Modi govt pushed citizenship bill too fast
https://theprint.in/india/governance/bjp-assam-mps-flag-fear-confusion-in-state-say-modi-govt-pushed-citizenship-bill-too-fast/333790/
On a day Rajya Sabha debated the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill brought in by the Modi government, and as Assam erupted in violent protests, BJP MPs from the state have raised redflags.MPs from Assam said the bill was creating “confusion” in the state and emphasised that concerns of the ethnic Assamese must be addressed.“Assamese-speaking people feel they will be outnumbered within their own state and Bengali-speaking illegal Hindus will destroy their culture,” said Gauhati MP Queen Oja.“We have to address their concerns.”Tezpur MP Pallab Lochan Das said that, before introducing the bill, the government should have initiated a “large campaign to dispel the misconception that it will jeopardise the identity of Assamese people”. “Now, there is confusion… What happens if a large number of illegal Bengali Hindus get citizenship?” he added.theprint
Who is afraid of Amit Shah? Not Indian Muslims, says Kapil Sibal
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/who-is-afraid-of-amit-shah-not-indian-muslims-kapil-sibal
Launching a bitter attack on Narendra Modi government and Home Minister Amit Shah over the “divisive” and “unconstitutional” Citizenship Amendment Bill, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said that neither Indian Muslims nor anyone else is afraid of the Home Minister or his government.“You (Amit Shah) said a very objectionable thing in the beginning while introducing the bill that there is no need for India’s Muslims to be afraid of this bill. I must tell you (Amit Shah) that Indian Muslims are not afraid of you. Neither am I afraid of you, nor the Muslims nor anybody else,” Sibal said during a debate on Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha.nationalheraldindia
‘Dump it in Bay of Bengal’ — Congress, opposition say court will strike down citizenship bill
https://theprint.in/politics/dump-it-in-bay-of-bengal-congress-opposition-say-court-will-strike-down-citizenship-bill/333845/
New Delhi: Congress Wednesday countered BJP-led NDA government’s Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, saying the proposed legislation will be “struck down in court”.“We, as elected representatives, are abdicating our responsibility,” said Congress Rajya Sabha MP P. Chidambaram.“We are pushing the responsibility to the lap of unelected judges and lawyers who will now decide on its constitutional validity. This is a slap in the face of the Parliament. This law will be struck down in court,” he added. “We oppose this bill not because of political but constitutional reasons,” said senior Congress leader Anand Sharma, who opened the debate for the Opposition. “The bill has been revised but the changes are yet to be scrutinised.” From “thwarting the soul of the Constitution”, “leading to the death of India”, “promoting a fascist Hindu rashtra”, “lack of authentic figures behind the legislation”, “being drawn from Nazi playbook” to being only worth “throwing into Bay of Bengal”, the Opposition parties took the BJP-led government head on over the proposed legislation.
Opposition Leaders Rip through Citizenship Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/opposition-leaders-rip-through-citizenship-amendment-bill-in-rajya-sabha
Huge protest against CAB grips AMU: FIR against students for defying Sec 144
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/huge-protest-against-cab-grips-amu-fir-against-students-for-defying-sec-144
An FIR has been registered against 20 students of AMU in connection with their protest against Citizenship Amendment Bill, and security has been beefed up in the campus, a senior official said on Wednesday.Rapid Action Force has been deployed at the entry points to University campus, where an uneasy calm prevailed. Police on Tuesday night filed a report against 20 student leaders and 500 other unnamed persons for defying prohibitory orders under Section 144 and holding a protest near Faiz Gate in campus.About 25,000 students of the University have started their hunger strike against the Bill, Maktoobmedia.com reported.Civil Lines' Station House Officer Amit Kumar said, "Section 144 has been clamped all over the city and the students had violated this provision by marching up to the University Circle and trying to disturb the peace due to which FIRs have been registered under relevant sections against 20 student leaders." AMU Proctor Prof Afifullah Khan said that on Tuesday evening, students took out a protest march from the University Library up to University Circle.Khan, however, said the march was peaceful. AMU student leaders said that their protests are "totally peaceful" and it is their "democratic right" to raise a voice against the Bill which is not just against the letter and spirit of the Constitution but is designed to polarise Indian people on communal lines and divide the country.Secretary of AMU Teachers Association, Prof Najmul Islam said, "We may not be participating in the ongoing protest on the campus but we are sparing no efforts to persuade all political parties including the ruling party to have a relook at this bill as we foresee a very dangerous fall out of these events not just in the country but in our neighbourhood also".Islam said they are inviting senior political leaders of all national parties for a discussion on ramifications of the bill.Meanwhile, no untoward incident has been reported from the campus on Wednesday, according to an official spokesman of the University.The spokesman said that annual examinations were held as per schedule. Earlier on Tuesday, the protesting students had demanded that the university should postpone annual examinations in view of the protest.PTI
FIR against AMU students for protesting against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/fir-against-amu-students-for-protesting-against-citizenship-amendment-bill/article30274834.ece?homepage=true&utm_campaign=socialflow&fbclid=IwAR00_wL-6rVJsMJvW3Xh43M5nceYHAXLPCUfS2Rl5XXCyDVB6ZEZFy0Z0Cc
Guj activists oppose CAB, say it is aimed at pushing Hindutva
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/national/778253-guj-activists-oppose-cab-say-it-is-aimed-at-pushing-hindutva
Ahmedabad:Some activists from Gujarat have criticised the passage of the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, saying the proposed law will sharpen a communal divide while its real objective is to take forward the agenda of Hindutva. "While the Citizenship Amendment Bill's stated purpose is to offer refuge to persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries, it only applies to a small, very specific group of minorities and countries. It conveniently omits Ahmadis from Pakistan, Rohingyas from Myanmar, and Tamils from Sri Lanka," stated a letter signed by Dev Desai and 230 other activists cum citizens of NGO ANHAD. "This bill is not about protecting refugees, but is instead intended simply to advance the agenda of Hindutva. In turn, law will inflame passions, and sharpen communal divisions all over the country, particularly in Bengal, Assam, and other states of North East," it said.Activists Sheba George, Admiral Ramdas, Cedric Prakash, Shabnam Hasmi of ANHAD, Nirjari Sinha of Jan Sangarsh Manch and Hemantkumar Shah are other signatories to the letter. "Not only will this law contradict the founding values of the Indian republic, but it will also change the character of this nation forever.PTI
On Citizenship Bill, Prashant Kishor Sharpens Attack On Boss Nitish Kumar
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/on-citizenship-bill-prashant-kishor-sharpens-attack-on-boss-nitish-kumar-2147115?pfrom=home-topscroll
7Patna: Election strategist Prashant Kishor appears to be virtually daring his boss, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, to pink slip him. Mr Kishor, whose bond with CM has left him endowed with cabinet minister status in Bihar, today amplified his criticism of Janata Dal United's decision to support the controversial Citizenship Amendment bill that was cleared at midnight by the Lok Sabha. Kishor said on Twitter that Kumar is betraying the trust of Bihar's voters by agreeing to vote for the bill in the Rajya Sabha, where it will be put to vote today.ndtv
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind condemns CAB
https://theindianawaaz.com/jamaat-e-islami-condemns-citizenship-amendment-bill/
New Delhi:Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, JIH has condemned the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in the Lok Sabha.While condemning the passage of the Bill Jamaat chief Syed Sadatullah Hussaini said itis an outcome of a ‘communal mindset’ it is both ‘biased and discriminatory’.As the bill envisages granting citizenship to all foreign immigrants coming from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan except Muslims, it is violative of the cherished “diversity” found in our country and the core values of our Constitution. Differentiating the persecuted aspirants of citizenship based on religion is not only against the basic structure of the constitution but also against humanity and fundamental human values. “This bill is already causing international repercussions that are bound to increase over time. By ignoring the plight of Muslim minorities in countries like Sri Lanka and Burma, the CAB fails the test of its own logic and shows our country bowing before the forces of bigotry and Islamophobia. We appeal to all justice-loving citizens of our country to reject the CAB”, he said theindianawaaz
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind condemns passing of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha
https://twocircles.net/2019dec10/433596.html
Protests against CAB in New Delhi
https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/delhi/protests-cab-capital-1502832151.html
Several organizations have held protests at Jantar Mantar against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. Terming it communal and in sharp contravention to the fundamental rights guaranteed in Article 14, they questioned why minorities from only 3 countries have been given space in the current bill, not other neighboring countries.“The govt has a clear agenda to implement fascist ideology and render Muslim community to second class citizens. They are taking steps to create a Hindu Rashtra through constitutional means bypassing all democratic values,” said advocate Sharfuddin Ahmed, vice-president of SDPI.Hundreds of SDPI workers gathered at Jantar Mantar, raising slogans against the bill and also burnt copies of the bill.thestatesman
‘In golden letters on Jinnah’s grave’: TMC’s Derek O’Brien jibes at PM Modi over CAB
https://www.thestatesman.com/india/golden-letters-jinnahs-grave-tmcs-derek-obrien-jibes-pm-modi-cab-1502832559.html
New Delhi :Trinamool Congress on Wednesday attacked the Narendra Modi-led government at Centre over the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, saying that “India is moving from democracy to dictatorship”. Speaking during a debate on CAB, which was introduced in Rajya Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, TMC’s Derek O’Brien took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the bill.“I read that PM said this will be written in golden letters. I will tell you where it will be written; it will be written on the grave of the father of the nation, but which father of the nation? In Karachi, on Jinnah’s grave,” he said.thestatesman
CAB: Opposition speaking same language as Pakistan, says PM Modi
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/citizenship-amendment-bill-rajya-sabha-pm-narendra-modi-6161284/
No comment on CAB but govts must pursue non-discriminatory laws: UN chief's spokesperson
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/no-comment-on-cab-but-govts-must-pursue-non-discriminatory-laws-un-chiefs-spokesperson/articleshow/72468901.cms
UN chief Antonio Guterres will not comment on India's Citizenship (Amendment) Bill while the domestic legislative process is still underway, his spokesperson has said, stressing the need to ensure that all governments pursue non-discriminatory laws."As far as I'm aware, this is legislation that is continuing to go through the legislative process. So, we wouldn't have any comment while the domestic legislative process is being carried out," Guterres' Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said on Tuesday at the daily press briefing here.Haq was responding to a question on whether the UN Secretary General has any comment on the passage in the Lok Sabha of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which the reporter said discriminates against Muslims."At the same time, you're aware of what our concerns are about making sure that all governments pursue non-discriminatory laws," Haq said.PTI
Why Lankan Tamils, Muslims left out of CAB, ask Kamal Hassan
https://www.siasat.com/why-lankan-tamils-muslims-left-out-cab-ask-kamal-hassan-1758526/?fbclid=IwAR381J8XXVfUyILb4fgOsFA1iOcj4nznReJ_2VS8r-oVsVMUKGr8ru6lVu0
Taking a swipe at Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, actor turned politician and Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan questioned why Sri Lankan Tamils and Muslims were left out of the “genuinely benevolent” legislation. Haasan took to his official Twitter handle and wrote, “Why are Tamils who are subjected to a methodic genocide and Muslims facing discrimination, be excluded from the bill? If it’s a genuinely benevolent bill and not a vote garnering exercise, then why won’t this CAB stop to pick up stranded Tamils and troubled Muslims of Sri Lanka?”siasat
'Why are there protests in northeast if country is happy with CAB?': Ghulam Nabi Azad's counter in rs
https://www.news18.com/news/india/why-are-there-protests-in-northeast-if-country-is-happy-with-cab-ghulam-nabi-azads-counter-in-rs-2420747.html
CAB serves the communal policies of Sangh Parivar, attack on secularism: Kerala CM Vijayan
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2019/dec/10/cab-serves-the-communal-policies-of-the-sangh-parivar-attack-on-secularism-kerala-cm-pinarayi-vija-2074279.html
BJP brought CAB to keep communal pot boiling:legal luminaries
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bjp-brought-cab-to-keep-communal-pot-boiling-say-legal-luminaries
Mumbai: The Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) has kicked up a controversy as it promises citizenship only to religious minorities other than Muslims. According to senior advocate Aspi Chinoy of the Bombay High Court, the CAB is nothing but 'illegitimate' legislation.“This bill undermines the very basis of a secular republic like India. No doubt citizenship is a key part of a republic but if one says that now citizenship would be given on the basis of religion, would not be correct and legal,” said Chinoy, who is an expert in constitutional law. “I believe that this bill has been introduced only to steer political controversy and to keep the communal pot boiling,” Chinoy said. Similar was the opinion of Justice (retd.) P B Savant of the Supreme Court.He said CAB shows the 'anti-Muslim' attitude of the BJP govt.Human rights activist Lara Jesani said CAB shows the 'communal' character of BJP government. She said that the bill is blatantly discriminative.freepressjournal
Govt snatching rights of Anglo-Indians but sheds false tears for minorities in neighbourhood: Congress
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/govt-snatching-rights-of-anglo-indians-but-sheds-false-tears-for-minorities-in-neighbourhood-congress/articleshow/72462728.cms
New Delhi: Accusing the government of snatching the rights of India's "smallest minority community", Anglo-Indians, Congress alleged that the government was shedding "crocodile tears" over the minority communities facing discrimination in neighbouring countries.Lok Sabha passed a Constitution amendment bill on Tuesday to extend reservation to SCs and STs in the Lower House of Parliament and state assemblies by another 10 years, but did not extend the facility to the Anglo-Indian community."While the government shed crocodile tears over the plight of the minorities in the neighbouring countries during the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, they denied the rights of India's smallest minority - Anglo-Indians - next day," Congress leader and MP Manish Tewari said here.PTI
Karnataka: Wakf Board and mosques prepare community for NRC, Census 2021
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/wakf-board-and-mosques-prepare-community-for-nrc-census-2021/articleshow/72464350.cms
Bengaluru:From Aadhaar cards to death certificates, Muslim families in Karnataka are compiling a slew of government documents they plan to keep ready ahead of NRC. There’s a sense of urgency as the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, makes its way through Parliament this week. Many families have approached notaries for affidavits with their family trees to prove kinship. Meanwhile, community leaders, mosques, their jama’ats and several not-for-profits working with Muslims have begun educating people about various documents they need to have in order. Karnataka Wakf Board issued a circular asking mosques to ensure that members of the community organise all required documents before 2021 census begins.Responding to the circular, administrators of various mosques in the state, many of which had already begun organising people, are sharing checklists of necessary documents, including residence proof from or before 1951, land and tenant records, passport, LIC policies and educational certificates, among others, with the community.The community is circulating what it calls a “pre-NRC assessment form” to all Muslims, and mosque administrators claim this helps in preparing a family tree and establish proof of residence and nativity.AB Ibrahim, administrator, Karnataka Wakf Board, in a letter said: “It is proposed to have a register in every masjid containing the details along with documents such as birth certificates, voter ID, Aadhaar, ration and PAN cards, etc. The register shall have all the details, and masjids in cities can also make and store soft copies.”Syed Shafiulla Saheb, president, Masjid-e-Sahaba in Electronics City, while stating there was no clarity yet on what the census questionnaire may seek, said one of the challenges is that many community members are below the poverty line, most of whom are daily wage labourers with neither information nor resources to organise the required documents.TOI
*OTHERS*
SC's new constitution bench to hear in-chamber review petitions against Ayodhya verdict tomorrow
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/petitions-seeking-ayodhya-verdict-review-to-be-heard-by-supreme-court-tomorrow-2147164?pfrom=home-topscroll
https://www.news18.com/news/india/supreme-court-sets-up-new-constitution-bench-to-hear-review-petitions-against-ayodhya-verdict-tomorrow-2420699.html
New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear on Thursday petitions seeking a review of its verdict on the Ayodhya land dispute case. However, these petitions, numbering 18 in all and to be heard by a five-member bench, to be headed by CJI SA Bobde, will be decided in-chamber and not in open court, as is normal procedure. The petitioners include the All India Muslims Personal Law Board and Nirmohi Akhara. As many as 40 civil rights activists have also filed review petitions, even though they were not parties to the original case.The petitioners have stressed they do not look to disturb the peace but add that any peace must be conducive to justice. Muslim petitioners have said, with respect to this case, they have always maintained peace but have been victims of violence and unfair treatment. Their review is part of quest for justice, they said.One of the petitions says the top court's verdict in the case: "Condones serious illegalities of destruction, criminal trespass, and violation of rule of law including damaging the Mosque and eventually destroying it".The hearing on the review petitions will be taken up in the judges' chamber at 1.40 pm on Thursday. The Judges are yet to decide whether to hear review pleas in open court. ndtv/ NEWS 18
Nirmohi Akhara files Ayodhya review plea, wants clarity on role in Ram temple construction
https://theprint.in/india/governance/judiciary/nirmohi-akhara-files-ayodhya-review-plea-wants-clarity-on-role-in-ram-temple-construction/333810/
New Delhi: Nirmohi Akhara, one of the main petitioners from the Hindu side in the Ayodhya title dispute case, filed a review plea in the Supreme Court Wednesday, seeking clarity on its role in the construction of the Ram temple. The Akhara made it clear that it “welcomes” the court’s 9 November verdict that allowed a Ram temple to built on the disputed site in Ayodhya, but said it wanted to challenge certain findings.In its review petition, the Akhara has now sought clarity on the nature of its role and representation in the trust, “to avoid any future disputes”.The petition also makes it clear that the Akhara does not challenge the allotment of an alternate site to Muslims for the construction of a mosque, stating that this was “also a welcome direction to maintain balance and a congenial atmosphere and harmony between the two communities”.theprint
2002 Gujarat riots: Nanavati Commission gives clean chit to Narendra Modi, ministers; points fingers at 3 cops
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nanavati-commission-clean-chit-to-narendra-modi-in-2002-gujarat-riots-6161458/
New Delhi:Nanavati Commission gave a clean chit to then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and his ministers in the 2002 communal riots, in which over 1000 people were killed.“There is no evidence to show that these attacks were either inspired or instigated or abated by any minister of the state,” the commission said in its report, which runs into over 1,500 pages and is compiled in nine volumes.The commission’s final report was tabled in the Gujarat Assembly today, five years after it was submitted to then state chief minister Anandiben Patel. The Commission blamed the police for failing to control the mobs in some places either due to inadequate numbers, or because they were not properly armed. On some riots in Ahmedabad city, the commission observed, “The police had not shown their competence and eagerness which was necessary.”Evidence and testimonies given by three former IPS officers RB Sreekumar,Rahul Sharma, and Sanjiv Bhatt against the Gujarat government were dismissed by the Commission. Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja said Wednesday that a departmental inquiry has been recommended against them.Shortly after the riots, then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi appointed the commission. Initially, it was a one-member commission headed by Justice (retired) KG Shah. However, due to opposition by certain groups, it was made a two-member commission headed by Justice (retired) GT Nanavati as its chairman.
JNU seeks Delhi High Court action against students and police for ‘violating’ court order
https://theprint.in/india/governance/judiciary/jnu-seeks-delhi-high-court-action-against-students-and-police-for-violating-court-order/333762/
JNU has moved the Delhi High Court seeking contempt action against its students and the police for allegedly violating a court order barring protests within 100 metres of the university’s administrative block.JNU, in its plea, has claimed that the students “grossly violated” the August 9, 2017, order of the high court by holding a protest within 100 metres of the administrative block and affecting its day-to-day working, which has been disrupted since October 28.It has also claimed that the police also violated the order by refusing and failing to take action to maintain law and order in the university and remove the blockade around the administrative block.The petition, filed through the central government’s standing counsel Monika Arora, has contended that repeated efforts made by JNU officials to enter the administrative block to perform their duties failed as the agitating students turned violent.PTI
Who can recreate J&K Constituent Assembly, Supreme Court asks Shah Faesal
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/who-can-recreate-jk-constituent-assembly-supreme-court-asks-shah-faesal/article30278405.ece?homepage=true
NEW DELHI:Who is the present day “competent authority” to bring the extinct Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir back to life, Justice Surya Kant, one of the five judges on the Supreme Court’s Article 370 Bench, asked J&K leader Shah Faesal on Wednesday.If the recommendation for abrogation of the special status to J&K has to necessarily emanate from the Constituent Assembly, who has the power to reconstitute it now, the judge repeatedly asked from the Bench led by Justice N.V. Ramana.Constituent Assembly ceased to exist in January 1957 with the coming into being of the J&K Constitution. Before its dissolution, it did not take a decision in favour of abrogation of Article 370 - the constitutional provision which is the fountainhead of the special status and privileges granted to J&K in accordance with the Instrument of Accession.So, Article 370 had survived all these years until it was blunted by a President’s notification on August 5, abrogating the special status and subsequently reorganising the State into two Union Territories. In fact, the proviso to Article 370 (3) required that a recommendation for any change in the special status and privileges should originally come from the Constituent Assembly. The President could not have issued the August 5 notification, which made irreversible changes in the character of the State.“The J&K Constituent Assembly does not exist now... So it could not make any recommendation,” senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, for Mr. Faesal, submitted.“If there is no constituent assembly, then what? Who should be the competent authority to form the J&K Constituent Assembly [to decide on special status to J&K]? Please enlighten us on who is the competent authority to make laws,” Justice Kant asked. “So what are you suggesting? Should there have been a referendum or a concurrence or a consultation?”.thehindu
Jharkhand HC grants bail to six people arrested in Tabrez Ansari lynching case
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/jharkhand-hc-grants-bail-to-six-people-arrested-in-tabrez-ansari-lynching-case
Jharkhand High Court has granted bail to 6 people arrested in connection with lynching of Tabrez Ansari in June.Justice R Mukhopadhyay granted bail to the six after their advocate A K Sahani informed the court that neither their names were mentioned in FIR registered in connection with death of Ansari nor the main accused Papu Mandal had implicated them during interrogation by the police.The advocate told the court that the 6 -- Bhimsen Mandal, Chamu Nayak, Mahesh Mahali, Satyanarayan Nayak, Madan Nayak and Vikram Mandal -- had been in jail since June 25.Ansari was thrashed by a mob on June 17 at Dhatkidih village in Seraikela-Kharsawan district when he and 2 of his associates allegedly tried to enter a house with an intention to commit theft, a senior police officer had said then.PTI
Because of Aadhaar, over one million children in India were denied admission to schools
https://scroll.in/article/946285/because-of-aadhaar-over-one-million-children-in-india-were-denied-admission-to-schools?fbclid=IwAR2W6CBCKEplxPRKss1PrVfYul-NSggbLDrRcq05leZ32GjbhMxqyY8YIMg
More than 75% of school-age children in 5 states were required to provide their Aadhaar – a 12-digit, biometric-based, unique identity number – for school enrolment in violation of a landmark Supreme Court order, as per the State of Aadhaar Report 2019 published on Nov.25. Nationwide, providing Aadhaar during enrolment was made mandatory for about 73% of children, the report said, “Even after the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, many families still need to provide Aadhaar for children’s school enrolment.”Unique Identification Authority of India, which is tasked with the Aadhaar programme, had stated in Dec.2018 that “asking for Aadhaar cards for admissions is not as per the provisions of law” and asked schools to ensure that children are not denied admission for lack of Aadhaar.The apex court, in its judgement in September 2018, had prohibited private organisations and service providers such as schools, banks, insurance firms and telecom companies from demanding Aadhaar data to grant school and college admissions, open bank accounts and give mobile connections, even as it upheld the linking of Aadhaar to permanent account numbers and to beneficiaries’ bank accounts to receive benefits under welfare schemes. Critics of digital ID programme have consistently raised concerns about denial of service as well as highlighted how personal information and biometrics can be used as surveillance tools.An estimated 1.2 billion people, or more than 90% of the country’s population, had the 12-digit number, according to the report. About 103 million people, or 8% of the population, did not. Of this, 75 million, or 73%, were children; one-third of them, or 25 million, were under 5 years of age.scroll/ IndiaSpend Team
Parliament: Send Personal Data Protection Bill to joint select committee, says Centre
https://scroll.in/latest/946506/parliament-send-personal-data-protection-bill-to-joint-select-committee-says-centre
Modi government today proposed sending the Personal Data Protection Bill to a joint select committee of both the Houses of Parliament amid Opposition’s claim that citizens’ right of privacy was being compromised, PTI reported.Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the proposed committee might bring out a report before the Budget session, which is expected to begin in the last week of January.Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who heads Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Technology, protested against the move and said the draft law should be referred to his panel. But Prasad pointed out that the standing committee has other bills to scrutinise while the joint panel would have the sole agenda of looking into the draft data protection law.scroll
India’s growth forecast downgraded from 6.5% to 5.1% by Asian Development Bank
https://scroll.in/latest/946477/asian-development-bank-downgrades-indias-growth-forecast-for-2019-20-from-6-5-to-5-1
Asian Development Bank on Wednesday downgraded its projection for India’s economic growth in the ongoing financial year from 6.5% to 5.1%. It said consumption was impacted due to slow job growth and that the rural sector was in distress due to aggravated poor harvest, PTI reported.“India’s growth is now seen at a slower 5.1% in fiscal year 2019 as the foundering of a major non-banking financial company in 2018 led to a rise in risk aversion in the financial sector and a credit crunch,” the statement read. “Growth should pick up to 6.5% in fiscal year 2020 with supportive policies.”
AP cabinet approves draft law mandating disposal of sexual violence cases in 21 days, death to rapists
https://www.news18.com/news/india/andhra-cabinet-approves-draft-law-mandating-disposal-of-sexual-violence-cases-in-21-days-2420837.html
Andhra Pradesh Cabinet today approved a draft legislation that mandates disposal of cases of atrocities against women within 21 days and handing out the death penalty.The legislation, an amendment to the AP Criminal Law, will be called "AP Disha Act", in memory of the veterinary doctor raped and murdered in neighbouring Telangana recently.Another draft legislation has also been approved, which will pave the way for establishment of special courts to try cases of atrocities against women and children. The two Bills are expected to be tabled in the ongoing winter session of the state Legislature, government sources said. Under the proposed AP Disha Act, death penalty has been prescribed for rape.Where cognizable evidence is established in such cases, amended law prescribes completion of investigation in 7 days and court trial in subsequent 14 days so as to award punishment within 21 days. The existing law permits trial in such cases in four months.PTI
*WORLD*
Aung San Suu Kyi defends Myanmar against genocide allegations
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/myanmar-suu-kyi-stand-genocide-case-hague-191211054254397.html
Nobel peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi has defended Myanmar's military against genocide allegations made at International Court of Justice (ICJ) amid accusations of mass killings, rape and expulsion of the Rohingya Muslim minority.The Gambia, a small West African country, filed the case at the ICJ in The Hague, United Nations' highest court, alleging it violated the 1948 Genocide Convention."Gambia has placed an incomplete and misleading picture of the factual situation in Rakhine state," Suu Kyi said at the UN's top court on Wednesday. "Surely under the circumstances, genocidal intent cannot be the only hypothesis."Can there be genocidal intent on the part of the state that actively investigates, prosecutes and punishes soldiers and officers, who are accused of wrongdoing? Although the focus here is on members of the military, I can assure you that appropriate action will be taken on civilian offenders, in line with due process."She repeatedly termed a bloody crackdown in 2017 as an "internal conflict", saying Myanmar's military was responding to attacks by Rohingya "militants" and armed local groups, such as ARSA.Once a human rights icon who fought against the powerful military for democracy, Suu Kyi has shocked critics and galvanised supporters at home by travelling to The Hague to head her country's delegation. ICJ judges are hearing the first phase of the case until Thursday: The Gambia's request for "provisional measures" - the equivalent of a restraining order - against Myanmar to protect Rohingya population until the case is heard in full.aljazeera
UK braces for critical election called to break Brexit deadlock; polls suggest slim majority for Conservatives
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/uk-braces-critical-election-called-break-brexit-deadlock-191210154113175.html
Britons are set to vote for the third time in four years in a snap poll called to end the political deadlock over Brexit.Voters will flock to polling booths on Thursday from 7am (7:00GMT), braving cold, wet and possibly snowy weather in some regions, to participate in an election that has been dubbed the most important for a generation. The ballot marks the end of a breakneck six-week campaign during which Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn, his main challenger, have battled for support despite both being widely criticised over their leadership credentials.Johnson, 55, has promised a right-wing Conservative government would "get Brexit done" and take the UK out of the EU by the end of January 2020 with his withdrawal agreement, and warned of more "dither and delay" in the event of a Labour victory.Leader of the left-wing Labour Party, Corbyn, 70, has said he would broker a softer divorce deal than Johnson's and put a revised withdrawal agreement to a referendum, alongside the option to remain, within six months. The veteran socialist MP has also promised to reshape UK's economy, with proposals such as income tax hikes for top earners and a nationalisation programme. Meanwehile, Kingdom's political leaders are crisscrossing the country on the final day of general election campaigning, as a key poll showed the outcome could be hanging in the balance.Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour main opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn were set for whistlestop tours on Wednesday of key battleground seats in a frantic last push for votes.aljazeera
Israel must end deadlock by midnight or hold third vote in a year
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/israel-deadlock-midnight-hold-vote-year-191211054603779.html
After months of political turmoil, Israel and its embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday looked to be heading for a third election in a 12-month period unless they can resolve a stalemate before midnight.Chances for a last-minute resolution looked dim after days of mudslinging between Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz, both of whom have repeatedly failed to build a governing majority in the parliament, known as the Knesset.The drama looks set to pit Netanyahu - Israel's longest-serving prime minister now governing in the caretaker role - into another political battle at a time when, weakened by corruption charges, he must fend off internal challengers in his Likud party.aljazeera
US halts military training for Saudi students after shooting
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/pentagon-suspends-training-saudi-students-shooting-191211045146685.html
Training of all Saudi Arabian military personnel in the United States was stopped until further notice after a Saudi airman shot and killed three people last week at a base in Florida.The Pentagon's decision will have far-reaching effects on visiting Saudi personnel, including grounding more than 300 Saudi Arabian military aviation students as part of a "safety stand-down".The Pentagon later on Tuesday said the move would also affect infantry personnel and all other Saudi military training, other than classroom lessons. Such coursework, which includes English-language classes, will continue.aljazeera
UN says unable to verify Iranian weapons used in Saudi oil attack
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/unable-verify-iranian-weapons-saudi-oil-attack-191211054503785.html
United Nations is "unable to independently corroborate" that missiles and drones used in the attacks on Saudi oil facilities in September "are of Iranian origin," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council on Tuesday.The United States, European powers and Saudi Arabia have blamed the September 14 attack on Iran. Yemen's Houthi rebels had claimed responsibility for the attacks, and Iran, which the group is closely aligned to, denied any involvement.Guterres said the UN examined the debris of weapons used in attacks on a Saudi oil facility in Afif in May, on the Abha international airport in June and August and on the Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Khurais and Abqaiq in September.aljazeera
Turkey to host rally for Egyptian prisoners
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-to-host-rally-for-egyptian-prisoners/1669871
A large number of Egyptians and Turkish civil society groups will attend a torchlight march in Istanbul to draw attention to unlawful detentions by the Egyptian regime.The march will start near the landmark Fatih Mosque and end at Sarachane Park.On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the Solidarity Group for Egyptian Prisoners urged people to voice concern over the human rights violations in Egypt, Jerusalem, Gaza, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, East Turkistan and Myanmar."We condemn oppressors all over the world, regardless of their religion, language or race and stand for the freedom of innocent people who are facing oppression," the group said in a statement.The group said thousands of innocent people were killed by the Egyptian regime which overthrew the country's first democratically elected president, Mohammed Morsi -- who was ousted in a 2013 military coup and died this June in the middle of a trial.The number of people, detained in Egypt's prisons, mainly members of Muslim Brotherhood and other political opponents, was estimated to be over 65,000, it added.There are 154 women languishing in prisons across the country, it said.Many people, especially young men, were sentenced to death by the regime, with about 60 of these executions carried out without families being informed.The prisoners, it said, were trying to raise awareness on their "unbearable conditions" by going on hunger strikes from time to time."Prisoners are not allowed to meet with relatives and lawyers, while those who are sick are deprived of receiving medical treatment."Anadolu Agency
UK: Indian-origin doctor convicted of sexual offences against 23 women
https://scroll.in/latest/946490/uk-indian-origin-doctor-convicted-of-sexual-offences-against-23-women
An Indian-origin doctor was on Tuesday found guilty of sexually assaulting 23 women by a court in UK. Manish Shah, a general practitioner, was convicted of 25 counts of sexual assault and assault by penetration.The Old Bailey Court in London heard how Shah used the case of Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie having a preventative mastectomy, before asking a patient if she would like him to examine her breasts, PTI reported.
Bangladesh's war crime tribunal pronounces death sentence for Abdus Sattar:
http://www.newagebd.net/article/93320/rajshahi-war-criminal-abdus-sattar-to-die
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Wednesday sentenced accused Abdus Sattar to death on charge of committing crimes against humanity during the War of Independence in 1971.The three-judge ICT-1 chairman Justice Md Shahinur Islam delivered the verdict in a full court hearing attended by Justice Amir Hossain and Justice Md Abu Ahmed Jamadar.The court asked the prison authorities to produce Abdus Sattar alias Tipu alias Tipu Sultan, 66, of Raninagar in Boalia of Rajshahi city, before the court by 9:00am.Sattar, also a retired assistant professor of Gopalpur Degree College in Lalpur of Natore, was indicted on August 8, 2018 on two counts of crimes against humanity and his trial ended on October 17. newagebd
*views, Articles, FEATURES*
If Parliament passes CAB, India’s constitutional structure will lose its soul:Harsh Mander
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/this-land-is-mine-citizenship-amendment-bill-6160570/
India shall be remade through demographic change, street by street:SHIVAM VIJ
https://theprint.in/opinion/india-shall-be-remade-through-demographic-change-street-by-street/333452/
With 2 bills Shah cements himself as Modi heir: J.P. Yadav
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/with-2-bills-amit-shah-cements-himself-as-narendra-modi-heir/cid/1725795
CAB protests a battle for India – either we are a secular state or we aren’t India at all:YOGENDRA YADAV
https://theprint.in/opinion/cab-protests-battle-for-india-we-are-a-secular-state-or-we-arent-india/333480/?fbclid=IwAR2F0lzyrEkeww16-QAd0iJ78eUkpgqRpFR9TKXVpB131S0FRhEiP9VwFSE
Govt agencies get wide powers to call for personal data in privacy Bill
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/govt-agencies-get-wide-powers-to-call-for-personal-data-in-privacy-bill-6160712/
Liaquat-Nehru Pact: Why Amit Shah May Not Be Right in Mentioning Deal to Justify Citizenship Bill
https://www.news18.com/news/india/liaquat-nehru-pact-why-amit-shah-may-not-be-right-in-mentioning-deal-to-justify-citizenship-bill-2419489.html
Where Do Muslims, Urdu, Owaisi and Tribes Figure in Jharkhand Polls?Mohammad Sajjad, Zeeshan Ahmad
https://www.newsclick.in/where-do-muslims-urdu-owaisi-and-tribes-figure-jharkhand-polls
Stuck in a Time Warp, Madrasas Need Modernisation and to Guard Against Being Branded 'Terror Cradles':Rasheed Kidwai
https://www.news18.com/news/opinion/stuck-in-a-time-warp-madrasas-need-modernisation-and-to-guard-against-being-branded-terror-cradles-2419659.html
*Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 10:02 PM).*
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