19 Jan 2020: 23 Jamadi-1, 1441: Vol: 12, No: 111
*anti-citizenship act stir*
India’s new citizenship law unnecessary: Bangladesh PM Hasina
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-new-citizenship-law-unnecessary-says-sheikh-hasina/article30599102.ece?homepage=true
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bangladesh-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-says-citizenship-amendment-act-nrc-were-not-necessary-but-is-2166346?pfrom=home-topscroll
India’s new citizenship law that aims to give rights to minority communities of Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan was not necessary, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has said.In a newspaper interview, she said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured her that NRC was an internal matter of India that would not affect her people.“We don’t understand why (Indian government) did it. It was not necessary,” Ms. Hasina told Gulf News in Abu Dhabi where she held high-level meetings. The statement is the first by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh since the controversial law, that has triggered protests across India, was cleared by the Rajya Sabha on December 11.During the parliamentary debates, Home Minister Amit Shah repeatedly referred to persecution faced by minority communities, mainly the Hindus, in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan arguing that these groups should get citizenship rights in India. Ms. Hasina distanced her country from the line taken by the Indian government.“It is an internal affair. Bangladesh has always maintained that the CAA and NRC are internal matters of India. The government of India, on their part, has also repeatedly maintained that the NRC is an internal exercise of India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has in person assured me of the same during my visit to New Delhi in October 2019,” she said during the interview.Ms. Hasina’s government has said that minority communities did not leave her country because of persecution and maintained that there is no reverse migration from India either. “But within India, people are facing many problems,” she declared. Hasina highlighted the burden that Myanmar’s Rohingya refugees were placing on her country and said that the continued presence of the million plus Rohingya in Bangladesh would affect security and stability in the South Asian region. In her interview, Ms Hasina also said there has been "no recorded migration from India" to Bangladesh where about 10.7 per cent of total population of 160 million people are Hindus. "No, there is no reverse migration from India. But within India, people are facing many problems," she said. thehindu/ NDTV
‘Don’t understand why’: Bangladesh PM on India’s amended citizenship law
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/don-t-understand-why-india-did-it-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-on-caa/story-fQZrFuSs0yy9OWz0KWY2AK.html
Shaheen Bagh protesters express solidarity with Kashmiri Pandits on exodus day
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kashmiri-pandits-exodusday-migration-refugees-1638294-2020-01-19
New Delhi:Aday after a controversy broke out over a tweet by filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri claiming the January 19 event at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh was aimed at celebrating the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, protestors at the venue have today called for a meeting in solidarity with Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to leave the Kashmir valley in 1990 amid rising Islamic Militancy.This comes after the filmmakers's tweet was countered by the official Twitter handle of the Shaheen Bagh protest on Saturday, wherein the protestors said that the event scheduled on January 19 has no link to the exodus. To commemorate the exodus, the protesters have invited 2 prominent Kashmiri Pandits, performance artist Inder Salim and theatre personality MK Raina to speak to the gathering on this occasion. Mk Raina asserted that the decision of Shaheen Bagh protesters to stand by Kashmiri Pandits shows that those agitating at Shaheenbagh are not exclusive in their approach and also understand the pain of others who have undergone similar experiences in the past, be that the Pandits in Kashmir or Sikhs in Punjab.There is also enthusiasm on the ground among protesters who also resonate the sentiments expressed by Inder Salim and MK Raina, whp were also victims of the Exodus.India Today
Shaheen Bagh protesters make way for stuck ambulance as cops watch
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/watch-shaheen-bagh-protesters-make-way-for-stuck-ambulance-as-cops-watch-1638230-2020-01-19
Several people came to the rescue of an ambulance stuck on Kalindi Kunj road due to the ongoing anti-CAA protest at Shaheen Bagh and blockage of the stretch which is the way to several major hospitals in the city.A CCTV video shared by India Today reporter Tanushree Pandey on Twitter on Saturday showed an ambulance stuck in the middle of the road as a few cops were standing and watching instead of rushing to help the emergency vehicle.The footage then showed one or two men running to make way for the ambulance. A man put one of the barricades on the side, let the ambulance pass and then placed it back.Another video from Saturday shared by Twitter users showed protesters clearing the road for an ambulance to pass through the protest site in Shaheen Bagh.The protesters have also put a banner on the road saying "welcome ambulance" in red bold letters, saying that they will open the road for emergency vehicles.When Mail Today visited the site on Saturday, there were no signs of an end to stalemate. In fact, it appeared that the agitation is getting bigger with preparations on to set up a second tent to accommodate more people. "It gets too crowded on weekends. So we need more space," said Khursheed Alam.indiatoday
Shaheen Bagh Protests: First FIR Filed Against Road Blockade By Protesters
https://www.newsnation.in/cities/delhi-and-ncr/shaheen-bagh-protests-fir-filed-against-road-blockade-by-protesters-251366.html
An FIR has been filed against Shaheen Bagh protests against the CAA. FIR filed by former Delhi Police ACP Ved Bhushan Sharma alleged that the protest is "illegal" and causing immense inconvenience to commuters who are forced to take alternative routes due to the blockade. In his FIR, Sharma alleged that he was threatened by protesters at Shaheen Bagh when he requested them to allow his car to pass through the barricades. "They became agitated and refused to remove the barricades fixed on the road. Some of them raised slogans and threatened to kill me," ex cop alleged.newsnation
“Larger Public Interest”: Government’s new card to weaken the Shaheen Bagh movement
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/flick-past/larger-public-interest-governments-new-card-to-weaken-the-shaheen-bagh-movement
As thousands of women and children brave the winter chill at Shaheen Bagh to protest against CAA, govt now takes on undue ways to suppress the movement.None of the ministers or officials from the government reached Shaheen Bagh as the protest continues for over a month, day and night.The govt only showed attempts to weaken the movement using propaganda.Now govt intends to break the movement by forcing the vacation of Shaheen Bagh in the name of public interest.These women and children brought alive the essence of satyagrah as they silently question the exclusion of muslims in the CAA.Lakhs of people across the country stand in solidarity with Delhi's Shaheen Bagh. Kolkata, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Prayagraj and many other cities are witnessing Shaheen Bagh protests.Despite govt's attempt to weaken the movement, many have come out in support of the women and children at Shaheen Bagh too.nationalheraldindia
Name of Shaheen Bagh, Jamia taken along with India, says Khurshid
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/Name-of-shaheen-bagh-jamia-taken-along-with-india-says-khurshid20200119184932/
Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Sunday said that name of Jamia and Shaheen Bagh is taken along with the name of India these days. He was addressing a gathering at Jamia Millia Islamia university area.ANI
BJP using CAA, NRC to divide people on communal lines:Ex IAS officer Gopinathan
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/bjp-using-caa-nrc-to-divide-people-on-communal-lines-6223852/
New Delhi :After former IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan was detained at Allahabad airport Saturday, allegedly to prevent him from speaking at an anti-CAA rally, he was put on a flight to Delhi. This gave him a chance to visit Shaheen Bagh, where hundreds of women have been protesting against the CAA and NRC for over a month.“They thought that only Muslims would protest, but this is a protest for all communities as it is against the Constitution, the poor of the country, and the Muslims,” he said on stage at Shaheen Bagh.Kerala’s Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac and actor Sushant Singh also made it to Shaheen Bagh, where both addressed protesters Saturday. “The entire country is inspired by the resistance shown by Shaheen Bagh, as CAA is against the Constitution,” said Issac.Calling CAA and NRC ploys of the current government to divide people on communal lines, Gopinathan said “the right to dissent is the essence of democracy and when people stop doing that, it becomes a dictatorship”.indianexpress
Sushant Singh joins CAA protests in Shaheen Bagh: Rebellions have emerged from every Bagh of country
https://www.indiatoday.in/television/top-stories/story/sushant-singh-joins-caa-protests-in-shaheen-bagh-rebellions-have-emerged-from-every-bagh-of-the-country-1638273-2020-01-19?fbclid=IwAR0ZTjf7FQr6Wu1yEsOCE9tekZnf4K-5z5REfW2YsjX5ir2584arWQWpPc4
It is time for the youth and students to come forward and lead the way for everyone to follow, actor Sushant Singh said on Saturday evening as he joined protests in Shaheen Bagh. He also added that the time for 'white-haired people' was over."Unless our voices are heard, and no solution is figured out, I and my family will continue to support you," said Singh, who was accompanied by his wife Molina Singh, while expressing solidarity with the protesting students at Shaheen Bagh. The actor, along with students at Shaheen Bagh were protesting against CAA. Sushant said, "Rebellions have emerged from every 'Bagh' of our country. Once there was Jallianwala Bagh, and now there is Shaheen Bagh. This Bagh has spread such a fire that now there is a Shaheen Bagh in every city of this country."ANI
UP police accused of ‘stealing’ blankets of women CAA protesters at Lucknow's Ghanta Ghar
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-police-accused-of-stealing-blankets-of-women-caa-protesters/article30598986.ece?fbclid=IwAR166SRiYBsmQdAB04MknQnLIL_BAG_Aa9Q6QPoo237xEDPCkxFuRqRlXUU
Lucknow:“Kambal Chor UP Police (Blanket thief, UP police)” was trending on Twitter on Sunday after women protesters holding a sit-in against CAA at Lucknow’s iconic Clocktower accused the police of snatching away their supplies, food items and blankets in night. Protesters posted videos showing policemen carrying away the supplies with them late on Saturday even as those demonstrating at site raised an objection.“Yogi’s police looting things from mothers and sisters. Look how they are looting things from the Clocktower,” Congress worker Sadaf Jafar posted on social media along with a video of the police carrying away the items.Another protester said on Sunday morning, the third day of the protest: “There is no cooperation from the police. They snatched our blankets in the night. They didn’t give us the permission to put up a shelter. They took away all the eatables and blankets arranged by us from home.”Braving the cold and foggy conditions, at least 500 women and children have been holding a sit-in under the Ghantaghar or Clocktower in old Lucknow since Friday.A heavy police force has been deployed at the site. On Saturday evening, RAF too staged a march around the Clocktower.Since Saturday evening, police restricted entry of men into the protest zone, which was dominated by the presence of women raising slogans and holding up banners and placards against CAA and the proposed nationwide NRC. Police said this was done on the request of the women protesters to prevent anti-social elements from sabotaging the demonstration. Additional DCP Vikas Chandra Tripathi said “legal action” would be taken against the protesters for violation of Section 144, which restricts assembly of more than four people,” he told The Hindu, adding there was no question of providing permission to the protesters to hold their sit-in.“Police removed the blankets and the people of the organisation as per law,” he said, urging people not to spread rumours.thehindu
'Kambal Chor' Trends on Twitter as Videos of UP Police 'Stealing' Blankets from Protesters Go Viral
https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/kambal-chor-trends-on-twitter-as-videos-of-up-police-stealing-blankets-from-protesters-go-viral-2463833.html?fbclid=IwAR1jzuq6NYDTNVkZNCuqudfMZAdKwfsOZ79QtpgNaUexZejYbUfzEGWgh7Q
Women beat back cops with anthem
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/women-beat-back-cops-with-anthem/cid/1737089?ref=top-stories_home-template
Prohibitory orders in Lucknow as anti-CAA protests continue
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/prohibitory-orders-in-lucknow-as-anti-caa-protests-continue
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed in Lucknow in view of Republic Day and the Defence Expo and most importantly, the ongoing protests against the contentious CAA.The move to impose the prohibitory orders was taken by Police Commissioner Sujeet Pandey late Saturday night, who said that it had been done to maintain law and order in the coming weeks.IANS
CAA protest: Emergency days were better, says septuagenarian lawyer Shoaib out of Lucknow jail after a month
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/caa-protest-emergency-days-were-better-says-septuagenarian-lawyer-out-of-lucknow-jail-after-a-month/article30599235.ece?homepage=true
Lucknow: The situation during the Emergency in 1975 was “better” than it is today, claimed septuagenarian advocate and activist Mohammad Shoaib on Sunday after spending almost a month in jail in connection with the protests against CAA.After stepping out of the Lucknow district jail, on bail, Shoaib, who also spent time in jail during the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and was part of the Socialist Party, said the situation today seemed worse for dissenters.“The situation during the Emergency was better than this. That Emergency was declared but the situation was not as bad. Back then, when we were taken to jail, we were all kept together and provided B-class facilities,” Mr. Shoaib said. “But here we were locked up with criminals and they tried to harass us in as many ways as they could.”He alleged that during interrogation, a police officer abused him and when he asked him to stop, threatened him that his family “would rot in jail for life.” “Dozagh bana dunga (will make it hell for your family), [he said],” Mr. Shoaib said.While accusing UP police of oppressing the Rihai Manch, an outfit headed by him that provides legal help to victims of hate crimes and those implicated in “false” terror cases, the lawyer said, “We will continue to speak against the oppressive and anti-people policies of the government.”Soon after his release, Mr. Shoaib said his priority would be the release of other protesters still in jail. “We will get them out and then carry forward this movement. This movement won’t stop,” he said.thehindu
Anti-CAA Protest: FIR Filed Against 60 Women For Dissenting in Aligarh
https://www.india.com/news/india/anti-caa-protest-fir-filed-against-60-women-for-dissenting-in-aligarh-3914845/
Aligarh: An FIR has been filed against over 60 unnamed women in Aligarh for allegedly staging protests against CAA. The police said that the protest organised by the women was in violation of Section 144 which was imposed in the district at that time.Anil Samania, Circle Officer (CO) of Aligarh Civil Lines, said, “Some women tried to stage a protest against the CAA and the National Population Register, in violation of Section 144. An FIR has been registered against 60-70 unknown women and we are starting the process of identifying them.”Notably, scores of people from all walks of life protested against the contentious Act, demanding CAA be revoked- on the concern that it makes religion a criterion for granting citizenship, which in turns, violates the spirit of the Indian Constitution. The protests, though have simmered down, are still continuing across India.india
When Parliament makes bad laws, judges end up doing what lawmakers should do: Ex VP Ansari
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jan/18/when-parliament-makes-bad-laws-judges-end-up-doing-what-lawmakers-should-do-former-v-p-hamid-ansar-2091327.html?fbclid=IwAR2FrbNTgsQIzZRSyWSiVfij0RTjUjkD__uG8W8RvKeN_dsHVe6gXOiBlt8
New Delhi: When Parliament makes bad laws, they end up in courts where judges do what the lawmakers should be doing, ex vice president Hamid Ansari said. Addressing an event here, he also said that good laws are made when Parliament and assemblies are not called to endorse the views of the ruler of the day.Ansari lamented that Parliament and assembly sessions have become more of a "ritual"."As we make bad laws, sooner or later they end up in some high court or the Supreme Court and what should have been done by Parliament is being done by judges," he said adding that such a "fault" can be corrected.Ansari also said that for any law or rule to be framed, ample time is needed for discussion but parliament and assembly sessions have today become more of a "ritual" where "you meet, say a few things, stay a few days together and go".The former vice president, who was speaking at the event 'Sansad 2020', stressed that consent of people and expression of wishes of people are essential in a democracy.He also said the consultation process has to be "fair and open" in a democratic system.new indian express
In my opinion, democracy does not exist in India:Writer Asghar Wajahat
https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/writer-asghar-wajahat-india-democracy-caa-nrc-6220866/?fbclid=IwAR2zYt6DiSJOCS2nbPP4XpGJ1ffkBAkfjpbBPyrUQhWrqYtEUQxX6oeBmsE
Asghar Wajahat, 73, the acclaimed Hindi author has said, "Few could have imagined a religiously intolerant India before the felling of Babri Masjid. In the years since, the division of people on the basis of religion has been on rise. Unity, secularism and cross-cultural understanding were at the core of the idea of India when it was being formed, and CAA threatens that. The current govt has changed the Constitution without changing it. Their actions go against Gandhian values but they have co-opted the Mahatma and use him as a shield against anyone who questions them. But who is to blame for it?Left and socialist movements have died because they did not remain connected with the masses. And democracy aisa system hai jahan aadmi tolaa nahin, ginaa jaata hai." Speaking about his book Bheedtantra (2016), he said, "It’s a take on democracy, which, in my opinion, does not exist in India. A democracy is made of thinking, acting individuals whereas bheedtantra is just a bheed, crowd. It acts without thinking, often turning into a mob."indianexpress
Not sure if state resolutions on CAA, NPR can stand scrutiny: MP Jairam Ramesh
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/not-sure-if-state-resolutions-on-caa-npr-can-stand-scrutiny-jairam-ramesh-6223687/
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh on why he chose to write about Indira Gandhi and Nehru, and the reason NDA govt’s NPR is different from UPA’s; says there is no vacancy for Cong president as of now, and warns against the lack of political outreach in Kashmir. Ramesh said, "Citizenship comes under the Central list of the Constitution. It’s interesting. When the land acquisition law was passed by Parliament in 2013, Jaitley actively encouraged states to pass legislation to override the law passed by Parliament. Now, Ravi Shankar Prasad says no state government can pass laws overriding the Parliament law…Strictly speaking, that’s not true because, in the last five years, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana have all passed laws overriding 2013 land acquisition act (LAA). Now the difference is this: LAA is a concurrent subject. Article 254(2) says that on matters in the concurrent list the state government can pass a resolution… I am not so sure whether state governments saying that we will not implement CAA will stand judicial scrutiny. I know that the Kerala government has passed a resolution but it’s a political resolution. Whether it will stand the test of judicial scrutiny, I am not 100 per cent sure."indianexpress
When & If SC Declares CAA Constitutional, It Will Be Problematic for States to Oppose It, Says Kapil Sibal
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/when-if-sc-declares-caa-constitutional-it-will-be-problematic-for-states-to-oppose-it-says-kapil-sibal-2464171.html
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Sunday asserted that every state assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek the CAA's withdrawal, but if the law is declared constitutional by the Supreme Court then it will be problematic to oppose it.His remarks came a day after he had said there is no way a state can deny the implementation of the CAA when it is already passed by the Parliament."I believe CAA is unconstitutional. Every State Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek its withdrawal. When and if the law is declared to be constitutional by the Supreme Court then it will be problematic to oppose it. The fight must go on!" Sibal said in a tweet.His remarks on CAA at Kerala Literature Festival on Saturday had caused a flutter as several non-BJP governments, including Kerala, Rajasthan, MP, West Bengal and Maharashtra, have voiced their disagreement with CAA as well as NRC and NPR.PTI
If CAA remains on statute book, there will be consequences if not obeyed: Salman Khurshid
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/salman-khurshid-citizenship-act-congress-centre-supreme-court-6223982/
New Delhi :A day after senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said it would be “unconstitutional” for state governments if they don’t implement the Citizenship law, another Congress veteran and former Union minister Salman Khurshid also echoed his remarks. Khurshid said if the Supreme Court doesn’t interfere in the matter, the “CAA will remain on the statute book and there will be consequences if not obeyed”.“If the SC doesn’t interfere it’ll remain on the statute book. If something’s on the statute book, you have to obey the law, else there are consequences,” Khurshid said.indianexpress
After Kerala Challenges CAA In Top Court, Upset Governor Demands Report
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kerala-governor-hits-out-after-state-challenges-caa-in-supreme-court-2166405
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has demanded a report from the state government after it challenged the citizenship law in the Supreme Court earlier this week, sources said. Governor, who is at loggerheads with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's government over the implementation of the CAA, in the state, said it was "improper" that he was not informed of the decision.ndtv
After Kerala, Punjab, Maharashtra may Pass Anti-CAA Resolution
https://caravandaily.com/after-kerala-punjab-maharashtra-may-pass-anti-caa-resolution/?fbclid=IwAR1AaLSF8sDiEFAmOmwGs69QDkGNMhtqZ8GvYIyQApUtzwZPyEm3OaQDGSE
After Kerala and Punjab, Uddhav Thackeray government may pass a resolution against CAA in Maharashtra assembly.Congress spokesperson Raju Waghmare said: “Our senior party leader Balasaheb Thorat has also shared his stand on CAA. Even Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has said that we are against CAA. As far as the resolution against CAA is concerned, our senior leaders of MVA will sit together and decide.”caravandaily
Rajasthan to bring in Assembly resolution against implementation of CAA in State
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rajasthan-to-bring-in-assembly-resolution-against-implementation-of-caa-in-state/article30599783.ece?homepage=true
Congress-ruled Rajasthan has decided to bring in an Assembly resolution against the implementation of CAA in the State in the budget session beginning on January 24.The resolution is likely to be passed on the very first day of the session, government sources said.PTI
After Punjab, Now Congress Plans to Bring Anti-CAA Resolutions in Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh
https://www.india.com/news/after-punjab-congress-plans-to-bring-anti-caa-resolutions-in-rajasthan-madhya-pradesh-chhattisgarh-3914815/
Modi, Shah can end CAA protests by assuring people NRC won’t happen: Shashi Tharoor
https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/modi-shah-can-end-caa-protests-by-assuring-people-nrc-wont-happen-shashi-tharoor/1828072/
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said that protests against the amended citizenship law can be ended if Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah declare that they will not bring NRC and will not ask the birth-place of parents of people under the NPR.financialexpress
BJP ‘Pressure’ on Dalit Leaders to Support CAA:Dalit leader Punia
https://caravandaily.com/bjp-pressure-on-dalit-leaders-to-support-caa-says-punia/
New Delhi:Congress MP and Dalit leader PL Punia has slammed Dalit parties like BSP of Mayawati for supporting Modi government on the citizenship issue. Former Union minister Tariq Anwar said the CAA was a well-thought-out conspiracy of Modi government to create a religious divide in the country.Anwar’s All India Qaumi Tanzeem and Punia’s Dalit-Muslim Adhikar Manch organised a joint press conference here to extend support to the ongoing protests across the country and demand withdrawal of the religiously discriminatory citizenship law.Both leaders expressed the hope that the Supreme Court would give due consideration to the ongoing protests against the CAA when the related petitions are heard and decided on.Punia, former chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled Castes and an ex-IAS officer, came down heavily on the Dalit leaders and their parties that are in cahoots with Modi govt on the CAA and NRC. Without taking names of Union ministers Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP and Ram Das Athawale’s RPI, he said they have been under pressure from the BJP to back the government steps.Caravan Daily
BJP Trying to Turn India into Hindu Pakistan: Yogendra Yadav
https://caravandaily.com/bjp-trying-to-turn-india-into-hindu-pakistan-yogendra-yadav/
Hyderabad:Swaraj India president and activist Yogendra Yadav said BJP was trying to ensure a “Hindu Israel, a Hindu Pakistan” in the name of CAA.He was speaking at the interactive session on ‘Citizenship Constitutionality and Social Justice:CAA-NRC-NPR and beyond’ in Hyderabad on Friday.Yadav further said, “After the successful demonstration of democracy and the precedent of unity in diversity for 70 years and at a time when Europe and the rest of the universe are willing to accept our idea, we are giving the impression that there is a fault in our model and leaving it for a model which was discredited in Europe.”caravandaily
Yashwant Sinha: No one trusts this govt which is trying to humiliate Muslims by excluding them
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/yashwant-sinha-no-one-trusts-this-govt-which-is-trying-to-humiliate-muslims-by-excluding-them
Now on a journey against CAA-NPR-NRC, that started in Mumbai on January 9 from the spot where Mahatma Gandhi had landed on his return from South Africa, and which will culminate at Raj Ghat on January 30, the anniversary of Gandhiji’s assassination, the 82-year old Yashwant Sinha spoke to ANNAPURNA JHA on a range of issues.Sinha accuses the government of imposing an undeclared Emergency to crush peaceful protests against CAA-NPR-NRC, with the communal motive to divide the country. “Today I am an old man of 82 years. However, for me the journey never ends!” he exclaims. Because it is divisive and flawed. It is almost impossible for anyone to prove religious persecution for 10, 20 or 50 years. I can still understand the urge to accommodate illegal migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh because they were once part of India. But why Afghanistan? And why notminorities from Saudi Arabia and Iran? Why not Tamils from Sri Lanka, Buddhists from Tibet and Rohingyas from Myanmar?nationalheraldindia
Indian Americans to Protest in 30 US Cities on 26 Jan against CAA-NRC, Police Brutalities
https://caravandaily.com/indian-americans-to-protest-in-30-us-cities-on-26-jan-against-caa-nrc-police-brutalities/
Washington: Thousands of Indian Americans along with American civil rights activists will mark Jan.26, India’s Republic Day as a “Day of Action” with protests in 30 cities across US.The protests, organized under the banner “Coalition to Stop Genocide,” come in the wake of the Indian government’s relentless undermining of India’s pluralist and secular Constitution.The protests are intended to call on Congress as well as Trump administration to censure India for passing the discriminatory “CAA,” and its continuing attacks on religious minorities and the caste oppressed. The human rights crisis in India has reached a boiling point with Genocide Watch issuing a formal genocide alert for India on Jan.7, in the wake of passage of CAA.The participating organizations and individuals in this international campaign seek to urge US State Dept to heed the recommendation of US Commission for International Religious Freedom and impose sanctions on India’s Home Minister Amit Shah. The rallies are intended to also urge the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to include India in the list of 10 countries guilty of severe religious freedom violations.caravandaily
Bengaluru: 4k women protesters step out for ‘second freedom struggle’
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/4k-women-protesters-step-out-for-second-freedom-struggle/articleshow/73363766.cms
Bengaluru: At least 4,000 women gathered at Eidgah-E-Jadeed on Tannery Road on Saturday to stage a protest against CAA, NPR and NRC. They called it ‘the second freedom movement’. The massive all-women crowd sang patriotic songs and called for solidarity with protesters across the country and with students of JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia and other colleges.Kanaka Chavan, a designer, told TOI the continuous struggle is unreal. “How is the government dismissing such a widespread movement as an Opposition tool? They are underestimating the power of people’s logic and overestimating Opposition’s grasp. They must stop being in denial and see the reality,” said Kanaka, who took half-day leave from work to participate in the protest.Some like Amreen and Sara, both homemakers, left behind their children as young as two, to lend their voice to the stir. “We might be perceived to be conservative, but here we are stepping outside our homes, protesting for what is right,” said Sara.TOI
Jaipur’s Shaheen Bagh act: Women surge in scores to stir against CAA
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/jaipurs-shaheen-bagh-act-women-surge-in-scores-to-stir-against-caa/articleshow/73363877.cms
Jaipur continues to live its Shaheen Bagh moment at the iconic Albert Hall. The series of ongoing protests happening every day since January 5, scaled up on Saturday with over 5,000 turning up for an all-women protest in the city. The anti-CAA-NPR-NRC agitation was led by student leaders from Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI), AMU and JNU, along with local leaders.JMI’s student Ayesha Raina, who became the face of Jamia protests for facing a baton while saving a man, stormed the audience with her fierce speech laced with poetry and slogans. She urged Jaipur’s women to stand like a rock against the ‘divisive’ and ‘draconian’ citizenship law, like the women in Shaheen Bagh.“Dear sisters and mothers, those who say we are creating chaos on the roads, you tell them that you are scripting history by fighting for protecting the basic tenets of our Constitution. Continue this fight till we succeed,” said Raina.AMU’s Wardha Beg clad in a burkha asked the protesting women to never hesitate in raising their voices against injustice. “I am proud of the fact that Muslim women are at the fore safeguarding the very ethos of our country. Our PM, Modi has said that protesters can be identified by their clothes, which should be taken as a badge of honour,” said Beg.The protesters — comprising toddlers, students, housewives and grannies — made their way from the narrow alleys of the Walled City, braving the cold, with temperature being close to 18 degree Celsius. Most of these women were in hijab or burkha holding banners and the national flag, while actively reciprocating to the call of slogans and applauded the speeches. AIMPLB member Yasmeen Farooqui, who was one of the main speakers, was spellbound to see the huge attendance of women.TOI
Young lawyers, women, students in Assam stand against CAA
https://www.deccanherald.com/national/east-and-northeast/young-lawyers-women-students-in-assam-stand-against-caa-796153.html
Advocates’ Association for Indigenous Rights of Assamese (AAIRA), which was formed recently also moved a petition in the Supreme Court on Jan.10 challenging the constitutional validity of the amended act. "Large scale illegal immigration from Bangladesh over several decades has been altering the demographic complexion in Assam. It poses a grave threat both to the identity of the Assamese people as well as to national security. No other state has ever faced such illegal immigration like Assam since independence. Now the CAA will further aggravate the situation and indigenous identity of Assamese will go extinct," said a statement issued by the association.PTI
'Hum kagaz nahin dikhayenge' comes true in MP as Muslims in Neemuch refuse to show documents
https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/hum-kagaz-nahin-dikhayenge-comes-true-in-mp-as-muslims-in-neemuch-refuse-to-show-documents-504526.html
As the protests against the CAA continues to mount across the nation, there are several examples of courage and defiance, in line with Mahatma Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement, that are unfolding from all parts of the country. Lyricist and comedian Varun Grover had come up with an anthem of sorts against the CAA/NRC/NPR, “Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge” and since then several protests have witnessed its recital by thousands of people. Now, it has come to light that Muslims in Neemuch and surrounding districts of MP have refused to show their identity papers such as the Aadhar card to government officials for ration cards and availing food eligibility slips. indiatimes
Ahmedabad: CEPT students wear black bands at convocation to protest CAA
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/ahmedabad-cept-students-wear-black-bands-at-convocation-to-protest-caa-6223753/?fbclid=IwAR0JGaGPVwjTyJSBNkD355pzW67nv2kTVTAANveW_lNQKGgpFNPdV2-cco8
Ahmedabad :In a symbolic, silent protest against the new citizenship law, scores of students graduating from CEPT University, Ahmedabad, wore black armbands at the university’s 14th convocation ceremony on Saturday. The bands were a mark of not only registering the students’ opposition to CAA, but also one of solidarity with students who have been assaulted across the country.One Fahad Zuberi, who received his degree for completing a M.Arch on Saturday, said, “Initially we had 10-20 participants, but by the time of the ceremony, 30-40 students had tied the bands of their own volition. We had informed the college administration via email nearly three days ago. The authorities had responded positively keeping in mind our individual rights, while also stating that the convocation is a solemn ceremony. Being a part of the educated society, we are in solidarity with all the students who have been assaulted. We are also opposing CAA because it is discriminatory not only along religious lines, but is bound to affect everyone, even the elite.”indianexpress
‘Such an event can't be held in UP now’: Activist Sandeep Pandey at Kerala anti-CAA rally
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/such-event-cant-be-held-now-activist-sandeep-pandey-kerala-anti-caa-rally-116335
After being detained in his house multiple times and stopped from taking part in the most peaceful protests, social activist Sandeep Pandey said he could finally breathe in freedom when he came to Kerala. The activist from Uttar Pradesh was taking part in 'We, People' movement in Thiruvananthapuram, organised by a collective of people for safeguarding the values of the Indian Constitution.“I can tell you such kind of a programme cannot be organised in UP today. We, as you know, have faced the most severe repression from UP government during anti-CAA and anti-NRC protests, at the time nationwide protests were being held on Dec.19,” Sandeep Pandey said.He spoke about the protests in Lucknow where ‘masked men made to dress up as Muslims’ began arson and looting, and innocent protestors and activists were arrested. “One of the people who were taken to jail that day was Congress spokesperson Sadaf Jafar. She had asked the police why they were not doing anything to prevent the arson and looting but arresting the peaceful protestors instead,” Sandeep said.thenewsminute
Sitharaman: In last 6 yrs, 2,838 Pak refugees, including Muslims, were given citizenship
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/adnan-sami-citizenship-nirmala-sitharaman-chennai-6224379/
Reacting to allegations by Opposition that the recently amended Citizenship law was discriminatory against a particular minority community, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said 566 Muslims from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan were given citizenship till 2014. Dishing out numbers at an event in Chennai, Sitharaman said 391 Afghanistani Muslims and 1,595 Pak migrants were given citizenship from 2016 to 2018.indianexpress
Raza Murad on CAA: Did you not give citizenship to Adnan Sami? Singer reacts
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/raza-murad-on-citizenship-amendment-act-caa-adnan-sami-6224217/
New Delhi :Actor Raza Murad is one of latest personalities to share his opinion on CAA. The actor stated that government should not treat someone in the name of religion and the law should be equal for all.“I have no objection to the law. But it should be equal for all. In our constitution, every citizen has equal right. But my point is that this law is against our constitution. You cannot treat anyone in the name of religion,” the actor told India Today in an interview. He further stated an example of how singer Adnan Sami was given Indian citizenship.indianexpress
Mosques in Hassan get threat letters defending CAA, asks Muslims to convert to Hinduism
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2020/jan/19/mosques-in-hassan-get-threat-letters-defending-caa-asks-muslims-to-convert-to-hinduism-2091492.html
Hassan: Presidents and secretaries of various mosques received threatening letters in Hassan district on Saturday. The letters questioned their integrity and loyalty to the nation and defended the controversial CAA and NRC and lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.Secretaries of mosques in Hassan, Arsikere, Sakleshpur and Belur received such anonymous letters. Interestingly, the letters had the address of Bellari MLA Somashekara Reddy and Vijayanagara MLA Anand Singh. The letter also asked the people of a particular community to convert to Hindu religion.newindianexpress
Prakash Amdebkar-led VBA calls for bandh in Maharashtra
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/prakash-amdebkar-led-vba-calls-for-bandh-in-maharashtra/article30599996.ece?homepage=true
Mumbai:Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) has called for a bandh across Maharashtra on January 24 to protest against CAA, NRC and the “wrong” economic policies of the Centre.Talking to reporters here on Sunday, VBA leader Prakash Ambedkar alleged that there was unrest in the country over the CAA, which the Centre was trying to implement forcibly. “The country is on the path of economic bankruptcy. Due to demonetisation and GST, coupled with atmosphere of mistrust in the country, the government is not getting revenue. The economic policies of the Centre are wrong,” he alleged.PTI
Baghel Hints at Rift Between PM Modi and Amit Shah over New Citizenship Law, NRC
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/bhupesh-baghel-hints-at-rift-between-pm-modi-and-amit-shah-over-new-citizenship-law-nrc-2463155.html
Raipur: Hinting at divergent views of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah regarding NRC and CAA, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday said that there is a conflict between the two and it is taking a toll on the country."Amit Shah says that CAA, NPR and NRC are part of a chronology, while PM Modi says the NRC will not be implemented. The question is who is saying the truth and who is lying. There seems to be a conflict between the two leaders and the country is suffering because of that," Baghel was quoted as saying by the ANI.news18
CPI(M) to launch door-to-door campaign to explain link between CAA, NPR, NRC
https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/cpim-to-launch-door-to-door-campaign-to-explain-link-between-caa-npr-nrc-5085901.htm
CPI(M) will soon launch a nation-wide house-to-house campaign to explain to the people, the 'link' between the CAA, NPR and NRC, party general secretary, Sitaram Yechury said.The intense campaign will take place all over the country, he said while briefing media about 3-day central committee held in Kerala.PTI
*J&K AND S. ASIA*
Kashmir’s trade body demands removal of NITI Aayog member for ‘dirty films’ remark
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/niti-aayog-member-kashmir-internet-kcci-dirty-films-6224566/
Srinagar :Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) – an apex trade body — on Sunday condemned NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat’s reported remarks that Union Territory’s economy was not significantly affected by the internet suspension and the data service was only used to watch “dirty films”, and demanded his immediate removal. “We condemn these remarks. They are spreading venom against the people of Kashmir. Nobody gives him the right to speak like this about the people of Jammu and Kashmir and utter this nonsense against us,” KCCI president Sheikh Ashiq told PTI.Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the annual convocation at DA-IICT in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, , Saraswat said, “What difference does it make if there’s no internet there (Kashmir)? What do you watch on internet there? What e-tailing is happening there? Besides watching dirty films, you do nothing there.”Ashiq said the whole world knows that the Valley is suffering due to the internet shutdown and the losses to the business sector here have amounted to over Rs 18,000 crore in the past nearly six months.“We at the Chamber know that our economy has been deeply affected by the suspension of internet services. Every sector of our economy has suffered a great deal. If any person says something like this, it speaks a volume about his mind capacity. He has no right to sit in NITI Aayog,” he said.KCCI recently submitted a detailed report about the business losses in the Kashmir valley to Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu and Union minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal as well as MoS PMO Jitendra Singh.PTI
VK Saraswat, India’s top scientist who thinks Kashmiris use internet only for ‘dirty films’
https://theprint.in/india/vk-saraswat-indias-top-scientist-who-thinks-kashmiris-use-internet-only-for-dirty-films/351812/
NITI Aayog Member Apologises Over His ‘Dirty Films’ Remark on Kashmiris
https://www.india.com/news/india/was-quoted-out-of-context-niti-aayog-member-apologises-over-his-dirty-films-remark-on-kashmiris-3914761/
New Delhi: Facing flak over his comment on internet ban in Kashmir, NITI Aayog member Vijay Kumar Saraswat on Sunday asserted that he has been quoted out of context and and apologised to those hurt by the ‘misquotation’.“I have been quoted out of context. If this misquotation has hurt the feelings of the people of Kashmir, I apologise and would not like them to carry this impression that I am against the rights of the Kashmiris to have internet access”, news agency ANI quoted the NITI Aayog member as saying.india.com
NIA to investigate Davinder Singh's ISI connection after probe reveals his frequent visits to Bangladesh
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nia-to-investigate-davinder-singh-s-isi-connection-after-probe-reveals-his-visit-to-bangladesh-1638287-2020-01-19
Chandigarh:After formally registering a case against suspended DSP Davinder Singh, Hizbul Commander Naveed Babu and others, NIA will probe the tainted cop to establish his suspected decade-long connection with Pakistan's ISI.Davinder Singh, posted as the deputy superintendent of police, was arrested last weekend along with Naveed Babu, self-styled district commander of banned Hizbul Mujahideen, a new recruit Atif and an advocate Irfan Mir. The four were caught with arms and ammunition while they were travelling in a car near Qazigund on the national highway in south Kashmir.After receiving orders from Union Home Ministry, NIA has re-registered this case and started the investigation, an official spokesman said.indiatoday
‘Internet only in name’: Low speed irks Jammu and Kashmir youth a day after services resumed
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/internet-only-in-name-low-speed-irks-jammu-and-kashmir-youth-a-day-after-services-resumed/story-2tfEGMtmWsK5K0OVDgWQnK.html
Srinagar:People were relieved with the restoration of prepaid mobile services across Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday but wanted full restoration of internet services on postpaid phones, marred by low-speed 2G data services.“Common people are relieved with the start of prepaid services and many students and professionals can now access their emails and e-banking websites after 2G was restored on postpaid mobile services,” said Aijaz Ahmad, a private employee of Bandipora. Kupwara and Bandipora are 2 districts of north Kashmir along with the 10 districts of Jammu where the internet was restored on postpaid phones after more than a 6-month-long ban. However, the low speed remains a sore point. “My mail is working on my mobile but social media have been barred. The speed is very low. If the authorities have problems with social media, let them at-least restore the internet fully,”he said.2G internet connectivity announced on Saturday is only for “whitelisted” websites identified by the government and doesn’t include social media. Muzaffar, a student in the frontier district of Kupwara, was very annoyed with the low speed.HT
Smriti, Goyal, Shankar Prasad among 36 Union ministers to visit J&K to raise awareness on benefits of scrapping Article 370
https://www.firstpost.com/india/smriti-irani-piyush-goyal-ravi-shankar-prasad-among-36-union-ministers-to-visit-jammu-and-kashmir-to-raise-awareness-on-benefits-of-scrapping-article-370-7926981.html
In an attempt to raise awareness about the benefits of abrogating Article 370, Centre plans to send 36 Union Ministers to Jammu and Kashmir. On Saturday, Union Ministers Arjun Meghwal, Ashwini Choubey and Jitendra Singh landed in Srinagar. On Sunday, Smriti Irani will visit Katra and Panthal areas of Reasi district, while Piyush Goyal will be in Srinagar, PTI has reported.As a part of the programme, the 36 Union Ministers are also scheduled to hold 60 meetings at various places in the Union Territory and speak to people on the theme of development, Principal Secretary to the Jammu and Kashmir government Rohit Kansal told reporters.firstpost
Azad must prove his allegation or step down as leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha: Altaf Bukhari
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/azad-must-prove-his-allegation-or-step-down-as-leader-of-opposition-in-rajya-sabha-altaf-bukhari/articleshow/73360904.cms
Former PDP leader Altaf Bukhari on Saturday slammed Ghulam Nabi Azad for his reported comments that some Congress leaders were being threatened with false cases to get them to join the emerging third front in Jammu and Kashmir and said he is ready to leave politics if former Chief Minister proves his allegation.He said that Azad should prove his allegation or else step down as leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha."It is very unfortunate. Azad is such a senior leader but his comment is childish. If he proves his allegation, I am ready to leave politics else he should take moral responsibility and step down. He is the leader of opposition," Bukhari told ANI.ANI
*OTHERS*
RSS to declare Hindu rashtra, PM, Prez,CMs will be Brahmins only, women, Shudras will not get right to vote, claims WhatsApp message; police lodges FIR
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/whatsapp-message-claims-rss-declaring-hindu-rashtra-panchkula-police-lodges-fir-6223655/
Panchkula Police has registered an FIR against unknown persons regarding the circulation of a WhatsApp message claiming that RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has formulated a new constitution which will only be based on Hindu religion as India has been declared a Hindu Nation. FIR has been registered on complaint of an RSS worker, identified as Ishwar Jindal resident of Sector 9. FIR was registered at Sector 5 Police Station of Panchkula on Friday and it does not mention the name of any suspect.According to FIR, the alleged message states that “legislature and the executive bodies will be formed on the basis of caste. Government jobs will also be given only on the basis of caste. Women will have no rights. The caste Brahmin and the animal – cow will be declared the purest. India will only be called ‘Hindustan’. This Hindustan will have a saffron flag and its national anthem would be ‘Vande Matram’. This constitution will be implemented from the upcoming Hindu calendar’s New Year dated March 21. On the basis of caste, first, second, third and fourth class citizens will be described. Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity, Parsi as well as Muslims etc, will be categorised as fourth class citizens. Scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, backward castes (yadav, Jatt, Gujjar, Kurmi, Kumar, Nai, Kayasth, Punjabi) etc will also be included in this category. Prime Minister, President and Chief Minister of States will be Brahmins only. Women and Shudras will not get the right to vote.”indianexpress
RSS believes in Constitution, not any other ‘power center’;Bhagwat
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rss-believes-in-constitution-and-doesnt-want-any-other-power-center-says-mohan-bhagwat-6224336/
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday reiterated that the Sangh considered 130 crore people of the country as “Hindus” while saying that the outfit believed in the Constitution and not any other “power center”.“When workers of RSS say that this country belongs to Hindus and 130 crore people are Hindu, it doesn’t mean that we want to change anyone’s religion, language or caste…We don’t want any power center other than the Constitution because we believe in it,” Bhagwat said.indianexpress
'Country's real problem is unemployment, not population': Owaisi picks holes in Bhagwat's 'two children policy
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-country-s-real-problem-is-unemployment-not-population-owaisi-picks-holes-in-bhagwat-s-two-children-policy-2809937'
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's "two children policy", citing that the country's major problem is unemployment, not population.H e further asserted that Bhagwat's call for the aforementioned policy was to control the Muslim population, claiming that RSS has always maintained this stand on the community. Taking a dig at Bhagwat's proposed policy, he said, "Shame on you! I am having more than two children and several BJP leaders have more than two children. RSS has always maintained that the Muslim population has to be controlled. This country's real problem is unemployment, not the population". dnaindia
India says no meeting with Malaysia in Davos as palm row simmers
https://in.reuters.com/article/us-india-malaysia/india-says-no-meeting-with-malaysia-in-davos-as-palm-row-simmers-idINKBN1ZI0DW
India’s trade minister will not meet with his Malaysian counterpart in Davos next week because of his tight schedule, an Indian trade ministry official said on Sunday, as a spat simmers between the top buyer of palm oil and its biggest supplier.Hindu-majority India has repeatedly objected to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaking out against a new citizenship law which critics say discriminate against Muslims. Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, is the second biggest producer and exporter of palm oil and India’s restrictions on the refined variety of the commodity imposed last week have been seen as a retaliation for Mahathir’s criticism of New Delhi.A Malaysian government spokesman said on Friday that trade ministers from India and Malaysia could meet on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos.Reuters
Bal Thackeray Agreed to Give More Building Rights to Mosques to Stop Namaz on Roads:Sanjay Raut
https://www.news18.com/news/india/bal-thackeray-agreed-to-give-more-building-rights-to-mosques-to-stop-namaz-on-roads-says-sanjay-raut-2463573.html
Mumbai: Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray asked government to grant more FSI (floor space index) to mosques when he was told that Muslims are forced to offer namaz on roads because of lack of space, Sena MP Sanjay Raut said on Saturday. Speaking at an event at Belgaum in Karnataka, Raut said if religion became the basis of government, "India would become anothe Pakistan".Thackeray, late Sena patriarch, was known for aggressive Hindutva politics." Balasaheb Thackeray was highly critical of namaz being offered on roads in Bandra, Bhendi Bazar (in Mumbai). He called representatives of the Muslim community and asked how it can be stopped," Raut said."He was told that Muslims don't have any other place to offer prayers. Muslim leaders said the state government should give additional FSI (building rights) to mosques, and Balasaheb agreed,"Raut recalled.FSI denotes how much construction is permissible per square unit of land."Today, namaz is not offered on roads and traffic is not blocked," the Sena leader said.Raut also claimed that the Sena always believed that Muslims need to become part of the mainstream of society.PTI
Kerala: Muslim groups plan to regulate use of loudspeakers in mosques
https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2020/jan/19/muslim-groups-plan-to-regulate-use-of-loudspeakers-in-mosques-2091393.html
Malappuram: Various muslim organisations in state have come forward with a call to regulate use of loudspeakers in mosques, be it for namaz calls or other religious programmes, including speeches and meetings. To take a final call on the matter, Muslim Service Society (MSS) will hold a meeting of various Muslim organisations in Kozhikode next week. TK Abdul Kareem, Muslim Service Society state general secretary, said that the representatives of various religious groups, including EK Sunnis, AP Sunnis, Mujahid and Jamaat-e-Islami, will take part in meeting. According to MSS, the firm stand earlier taken on the matter by Panakkad Syed Hyder Ali Shihab Thangal, state chief of IUML and vice-president of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, and C Muhammed Faizy, state Haj committee chairman, had inspired it to organise the meeting. Explaining the agenda of the meeting, Abdul Kareem said it is aimed at taking a decision to bring in regulation on the use of loudspeakers in mosques. new indian express
Kerala mosque hosts Hindu wedding
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/kerala-mosque-hosts-hindu-wedding/cid/1737169?ref=latest_home-template
Alappuzha:In a rare wedding ceremony, a Hindu couple tied the nuptial knot and exchanged vows at a mosque near Alappuzha, Kerala, on Sunday.The marriage hosted by the Cheruvally Muslim Jamaat mosque, was held according to Hindu rituals in front of a lighted traditional lamp with guests from both the communities participating.Bride Anju and groom Sarath exchanged garlands and performed rituals in the presence of a priest at the mosque premises, which was decked up for the rare occasion signifying communal amity.A vegetarian sadya was also held at the premises. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to Facebook to congragulate the young couple and said the state has always upheld and showcased such beautiful examples of religious harmony.The mosque committee also gifted ten sovereigns of gold and Rs two lakh to the bride as a wedding gift.The marriage was held as per Hindu rituals.Food for around 1,000 people was also arranged, Nujumudeen Alummoottil, secretary of Cheruvally Jamaat committee said.PTI
Bengaluru's 170-Yr-Old Modi Mosque Opens Door to Hundreds of Non-Muslims in First-of-Its-Kind Initiative
https://www.news18.com/news/india/bengalurus-170-year-old-modi-mosque-opens-door-to-hundreds-of-non-muslims-in-first-of-its-kind-initiative-2463961.html
Bengaluru: It was indeed a rare sight, may be unprecedented even, when hundreds of Hindus, Christians and even a few Sikhs were seen entering the 170-year-old Modi Mosque in the heart of Bengaluru.The majestic Modi Mosque had thrown its doors open to commoners from other religions on Sunday to promote interfaith dialogue, make non-Muslims understand their religion and the functions of a mosque.The event, named ‘Visit My Mosque Day’, a rare initiative by the Rahmath Group of Thane and Bengaluru was a big hit among non-Muslims. Even though the organisers had restricted the number to just 170 non-Muslims, more than 400 enthusiastic people had entered the mosque by afternoon.news18
Hyderabad tops world's most 'dynamic city' list, Bengaluru and Chennai make it to top 5
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/hyderabad-tops-worlds-most-dynamic-city-list-bengaluru-and-chennai-make-it-top-5-116396
Technology hub Hyderabad has edged out 129 other cities in the world to emerge as the world's most dynamic city, according to the seventh edition of the City Momentum Index by global real estate services firm JLL.The city has pushed Bengaluru to second place to regain the top position after a gap of one year. Chennai is at fifth and Delhi is at sixth place.While Hyderabad and Bengaluru are the top two cities globally for socio-economic momentum, a more active real estate market helped elevate Hyderabad to first position in the overall ranking, says the report released by US-based Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) on Saturday night.Hyderabad recorded the highest office net absorption in 2019 (as a proportion of existing stock) of any city globally, while it is also among the world's best-performing cities for prime office rental growth.IANS
Sanskrit to replace Urdu on railway signboards in Uttarakhand
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/uttarakhand-railways-signboards-urdu-sanskrit-6224686/
Dehradun :Names of railway stations written in Urdu on platform signboards in Uttarakhand will now be written in Sanskrit, second official language of the hill state.The move is in keeping with the Railway Manual which says the name of a railway station on platform signboards should be written in the second official language of the state concerned after Hindi and English, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway, Deepak Kumar said.“Instead of Hindi, English and Urdu, the names of railway stations on platform signboards across Uttarakhand will now be written in Hindi, English and Sanskrit,” he said.“Since Sanskrit is the second official language of Uttarakhand, the names of railway stations written in Urdu on platform signboards in the state will be replaced with those in Sanskrit,” the official said.PTI
Arvinder Singh Lovely, Haroon Yusuf, Alka Lamba in Congress 1st list for Delhi polls
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/arvinder-singh-lovely-haroon-yusuf-alka-lamba-in-congress-1st-list-for-delhi-polls
Ex-Union Minister Krishna Tirath, ex-Delhi Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely, Haroon Yusuf and Alka Lamba have figured in Congress first list of 54 candidates for Feb.8 Delhi Assembly polls.While Lovely will contest from Gandhi Nagar, Yusuf has been nominated for the Ballimaran seat and Tirath from Patel Nagar seat. Sitting MLA from Dwarka Adarsh Shashtri, who earlier in the day joined the Congress after quitting AAP, has been given the ticket from the same seat.The party has fielded Lamba from the Chandani Chowk seat, which she won on AAP ticket in 2015. Party spokesperson Radhika Khera has been fielded from Janakpuri seat and Akansha Ola from Model Town. Poonam Azad, former MP Kirti Azad's wife, has been fielded from Sangam Vihar, and Delhi Congress chief Subhash Chopra's elder daughter Shivani Chopra has been named from Kalkaji.Satbir Sharma has been fielded from Sadar Bazar and Rajesh Lilothia from Mangol Puri (SC) seat. Ashok Kumar Walia will contest from Krishnagar, and Chaudhry Mateen Ahmed from Seelampur.IANS
Delhi elections: Kejriwal releases ‘guarantee card’, promises free power, 24-hour drinking water
https://scroll.in/latest/950387/delhi-elections-kejriwal-releases-guarantee-card-promises-free-power-24-hour-drinking-water
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced a set of promises – including free electricity, 24-hour supply of drinking water and a world class education for every child – for voters ahead of next month’s Assembly elections, NDTV reported. Kejriwal said AAP’s 10-point guarantee card will be implemented if voters return the party to power.Kejriwal said an AAP government would reduce pollution by 300%.scroll
JD(S) corporator Tasleema is new Mayor of Mysuru
https://citytoday.news/jds-corporator-tasleema-is-new-mayor-of-mysuru/
http://www.uniindia.com/jd-s-tasleema-becomes-new-mayor-of-mysore/south/news/1857959.html
Mysuru:Results were on expected lines. JD(S) corporator Tasleema was elected as the new Mayor of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) in the elections held at Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Hall of MCC on Saturday. Incidentally, this is the first-ever time in the history of MCC that a Muslim woman is getting elected to the plum post. Tasleema garnered 47 votes against BJP’s Geetha Yoganand who could muster 23 votes. Tasleema is the corporator from Ward number 26 of Chamaraja Assembly Constituency. She happens to be the youngest woman corporator to be Mayor. Dalit corporator from Ward number 38, Shridhar of Congress was chosen as Deputy Mayor.City today/UNI
Priyanka Gandhi mounts attack on BJP after Hardik Patel arrested in Gujarat
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-mounts-attack-on-bjp-after-hardik-patel-arrested-in-gujarat/story-4PVktSMQbxvidjlQc8ow7O.html
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday accused the BJP of repeatedly harassing party leader Hardik Patel after the latter was arrested on Saturday night in Gujarat for failing to appear before a trial court in a 2015 sedition case. “BJP is repeatedly harassing Hardik Patel, who fights for the rights of farmers and employment for youths. Hardik has raised the people’s voice, asked for jobs for them, and made demands for scholarships. He also launched a farmers’ movement. BJP is terming all this as sedition,” Gandhi said in a tweet written in Hindi.Patel, who had joined the Congress ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls, has been sent to judicial custody till January 24.HT
Ishrat encounter case: Trial judge transferred
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ishrat-encounter-case-trial-judge-transferred-6223820/
Ahmedabad :Special CBI judge RK Chudawala, who was presiding over the trial of alleged fake encounter of Ishrat Jahan at Ahmedabad, was transferred as registrar of recruitment and finance division at Gujarat High Court on deputation. Judge Chudawala has presided over the trial following the transfer of the earlier judge, JK Pandya, as an industrial court member at Rajkot in May 2019. Judge Pandya discharged two key accused — DG Vanzara and NK Amin — the same month, thereby dropping all criminal proceedings against the two in the case.Registrar General of Gujarat HC, HD Suthar, will begin his tenure as principal district judge in Sabarkantha district on Jan 21.indianexpress
Scientists write to US universities for inviting ‘anti-science’ activist Vandana Shiva
https://theprint.in/science/scientists-write-to-us-universities-for-inviting-anti-science-activist-vandana-shiva/350983/?fbclid=IwAR1TZfETuzxooLLKQj0mUg1-Tkhhydw5b8FsGP1g9b0gpORp4L68l1KirWE
Bengaluru: Scientists and biotechnology experts from around the world have written two open letters to the Stanford University and University of California-Santa Cruz (UC-SC) protesting invitations extended to Indian anti-biotechnology activist Vandana Shiva to speak on “equitable and sustainable” farming methods.The letters raise concern about Shiva’s “constant use of anti-scientific rhetoric to support unethical positions”. They also lay out some of her earlier positions on farming and comments which the experts believe are factually incorrect.Shiva is a prominent proponent of land redistribution and farmers’ rights, besides Ayurveda and organic foods. She has been accused of being funded by organic food companies to speak out against conventional agriculture practices.theprint
Congress, SP, BSP have relations with SIMI, PFI: Adityanath
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/congress-sp-bsp-have-relations-with-simi-pfi-adityanath20200118204227/
Varanasi:Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hit out at Opposition including Congress saying that they have a relationship with banned outfits like SIMI and PFI."Congress, SP, SP" BSP and other opposition parties need to tell what relation do they have with SIMI. Their support for banned groups like SIMI and PFI and for elements which raise anti-national slogans reflects upon true character of opposition parties," said Adityanath while addressing a rally here.ANI
Sanjay Raut backs Pak poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, says BJP painted him anti-Indian
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sanjay-raut-backs-faiz-ahmed-faiz-says-bjp-painted-him-anti-indian/story-PCQOoYJKF4SmhovAR2HEFP.html
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday attacked the Centre for branding those who show dissent as traitors and said the BJP has spawned a culture where religious zealots have labeled Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz anti-Indian for his iconic poem ‘Hum Dekhenge’.In his weekly column Rokhthok in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana, said that those who oppose the government are being put behind bars like it once happened in Russia, Iraq, China and in Hitler’s Germany.HT
*WORLD*
Berlin summit should ensure Libya cease-fire: Erdogan
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/berlin-summit-should-ensure-libya-cease-fire-erdogan/1707470
Ahead of Libya conference in Berlin, Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that Berlin conference should ensure a cease-fire and political dialogue for Libyan peace.“It should be ensured that a cease-fire and return to political process are agreed at the Berlin summit in order for Libya to attain peace and calm,” Erdogan said in Berlin during the televised part of the meeting with Putin.Erdogan also said: “[Gen. Khalifa] Haftar's aggressive attitudes must end to implement the phase of political process and solution [in Libya].”“Joint efforts on Libya provided relative calm in field but our initiatives will reap fruits with Berlin conference,” he said, hopeful of summit.Putin, for his part, said Russia and Turkey set an example in finding a common ground.Anadolu Agency
Libya rivals, world powers set for high-stakes Berlin summit
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/world-powers-meet-berlin-discuss-libya-crisis-200119023145417.html
Leaders of Libya's warring sides and several foreign powers are arriving in Berlin for an international summit to discuss ways to end the long-running conflict in the North African country.The head of Tripoli's internationally-recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, and his rival, renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar, are expected to attend Sunday's UN-backed gathering in the German capital, the first such event since 2018.Among those also expected in Berlin are Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Other countries invited are UAE, Egypt, Algeria, China and the Republic of Congo. Leaders from United Nations, European Union, the African Union and the Arab League will also attend.The summit host, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, kicked off meetings with discussions with the president of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, who heads an African Union committee on Libya.aljazeera
Yemen war: 80 soldiers killed in missile attack
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51166943
A missile attack on a military training camp in Yemen has killed at least 80 soldiers.Dozens of others were wounded in the strike in the central province of Marib on Saturday, officials say.The camp, about 170km east of capital, Sanaa, targeted a mosque as people gathered for prayer, military sources told Reuters. Yemen's government has blamed Houthi rebels for the attack, but there has been no claim of responsibility.Officials said they expected the death toll to rise.BBC
Bodies of Ukrainian victims of Iran plane crash repatriated
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/bodies-ukrainian-victims-iran-plane-crash-repatriated-200119104857811.html
The bodies of the 11 Ukrainian citizens who died when a passenger plane was accidentally shot down by Iran this month have returned to Ukraine.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looked on on Sunday as coffins draped in the country's flag were carried from a Ukrainian military plane to a waiting hearse at Boryspil International Airport, east of the capital, Kyiv.aljazeera
Qassim Suleimani targeted for saying bad things about US: Trump
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/suleimani-targeted-for-saying-bad-things-about-us-trump/articleshow/73365830.cms
President Donald Trump gave a new justification for killing Qassim Suleimani, telling a gathering of Republican donors that top Iranian general was "saying bad things about our country" before the strike, which led to his decision to authorise his killing. "How much are we going to listen to?" Trump said , according to remarks from a fundraiser obtained by CNN. With his typical dramatic flourish, Trump recounted the scene as he monitored the strikes from the White House Situation Room when Suleimani was killed.. TOI
Massive demonstrations in Jordan against Israel gas deal
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200118-massive-demonstrations-in-jordan-against-israel-gas-deal/
Thousands of Jordanians took to the streets of Amman, demonstrating against the gas deal signed between Jordan and Israel, Quds Press reported.Quds Press reported that demonstrators called for ousting the government, and holding the officials accountable for signing the “shameful” deal.Prominent national, youth and Islamic leaders took part in the demonstrations, where placards displaying anti-Israeli occupation slogans were raised.middleeastmonitor
Saudi King orders release of sheikh of Otaibah tribe
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200118-saudi-king-orders-release-of-sheikh-of-otaibah-tribe/
Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz has issued an order to release the sheikh of the Otaibah tribe, Faisal Bin Sultan Bin Humaid, who has been detained for months. Mohammad Bin Sultan, brother of Sheikh Faisal, announced on Twitter that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman accepted his mediation to release his brother, and spoke to the King to release Sheikh Faisal.“My sincere thanks… to the crown prince… for accepting my intercession for my brother Faisal and for his intercession with the custodian of the two holy mosques, and the issuance of the honourable order to release him,” Bin Sultan posted on Twitter. Sheikh Faisal is one of the sheikhs of the Otaibah tribe, one of the largest tribes of the Peninsula.MEMO
Turkish journalist back in Turkey after detention in Egypt
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200117-turkish-journalist-back-in-turkey-after-detention-in-egypt/
One of Anadolu Agency’s four employees detained in Egypt earlier this week has arrived back in Turkey, the agency’s director said, Anadolu reports.Hilmi Balci said he felt the support of his nation and government while being held in Egypt, expressing his gratitude to the country’s president, foreign minister and communications director, as well as Anadolu Agency’s Director General Senol Kazanci, for their efforts.MEMO
*views, Articles, FEATURES*
First mass movement in defence of the Constitution:Aakar Patel, nationalheraldindia
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/first-mass-movement-in-defence-of-the-constitution
SC order gives govt a way to retreat from its militaristic approach to Kashmir issue:P Chidambaram, indian express
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/across-the-aisle-the-law-and-the-reality-6223743/
Children of Protests: Resistance Will Make Them Inclusive Citizens:SAMINA MISHRA
https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/children-at-caa-protests-being-shaped-by-resistance-or-used-for-gain
In an era of citizenship debates, recalling Maulana Azad and the fight for India’s secular backbone:Maryam Sikander
https://scroll.in/article/948058/in-an-era-of-citizenship-debates-recalling-maulana-azad-and-the-fight-for-indias-secular-backbone
Who Were 23 People Killed in UP During Anti-CAA-NRC Protests?Abdul Alim Jafri
https://www.newsclick.in/who-were-23-people-killed-during-anti-caa-nrc-protests
With India facing a job crisis, we should have welcomed Jeff Bezos with open arms:Tavleen Singh,indian express
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/fifth-column-why-offend-mr-jeff-bezos-amazon-6223735/
Centre can enforce its word on CAA:Meghnad Desai, indian express
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/centre-can-enforce-its-word-on-caa-bjp-government-6223720/
Protests against CAA are constitutional, they seek to protect its basic structure:Pinarayi Vijayan, indian express
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/of-by-and-for-the-constitution-kerala-government-caa-indian-constitution-6222133/
India is steadily creeping from democracy to some form of thugocracy:Pranab Bardhan , indian express
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pretend-democracy-minority-groups-india-muslim-caa-6222141/
Women of Shaheen Bagh have a message for PM Modi: Have Chai pe Charcha, listen to our mann ki baat:Yashee , indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/citizenship-act-shaheen-bagh-protest-women-narendra-modi-mann-ki-baat-6224058/
The promised ‘Railway Revolution’ is turning into a nightmare :Raghu Dayal, nationalheraldindia
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/the-promised-railway-revolution-is-turning-into-a-nightmare
Is the the growing civil dissent making UP government panic?Abbas Muzaffar, nationalheraldindia
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/is-the-the-growing-civil-dissent-making-up-government-panic
As Modi govt doubles down on CAA, long-time friend Bangladesh moves closer to China:Seshadri Chari, theprint
https://theprint.in/opinion/as-modi-govt-doubles-down-on-caa-long-time-friend-bangladesh-moves-closer-to-china/351354/
Why NRC must be shelved: It will be an expensive, gargantuan, pointless exercise that could trigger civil war in the worst case: Chetan Bhagat, TOI
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-edit-page/why-nrc-must-be-shelved-it-will-be-an-expensive-gargantuan-pointless-exercise-that-could-trigger-civil-war-in-the-worst-case/
Muslims make a point: Identity not divorced from nationhood:Sagarika Ghose , TOI
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/bloody-mary/muslims-make-a-point-identity-not-divorced-from-nationhood/
Hindu-Muslim relations free of strife in Oman:K Natwar Singh, sundayguardianlive
https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/hindu-muslim-relations-free-strife-oman
Women protesters are taking to streets en masse to fight CAA, police brutality:Anuradha Raman, thehindu
https://www.thehindu.com/society/women-protesters-are-taking-to-the-streets-en-masse-to-fight-the-caa-and-police-brutality/article30586332.ece?homepage=true
Modi-Shah Duo Bring About a Fine Unintended Consequence:Badri Raina, thewire
https://thewire.in/politics/modi-shah-duo-bring-about-a-fine-unintended-consequence
Iran: Echoes of Iraqi WMD Claims as European-3 Line up Behind US Pressure Strategy:Inderjeet Parmar, thewire
https://thewire.in/world/iran-us-european-3-wmd-claims-iraq
Modi's Thought Control Firewall in Kashmir May Be the Internet's Future in India:Siddharth Varadarajan, thewire
https://thewire.in/rights/modis-thought-control-firewall-in-kashmir-may-be-the-internets-future-in-india
In solidarity with Shaheen Bagh's anti-CAA protests, Dastangoi Collective's presentation marks the centenary year of 1919's Jallianwala Bagh massacre
https://www.firstpost.com/living/in-solidarity-with-shaheen-baghs-anti-caa-protests-dastangoi-collectives-presentation-marks-the-centenary-year-of-1919s-jallianwala-bagh-massacre-7921151.html
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 6:15 PM).
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