*05 Jan 2020: 09 Jamadi-1, 1441: Vol: 12, No: 100
anti-citizenship act stir
We’ll push Amit Shah out: Sanjay Raut at anti- CAA meeting in Mumbai organised by Jamaat e-Islamic Hind
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/sanjay-raut-to-muslims-well-push-amit-shah-out/articleshow/73104300.cms
Mumbai: Shiv Sena politician and Saamna editor Sanjay Raut said on Saturday that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) should be opposed because it is against Hindus too and 30% Hindus will suffer when it is clubbed with NRC.Speaking at a symposium held by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) at Marathi Patrakar Sangh, Raut tried to allay fears among Muslims about the CAA, NPR and NRC. Using the popular Bollywood dialogue “Jo dar gaya so mar gaya”, Raut told the predominantly Muslim audience to get out of the fear syndrome. “We in Maharashtra just showed that we don’t fear anyone. We want you too to get out of fear,” he said.Referring to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, Raut said he would often say that the country belonged to all. “We all are one and this country belongs to every Indian who is loyal to the country,” he said.Without naming Union home minister Amit Shah, who declared on Friday that he would not budge an inch on CAA, Raut said: “You say you will not budge an inch. We will push you out.”He said many in the media wondered if he would really attend a function held by the Jamaat-e-Islami. He said he had no problem attending the event as “we all are brothers and the programme is being held at Marathi Patrakar Sangh”.Opposing a call by Justice (retired) Kolse Patil to “25 crore Muslims” to come on the streets against the CAA, NPR and NRC, Raut said people must not get divided in numbers.Senior counsel Mihir Desai and Yusuf Muchchala discussed how the CAA was against the spirit of constitution as it “discriminated” among citizens in the name of religion and after it is followed by NPR and NRC, all Indians will suffer.TOI
Shiv Sena Responds To Amit Shah's 'Won't Rollback CAA' Challenge, Says 'We Will Make You'
https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/politics/shiv-sena-answers-to-amit-shahs-wont-rollback-caa-challenge.html
Sanjay Raut, at CAA meeting in Mumbai organised by Jamaat e-Islamic Hind, says 'Daro mat' is Maharashtra's lesson to India
https://www.firstpost.com/india/sanjay-raut-at-caa-meeting-in-mumbai-organised-by-jamaat-e-islamic-hind-says-daro-mat-is-maharashtras-lesson-to-india-7861331.html
Maharashtra’s lesson to nation, do not be afraid: Sanjay Raut to CAA protesters
https://www.thestatesman.com/india/maharashtras-lesson-to-nation-do-not-be-afraid-sanjay-raut-to-caa-protesters-1502841290.html
People must stand together against divisive laws: Raut on Citizenship Act
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/people-must-stand-together-against-divisive-laws-raut-on-citizenship-act/article30482050.ece
100,0000 attend Hyderabad protest against citizenship law:Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/04/india-hyderabad-protest-against-citizenship-law?CMP=share_btn_fb&fbclid=IwAR2cHts6qprhs6Dqh410mWYyLvWB_uPyFeETahPfu6bYnSTXSWcUVqZ2eio
Hyderabad:Over 100,000 protesters have taken part in a peaceful march in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, chanting slogans against Narendra Modi’s new citizenship law.The protest, labelled Million March, was organised by an umbrella group of Muslim and civil society organisations. Demonstrators were still entering the protest site late on Saturday afternoon, according to a Reuters witness, despite police saying no march would be allowed and that permission had only been granted for a 1,000-person gathering. Indian govt has faced weeks of acrimonious and, at times, violent protests against the CAA, which was passed by Modi’s government in Dec. Hyderabad protesters held placards with slogans including “withdraw CAA immediately”, and “India’s only religion is secularism”. Reuters witness said the protest remained peaceful. Protests against the CAA also went ahead in several other Indian cities on Saturday, with hundreds turning out in cities in the southern state of Karnataka. Hundreds of people gathered at a rally in the tech hub of Bengaluru, with some accusing Modi’s govt of trying to divide India along communal lines, to distract from a sharp domestic economic slowdown and job losses.theguardian
Conspiracy to foil protests defeated, say protesters at Hyderabad’s million march’
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/050120/hyderabad-conspiracy-to-foil-protests-defeated-say-protesters.html
Hyderabad: Hundreds of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Hyderabad on Saturday to condemn the recent amendment to the Citizenship Act and the alleged attempt to implement NRC nationwide. The ‘million march’ protest was called by the Joint Action Committee against CAA, NRC and NPR. JAC resolved to boycott NPR and NRC and announced, “We will not submit any documents to prove our nationality.”JAC convener Mushtaq Malik said the agitation will continue until the Union government revokes the amendments carried out to the Citizenship Act and drops the idea to carry out the NRC exercise.He claimed that a political conspiracy was hatched to foil the ‘million march,’ but the public had defeated the conspiracy by attending in thousands without political and religious affiliation. Moulana Hamid Mohammed Khan, president, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Telangana, said that citizens will collectively ensure that the country remains secular. He said that PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah should understand the pulse of the people failing which they will face public wrath. Congress leader V. Hanumanth Rao said the country belongs to people of all faiths, who are living together. It is the BJP that wants to divide people on religious lines. He said he was astonished that although TRS voted against the CAB in the Parliament, CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao was tight-lipped on this issue. Former member of Rajya Sabha Syed Aziz Pasha said that people are coming out of their houses to protect the Constitution and the country’s secular fabric. ormer minister Mr Mohammed Ali Shabbir said Hyderabadis showed that they were not behind when it came to protesting against draconian laws that are aimed at splitting the nation. Dr N. Kumar of BAMCEF contended that the main motto behind the NRC was in enslaving people from SC,ST and other deprived communities and threatening Muslims.deccanchronicle
Hyd Million March: Sea of people turn up at Dharna Chowk to protest against CAA, NRC
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/hyd-million-march-sea-people-turn-dharna-chowk-protest-against-caa-nrc-115368
Muslims Organize Huge Protests Across India, Challenging Modi:New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/04/world/asia/india-protests-modi-citizenship.html
Delhi Police denied it, but internal probe finds 2 of their personnel fired during Jamia protests
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/citizenship-act-protest-jamia-university-delhi-police-firing-6200029/
New Delhi :Investigation into violence during protests against the CAA at New Friends Colony on December 15 has revealed that 3 bullets were fired by two police personnel in front of an ACP-rank officer— contrary to Delhi Police claims that not a single bullet was fired by them during the clashes.This finds a mention in a “case diary” prepared by officers of the Southeast district police, Indian Express has learnt.Hours after the protest, two students of Jamia Millia Islamia, identified as Ajaz Ahmad (20) and Mohammed Shoaib (23), were admitted at Safdarjung Hospital, and a third, identified as Mohd Taimin (23), to Holy Family Hospital, with each alleging that he had received a bullet injury. Their claims were also recorded in the hospital’s MLC (medico-legal case) reports.Police had, however, denied firing a single bullet. “MLC report from Holy Family states that there’s an alleged history of a gunshot wound. This was written based on the statement of the injured. We have not fired bullets at any student. Any foreign body like metal or plastic could have caused injury. Two injured at Safdarjung too alleged gunshot injuries, but if anyone would have been shot at, the ambulance would take them to Holy Family or Fortis, which are the closest,” DCP (Southeast) Chinmoy Biswal had said at the time.Sources have now said that following December 15 clashes, police personnel from the Southeast district were asked by senior officers whether any of them had fired bullets. All of them said they hadn’t. On December 18, however, a video, purportedly showing two police personnel firing and a third senior officer standing nearby, went viral.“Southeast district police identified the personnel as well as ACP, and it was confirmed that firing had, in fact, taken place,” a source said. The personnel are learnt to have said that they fired in “self-defence” when some protesters turned violent and they found themselves cornered.Their statements were then recorded in the case diary. 2 FIRs filed in connection with the violence at Jamia Nagar and New Friends Colony make no mention of police firing. Meanwhile, all 3 Jamia students have been discharged from the hospitals, and SIT is likely to approach them in the coming days to record their statements.indianexpress
Delhi: Daryaganj police detained 15 Muslim men for rioting during CAA protests; none of them a vandal; all of them now face prison time
https://www.firstpost.com/india/daryaganj-police-detained-15-muslim-men-for-rioting-during-caa-protests-none-of-them-a-vandal-all-of-them-now-face-prison-time-7862321.html
"The right to protest peacefully is an essential feature of our democracy. Recent weeks have shown that the State is wary of people and dissent," says Tara Narula, a lawyer who has pro-vided legal assistance to those detained during anti-CAA protests in the National Capital Region. But what of those who are not the sort of people Narula describes - neither dissenters nor active participants in the agitation? Why do they count among the detainees? And why are they of a particular kind: young, male, Muslim, in the wrong place at the wrong time?To understand the circumstances under which some of them were detained, Firstpost examined a FIR in which they feature - this document (reproduced below) was recorded at Daryaganj Police Station on 21 December, a day after violence broke out in the predominantly Muslim neighbourhood. FIR takes note of 16 people, 15 of whom are young Muslims. None of the men is named in the document. Lawyers representing the young men claim that almost all of them have spent the last ten days in jail for "simply being near a protest". When the judge asked the investigating officer and public prosecutor to name 16 detainee, they identified him as Chandrashekar Azad.Details contained within the FIR pertain to the night of 20 December, when the protest occurred, and during which these men were picked up. It accuses the detainees of rioting and damaging public property. It also invokes the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, among others, which imposes punishment of prison time extending up to five years for those held guilty.There is no evidence that corroborates police testimony describing these 15 young men as rioting or damaging public property. This is compounded by the fact that FIR does not even name any of them. It mentions no CCTV footage nor does it offer material evidence to suggest that the men were in possession of materials required to set cars ablaze or injure police officials.There is no record of stones or sticks as having been recovered from the detainees.firspost
Updation of NPR in Bihar to be held between 15 and 28 May; Sushil Modi dares Bengal, Kerala CMs to not implement exercise
https://www.firstpost.com/india/updation-of-npr-in-bihar-to-be-held-between-15-and-28-may-sushil-kumar-modi-dares-west-bengal-kerala-cms-to-not-implement-exercise-7862121.html
Patna: Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi has said the updating process of National Population Register (NPR) will be carried out in the state from 15 May to 28 May this year, notwithstanding West Bengal and Kerala governments' decision to put the exercise on hold in their respective states.Bihar senior BJP leader also said administrative and punitive action would be taken against officials if they refuse to carry out the NPR. "The NPR process in 2020 will be carried out between 1 April to 30 September in the country. In Bihar it will be done between 15 May and 28 May", Sushil Modi told reporters.The process of preparing NPR began in 2010 during the UPA regime which was completed between 1 April to 30 September that year, he said. The Centre is "updating" the NPR 2010 in 2020 just before the 2021 census, Bihar deputy chief minister said.PTI
‘You always stood for secular India’: JD(U) leader urges Nitish Kumar to oppose NPR in Bihar
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bihar-npr-exercise-sushil-kumar-modi-jdu-leader-letter-nitish-kumar-6200528/
A day after Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi announced that exercise to collect data for NPR will be held in May, JD(U) leader Pavan K Varma on Sunday urged Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to “take a stand” against the move, which he said, is an attempt to create religious divide.“CAA-NRC combine is a direct attempt to divide Hindus and Muslims and to create social instability. You have always stood for a secular India, where there is peace, respect and goodwill among all its communities. It is for this reason that I had appealed to you to reconsider the party’s support to the divisive and discriminatory CAB. I was deeply disappointed when my request when unheeded,” a letter to the chief minister read.indianexpress
Why did Home Minister not say govt is doing NPR, not NRC: P Chidambaram
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/p-chidambaram-npr-nrc-caa-bjp-government-6199850/
Lashing out at the top leadership in the BJP government for making conflicting statements on National Population Register (NPR)-NRC link, exUnion Minister P Chidambaram Saturday said if two are not linked, why did the Home Minister not say that his government has junked the idea of NRC and is doing only NPR.Talking to ANI, the Congress leader said, “NPR is clearly linked to NRC. Why did Home Minister not say we are doing NPR, we will not do NRC? Let them say categorically that NRC is ruled out.”Pointing out that NRC exercise in Assam which rendered more than 19 lakh people stateless, he said the Congress government only did NPR to aid the Census 2010 and did not have a bitter experience like the NRC, ANI stated.indianexpress
Hindutva Cadre Held in Patna Boy Amir Hanzla’s Murder Had Warned of Godhra 2.0
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/hindutva-leader-arrested-for-patna-boy-amir-hanzla-murder-warned-of-godhra-returns?fbclid=IwAR0aUE3roAuO7uzgd4xKTGJhXdvL9d4leydCoDyk1Gy1n1p27PYnItpUkRU
Nagesh Samrat, who is among 8 arrested in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Amir Hanzla in Patna, had warned protesters of CAA-NRC of a “return” of Godhra riots.He can be heard saying in a video posted on 17 Dec, “You have burnt buses and trains. Tomorrow, if Godhra return happens, don’t say that Modiji is a villain.”Nagesh is the district president of Hindutva outfit, Hindu Putra Sangathan, which was red-flagged by the police in May, 2019.Besides being charged with murder of Amir Hanzla, who was last seen at a protest called by RJD on 21 December near Phulwari Sharif, Samrat and his associates are also accused of instigating communal riots in the city during the protest through Facebook lives.Phulwari Sharif SHO, Rafiqur Rehman, told The Quint that Nagesh Samrat was arrested by the police on 23 December, before Amir’s body was found, on the charges of rioting and later the murder charge was added to the FIR. Nagesh is a repeat offender and has been arrested earlier on various charges including inciting of violence, the police said. Among the others arrested so far, Vikas Singh is the Patna district youth president of the Hindu Samaj Party. Santosh Kumar aka Dhelwa is also a part of the outfit. The others arrested are Raees Paswan, Deepak Mahto and Chaintu Kumar aka Sikandar Kumar.The Quint
Government Calls Actors For Talk On "Myths, Realities" On Citizenship Law
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bollywood-invited-to-interactive-meeting-with-bjp-on-citizenship-law-2158897?pfrom=home-topstories
Mumbai: Union Minister Piyush Goyal and BJP vice president Jay Panda have invited a number of Bollywood stars to a closed-door event at a five-star hotel in Mumbai to discuss "myths and realities" linked to the CAA."The agenda of the meeting will be to facilitate a discussion on myths and realities pertaining to the Citizenship Amendment Act," reads the invitation for the event scheduled for today at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai. "Meeting will be followed by dinner," it reads.A blockbuster filmmaker and a leading actress, who asked not to be named, confirmed to NDTV that they have been invited for the meeting, but will not be attending it.The film industry seems to be divided on supporting the CAA.While actors like Akshay Kumar and Kangana Ranaut have been supportive of govt's policies, others like Anurag Kashyap, Swara Bhasker and Siddharth have been critical of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.ndtv
Uttar Pradesh becomes first state to shortlist migrants for citizenship under CAA
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/uttar-pradesh-becomes-first-state-to-shortlist-migrants-for-citizenship-under-caa/535942
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is all set to become the first state in the country to start the exercise of shortlisting migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, eligible for citizenship under the new CAA. The exercise will also identify those who are living illegally in the state. According to additional chief secretary (home) Avanish Awasthi, all 75 district magistrates have been asked to track down migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who have settled here for decades, without citizenship.The official said that though the number of people from Afghanistan living in UP would be minimal, estimates indicate there would be a substantial number from Pakistan and Bangladesh, who settled here after being persecuted in their countries.The presence of migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh has been found mainly in Lucknow, Hapur, Rampur, Shahjahanpur, Noida and Ghaziabad."The purpose of compilation of the list is to ensure the state government could intervene and ensure that 'genuine migrants' become citizens of the country. This is the first time such a list is being prepared. Citizenship will be granted according to the new CAA provisions," said Avanish Awasthi.The state government will also update the Union home ministry on illegal Muslim migrants in the state and they could be deported to their countries though no decision has been taken on this yet.IANS
Pak can send spies as Hindus under CAA: Kejriwal
https://www.deccanherald.com/national/national-politics/pakistan-can-send-spies-as-hindus-under-caa-kejriwal-791406.html
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said there is no guarantee that Pakistan would not send spies as Hindus under the amended Citizenship Act.Speaking at the fifth town hall meeting, anchored by ABP news channel, Kejriwal questioned the necessity of the controversial legislation.He further said the Citizenship (Amendment) Act will impact both Hindus and Muslims and the Centre should first take care of its citizens and then of people from other countries."There are many questions that need to be answered like what is the guarantee that Pakistan would not send spies as Hindus under the amended Citizenship Act," he asked.PTI
‘Absolutely false’: Netflix on free subscription linked to BJP’s missed call campaign
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/netflix-bjp-missed-call-campaign-citizenship-law-6199708/
New Delhi :Video streaming platform Netflix on Saturday denied it was offering free 6-month subscription as a promotional offer to the first 1000 callers who would dial a phone number being circulated on Twitter and social media.“This is absolutely fake. If you want free Netflix please use someone else’s account like the rest of us,” Netflix tweeted with a whiff of humour.Interestingly, the number being circulated is the same that BJP had tweeted from its official handle to mobilise support for the CAA, which has triggered nationwide protests, to the death of more than 25 people.indianexpress
BJP Workers' Desperate Bid to Gain Support for CAA: A Missed Call Number for Netflix, Lonely Hearts
https://thewire.in/politics/caa-missed-call-bjp
Himanta Biswa stresses need to save Assam from ‘Miya poetry, Ajmals’
https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/himanta-biswa-stresses-need-to-save-assam-from-miya-poetry-ajmals-6200038/
Guwahati :Even as Assam witnesses massive protests against the CAA, in a show of strength on Saturday, thousands of BJP workers participated in a public meeting in Guwahati where the party’s top leaders spoke on the new citizenship law, the Centre’s development work in the region, and the state government’s commitment towards development and protection of interests of indigenous communities of Assam. Maintaining that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised citizenship to only those “who are already in India”, BJP working president J P Nadda said, “Lakhs of people had to run to India overnight to save their land, dignity of their brothers, their family… People who have come to India, where would they go? India is their home. We will allow them to live with dignity. We will give them citizenship. This is what CAA has done.”indianexpress
I never wanted to be an activist, but in current circumstances, I had to take a stand: Jamia student Ladeeda Farzana at GIO function in Pune
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/jamia-student-ladeeda-farzana-citizenship-amendment-act-nrc-caa-protest-6200098/
Pune :Ladeeda Farzana, a student of Jamia Millia Islamia who has become the face of the protests against the CAA and NRC, explained the opposition against the measures at an event in Pune on Saturday.“Union government has created Islamophobia in the country, and CAA is an attempt to harm the Muslim community,” she said at a programme organised by Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO). She alleged that “fascist govt” was not only against Muslims, but also after marginalised and oppressed communities. She accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of bringing in “draconian Acts” against several marginalised communities.“This government has created Islamophobia… Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath are against the spirit of the Constitution and are discriminating against Muslims…,’’ said Farzana.“I ask Yogi Adityanath to release the political prisoners in Uttar Pradesh. I salute all the political prisoners. I also applaud the protesters who are out on the streets today,” she added.Farzana said she “never wanted to become an activist”. “I just wanted to be a student. But with the current acute circumstances, I had to take a stand. It is now my responsibility to take this stand,” she said.The GIO joined her in raising slogans against CAA, NRC and NPR.indianexpress
What “kagaz” means in a district where almost 2 in 3 have no assets, 93% homes have no toilets, over half have no kitchens
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/district-data-in-dindori-93-homes-have-no-toilets-over-half-have-no-kitchens-6199975/
Bordered by Maikal hill range in Chhattisgarh to its south, the district of Dindori in Madhya Pradesh has a tribal population of 64 per cent, with the Baigas being the most numerous group, according to the 2011 Census. The district’s Hindu population stands at 86 per cent, while Muslims and Christians constitute less than 1.5 per cent. More than 5 per cent of the population belongs to the Scheduled Castes.Less than 80 per cent of the births in the district between 2010-11 and 2015-16 were registered, according to the National Family Health Survey 2015-16 (NFHS-IV). However, the actual number of children with birth certificates may be smaller as registration does not imply that a certificate was provided at birth.Around 0.08 per cent of the population — about 546 people in all — reported being homeless, which rules out the possibility of them being able to furnish any proof of residence. Homes in the district lack access to basic facilities, with around 93 per cent households not including a toilet on the premises, and 90 per cent practising open defecation.Almost 92 per cent of the households do not have a drainage system for used waste water, and 56.3 per cent do not have a kitchen. Additionally, about 97 per cent of the households use fuels such as firewood or crop residue for cooking, making them vulnerable to intestinal and respiratory illnesses. Only 7.4 per cent have access to drinking water at home. Less than one per cent have a computer, television set, phone or a vehicle.indianexpress
Sikh Residents Lead Candle March at Jamia Against CAA-NRC
https://caravandaily.com/sikh-residents-lead-candle-march-at-jamia-against-caa-nrc/?fbclid=IwAR2enlpnCcZeZQG2v4A6_-WVtzDyL40W0C2cFpP4YB-aTyy6fT4x5CD6FOw
NEW DELHI;Amid protests against the controversial CAA and NRC, this week saw a Candle March from Gate 7 of Jamia Millia Islamia to Shaheen Bagh. The march was organised in solidarity with women protesters of Shaheen Bagh. Protesters from various parts of the state joined the march.A representation from the Sikh community was a highlight of the march. The group of Sikhs shared candles, posters, slogans and also the pain of the Muslims set against discriminatory governmental moves like the CAA.The march was urged on by throngs of onlookers on both sides of the streets. Along with the famous Azaadi slogan, there were other chants too. Old painful memories were revived. The participants shouted ‘Ashfaq Zinda, Bismil bhi Zinda, Akhlaque Zinda, Junaid Zinda, Jamia Zinda’ (Ashfaq, Bismil, Akhlaque, Junaid, Jamia etc are alive.).A child peeping down from the balcony of a home registered his solidarity with the protesters by shouting the tail of the slogan.Gurpreet Singh from Amritsar says, “I am no intellectual but I can understand that the BJP is playing the majoritarian vote politics.” One of the Sikhs said with palpable disgust, “One must be blind not to see the BJP’s agenda of Hindu Rashtra.”Caravan Daily
*CAA-NRC protests: UP CRACKDOWN*
Anti-CAA protests: Chidambaram slams UP Police for arresting activists Sadar Jafar, SR Darapuri, Pavan Rao without any evidence
https://www.firstpost.com/india/anti-caa-protests-p-chidambaram-slams-up-police-for-arresting-activists-sadar-jafar-sr-darapuri-pavan-rao-without-any-evidence-7861851.html
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday sàid it was "shameful" that Sadaf Jafar, SR Darapuri and Pavan Rao were arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police for violence without any evidence against them.He also said that it was a shocking admission by the police that there is no evidence of their involvement."Sadaf Jafar, SR Darapuri and Pavan Rao Ambedkar released on bail after police ADMITTED no evidence of their involvement in violence. Shocking admission," he said on Twitter."If that were so, why did the police arrest them in the first place? And how did the Magistrate remand them to custody without looking at the evidence," he asked. "The law says 'find evidence, then arrest'. The reality is 'first arrest, then search for evidence'. Shameful," Chidambaram tweeted.PTI
UP anti-CAA stir: 10 madrassa students held on charges of violence during protests in Muzaffarnagar granted bail
https://www.firstpost.com/india/uttar-pradesh-anti-caa-stir-10-madrassa-students-held-on-charges-of-violence-during-protests-in-muzaffarnagar-granted-bail-7862021.html
Muzaffarnagar: 10 madrassa students held in connection with the violence that took place during anti-citizenship law protests in the city on 20 December have been granted bail.The students of Madrassa Hoja Ilmiya were granted bail by a court on Saturday on the basis of a SIT report that found no evidence against them.SIT found the students not involved in any serious offence and withdrew all charges against them except that of violation of prohibitory orders, the prosecution said. It has been learned that 18 people were released after being found innocent in the SIT investigation. Over 70 people had been arrested for violence during the protests against the amended Citizenship Act in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar.PTI
‘Police thrashed us and said drink urine’: UP madrasa students
https://theprint.in/india/no-rectal-bleeding-but-police-thrashed-us-and-said-drink-urine-up-madrasa-students/344634/
Muzaffarnagar: Students of Sadat madrasa, who were picked up by police after an anti-CAA protest on 20 December, have returned with bruises and fractured bones, alleging severe police brutality.The madrasa-cum-hostel on the city’s Arya Samaj Road is run by 72-year-old Maulana Asad Raza Hussaini, and takes care of nearly 100 students between 15 and 20 years of age, many of whom are orphans. Hussaini, a prominent Shia cleric in the region, was conferred the Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman by Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu in Aug.2019. This is an honour given to scholars for promoting various languages, and in Hussaini’s case, it was for increasing the reach of the Arabic language. The police alleged that protesters took shelter in the madrasa, and detained Hussaini and at least 35 madrasa students.The madrasa management and Hussaini’s family claim some students are still in police custody.Irfan Haider, 21, who hails from Sitapur, was one of the students detained by the police and let off Saturday at around 11 pm. He returned with a fractured right leg and a broken left arm, and now has to use a wheelchair. “They were ruthless. They beat us relentlessly.” he alleged. Some students even claimed that the police denied them water. “They refused to give us water and said that if we are so thirsty, we should drink their urine,” a student, who didn’t want to be named, said. Hussaini, who has a fractured arm and injured legs and is bed-ridden, was “in a pool of blood when we saw him coming out of police custody Friday night”, said the unnamed relative quoted above.theprint
In Meerut, police say those who died killed by other rioters
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-meerut-police-say-those-who-died-killed-by-other-rioters-6200064/
Meerut :For 5 people killed in Meerut in the December 20 violence following protests against the new citizenship law, police say they were protesters who were killed by other protesters and no separate FIRs were filed in connection to their deaths.“They are rioters themselves who were shot at by other rioters. We have videos which show the protesters fired shots and these were killed by those bullets,” said SSP, City, Ajay Kumar Sahni.The deaths of Asif, Mohsin, Zaheer , Aleem and Mohammad Asif of Ahmednagar are noted in the general FIRs that contain details of rioting and no separate FIRs have been filed. Police officers said families of those killed have not filed separate complaints with the police.“No separate FIRs needed to be lodged for those killed because not a single person died from a police bullet,” Sahni said. While police insists no bullet was recovered from the bodies of any of the 5 men who died on Dec.20, none of the families of those killed have received a copy of the post-mortem report yet. Indian Express spoke to the families of at least two victims and they said that despite follow-ups with local police station, post-mortem copies were not provided. indianexpress
*OTHERS*
219 infants deaths during December in two of Gujarat’s civil hospitals
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/219-infants-deaths-during-december-in-two-of-gujarats-civil-hospitals/article30483974.ece?homepage=true
Ahmedabad:Even as the deaths of infants are rising in Rajasthan’s Kota government hospital, their numbers which surfaced from two of Gujarat’s civil hospitals in Rajkot and Ahmedabad are more shocking: 219 deaths in Dec.In Rajkot, 134 infants died in December while in Ahmedabad civil hospital there were 85 deaths in the same month but in last three months, 253 infants died in the civil hospital, the State’s largest government hospital.The numbers were more shocking in Rajkot civil hospital; as many as 1,235 infants deaths were reported in 2019. December saw the highest deaths of new-born babies while with 131 deaths, October saw the second highest in the year.thehindu
Maharashtra portfolios: Ajit Pawar gets Finance, Anil Deshmukh Home Ministry
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/governor-approves-allocation-of-portfolios-to-maharashtra-ministers/article30483718.ece?homepage=true
Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar has got the finance and planning department while his party colleague Anil Deshmukh is the new Home minister of the State, a senior official said on Sunday.Besides, first-time Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray, who is the son of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, has been given charge of the environment, tourism and protocol departments, he said.Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat has got the revenue ministry, official added.With this allocation of portfolios, Sharad Pawar- led NCP has got most of the ‘plum’ ministries.There were speculations that either Ajit Pawar or Jayant Patil of NCP would get the Home department, but the portfolio has been allocated to their party colleague Anil Deshmukh.Earlier, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari approved the allocation of portfolios as proposed by the chief minister.PTI
Imran Khan condemns Nankana Sahib incident, compares it to ‘anti-Muslim attacks’ in India
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nankana-sahib-gurdwara-attack-imran-khan-narendra-modi-rss-caa-protests-6200578/
Breaking his silence on the mob attack at Nankana Sahib gurdwara two days ago, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday said that such incidents will “find zero tolerance and protection from the government, including the police and judiciary”.Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief also immediately upped the ante against the Modi-led government and accused the Indian police of leading the “anti-Muslim attacks”.Drawing a comparison between the Nankana incident and the ongoing nationwide protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Khan said, “The major difference between the condemnable Nankana incident and the ongoing attacks across India on Muslims and other minorities is this: the former is against my vision and will find zero tolerance & protection from the government, including the police and judiciary.”Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS of “targetted attacks against the Muslims”, the Pakistan leader said, “In contrast, Modi’s RSS vision supports minorities oppression and the targeted attacks against Muslims are part of this agenda. RSS goons conducting public lynchings, Muslims being violated by mobs are all not only supported by the Modi government but Indian police leading anti-Muslim attacks.”indianexpress
No Sikh threatened, fight was between 2 Muslim groups: Pakistan
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/no-sikh-threatened-fight-was-between-2-muslim-groups-pakistan/articleshow/73104115.cms
Kashmir has been turned into a graveyard, says CPI(M) leader released from detention
https://scroll.in/latest/948750/kashmir-has-been-turned-into-a-graveyard-says-cpi-m-leader-released-from-detention?fbclid=IwAR1DB5h8tZ8z7iO1xsxRMUGBhjuEvnl66I79WKBNsXoVA7TVgFY7SoCAJig
CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Friday accused BJP at the Centre of turning Kashmir into a “virtual prison” and a graveyard, PTI reported.Tarigami, who addressed the foundation day programme of party newspaper Ganashakti in Kolkata, called on the public to “rise in protest against the oppression of people of Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 and 35A of the Constitution”.Tarigami was placed in detention following India’s decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status. However, he was allowed to move out of Kashmir for medical treatment following a Supreme Court order in Sept. The Modi government had detained many Kashmiri politicians, including three former chief ministers – National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti – since August 5.
Kashmir: Shia groups in Kargil, Valley protest Iran commander’s killing in US strike
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/shia-groups-in-kargil-valley-protest-iran-commanders-killing-in-us-strike-6200012/
Srinagar :The killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani triggered protests in Shia-dominated Kargil, in Ladakh UT, and Budgam in central Kashmir, with thousands of people taking to the streets in Kargil to protest against the US drone strike.The protest rally in Kargil was organised by the powerful Shia organisation Jamiat-e-Ulema of Kargil. Sheikh Nazirul Mehdi, head of the Islamia School, said, “The people of Kargil are angry and sad over US attack. Soleimani had eliminated terrorism from several countries. From his killing, it is clear that US is in league with terrorists.”indianexpress
US-Iran conflict: Petrol prices touches all-year high of ₹75.54 per litre in Delhi
https://www.thehindu.com/business/petrol-diesel-prices-up-for-4th-straight-day-as-us-strike-roils-oil-market/article30483947.ece?homepage=true
NEW DELHI:Petrol in Delhi now costs ₹75.54 per litre — the highest in more than a year, while a litre of diesel comes for ₹68.51. Petrol and diesel prices rose for the fourth straight day on Sunday as global oil prices jumped after the U.S. killed a top Iranian general, fanning fresh fears of conflict in the crude-rich Middle East.PTI
All eyes on SC judgment on rights of minority institutes
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/all-eyes-on-sc-judgment-on-rights-of-minority-institutes/articleshow/73104200.cms
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday will pass an important verdict on whether the right of minority institutions including madrasas to appoint teachers could be taken away by the government by adopting a legislative procedure that aims to uplift the status of the community.A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and U U Lalit will deliver its verdict on the issue while deciding constitutional validity of West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission Act, 2008, under which the appointment of teachers in madrasas was to be decided by a commission. As per the Act, a Commission was constituted and section 8 of it says that notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or in any contract, custom or usage to the contrary, it shall be the duty of the Commission to select and recommend persons to be appointed to the vacant posts of teachers. The case and the ruling can help settle an ambiguity in the law as while governments that fund or aid minority institutions can recommend guidelines for appointments, but till now, they have not been able to make the placements themselves.TOI
Delhi: Civic body names portion of historic Qudsiya Bagh after Maharana Pratap
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-civic-body-names-portion-of-qudsiya-bagh-after-maharana-pratap-1634050-2020-01-05
New Delhi;Aportion of the Mughal-era Qudsiya Bagh, which has a statue of Maharana Pratap, has been named after the legendary Mewar king, officials said on Saturday.The move by the BJP-led North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) comes ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls.18th century-era garden named after Queen Qudsiya was once a splendid place with a grand mosque, ceremonial gates and other structures.Located in Kashmere Gate area, it is spread over nearly 36 acres and the upkeep is done by the NDMC, a senior official said."A portion of the Qudsiya Bagh having the equestrian statue of Maharana Pratap has been named after the king. The entire park will still be called Qudsiya Bagh," the official said.PTI
*WORLD*
Soleimani funeral under way in Iran:Tens of thousands gather for funeral
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/soleimani-funeral-iran-latest-updates-200105053715338.html
Funeral processions to honour Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran's elite Quds Force who was killed in a US air strike in Baghdad, have begun in the Iranian city of Ahvaz early on Sunday, hours after his remains arrived from Iraq.Soleimani was killed along with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iraq's PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi), an Iran-backed umbrella organisation comprising several militias. Several other people were also killed in Friday's attack.Iran's army chief said that Washington lacked the "courage" to initiate a conflict, after US President Donald Trump threatened to hit dozens of taregts inside the Islamic republic. "I doubt they have the courage to initiate" a conflict in which the Americans threatened to strike 52 targets, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said, quoted by IRNA. aljazeera
Saudi 'not consulted' over Soleimani killing: source
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/soleimani-funeral-iran-latest-updates-200105053715338.html
Saudi Arabia was not consulted over the US air strike that killed Soleimani, as the kingdom sought to defuse soaring regional tensions, a Saudi official told AFP, requesting anonymity."The kingdom of Saudi Arabia was not consulted regarding the US strike," the official said."In light of the rapid developments, the kingdom stresses the importance of exercising restraint to guard against all acts that may lead to escalation, with severe consequences," the official added. aljazeera
As Iran Slams Trump's 'Big Lie' Blaming Soleimani for 2012 Delhi Terror Attack, It's a Tightrope Walk for India
https://www.news18.com/news/india/as-iran-slams-trumps-big-lie-blaming-soleimani-for-2012-delhi-terror-attack-its-a-tightrope-walk-for-india-2446033.html
New Delhi: As the death of Major General Qasem Soleimani, head of Iran’s elite Qud’s Force, marks an unprecedented escalation in the standoff between Washington and Tehran, India found itself in the crosshairs amid the careening crisis, after US President Donald Trump blamed the deceased leader for orchestrating a spate of terror attacks, including one in Delhi. S Defense Department said it killed the 62-year-old Soleimani because he “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region." It also accused Soleimani of approving orchestrated violent protests at the US Embassy in Baghdad.Trump justified the killing of Iran’s most revered leader, who was also the mastermind of its interventions across the Middle East, saying he was responsible for several terror attacks and was planning more.However, Iran’s Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni strongly denied the allegations. “Trump can say anything he likes. But this is a big lie. General Soleimani was a soldier, he was not involved in the targeting of innocents anywhere,” Chegeni was quoted in a report by The Hindu.Iranian diplomat accused US president for attempting to cover US action of killing an official from Tehran while he was visiting Iraq after travelling to Syria for “anti-terrorism consultations”.Chegeni further condemned Trump’s decision of killing of Gen Soleimani, accusing US of resorting to “state terrorism”.Talking about India’s role, the diplomat said he expected Iran’s “reliable friend” would condemn the assassination of “an official who was on a visit to another country on official invitation.”news18
US will bomb 52 Iranian sites if Tehran attacks Americans, warns Donald Trump
https://scroll.in/latest/948813/us-targeting-52-iranian-sites-if-tehran-planned-attacks-on-americans-says-donald-trump
US President Donald Trump has cautioned Iran saying that his administration is targeting “52 Iranian sites” that will be hit “very fast and very hard” if Tehran planned any attacks on Americans or Washington’s assets. His comments came after Iran vowed to take revenge for the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani at Baghdad airport early on Friday in an air strike by the US.“Iran is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets as revenge for our ridding the world of their terrorist leader who had just killed an American, and badly wounded many others, not to mention all of the people he had killed over his lifetime, including recently hundreds of Iranian protestors,” he tweeted. “Let this serve as a warning that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level and important to Iran and the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, will be hit very fast and very hard,” he wrote. scroll
Dozens killed in attack on military academy in Libya's Tripoli
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/dozens-killed-attack-military-camp-libya-tripoli-200105055534270.html
At least 28 people have been killed in an attack on a military academy in the Libyan capital, the health minister of the Tripoli-based government said."An air raid on the military school of Tripoli killed 28 cadets and injured dozens more," Amin al-Hashemi, spokesman for the health ministry of the Government of National Accord (GNA), said on Saturday. At the time of the strike the cadets were gathered on a parade ground before going to their dormitories, he added.Tripoli, which is under the control of the internationally recognised GNA, has since April faced an offensive by military commander Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), which is aligned with a rival government based in eastern Libya.aljazeera
Jordan: Massive rally against gas deal with Israel
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200104-jordan-massive-rally-against-gas-agreement-with-israel/
Thousands of Jordanians participated in a massive rally to drop the gas agreement signed with Israel in 2016 on Friday.This comes as a part of the popular demands, which started in the early days of the signing of the agreement, and only 2 days after Amman and Tel Aviv announced the start of experimental operations of gas pumping.The rally commenced in front of Grand Husseini Mosque, in Amman, reaching Nakheel Square, amid a heavy security presence. Participants in the march, called for by Islamic movement, alongside various youth, partisan and union parties, raised slogans condemning the agreement and criticising Jordanian govt.The slogans displayed stated: “The gas agreement is occupation,” “The enemy’s gas is occupation,” and “We will not normalise, we will not be subjugated … The people of Jordan are not for sale,” as well as “Down to all projects to suppress the Palestinian cause.”middleeastmonitor
Hamas visits new Algeria ambassador to Lebanon
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200104-hamas-visits-new-algeria-ambassador-to-lebanon/
Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas on Friday visited the new Algerian ambassador to Lebanon, Abdel-Karim Al-Rakaybe, Safa News Agency reported.Al-Rakaybe received the delegation, headed by its representative in Lebanon, Ahmed Abdul-Hadi, in the headquarters of the embassy in Beirut.The Hamas delegation passed on the greetings of Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, to the new ambassador, congratulating him and passing on his hopes for his success.Both sides discussed the latest developments related to the Palestinian cause, as well as the situation of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.They also discussed the issue of the US ‘deal of the century’ and its dangers to the Palestinians and Palestinian issue.MEMO
Poland president will not attend Holocaust conference in Israel
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200104-poland-president-will-not-attend-holocaust-conference-in-israel/
Polish President Andrzej Duda has cancelled his participation in the World Holocaust Forum taking place in Israel, in protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s accusation that the Poles cooperated with Hitler.According to Gazeta Wyborcza, a daily polish newspaper, the reason for cancelling the visit is that one of the main speakers is Putin, who recently accused Poland of sharing responsibility for the outbreak of World War II and accused it of being anti-Semitic. The event is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the German Auschwitz concentration camp.Gazeta Wyborcza reported the head of Duda’s chancellery, Krzysztof Szczerski, as stating: “The scenario in which Putin is the main guest speaker in Yad Vashem gives him opportunity to continue his offensive and untruthful statements about the course and causes of World War II, and that is unacceptable to us.”middleeastmonitor
Australian Muslims join Christians in a public prayer for rain in bushfire and drought-ravaged areas
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7852909/Muslims-pray-rain-Bonython-Park-Adelaide-amid-bushfire-drought-crisis.html?fbclid=IwAR2_8vQc2PKiIfzSYInAjt8v2jN-1rZSNL_8iF5mUghfEI7tGXLMv0ZGExk
A group of Muslim worshipers have come together in a park to pray for rain amid the worsening drought and bushfire crisis.More than 50 men, women and children gathered at Bonython Park in Adelaide on Sunday to ask for rain to be sent to Australia's struggling farmers and victims of the bushfires.Priest Patrick McInerney, from the centre for Christian and Muslim Relations, joined the worshipers for prayer.'Today I joined with my Muslim sisters and brothers in Adelaide in prayer for rain,' he said. 'My friend, Professor Mohamad Abdalla, gave the khutbah (sermon) emphasising repentance and reliance on God who is Merciful Provider.'The service comes a day after pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his 43-year-old son, Clayton, a surgeon, were killed in bushfires on Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia.The pair had been out fighting the blaze and were returning to a family property when they became trapped.dailymail
New bushfire flares in southeast Australia as toll mounts to 24, damage assessment begins
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/new-bushfire-flares-southeast-australia-toll-mounts-damage-assessment-begins-1634089-2020-01-05
Adangerous fire flared up in southeastern Australia on Sunday even as cooler conditions elsewhere allowed authorities to begin assessing damage from heatwave-spurred blazes that swept through two states on Saturday. Tens of thousands of homes in both NSW and Victoria states were without power on Sunday as a large-scale military and police effort continued to provide supplies and evacuate thousands of people who have been trapped for days in coastal towns by the fires.The death of a 47-year old man who was defending a friend's rural property in NSW took the national toll this season to 24.AP
*views, Articles, FEATURES*
Nine myths about India and Indians that the CAA-NRC protests have busted:Joe Athialy
https://scroll.in/article/948060/nine-myths-about-india-and-indians-that-the-caa-nrc-protests-have-busted
Interview | Akhil Gogoi's Wife: This Time, His Arrest Felt 'Somewhat Different'
https://thewire.in/rights/gitashri-tamuly-akhil-gogoi-interview
Reading the Signs:CAA protest poster :Benita Fernando
https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/reading-the-signs-caa-nrc-jamia-ambedkar-constitution-india-narendra-modi-amit-shah-muslims-6196347/
Jawaharlal Nehru’s warnings on communal forces continue to be valid :Arun Sharma
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/jawaharlal-nehrus-warnings-on-communal-forces-continue-to-be-valid
Sudhir Mishra: “Talk to the students, the problem has not been created by the present government”
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/sudhir-mishra-talk-to-the-students-the-problem-has-not-been-created-by-the-present-government
Mirza Ismail, ‘serial Diwan’ who made industrial Bangalore beautiful, painted Jaipur
https://theprint.in/opinion/sahapedia/mirza-ismail-serial-diwan-who-made-industrial-bangalore-beautiful-painted-jaipur/344807/
Congress must start looking for a new leader who will stand up for values that the party professes:Tavleen Singh
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/rahul-gandhi-congress-citizenship-protests-modi-caa-6199992/
Constitution breached every day, denying millions of people minimum social, economic and political justice:P Chidambaram
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/constitution-of-india-nani-palkhivala-social-justice-6200001/
Out of my mind: Now is the moment for Sabka Vishwa:Meghnad Desai
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/narendra-modi-bjp-caa-cab-article-370-6199953/
Government doing exact opposite of what’s needed to revive economy: Jayati Ghosh
https://www.thehindu.com/society/government-doing-exact-opposite-of-whats-needed-to-revive-economy-jayati-ghosh/article30469779.ece
* Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 2:29 PM).*
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