*08 Jan 2020: 11 Jamadi-1, 1441: Vol: 12, No: 102
*anti-citizenship act stir*
Anti-CAA Protests Force Modi to Skip Khelo India Inauguration in Guwahati
https://thewire.in/politics/narendra-modi-khelo-india-inauguration-skip-guwahati-caa-protest
New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi has cancelled his scheduled inauguration of Khelo India Youth Games 2020 in Guwahati on Jan.10 and will skip the govt’s annual gala event.According to local news reports, PMO took the decision at advice of BJP-led state Govt after taking note of the ongoing public protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in Assam. Reports said PMO had stated so in a communication to Dispur on Jan. 6.It would be the PM’s second aborted visit to Assam due to massive wave of anti-CAA protests. Centre had to cancel the India-Japan summit scheduled for early Dec. in Guwahati, where Modi was to be present along with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. The news of Modi skipping Khelo India event has come at the backdrop of the powerful student bodies spearheading the anti-CAA agitation in Assam publicly stating that they would protest in a “massive” way if PM arrives in the state.According to Assamese daily Niyomiya Barta, the advice of the state Govt was particularly driven by the public who assembled at Guwahati stadium to watch India-Sri Lanka cricket match on Jan.5 booing CM Sarbananda Sonowal presence at the event. Anti-CAA slogans, along with ‘Go Back Sonowal’ and ‘Go back Himanta Biswa Sarma’ (state’s finance minister) were heard from the stands whenever the camera showed the CM on the big screen. The report added that Modi’s plans to attend a non-Govt event in the state on the same day have also been shelved. Khelo India is the Centre’s flagship sporting event for youth. thewire
Modi’s Assam visit cancelled in view of anti-CAA stir
https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/modis-assam-visit-cancelled-in-view-of-anti-caa-stir.html?fbclid=IwAR1Gas3d_ql-l2CB7ItQWtJZe7G0p2goeNxmWViBBSe2oNbHlEIkrkbp634
Centre moves SC seeking transfer of pleas challenging CAA pending in different HCs to top court
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/centre-moves-sc-seeking-transfer-of-pleas-challenging-caa-pending-in-different-hcs-to-top-court-6205951/
New Delhi :Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of petitions challenging constitutional validity of the CAA pending before different high courts to top court.A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said it will hear the transfer petition of the Centre on Jan. 10.The bench also comprising justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant said, “We are of the prima facie view that high courts should hear the petitions challenging CAA and in case there is a conflict then we may look into it”.Solicitor General G Mehta, appearing for the Centre said, there will be a problem as different high courts may take conflicting views and lawyers will be moving to different states to attend the proceedings.PTI
Tripura : BJP Ally IPFT Launches Indefinite Stir Against CAA, Presses for 'Tipraland'
https://thewire.in/rights/bjp-ally-ipft-launches-indefinite-stir-against-caa-presses-for-tipraland
Agartala: Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), an ally of the ruling BJP in the state on Monday launched an indefinite sit-in against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) near the headquarters of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, about 25 km from here. The party also pressed for a separate Tipraland by carving out of the tribal council from the state which constitutes two-thirds of state territory.IPFT spokesperson Mangal Debbarma said, “demonstration will continue till the Centre takes a positive step. We want either the scrapping of the act or exempting entire Tripura from its purview”.PTI
Allahabad HC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Crackdown on CAA Protests
https://thewire.in/law/allahabad-hc-caa-protests-uttar-pradesh
Allahabad high court has issued a notice to UP Govt on an email by a Mumbai-based lawyer alleging that the crackdown in the state during anti-citizenship law protests was antithetical to core constitutional values.In a letter to Chief Justice Govind Mathur, Bombay high court advocate Ajay Kumar referred to reports in two newspapers about alleged atrocities against madrasa students in Muzaffarnagar by police during crackdown on those protesting against the contentious citizenship law.A prayer was made in the email to have a judicial enquiry in the matter.After going through the contents of the letter and the news reports annexed with it, the bench, comprising the chief justice and Justice Vivek Varma, said: “We considered it appropriate to treat the letter as a petition for writ.”It has fixed Jan. 16 as the next date of hearing.PTI
UP Police Admits It Wrongly Accused Innocent Muslims Of Violence During Anti-CAA Protest
https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/up-caa-protest-police-uttar-pradesh_in_5e15934ec5b66361cb5cd3ec
Muzaffarnagar: UP police has dropped 16 of 17 charges because of the absence of evidence against students and other residents of Hauza-e-Ilmia Imam Hussain madrasa, who were arrested on Dec. 20, as part of the state Govt’s crackdown on protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act. 10students and other residents of the madrasa were initially accused of serious crimes such as attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, assault or use of criminal force on public servants, damage to public property, among others, during a protest against the CAA in Muzaffarnagar.“Now the police officials are realising that this could go against them. So, on Jan. 3, they released four minors from jail under section 169 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, saying that they do not have any evidence against them,” advocate Kamran Hasnain, a lawyer consulted by the madrasa, told HuffPost India. In the case of ten other students and madrasa inmates, Hasnain said, the police have withdrawn all charges except for Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, a relatively minor charge which pertains to unlawful assembly.“This action proves that the police’s FIR is completely false because the police officials themselves are now saying that those they jailed and beat up did not commit any serious crimes, just violated section 144,” Hasnain said.huffingtonpost
CAA: UP Police Totally Communalised, Tortured Me, Says Activist Sadaf Jafar
https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/sadaf-jafar-up-police-caa-nrc_in_5e14d2f9c5b687c7eb5c982f?utm_hp_ref=in-homepage
Lucknow: Sadaf Jafar smiled as she walked out of jail and into her sister’s arms on Tuesday. “Sangharsh jari hai. I have nothing to fear now,” she said, as she turned to face the cameras pointing at her, and pumped her fist in the air.Jafar, a political activist and teacher, who had recently joined the opposition Congress Party, was arrested on 19 Dec., while she filmed a peaceful protest against the CAA descend into chaos in Lucknow. 43-year-old mother was the only woman arrested by UP Police that day. Following her incarceration, her family said the police did not tell them where she was for almost two days. They also alleged she was thrashed in custody. In an interview with HuffPost India, her first after she was released on bail on Tuesday, Jafar gave a blow by blow account of how she was assaulted by male and female constables on 19 Dec.. But more than their batons striking her back, the Shia Muslim woman said it was their language that betrayed just how communal the UP Police is. huffingtonpost
UP: 3 More Arrested over Violence in Muzaffarnagar During Anti-CAA Protests
https://www.news18.com/news/india/three-more-arrested-over-violence-in-muzaffarnagar-during-anti-caa-protests-2450691.html
Muzaffarnagar: 3 more people have been arrested in Muzaffarnagar district of UP for allegedly hurling stones at police during protests against CAA last month, police said on Wednesday.With this, the total number of people arrested in the district in connection with the Dec. 20 incident has gone up to 79.The accused were identified on the basis of CCTV footage and arrested on Tuesday, SHO Samey Pal said.PTI
UP Govt Starts Identifying Refugees, Triggers Panic Among Muslims
https://www.newsclick.in/UP-govt-starts-identifying-refugees-triggers-panic-muslims
Lucknow: BJP Govt in UP has started the process to identify refugees living in the state. As per information accessed by Newsclick from highly placed Govt sources, state administrative officials in all districts have been asked to start the process of identifying refugees. As per sources, DMs of nearly every district in UP, excluding some in the far-east region, were given telephonic instructions on Dec. 15 last to identify the refugees and prepare a report as soon as possible.One such district magistrate posted in a central-west district confirmed to this reporter that he had received this instruction and was asked to produce his report within a fortnight. “My office received the information on Dec. 15 last, and I immediately asked all my sub-district magistrates to identify them (refugees) and present a report to me. I do not know if this is related to the CAA as the instruction was given to me over the telephone and nothing in writing was sent to my office. If it would have been in writing, then I would be able to comment on it,” he said on the condition of anonymity, adding, “I have made a report and the process of identifying the refugees has almost been completed.”newsclick.in
Mangaluru police block tribunal’s probe into firing during anti-CAA protests
https://frontline.thehindu.com/dispatches/article30512897.ece
A people’s tribunal led by Justice V. Gopala Gowda, former judge of the Supreme Court, on Dec. 19 violence in Mangaluru during the protests against the anti-CAA, was obstructed from doing its work by Mangaluru Police. 2 men, both Muslims, were killed when police opened fire during the protests, and later visuals showed policemen barging into ICU of Highland Hospital and lobbing tear gas shells into the area where victims of the police attack were being treated. The tribunal members, including former Karnataka State Public Prosecutor B.T. Venkatesh and senior journalist Sugata Srinivasaraju, besides Justice Gopala Gowda, visited Mangaluru on Jan. 6 and 7.According to Srinivasaraju, the tribunal was constituted at the invitation of a consortium of civil society organisations in the city. “We heard the depositions of victims and eyewitnesses to the violence that broke out in Mangaluru to ascertain the nature of events on Dec. 19. We also spoke to victims of bullet injuries and doctors at Highland and Unity hospitals,” Srinivasaraju told Frontline.frontline
Amartya Sen Calls CAA Unconstitutional, Says He Was 'Appalled' by Attack on JNU
https://thewire.in/rights/amartya-sen-calls-caa-unconstitutional-says-he-was-appaled-by-attack-on-jnu
Bengaluru: Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has said that Citizenship (Amendment) Act violates constitutional provisions.“The CAA law that has been passed in my judgment should be turned down by the Supreme Court on the grounds of it being unconstitutional because you cannot have certain types of fundamental human rights linking citizenship with religious differences,” he told reporters at Infosys Science Foundation’s Infosys Prize-2019 here.The Nobel laureate said what really should matter for deciding citizenship is the place a person is born, lived and so on.About the CAA, he said, “My reading of the law is that it violates the provision of the constitution.”Explaining further, Sen said citizenship on the basis of religion has been a matter of discussion in the constituent assembly where it was decided that “using religion for the purpose of discrimination of this kind will not be acceptable.”Sen, however, agreed that a Hindu treated badly in a country outside India deserves sympathy and his case must be taken into account.“It (consideration for citizenship) has to be independent, of religion but take cognisance of the sufferings and other issues into account,” Sen said. Nobel laureate said that the Supreme Court should void the controversial Act. Speaking about the violence in JNU, Sen took note of the fact that the university administration could not prevent the entry of outsiders coming on the premises and creating violence.thewire
BJP will pay heavy price for stubbornness on CAA, says Punjab CM Amarinder
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bjp-will-pay-heavy-price-for-stubbornness-on-caa-says-capt-amarinder/article30514128.ece
A day after ex MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the Centre would implement the CAA at any cost, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh has said BJP would have to “pay a heavy price for such stubbornness”.“An elected Govt that refuses to heed the voice of its people or respond to their anger is bound to lose their confidence and collapse,” said the Punjab CM, adding that BJP’s stance on the issue smacked of a “dangerously fascist approach that would lead to their [BJP’s] eventual downfall”.Capt. Amarinder said that as far as his Govt was concerned, there was no way it would allow the brazenly divisive Act to be implemented in Punjab. “You cannot force us to do so,” he said, even as he reiterated that neither he nor the Congress was against grant of citizenship to persecuted minorities in other countries, such as Sikhs in Pakistan, but they were completely opposed to the discrimination in the CAA against certain religious communities, including Muslims.“Despite the nationwide public outrage over controversial CAA, BJP-led NDA Govt at Centre was refusing to acknowledge the unconstitutionality of the legislation,” said the Punjab CM, hitting out at Chauhan for his “shockingly inconsiderate remarks” on the issue.thehindu
Mamata on NPR: When enumerators come, don’t give any info
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-npr-caa-nrc-citizenship-6205251/
RAISING the pitch on NPR, weeks after ordering a stay on all work related to its preparation and updation, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday appealed to people not to give any information to enumerators. Saying that citizenship is a democratic right, she warned that anybody who wanted to “snatch away this right” would have to go over her “dead body”.“They (central Govt) are saying it can be done online. Can rice be cooked online? Physical verification will always be required… If anyone from outside comes to you and asks for your father’s name, his mother’s name, your mother’s birthplace, don’t disclose the information…We will not allow CAA, we will not allow NRC, and we will not allow NPR here,” she said.indianexpressindianexpress
Telangana CM KCR in a dilemma over NPR as pressure mounts to break silence
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/kcr-in-a-dilemma-over-npr-as-pressure-mounts-to-break-silence/1703321
Hyderabad:As the demand from Muslim community is growing for a stay on NPR, Telangana CM K. Chandrashekhar Rao appears to be in a dilemma over taking a stand on the NPR and the NRC.With the elections to the urban local bodies scheduled for later this month, the ruling TRS is playing its cards carefully with Rao waiting for an appropriate time to declare his stand.The participation of thousands of people in the ''Million March'' held in Hyderabad on Jan. 4 to demand revocation of the CAA, a halt to NPR and withdrawal of the proposed NRC and a series of protest programmes planned by United Muslim Action Committee (UMAC) this month have apparently put pressure on TRS to take a clear stand.UMAC, headed by AIMIM, an ally of TRS, has planned 3 major protest programmes in Hyderabad this month. The umbrella organization of various Muslim socio-religious groups has already organized public meetings in Hyderabad and other towns in Telangana. UMAC leaders have been demanding that KCR, as the CM is popularly known, halt the NPR as done by the Kerala Govt.IANS
Privilege notice to Shah for misleading Parl on NRC
https://www.deccanherald.com/national/national-politics/privilege-notice-to-shah-for-misleading-parl-on-nrc-792192.html
New Delhi:CPI Parliamentary Group leader Binoy Viswam on Tuesday submitted a privilege notice against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of misleading the Parliament on NRC and thus posing a "threat not only to the Constitution of India but also to the safety and security of the people".Viswam, a Rajya Sabha MP, sent his letter to Rajya Sabha Secretariat bringing attention to Shah's statements in Upper House and Lok Sabha and govnt's responses in Parliament and Home Minister's remarks after PM Narendra Modi's assertion that there was no discussion about NRC in the past 5 years.He said Shah responded in Rajya Sabha during Question Hour on November 20 last year that NRC would be conducted across India and it will be done again in Assam, "thereby indicating a plan for the implementation of a nationwide NRC process". He also referred to Shah's speech in Lok Sabha on 9 Dec. when he "emphatically stated this very idea". However, Viswam said, Shah changed his position on NRC after the PM publicly stated that his Govt had not yet taken a decision on the implementation of a nationwide NRC.deccanherald
Anjana Om Kashyap calls CAA and NRC a 'lethal combination'. Social media is in shock
https://www.newslaundry.com/shorts/anjana-om-kashyap-caa-and-nrc-a-lethal-combination?fbclid=IwAR18LvUxEXWLZO4rYKLZT309FCgEU-lElr7V94--rSovTQAIxHbT7DHHkxk
In the evening on Jan. 5, a masked mob armed with sticks and rods stormed hostels at Delhi's JNU, ransacking rooms and beating up students and teachers.Unsurprisingly, the attack has dominated TV news, with most anchors taking predictable views. On Aaj Tak, Anjana Om Kashyap held a debate on the topic. Known for her saffron-tinted views, Kashyap then held a live chat on YouTube. Some questions from the viewers were benign ("How was your vacation?"), but her response to a question about the citizenship law came as a shock.Briefly, Kashyap says CAA in itself isn't a "new concept". But "when you combine this with the NRC, this can be a lethal combination. Because the ones who are left out due to incomplete documents, they can get citizenship if they are Hindu. But for Muslims, even if they are genuine but they don’t have the complete documents or papers, they won’t be eligible for citizenship.CAA and NRC can be a lethal combination."She added: "The Govt will have to think about this from a different and new perspective because the protest against the CAA and NRC is increasing all over India."newslaundry.com
Maharashtra: 150 Minority members resign from BJP
https://www.siasat.com/maharashtra-150-minority-members-resign-bjp-1785571/
Mumbai: In the wake of ongoing protest against CAA, NPR and NRC, 150 members belonging to Minority Morcha resigned from the primary membership of BJP in Maharashtra State.The resignations were announced in a press conference held in Aurangabad on Sunday.In charge of Minorities Morcha, Farooq Pathan told that Triple Talaq Act is an intervention in Muslim Personal Law.He further told that on account of scrapping Article 370, CAA and NRC, the minorities’ leaders are placed in a situation where it has almost become impossible to satisfy minorities.Despite many arguments, people are not ready to accept these laws.siasat
2 women who held anti-CAA banner during Amit Shah’s Lajpat Nagar rally evicted
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/2-women-who-held-anti-caa-banner-during-amit-shahs-lajpat-nagar-rally-evicted-6205403/?fbclid=IwAR3JbLaBS5PUyl1dB7J6cN3wAJ-xJfC3fDnnbk1O8fAiVD6goaXgNDiJhng
New Delhi :2 women who held up a banner against the Citizenship Amendment Act during Home Minister Amit Shah’s Lajpat Nagar rally on Sunday have been evicted from their rented home, with one of them claiming their protest had led to a mob trying to barge inside their residence.In a statement, one of women, Surya Rajappan, wrote:“When we became aware of Shah’s pro-CAA rally, we exercised our constitutional and democratic right to protest. As a common citizen, this was the perfect opportunity for me to register my dissent in front of the Home Minister. I believe that if I had failed to do so, I would have failed my own conscience.”“My flatmate and I displayed a banner from our balcony, just as the rally led by Shah was passing through our lane. The banner read: Shame; CAA and NRC, crossed out; Jai Hind; Aazadi and #NotInMyName. A conscious decision was made on our part to ensure that there were no derogatory words or phrases.“On noticing our protest, members of the rally started getting enraged and visibly agitated, and proceeded to harass and intimidate us by shouting threats and derogatory/misogynistic remarks. A mob of around 150 collected on the street below our apartment. The protest banner was torn and taken away. A group forced their way up the stairs which lead to our residence and threatened to break down the door if we did not let them in. Not anticipating such a strong and violent reaction, we feared for our lives and safety and locked ourselves into our home, while they kept violently banging at our door and shouting until the police intervened,” she wrote.“However, our ordeal was not over yet. The common entrance which led to the stairway of our house was locked and bolted by our landlord, who was part of the angry mob, and we were trapped in the house and unable to leave. In the meanwhile, our landlord informed us that we had been evicted from our residence.”indianexpress
'We Feared for Our Lives': Women Who Protested Amit Shah's Lajpat Nagar Rally Evicted
https://thewire.in/rights/amit-shah-lajpat-nagar-caa
Kerala: Posters Outside Homes Oppose CAA, Ask BJP-RSS Workers to Stay Away
https://thewire.in/rights/kerala-caa-protest-posters-home
Many homes in a Kerala district have put up posters asking BJP and RSS workers who are canvassing support for the CAA to stay away.As protests continue across the country against the controversial Act, BJP has initiated various outreach measures to garner support. In Kerala, a mass-contact drive has begun, but in the Karadi village of Kozhikode district in Kerala, around 350 houses put up posters informing the workers that they are not welcome. The posters also called for the Act to be scrapped, while also rejecting the NPR and the proposed nationwide NRC. The text in Malayalam reads: “We are fully aware that this law is against the Constitution. BJP-RSS workers need not come here to explain their support to this.”thewire
Anti-CAA protest: Court directs urgent medical treatment to jailed Bhim Army chief
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/anti-caa-protest-court-directs-urgent-medical-treatment-to-jailed-bhim-army-chief
A Delhi court directed Tihar jail authorities on Wednesday to provide urgent medial treatment to Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, arrested in connection with violence during anti-CAA protest in old Delhi's Daryaganj area, his lawyer said. CMM Arul Verma passed the directions in an interim order and put up the mater for detailed hearing on Thursday.In a brief hearing on Wednesday, the jail authorities sought time to file Azad's medical report in response to his application seeking treatment at AIIMS in the national capital, said advocate Mehmood Pracha, who represented Azad.PTI
CAA Protests : Everyone has right to protest but within parameters of constitution, says Delhi’s Tis Hazari court during bail hearing
https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/caa-protests-everyone-has-right-to-protest-but-within-parameters-of-constitution-says-tis-hazari-court-during-bail-hearing-151416
Delhi: Additional Sessions Judge, Tis Hazari Courts on Wednesday heard the bail applications of 15 persons who were arrested by Daryaganj police on Dec. 21 on allegations of violence during anti-CAA protests.The hearing began with Public Prosecutor, Pankaj Bhatia taking the court through the charges and alluding to the incident as a criminal conspiracy. Judge Kamini Lau interjected and said this could not be called criminal as people have a democratic right to protest. She further stated that people were walking from Seelampur, and as they moved on others kept joining in. This would be a civil matter at best. On being asked about the investigation, the crime branch informed the court that the 15 accused had not been identified through the footage that is available with them till now. Requests have been made with media channels to also assist the crime branch by sharing footage from their cameras. Judge Lau enquired about CCTV footage available from DCP office and was informed that the crime branch had not yet received the same. The judge also asked about the medical reports of the accused.livelaw
BJP wanted to see 'Hindu-Muslim riots' over CAA: Shiv SenaIndia
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/bjp-wanted-to-see-hindu-muslim-riots-over-citizenship-amendment-act-shiv-sena/536667
Mumbai: Against backdrop of attack on JNU students, the Shiv Sena on Tuesday hit out at PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that what they wanted was happening, and said such "brutal politics" was never seen before in the country.An editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' further alleged that BJP wanted to see "Hindu-Muslim riots" over the CAA, but that did not happen. Since the BJP has been cornered over the issue of CAA, several things are happening out of "revenge", it said.PTI
CAA: BJP plan to win over Christian clergy flops
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/caa-bjp-plan-to-win-over-christian-clergy-flops
In an attempt to change the narrative amongst Christians on CAA, BJP President JP Nadda met around 15 pastors of the Christian community in Delhi along with BJP Vice President Dushyant Gautam and Tom Vadakkan at his Motilal Nehru Marg residence. However, all those who met BJP President expressed their displeasure with the CAA. At the meeting, Michael Williams, an educationist, said, “All people are created equal. Since all people are created equal, any law has to be based on the person and not on religion or any other sub-group. We are willing to welcome everyone with open arms.”“We told him that CAA is incomplete, if everyone is not included, then it is an incomplete Act,” added Williams. There was no one there who supported the Act unlike what BJP stated, underscored Williams.Another priest who was at the 45-minute-long meeting but did not want to share his name said, “We told Nadda that this Act was passed without any discussion. There was no consensus. We have to go to the people, discuss and only then should anything become a law. We told him that we are in a secular India, so no law should discriminate.” He added that they were served tea, coffee, barfi and nuts.Fr Denzil Fernandes, director of Indian Social Institute, who was also present at the meeting said that after Nadda explained CAA to them, he said that BJP was arguing form the point of view of persecuted minorities and that BJP was being humanitarian.nationalheraldindia
Nagpur: With NPR, NRC looming, Muslims look for papers to prove citizenship
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/with-npr-nrc-looming-muslims-look-for-papers-to-prove-citizenship/articleshow/73129529.cms
Nagpur: Alarmed by the imminent implementation of NPR exercise to be followed by NRC, several city Muslims are now running from pillar to post trying to gather their own documents as well as those of their forefathers to prove citizenship.Though there is no clarity yet on what documentation will be needed, people are starting with birth and death certificates. Civic officials have observed a spurt in number of Muslims applicants compared to others and the rush is getting bigger.The basic reason Muslims are first in the queue is the fear of becoming stateless in case they fail to make it to NRC as Citizenship (Amendment) Act has excluded the community from seeking citizenship. For many, the first destination are Qabristans (cemeteries) where their parents and grandparents are buried. The unusual visits are necessitated by incomplete birth and death records of their parents and grandparents beside their own.TOI
Jharkhand: Sedition charges filed against over 3,000 anti-Citizenship Act protestors in Dhanbad
https://scroll.in/latest/949203/jharkhand-sedition-charges-filed-against-over-3000-anti-citizenship-act-protestors-in-dhanbad
The police in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad city on Tuesday filed sedition charges against more than 3,000 people for protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act.The police’s move was confirmed by Dhanbad SSP Kishore Kaushal, Shadab, a lawyer, told Scroll.in. He said the protestors were now discussing the option of mass surrender instead of applying for bail.FIR, which Scroll.in accessed, shows that the protestors have been charged under 11 sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 124-A, which relates to sedition. 7 people – Mohammad Sayyed Shahbaz, Mohammad Shajit alias Shahid, Haji Arif Zamir, Mohammad Saddam, Ali Akbar, Maulana Gulam Nabi and Mohammad Naushad – were named in FIR, and 3,000 were unnamed persons.scroll
CAA concerns foreigners, not Indians: Inter-faith delegation
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/caa-concerns-foreigners-not-indians-interfaith-delegation/1703578
New Delhi: In the backdrop of violent protests across the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act, a seven-member inter-faith delegation today met Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G. Kishan Reddy to express solidarity with the Govt, saying the law "concerns foreigners and no Indian has anything to fear".The delegation comprised prominent spiritual leaders and social reformers from different faiths and sects, including Jain Acharya Lokesh, meditation guru Swami Deepankar, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, Sardar Sant Singh, Veer Chakra Awardee Col T.P. Tyagi, Vineet Kumar and Gautam.The delegation members expressed solidarity with the Govt and faith in the policies of the Govt led by PM Narendra Modi, said a Home Ministry statement, adding the delegation unanimously affirmed that CAA "concerns foreigners and no Indian, from whichever religion, caste, colour or creed, has anything to fear."IANS
*JNU VIOLENCE*
JNU teachers' body alleges university connivance, police inaction in mob violence on campus
https://www.news18.com/news/india/jnu-teachers-association-alleges-university-connivance-police-inaction-in-mob-violence-on-campus-2450595.html
New Delhi:The mob violence on JNU campus could not have been possible without connivance of university administration and deliberate inaction by police, JNU Teachers' Association alleged today. It also slammed VC Jagadesh Kumar for asking students to put the past behind and return to the university premises. "How can students go back to hostels or to classrooms when they do not feel safe? How can teachers go back to teach when they do not feel safe?"JNUTA said. It said the command to students and faculty to forget and to accept administrative terror as normalcy "is an insult to injury".news18
Students attacked data centre to block CCTV footage of JNU violence: VC's explosive charge
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jnu-vc-m-jagadesh-kumar-alleges-deliberate-attack-on-data-centre-1635055-2020-01-08
New Delhi:JNU V-C M Jagadesh Kumar claims a data centre on campus may have been deliberately targeted by students to ensure a lack of CCTV footage of the violence unleashed on Sunday.In an interview with India Today, Jagadesh Kumar said "about 10 or 12 students" whose faces were "completely covered with clothes" abused technical staff and shut down data centre a couple of days before Sunday's violence.Kumar described the data centre as the "nerve centre" of JNU. "All our CCTV data is connected to our data centre," he said.Kumar said students involved in the attack on the data centre damaged it "deliberately, perhaps" so that CCTV footage of future events couldn't be captured."And that is what happened on the 5th. Our data centre was down, and many of our CCTV [cameras]...they were unable to capture the data.""So there seems to be some link between what happened on 5th and what happened on the 3rd," he said.India Today
Did JNU V-C delay calling police to university on day of attack?
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/exclusive-did-jnu-v-c-delay-calling-police-to-university-on-day-of-attack-here-s-what-he-has-to-say-1635080-2020-01-08
JNU violence: 2 among stick-wielding persons our activists, says ABVP member
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/jnu-violence-two-among-stick-wielding-persons-our-activists-says-abvp-member/articleshow/73148425.cms
New Delhi: An office bearer of ABVP accepted on national TV that two of stick-yielding persons seen in videos on the attack in JNU on Jan. 5 were members of RSS-affiliated student organisation. ABVP has also conceded that a woman assailant seen in the video is its activist in Delhi University.Anima Sonkar, joint secretary, Delhi ABVP, however said, "WhatsApp groups spread so much panic, saying there were threats and that if you stepped out, only to do so in groups. They asked people to carry rods, sticks, pepper spray and acid. I am not disowning they are activists of ABVP, Vikas Patel is our activist, but it was all in self-defence."Patel could not be reached by TOI, but many JNU students confirmed that the ex-student was an ABVP activist. The second person was identified as Sarvender Kumar, student of Centre for West Asian Studies at JNU. However, when TOI contacted his registered phone number, he said, "Wrong number" and disconnected the call. Sonkar did not respond to calls and messages from TOI.Meanwhile, Akshay Lakra, head Delhi NSUI, said, "ABVP has accepted that its members were among the masked mob that attacked JNU students and teachers."TOI
JNU Violence: Masked, Armed ABVP Members Identified
https://thewire.in/politics/abvp-jnu-violence-anima-sonkar
ABVP students brought outsiders inside JNU campus to unleash violence, reveals WhatsApp chat
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abvp-students-brought-outsiders-inside-jnu-campus-to-unleash-violence-reveals-whatsapp-chat-1634817-2020-01-07
New Delhi:The violence inside JNU campus which left 34 persons injured on Jan. 5, was conspired in advance by students affiliated to the right-wing, reveals a WhatsApp chat.The police is going through the screenshots of chats and will soon call group members for questioning. Most of members of these WhatsApp groups are affiliated to ABVP.An investigation by India Today has revealed that most of the members of these WhatsApp groups have either switched-off their numbers or have destroyed SIM cards.One of the groups, under the banner of "Friends Of RSS", has several text exchanges about the planning of the attack and how to bring outsiders inside JNU campus for the violence, as er the WhatsApp group.Few of the members, according to the WhatsApp group have been identified as Nidhi (student of JNU affiliated to ABVP), Renu Saini (affiliated to RSS), Yogendra Bharadwaj (affiliated to ABVP), Sandeep Singh (affiliated to ABVP) and Vinayak Gupta ( affiliated to ABVP).indiatoday
JNU violence: 23 PCR calls and hours later, Delhi Police stepped in
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jnu-violence-abvp-delhi-police-pcr-van-protests-6205258/
New Delhi:For nearly 4 hours Sunday — starting 2.30 pm when masked “miscreants” were first seen gathering inside JNU— 23 calls went from inside campus to Police Control Room (PCR). And yet, it wasn’t until 7.45 pm that Registrar Pramod Kumar handed over an official letter to Delhi Police, “seeking increased presence and deployment on premises”. Sources said that this is the key finding in a police report detailing the sequence of events that day, when around 100 masked persons went on a rampage inside campus for about 3 hours starting 6 pm, leaving 36 students, teachers and staff injured. The report, which has been submitted to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, is likely to be sent to Union Home Ministry. Sources said the report records events from 8am, when 27 police personnel in plainclothes,including women, arrived for duty at JNU Admin.Block and relieved the night shift. “Their job was to ensure compliance with the High Court order directing police to ensure that no dharna or protest takes place within 100 metres of block,”sources said.indianexpress
When mob ran riot in JNU: 17 cops inside, 116 at gate; 0 held
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/when-mob-ran-riot-in-jnu-17-cops-inside-116-at-gate-0-held/story-dwwqp11Vqb54LUDQzwxFdM.html
JNU violence: Delhi Police identifies some of masked attackers
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/jnu-violence-delhi-police-identifies-attackers-6206519/
JNU students’ union president Aishe Ghosh files attempt to murder complaint with police
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/aishe-ghosh-files-attempt-to-murder-complaint-with-police/article30513300.ece?homepage=true
JNU students’ union president Aishe Ghosh filed an attempt to murder complaint with the Vasant Kunj North police station on Tuesday, said a police officer today. In her complaint, Ms. Ghosh identified one of the attackers and named the dean of School of International Studies and some students affiliated with ABVP with threatening her with dire consequences.“At 6:30 pm we were at Sabarmati T point when we saw a number of students who were at the peaceful assembly started panicking and running towards Tapti hostel....while I tried to calm them down we saw a mob of persons pelting large stones and bricks at the teachers and the students with the clear intention of killing and injuring persons who were part of the peaceful gathering. This masked mob charged at the peaceful gathering with sharp weapons like axes, sledge hammer and iron rod sticks,” she said in the complaint.thehindu
Filth in RSS men’s heads: JNU students leader Aishe Ghosh mother
https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/filth-in-rss-mens-heads-aishe-ghosh-mother/cid/1733890?ref=west-bengal_home-template
JNU students’ union president Aishe Ghosh’s mother Sarmishtha Ghosh pointed to the “filth in the minds” of RSS men and advised them to make up their mind on which twisted version of the university attack must they stick to.Sarmishtha, who led a march in hometown Durgapur to protest Sunday’s attack on students and teachers at JNU, was reacting to comments of Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh.He suggested examination of the blood seen on students and teachers during the attack by the ABVP to see if it was “red paint”. Ghosh also said the attack was a “payback, as scores are being settled” for the Left’s alleged violent politics on campuses.“Such filth in the minds of these RSS men — not that one is to expect anything better from them — but also such contradiction,” Sarmishtha said. telegraphindia
Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh hints JNUSU chief poured colour to fake injury, her mother hits back
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bengal-bjp-president-dilip-ghosh-hints-jnusu-chief-poured-colour-to-fake-injury-her-mother-hits-back-6205448/
100 MPs to write to president demanding sacking of JNU VC: Yechury
https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/01/08/the-week-morning-brief-100-mps-to-write-to-president-demanding-sacking-jnu-vc.html
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said around 100 MPs will write a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind demanding sacking of JNU VC. He was addressing a public meeting organised by the teachers' association and students' union of the university. "Many members of Parliament, around 100 of them, have been contacted, and they have decided to write a letter to the president, who is the visitor to the university, demanding sacking of VC," Yechury said. The Week
Efforts on to facilitate semester registration for ‘willing’ students: JNU VC tells HRD Ministry
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/no-suggestions-made-to-hrd-for-temporarily-shutting-campus-jnu-vc/article30511491.ece?homepage=true
HRD Ministry officials met JNU V-C M. Jagadesh Kumar on Wednesday and took stock of the efforts being made by the varsity administration to restore normalcy on the campus, officials said. Kumar, who has been under fire from students and faculty members for not doing enough when they were brutally attacked by a masked mob on the campus, told the officials that efforts were on to facilitate semester registration for “willing” students. “Higher Education Secretary Amit Khare and GC Hosur had a meeting with JNU VC at the Ministry today about the efforts being made to restore normalcy on campus. He informed the officials about the efforts being made for facilitating semester registration for willing students and a conducive environment for their academic pursuits,” a senior Ministry official said.PTI
JNU protest march stopped at gate, crowd asks Delhi Police: Where were you on Sunday?
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/jnu-protest-march-stopped-at-gate-crowd-asks-delhi-police-where-were-you-on-sunday-6205345/
New Delhi :Alumni, political leaders and civil society members Tuesday spoke at JNU campus against the violence that took place on Sunday, as hundreds collected to hear them.The event was held late afternoon at Sabarmati T Point —flashpoint for the violence.Ex- JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee, Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav, CPI-ML (Liberation) leader Kavita Krishnan and others spoke at the event.In his speech, Kumar hit out at Home Minister Amit Shah for referring to slogans of the ‘tukde tukde gang in JNU’ at an event in the capital on Monday. Earlier in the afternoon, a march of about 150 alumni — led by CPM leaders and former JNUSU presidents Sitaram Yechury and Prakash Karat — was stopped just outside the main gate with heavy barricading. Author and theatre person Shamsul Islam shouted at the police, “Where were all these barricades that day when the goondas entered campus?”At the event, Yogendra Yadav said, “Police was protecting those who were attacking students… If at all they were half serious about restoring peace on campus, even if they only got to know at 6.30 or 7.45 pm — both lies — how is it that Delhi Police could not pick out one person from the 100 roaming inside campus?”indianexpress
JNU violence: Mumbai Police files 4 FIRs; Umar Khalid and organisers, participants of Gateway of India protests among those booked
https://www.firstpost.com/india/mumbai-police-files-four-firs-against-organisers-participants-of-local-protests-and-marches-against-jnu-violence-umar-khalid-among-booked-7874381.html
Mumbai Police on Tuesday filed four FIRs against people involved in local protests against the violence on students and faculty of the JNU on 5 Jan.. A spontaneous gathering of citizens took place at the iconic Gateway of India in the city after reports of the incident, in which 34 people were injured, surfaced. FIRs, which have been registered at the Colaba and MRA Marg police stations, are filed against the organisers and some participants in the protest, including a woman who was seen holding a placard with 'Free Kashmir' written on it.firstpost
BJP Spokesperson Makes False Claim That Umar Khalid Chanted 'Hinduo se Azadi'
https://thewire.in/politics/bjp-spokesperson-umar-khalid-false-claim
BJP Delhi spokesperson Tajinder Bagga tweeted an 18-second clip of a protest at the Gateway of India, Mumbai on the intervening night of Jan. 5-6. The protest was against the violence at JNU Delhi, where masked goons entered the campus with weapons and thrashed several students. The sloganeering at the Mumbai protest was led by former JNU student Umar Khalid. “Muslim and Leftists students in Mumbai again Raised Slogans “Hinduo se Aazadi” but this time not in Jamia or JNU , they raised Hinduo se Aazadi Slogans at Gateway of India Mumbai, (sic)” claimed Bagga. His tweet has garnered close to 9,000 retweets.Alt News found that Bagga’s claim about protesters chanting, “Hinduo se azadi”, is patently false. We discovered a Facebook Live of the protest where the 18-second portion tweeted by the Delhi BJP spokesperson can be heard from 17:53 minutes onward.thewire
CAA-NRC Protests: State Patronised Violence, Vandalism, says US academician Truschke
https://caravandaily.com/caa-nrc-protests-state-patronised-violence-vandalism/
New Delhi:Amid the ongoing anti-CAA and NRC protests and attack on JNU campus, noted academician on South Asian history who teaches in a top US university, Audrey Truschke, has said the violence was “state-led and state-sanctioned” and directed against peaceful protesters, Muslims, and others who were in the “wrong place at the wrong time.”Truschke sent a series of tweets to give her views about the violence perpetrated on people protesting against the CAA and NRC. “It is organised, in its own way,” she said.The noted academician accused the ruling BJP of working with mobs and police to unleash brutality on the protesters. Instead of arresting the culprits behind the violence, the government arrested a Dalit activist (Chander Sheikher Aazad), who is now “being denied medical care,” she said.Taking a direct dig at US president Donald Trump, she said the reason behind lack of international pressure on India was because Trump admired Modi’s tactics and might employ them in the US in the near future.
After Deepika Padukone's JNU Visit, "Respect" vs "Boycott" On Twitter
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/after-deepika-padukones-jnu-visit-respect-vs-boycott-on-twitter-2160508
2 days after masked goons attacked students and teachers at Delhi's JNU, actor Deepika Padukone visited the campus in a show of solidarity with the students. Her Tuesday evening visit to the university instantly polarised opinion on social media, where trends ranged from #ISupportDeepika and #BoycottChhapaak to #shameonbollywood. Padukone, in Delhi for promotions of her new movie Chhapaak, did not speak at JNU but images of the actor standing silently with the attacked students, including the JNU students' union chief Aishe Ghosh, drew admiration from many. A stream of hate messages has been circulating on Twitter, along with a call for boycotting her movie releasing this Friday.BJP spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga tweeted her photo at JNU with an appeal to boycott her movies.The boycott call instantly triggered a flood of support for Padukone on twitter, with many criticising BJP leader's tweet as "shameful". While celebrities like Anurag Kashyap, Swara Bhasker, Vishal Bhardwaj and Richa Chadha joined protests against JNU violence, mainstream Bollywood was missing.ndtv
St Stephen's Students Boycott Classes In "Very, Very Rare" Move, For JNU
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/st-stephens-students-boycott-classes-in-very-very-rare-move-for-jnu-2160714?pfrom=home-topscroll
New Delhi: Students of St Stephen's in Delhi boycotted classes and protested on the lawns today - in a gesture described as "very rare" for the college - to express solidarity with JNU students and teachers attacked by a masked mob.The students gathered on the sprawling lawns of St Stephen's and read the preamble to the Constitution.ndtv
After IIT-K Controversy, IIM-A Students Recite Faiz's "Hum Dekhenge"
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/faiz-ahmed-faizs-hum-dekhenge-recited-at-iim-ahmedabad-during-protest-2160777?pfrom=home-topscroll
New Delhi: Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz's poem "Hum Dekhenge" has become the protest anthem at IIM Ahmedabad, where students have launched an agitation against the Sunday attack on Delhi's JNU. Urdu poem, which is being probed by IIT-Kanpur over the allegation that it is anti-Hindu, was recited on Wednesday by their counterparts in Ahmedabad while carrying banners to show solidarity with JNU, ANI reported.ndtv
Coimbatore: Advocates, SIO condemn JNU violence
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/advocates-sio-condemn-jnu-violence/article30507211.ece
A section of advocates practising in the combined court complex here staged a demonstration on Tuesday condemning the attack on students and violence at JNU. The advocates also condemned the case registered against JNU students’ union leader Aishe Gosh, who was injured in the attack, and other students. They raised slogans against Delhi Police, accusing them of protecting the masked goons who attacked the students. They also wanted BJP-led Centre to withdraw CAA and stop proceedings for NPR and NRC.Condemning the JNU violence, Students Islamic Organization (SIO) staged a protest at Athupalam on Monday evening. SIO wanted authorities to take immediate punitive action against those involved in violence.Moulavi Mohammed Haneefa Manbaee, State president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, addressed the protesters, largely students from various institutions in Coimbatore.thehindu
Police called on campus after student groups clash in Agra University
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/police-called-on-campus-after-student-groups-clash-in-agra-university-1634722-2020-01-07
Agra:After the incident in JNU, Delhi, ABVP and NSUI confronted each other in B R Ambedkar University, Agra on Sunday.The administration had to call the police inside the B R Ambedkar University campus to avert a clash between the 2 groups. A complaint has been filed against both the ABVP and NSUI representatives for violating section 144 CrPC.
*OTHERS*
Bharat Bandh: All-India Strike Impacted Bengal, Delhi, Punjab, Odisha, Other States
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bharat-bandh-2020-all-india-strike-impacted-bengal-delhi-punjab-odisha-rajasthan-mumbai-2160678
New Delhi: Lakhs of trade union workers led Bharat Bandh - a nationwide strike today, disrupting transport and banking services to protest against privatisation and labour reforms. More than 10 national trade unions affiliated to left-wing parties, including the main opposition Congress, have called for a Bharat Bandh against the growing impact of economic slowdown on jobs,FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies. The trade unions are pressing for a 12-point common demand charter of the working class relating to pay hike, fixing of minimum wage, social security, uniform 5-day week, among others.Banking and roadways services were partially affected as members of trade unions joined the strike. A demonstration was held in front of LIC Building in Jaipur. Rajasthan roadways employees affiliated with Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) also participated in the "Bharat bandh". However in Jaipur, most of the markets opened as usual and there was not much impact on public transport services.The workers disrupted train services in Kolkata and other towns while shops and banks were shut at various places. Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws stayed off the road in the state, reported Reuters. Bengaluru too remained unaffected by the nationwide strike. In Mumbai, lakhs of commuters faced hardships as an indefinite strike called by BEST, the city's civic transport undertaking, continued. There were only five buses plying on city roads. Over 32,000 BEST employees went on an indefinite strike Tuesday over various demands, including higher salaries, reported ANI.With the state-run roadways unions joining the All-India strike, most of the buses were off the roads in Punjab.In Odisha, train services were hit on the second day of the strike as trade union activists staged "rail rook" at several places including Bhubaneswar, Balasore and Berhampur.In Kerala, a treasury branch of the State Bank of India in Thiruvananthapuram was attacked and trains were blocked in various parts of state. Buses, taxis and auto rickshaws stayed off the road.ndtv
Largest Ever Strike in India Shakes Up Modi Govt
https://www.newsclick.in/Nationwide-Workers-General-Strike-8-Jan-Modi-Govt
Thousands protest in Delhi showing support for 'Bharat Bandh'
https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/bharat-bandh-thousands-protest-delhi-showing-support-577486
New Delhi:Thousands of members from at least ten trade unions on Wednesday protested here against the Centre and extended their support to the all-India shutdown by trade unions. Gathered at the Shaheed Park, the members walked towards ITO intersection and blocked a section of Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. Holding red trade union flags and braving the winter drizzle, the protesters shouted slogans "Stop attacking students", "Stop attacking universities", "India belongs to us", "Stop dividing us", and "NRC, CAA, NPR will not be allowed". They extended support to anti-CAA and anti-NRC protests as also to protesting students, saying these issues are affecting all Indians, including labour.The demonstration was called to support all-India general strike called by trade unions.indiatvnews
SC agrees to examine plea seeking Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-agrees-to-examine-plea-seeking-scheduled-caste-status-for-dalit-christians-6206583/
The Supreme Court today agreed to examine a plea seeking directions to the government that Christians of Scheduled Castes origin be given the same benefits as Scheduled Castes. The plea, filed by National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC) seeking Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians, also sought that the Scheduled Castes community be made religion-neutral.A bench comprising CJI S A Bobde and justices Surya Kant and B R Gavai issued notice to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Minorities and Registrar General of India.The apex court sought the govt’s response in two weeks and tagged the matter along with a similar matter.indianexpress
WB Madrassa Managing Committee moves SC against verdict for appointing teachers by commission
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/wb-madrassa-managing-committee-moves-sc-against-verdict-for-appointing-teachers-by-commission-6206027/
Madrassa Managing Committee of West Bengal on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court challenging the top court’s verdict upholding a law on appointment of teachers by a commission for minority institutions.A bench headed by CJI S A Bobde said that it will hear the plea of the Madrassa Managing Committee next week. Senior advocate Salman Khurshid, appearing for the committee, said this case needs to be heard by a larger bench as the recent verdict is in conflict with the earlier judgment of the top court.The top court had on Monday upheld the West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission Act, 2008, clearing the way for appointment of teachers in madrassas of the state.The court had also set aside a Calcutta High Court verdict which had held legislation as unconstitutional and said that appointments made by the madrassa management committees till now will also remain valid in the larger interest.PTI
No violation of minority institution rights: SC upholds WB Madrasah Service Commission’s power to nominate teachers to Madrasas
https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/no-violation-of-minority-institution-rights-sc-upholds-wb-madrasah-service-commissions-power-to-nominate-teachers-to-madrasas
Punjab CM says Centre failed to ensure safety to minorities; Akali Dal should end all ties with BJP
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/punjab-cm-says-centre-failed-to-ensure-safety-to-minorities-akali-dal-should-end-all-ties-with-bjp/537044
Amritsar: Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday rejected claims of Akal Takht's Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh that Sikhs are not safe in India. He, however, asserted that if Giani Harpreet Singh still feels that way then he should take up the matter with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and urge it to end all ties with BJP. Punjab CM claimed that BJP is at the helm of Central Govt which is failing to ensure sense security among the minorities of the country.In a statement released by Punjab CMO, the state Govt said, "While he (Captain Amarinder Singh himself did not agree with Akal Takht Jathedar's remarks that Sikhs were not safe in India, the CM said that if the former did feel that way, then he should take up the matter with SAD and ask them to leave BJP-led coalition Govt at the Centre, of which they are a part," the statement said.The Punjab CM added that any feeling among the Sikh community that they were not secure in the country was a matter of grave concern. Earlier, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal had disassociated himself with the CAA.timesnownews
Jharkhand govt vows whip on lynching
https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/jharkhand/jharkhand-Govt-vows-whip-on-lynching/cid/1733885?ref=jharkhand_home-template
Ranchi:Secularism and freedom of expression are the priorities of Hemant Soren Govt, Jharkhand governor Droupadi Murmu said in her address on Tuesday, the second day of the 3-day Assembly session.“Our Govt...will take strong action against mob lynching to protect secularism and freedom of expression,” the governor said.There have been at least 21 mob lynching cases in the state since March 2016, many by cow-vigilante groups.Among them was the June 2019 case of Tabrez Ansari, who was forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hanuman”. In 2 cases, those of Alimuddin Ansari of Ramgarh and Mazloom Ansari of Latehar, lower courts convicted the accused. Hazaribagh MP Jayant Sinha had felicitated some of those who beat up Alimuddin, recorded it and circulated the clips online.Among the other priorities of the new Govt, Murmu mentioned jobs for youths, help to farmers, women’s empowerment, the security shield of constitutional rights for tribals and the downtrodden, land to the landless, and freedom to Dalits, tribals, minorities and the poor trapped wrongly in cases.telegraphindia
Muzaffarpur shelter home case: No murder, all 35 children were found to be alive, CBI tells SC
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/no-evidence-of-murder-of-children-in-muzaffarpur-shelter-home-cbi-to-supreme-court/
CBI told the Supreme Court that all the 35 children who were alleged to have been murdered in the Muzaffarpur shelter home were traced and found to be alive, PTI reported. “No evidence of the murder of children found in Muzaffarpur’s shelter home,” said CBI today. According to PTI, the probe agency also told the top court that two skeletons were recovered but forensic investigations established them to be of a woman and a man. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde accepted the status report of the CBI and allowed two officers to be relieved from the investigation team.Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the probe agency, said the investigation was done on rape and sexual assault allegation of children and charge sheets have been filed before courts concerned.indianexpress
India under Modi is 5th biggest geopolitical risk in 2020: Eurasia
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/india-under-modi-is-5th-biggest-geopolitical-risk-in-2020-says-eurasia
India under Narendra Modi is the fifth biggest geopolitical risk of 2020, said Eurasia Group, world’s leading political risk consultancy.Eurasia’s annual ‘Top 10 Risks’ of the year list is considered one of the foremost geopolitical indicators among global investors, multinational firms and various financial and business consultancies.“PM Narendra Modi has spent much of his second term promoting controversial social policies at the expense of an economic agenda. The impacts will be felt in 2020, with intensified communal and sectarian instability, as well as foreign policy and economic setbacks,” reads the Eurasia Group’s report.The analysis titled ‘India gets Modi-fied’, has been co-authored by the president of Eurasia Group, Ian Bremmer. Bremmer had earlier argued that “Modi is India’s best hope for economic reform” in the May 2019 edition of Time magazine, the same edition in which author Aatish Taseer had wrote a piece called Modi “Divider-in-Chief”.The consultancy report talks about how since his re-election in May 2019, Modi’s Govt has adopted a “contentious” social agenda, which not only comes “at the cost” of India’s economy, but also “challenges the secular and democratic foundations” of the republic.nationalheraldindia
Close to tipping point of major recession, says Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/express-adda-nobel-laureate-abhijit-banerjee-esther-duflo-6205313/
Mumbai :Sounding the alarm on the state of the Indian economy, Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee has said “we are extremely close to a tipping point of a major recession”. Comparing the slowing growth of the economy to 1991 economic crisis, Banerjee, who along with Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics, suggested that the focus should be on stimulating demand to revive the growth story.Speaking at the Express Adda along with Duflo in Mumbai, he said: “critical problem in the Indian economy is demand. You definitely want to stimulate demand.”“At the risk of being censured by my macroeconomic friends, I feel we should forget about Budget deficits and meeting targets. We should even forget about inflation targeting. Let the economy rip a bit. We want to be open-handed right now. Since we are still a pretty closed economy, I do not think it is hard for the Govt to be more open-handed,” he said.indianexpress
Chidambaram says GDP estimate ‘exaggerated’, blames BJP for mismanagement of economy
https://indianexpress.com/article/business/p-chidambaram-says-gdp-estimate-exaggerated-blames-bjp-for-mismanagement-of-economy-6205746/
New Delhi :A day after National Statistical Office (NSO) estimated that GDP growth rate would marginally rise to 5.25 % in the second half of the financial year, former finance minister P Chidambaram Wednesday said the projected numbers were “exaggerated and puffery”. He also targeted BJP-led Govt for its “neglect and mismanagement” of the economy. “Advanced Estimates of National Income 2019-20 released yesterday tells story of neglect and mismanagement of the economy by BJP Govt. Projected annual growth of 5 % is exaggerated and puffery. The growth in the first half was 4.75 %. It is difficult to believe that growth in the second half will be 5.25 %,” he tweeted. Chidambaram predicted that key sectors, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing and construction, would not grow more than 3.2 % in the second half.indianexpress
India asks refiners to stop buying Malaysian palm oil after political row - sources
https://in.reuters.com/article/india-malaysia-palmoil/india-asks-domestic-refiners-to-avoid-buying-malaysian-palm-oil-sources-idINKBN1Z60XQ
India has informally asked palm oil refiners and traders to avoid buying Malaysian palm oil, Govt and industry sources said on Tuesday, following Malaysian criticism of India’s actions in Kashmir region and its new citizenship law.India is the world’s biggest buyer of the oil and palm oil inventories could spike in Malaysia, putting prices under pressure if Indian refiners reduce purchases from the country. Malaysian prices are the global benchmark for palm oil prices.A senior official in India’s vegetable oil industry, who did not wish to be named, said Govt had asked refiners at a meeting attended by 2 dozen vegetable oil industry officials in New Delhi on Monday to boycott Malaysia.Reuters
Adani Probe: SC Stays Bombay HC Order that Stopped DRI's Overseas Investigation
https://thewire.in/business/adani-over-invoicing-probe-sc-bombay-hc-order-dri
The Supreme Court today stayed a Bombay high court order which had effectively stopped an investigation by India’s customs intelligence agency into alleged overvaluation of coal imports by 2 Adani Group firms. The SC also issued notice to Adani Enterprises Ltd on an appeal by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in the matter connected with the alleged over-invoicing of Indonesian coal imports.In Oct. 2019, Bombay HC dealt a setback to DRI by quashing ‘letter rogatory’ (LRs) it had sent to various countries over its investigation into Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL).thewire
Telecom firms seek open court hearing in Supreme Court of review petition against AGR ruling
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/telecom-firms-seek-open-court-hearing-in-supreme-court-of-review-petition-against-agr-ruling/story-OzBBNDySDfonZsnm3uSGvO.html
New Delhi:The telecom companies in India have sought open court hearing of the review petition they filed against the Supreme Court order on the interpretation of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) which had resulted in imposition of around Rs 92,000 crore burden on telecom companies.The matter was mentioned on Wednesday before Justice Arun Mishra by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi on behalf of telecom companies who requested the court for an open court hearing of review petitions.Justice Mishra said he will take a call after consulting CJI Sharad Arvind Bobde.The matter pertained to DoT claiming that telecom companies had under reported their revenues.HT
Arms theft at 50 armoured regiment: Army CoI blames chain of command for lapses
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arms-theft-at-50-armoured-regiment-army-coi-blames-chain-of-command-for-lapses-6206058/
Chandigarh :An Army court of inquiry (CoI) held into the theft of 2 INSAS rifles and more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition in an armoured regiment in Rajasthan’s Suratgarh, has blamed the chain of command of the unit for laxity. CoI also found that a jawan of the unit had committed the theft in order to sell rifles and ammunition in his home state Gujarat.The inquiry has blamed the entire chain of command, starting from the Commandant of 50 Armoured Regiment, second in command, Quarter Master, Risaldar Major and several others for laxity. CoI has found that there have been several security and procedural lapses in the regiment by not adhering to Army Orders and Army Instructions and that there was “nonchalant attitude” in all ranks of the unit for which Commandant is to be blamed.indianexpress
Mahant Nritya Gopal Das: 'Ram Temple Trust Likely To Be Constituted After Jan. 16'
https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/ram-temple-trust-likely-to-be-constituted-after-Jan.-16.html
Chief of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das has said today that the announcement for the trust that is to be constituted for construction and management of Ram Temple in Ayodhya is expected to be made any day after Jan.16."After Jan.16, announcement regarding trust can be made any day," Mahant Nritya Gopal Das adding, "Without trust, no work can happen. We saints, especially from Ayodhya, want Ram Temple to be made as early as possible".Stating that the trust will be made ahead of Ram Navami, he opined that the construction of Ram Temple should start on auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.republicworld
A Delhi govt school ranked No.1; 2 others also ranked among top 10 govt schools in India
https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/3-delhi-govt-schools-ranked-among-top-10-govt-schools-in-india-1634860-2020-01-08?fbclid=IwAR38GWRfOtJCkK0XZyH_9mokcOBeP_H-h8IUWm8uqb1TKndIRDCz7xa2Ktw
A Delhi Govt school has been ranked No.1 among all Govt-run day schools in the country, while two others have made it to the top 10.The rankings were released last week by an education portal, Education World, in 'Indian School Ranking 2019'.Delhi Govt school Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya (RPVV), Sector 10, Dwarka, has been ranked No. 1 in the list released by Education World, a portal for educators, teachers, and parents, which comes out with national rankings for schools every year. While RPVV Lajpat Nagar moved up one place to the fifth position, RPVV Rohini broke into the top 10 at seventh place. CM Arvind Kejriwal congratulated the teachers and principals of these schools for their efforts. Delhi Govt has made education and revamping Govt schools a priority as part of their governance framework.IANS
No reason to believe delhi is not conducive to hold polls, says CEO amid anti-CAA protests, JNU attack
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/no-reason-to-believe-delhi-is-not-conducive-to-hold-polls-says-ceo-amid-anti-caa-protests-jnu-attack-2450035.html
New Delhi:There is no reason to believe that situation in Delhi is not conducive to hold polls, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ranbir Singh said, asserting that authorities would make adequate arrangements to ensure a peaceful election next month.Singh was responding to a question on whether security situation in Delhi in backdrop of violence at JNU and the protests against the contentious citizenship law and NRC was conducive to hold polls."There is no reason to believe that environment in the national capital is not conducive to hold polls. Delhi Police will make all the arrangements to ensure peace and tranquillity across the city," CEO told reporters. "Later, what is the situation and whether it is conducive or not, is the prerogative of Election Commission to decide. But, situation is fine now," Singh added.PTI
Delhi assembly elections 2020: AAP will win 59 seats, predicts IANS-CVoter Delhi poll tracker
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/delhi-assembly-elections-2020-aap-will-win-59-seats-predicts-ians-cvoter-delhi-poll-tracker/articleshow/73132612.cms
Ruling AAP is all set sweep back to power in the Delhi Assembly elections, according to IANS-CVoter Delhi poll tracker.If elections are held today, AAP is all set to win 59 seats, while the BJP, which is a distant second, is tipped to get just eight seats. Congress is predicted to get three seats in Delhi assembly elections. However, if one focuses on seat projection, AAP may get as much as 64 seats. The projection range for BJP, which is going all out to come back to power in Delhi after nearly two decades, is between three and 13 seats.IANS
A Hindu-dominated Tamil Nadu village picks Muslim head
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/to-stay-united-a-hindu-dominated-village-chooses-a-muslim-panchayat-head/articleshow/73147052.cms
TRICHY: In these times of strife and threats of polarisation on communal lines, a village panchayat in Pudukottai district stands out as an example of harmony. Seriyalur Inam in Keeramangalam, which is dominated by Hindus, has elected a Muslim as panchayat president to express their solidarity with those opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act. Mohammed Jiyavudeen, 45, secured 554 of the 1,360 votes polled in the village which has 60 Muslim votes. TOI
Mumbai Muslim beef trader attacked by cow vigilantes in 2014 gets refugee status in Canada
https://scroll.in/latest/949164/mumbai-beef-trader-attacked-by-cow-vigilantes-in-2014-gets-refugee-status-in-canada
A Muslim beef trader from Mumbai has been granted refugee status in Canada as the country’s Immigration and Refugee Board noted that the man had a “subjective fear of persecution in India as a Muslim” and as someone involved in the industry in India, Mumbai Mirror reporte. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, worked in his family’s meat business since 1998. In 2014, he was attacked by 10 unknown people, allegedly belonging to RSS. The trader’s home was also attacked a few days after the incident.In his application to the country, the man said that local police officers had ignored his complaint, and attempts for a legal recourse was in vain. The man also claimed that his attempt to set up shop in Pune city failed as he faced threats from Hindutva groups. Maharashtra’s ban on beef was put in place in 2015 – the year the man moved to France. Following this, he shifted to Canada in 2016.scroll
Rakesh Asthana case: HC asks CBI Director to be present in court on Feb 10 if probe not complete
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rakesh-asthana-case-hc-asks-cbi-director-to-be-present-in-court-on-feb-10-if-probe-not-complete-6206477/
Delhi High Court Wednesday asked the CBI Director to be present before it on February 10 if the agency fails to complete an investigation into the bribery case allegedly involving its then special director Rakesh Asthana. Justice Vibhu Bakhru pulled up the CBI for repeatedly seeking extension of time to complete its investigation in the case.The court passed the order while hearing the CBI’s plea seeking further extension of time to complete the probe and said if the probe is completed before the next date of hearing, that is February 10, its application would become infructuous and no assistance of any officer would be required by the court. PTI
*J&K ISSUE*
Envoys from EU, Australia to skip govt's 2-day tour of J&K: Sources
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/envoys-from-eu-australia-to-skip-governments-2-day-tour-of-j-k-sources-2160886?pfrom=home-topscroll
New Delhi: European Union will not be part of the foreign delegates' team visiting J&K tomorrow at the Centre's invitation. Diplomatic sources from Europe told NDTV that the envoys do not want a "guided tour" of Jammu and Kashmir and would visit later and meet the people they want to meet.Parliamentarians from European Union had visited J&K in Oct - 3 months after Centre scrapped the special status of the state granted under Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcated it into two union territories. During the visit - meant to check the ground situation -- they met the locals and were briefed from the security forces.A similar schedule has been planned for the two-day tour that begins tomorrow, which would be attended by envoys from the Latin America and Africa. Diplomats from Australia and several Gulf nations, who were expected to go, have dropped out due to what they called "scheduling" reasons."EU envoys don't want a guided tour of Kashmir. We want to meet people freely of our own choosing," a source told NDTV. The official said the delegates are keen on meeting 3 ex CMs --- Farooq and Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti - who have been in detention since Centre announced the move on August 5.It is to allay these concerns that the government has arranged for the two-day visit, home ministry sources had told NDTV.ndtv
5 months later, Govt invites diplomat delegation to J&K
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/five-months-later-Govt-invites-diplomat-delegation-to-jammu-and-kashmir/article30505185.ece
He died escaping CRPF on the day Kashmir lost special status. Police finally admit to his death
https://scroll.in/article/949084/he-died-escaping-crpf-on-the-day-kashmir-lost-special-status-police-finally-admit-to-his-death
J&K police have finally acknowledged the death of a 17-year-old teenager who drowned to death paramilitary troops on August 5.The police have asked Srinagar DM to start inquest proceedings. According to a status report submitted by the police to DM on Dec. 2, he died after drowning in the Jhelum river, which passes through Srinagar.“It is prayed that on 05-08-2019, the deceased Osaib Marazi aged about 24 years allegedly drowned in river Jhelum,” says the status report submitted by the Parimpora police station, a copy of which is with Scroll.in.Marazi’s school records, also viewed by Scroll.in, state he was 17 years old when he died.scroll
Srinagar: Clashes erupt in Nowgam after 16-year-old boy gets run over by police vehicle
https://scroll.in/latest/949210/srinagar-clashes-erupt-in-nowgam-after-16-year-old-boy-gets-run-over-by-police-vehicle
Clashes erupted in Srinagar district’s Nowgam area on Tuesday after a 16-year-old boy was crushed to death by a police vehicle, The Print reported. The Class 10 student, identified as Tehseen Nazir Bhat, was on his way to tuition classes when the accident occurred. Enraged local residents erected barricades and allegedly pelted stones at the police. Four people were injured in these clashes, a local hospital told the news website. But PTI reported that three people were injured in the clashes and three in the accident.scroll
Post-Abdullah/Mufti era: Ex-PDP minister emerging as leader of new front
https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/01/08/post-abdullah-mufti-era-ex-pdp-minister-emerging-as-leader-of-new-front.html
Moving beyond Article 370, a group of politicians on Tuesday met J&K Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu and presented him with a memorandum. Memorandum calls for restoration of statehood to J&K and protection of right to employment and ownership of land for the residents of Union territory.The group, which was led by former minister and PDP MLA Altaf Bukhari, also included former minister Ghulam Hassan Mir, Dilawar Mir, Zafar Iqbal Manhas, Noor Muhammad Sheikh, Chowdhry Qamar Hussain and Raja Manzoor. The group presented a 15-point memorandum to Murmu, which, among other things, demanded the release of all political prisoners and others who have been detained after the removal of Article 370 .theweek
Forest Land Identified for Development After Reorganisation of J&K
https://thewire.in/Govt/forest-land-jammu-and-kashmir
After August 6, when Govt of India scrapped the semi-autonomous status of the former Himalayan state of J&K and divided it into two union territories, recent news and statements about the imminent land-use changes in the region have caused consternation among common people and environmental activists. They argue that it would result in “environmental degradation in the name of development.”As part of abolishing J&K’s semi-autonomous status, the union Govt passed J&K Reorganization Act in the parliament, which came to effect on October 31, with appointment of a new Govt in J&K. A review of official data reveals that the new regional Govt, in a massive land-hunt exercise, has so far identified 120,000 kanals of land from 203,020 acres of state-owned land in Kashmir region for industrial infrastructure development. Most of this land is ecologically sensitive because it is either part of or close to rivers, streams and other water bodies according to the officials. In Jammu, 42,000 acres of state land has been identified for development, though concerns about environmental degradation have not so far been expressed explicitly by the people of that region.thewire
*WORLD*
80 "American Terrorists" Killed In Missile Strikes: Iran State Media
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/80-american-terrorists-killed-in-missile-strikes-iran-state-media-2160516?pfrom=home-livetv
Dubai: Iranian state TV said today that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on US targets in Iraq, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted.State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said US helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged". It did not provide evidence of how it obtained that information.Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday in retaliation for US drone strike on an Iranian commander whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in Middle East.Iranian state TV said Iran had fired 15 missiles at US targets in Iraq early on Wednesday. US military said at least 2 Iraqi facilities hosting US-led coalition personnel were targeted at about 1:30 am Iraq time. Iraq said 22 missiles were fired.Iranian officials said Tehran did not want a war and its strikes "concluded" its response to Friday's killing of Qassem Soleimani, a powerful general whose burial in Iran after days of mourning was completed around the same time as Iran's missile launches. Iranian state television showed mourners celebrating the attack.One source said early indications were of no US casualties, while other US officials declined to comment.Germany, Denmark and Norway said none of their troops in Iraq were killed or injured. Iraq also said there were no casualties in its forces.Iran, which has long said US forces should leave the Middle East, told Washington after the attacks to withdraw its troops to prevent more deaths and warned US allies including Israel not to allow attacks from their territories.Reuters
World reacts after Iran fires missiles at US targets in Iraq
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/Govts-urge-diplomacy-iran-tensions-escalate-200108041741889.html
‘All is well’, says Trump after Iran launches missile attack on 2 Iraq airbases used by US forces
https://scroll.in/latest/949122/iran-launches-missile-attack-on-two-airbases-in-iraq-used-by-us-forces
Iran targeted at least two airbases housing US troops in Iraq with over a dozen ballistic missiles on Wednesday, reported BBC.However, Trump said, “all is well”, and that he would make a statement later. He tweeted that assessment of casualties and damages was underway. White House spokesperson Stephanie Grisham had said that president “is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team”.scroll
Khamenei says missile strike a 'slap in the face' for US
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/iran-khamenei-missile-strike-slap-face-200108082644095.html
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called his country's missile strike on US targets in Iraq a "slap in the face" for US and said that Washington's troops must leave the region."Last night we slapped them in the face," Khamenei said in his speech in the capital, Tehran, adding that military retaliation was not enough."What is important is that the corrupt presence of the US in this region should come to an end."Khamenei was addressing a large crowd, many of whom were holding pictures of Soleimani, who headed Iran's Quds Force, the overseas arm of the elite Revolutionary Guards Corps.Soleimani was buried in the "martyrs section" of a cemetery in his hometown of Kerman after three days of funeral processions that saw his coffin travel to various cities across the country and huge crowds paying respects to him.aljazeera
US-Iran tensions: Govt advises Indians against travelling to Iraq; DGCA tells airlines to remain vigilant
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/us-iran-tensions-indian-govt-travel-advisory-dgca-airlines-6205824/
New Delhi In light of the prevailing tensions between Iran and US, India’s Ministry of External Affairs Wednesday advised its citizens not to travel to Iraq. It also asked Indian nationals in Iraq to be alert and avoid travel within the country. “In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq.Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. Meanwhile, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said they have asked Indian airlines to remain vigilant and take all precautions in airspaces over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman and waters of Persian Gulf. The aviation body, however, has not issued any formal instruction.indianexpress
"Retaliated Only In Defence": Iran's Envoy To India On Missile Strikes
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/retaliated-only-in-defence-says-irans-envoy-to-india-ali-chegini-on-missile-strikes-at-iraq-2160657?pfrom=home-topscroll
New Delhi: Hours after Iran fired 15 ballistic missiles at two military bases housing American and coalition troops in Iraq, the Iranian envoy to India has said his country has "retaliated not from behind, but from the front" against the killing of its top commander in an airstrike by US last week."Actually, every Iranian is happy... It (missile strikes) wasn't something we did from behind, but from the front. We retaliated because we were not the beginner. We retaliated only in defence based on our people's demand," Iran's envoy to India, Ali Chegini, told NDTV today. "The strikes were also to say to any attacker including Americans that Iranian Govt and people never hesitate to defend their legitimate rights," Chegini said.ndtv
Will welcome India’s peace initiative for de-escalating tensions with US: Iran’s envoy to India
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/will-welcome-peace-initiative-by-india-for-de-escalating-tensions-with-us-iran-6206394/
Amid rising tension between Tehran and Washington, Iran’s Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni said his country will welcome any peace initiative by New Delhi to de-escalate tensions in region.Chegeni said, “India usually plays a very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. India belongs to this region.We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions).”indianexpress
Netanyahu warns of ‘resounding blow’ if Iran attacks Israel
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/benjamin-netanyahu-warns-of-resounding-blow-if-iran-attacks-israel/story-MidhEeLKjAbtycTmsz8xSP.html
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu warned today that Israel would strike a “resounding blow” if attacked by arch foe Iran, as regional tensions soar after US killing of a top Iranian general.“Anyone who attacks us will receive a resounding blow,” the premier told a Jerusalem conference after Iran launched a salvo of retaliatory missile strikes on bases used by US troops in Iraq.AFP
Putin meets Assad in rare Syria visit amid US-Iran tensions
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/putin-meets-assad-rare-syria-visit-iran-tensions-200107150701410.html
Russian President Vladimir Putin has met his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad during a rare visit to the Syrian capital as the prospect of war between Iran and US loomed over the region.Tuesday's visit was Putin's first to Damascus and second to Syria, a key Iran ally, since the start of nearly 9-year war that Russian troops joined in 2015 to support Syrian Govt.aljazeera
Nancy Pelosi, Handed Note About Iran Attack, Told Democrats To "Pray"
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/start-of-martyr-soleimani-operation-iran-revolutionary-guards-warns-us-after-missile-strike-2160441?pfrom=home-topscroll
Official: Saudi concerned it will be targeted during US-Iran tensions
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200108-official-saudi-concerned-it-will-be-targeted-during-us-iran-tensions/
Saudi Deputy Defence Minister Khalid Bin Salman said that he has discussed with US President Donald Trump aspects of coordination and joint efforts to face regional and international challenges.The son of the Saudi monarch tweeted: “I met yesterday, US President Donald Trump, carrying a message from Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.”He explained that he “discussed with [Trump] aspects of cooperation, coordination and joint work between the two friendly countries in various aspects, including joint efforts to confront regional and international challenges.”MEMO
Received Warning from Iran on Missile Attack Against US Forces, Says Iraq PM
https://www.news18.com/news/world/iran-united-states-tensions-live-updates-donald-trump-qasem-soleimani-missile-attack-iraq-baghdad-2449781.html
Iraq today said Iran had given it advance notice of the missile attack on US forces believed to have killed 80 American soldiers, according to Baghdad's claims.
Hashd deputy leader al-Muhandis buried in Najaf
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/hashd-deputy-leader-abu-mahdi-al-muhandis-buried-iraq-najaf-200107184608000.html
Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a leader of Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi), has been buried at the Salam Cemetery in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf.Al-Muhandis was killed alongside Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and several others in a US air raid outside Baghdad airport on Friday.His body was taken to Iran for the DNA test and was returned on Tuesday.aljazeera
All 176 On Board Ukrainian Plane That Crashed In Iran Killed
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/ukrainian-plane-with-180-on-board-crashes-after-take-off-from-iran-airport-news-agency-reuters-quoti-2160449?pfrom=home-topscroll
Dubai: A Ukrainian airliner crashed soon after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport today, killing all 176 people aboard, Iran's state TV and Ukraine's leaders said. The Boeing 737 belonging to Ukraine International Airlines crashed near the airport and burst into flames. Ukraine's embassy in Iran, citing preliminary information, said the plane had suffered engine failure and the crash was not caused by "terrorism". Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said there were no survivors.Iranian TV said the crash was due to technical problems but did not elaborate. Reuters
Crashed Ukraine Plane Had 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians On Board: Ukrainian Minister
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/world-news-crashed-ukraine-plane-had-82-iranians-63-canadians-on-board-minister/345364
Ukrainian plane that crashed outside Tehran today, killing all on board, was carrying 82 Iranian and 63 Canadian nationals, a Ukrainian minister said.Boeing 737 was also carrying 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, 3 Germans and three Britons, Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko wrote on Twitter.Ukrainian airliner carrying 176 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran, killing all on board, officials in Iran said.The Boeing 737 had departed Imam Khomeini International Airport before dawn bound for the Ukrainian capital Kiev, semi-official ISNA said.outlookindia
4.9 magnitude quake near Bushehr nuclear plant jolts Iran
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/4-9-magnitude-quake-near-bushehr-nuclear-plant-jolts-iran/articleshow/73150066.cms
Tehran: An earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter Scale hit near the Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran on Wednesday.According to UN Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at a depth of 10 KMS.ANI
Muslims should unite after Iran commander's killing: Malaysian PM
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/muslims-should-unite-after-iran-commanders-killing-malaysian-pm/articleshow/73134945.cms
Muslim countries should unite to protect themselves against external threats, Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad said on Tuesday after describing US killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani as immoral. The world's oldest premier, who has in recent months stoked diplomatic tensions by speaking out on issues concerning the Muslim world, also said US drone attack on Soleimani was against international laws. Mahathir, 94, said it could also lead to an escalation in "what is called terrorism"."The time is right for Muslim countries to come together," Mahathir told reporters."We are no longer safe now. If anybody insults or says something that somebody doesn't like, it is all right for that person from another country to send a drone and perhaps have a shot at me."About 50 people including burqa-wearing women gathered outside the Iranian embassy in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, to shout "Down, Down USA".Reuters
Putin, Erdogan to discuss killing of Iran’s Soleimani on Wednesday – Kremlin Spokesman
http://www.uniindia.com/news/world/politics-putin-turkey-iran-talks/1846552.html
Moscow:Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan will meet on Wednesday to discuss the situation in the Middle East following the killing, in a US strike, of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Sputnik.Putin flew to Istanbul on Tuesday after a brief visit to Damascus where he met with his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Assad.Peskov confirmed to Sputnik in the early hours of Wednesday that Putin plans to discuss with Erdogan the killing of Soleimani and its potential consequences.Sputnik/UNI
Turkey denies Erdogan called Qasem Soleimani a 'martyr'
https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-denies-erdogan-called-qasem-soleimani-a-martyr-32777
Turkey is deeply concerned about the situation in the region after US assassinated a top Iranian commander in Iraq. President Tayyip Erdogan spoke to his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rouhani, two days back with the message urging that all sides restraint from escalating situation.While Erdogan offered condolences to Rouhani over the killing of Soleimani, he did not call the leader of the Iranian militia a 'martyr', according to a Turkish official. The clarification came in wake of reports that wrongly attributed some words to Erdogan. The Iran's Embassy in Turkey tweeted details of Erdogan and Rouhani's conversation that implied that Turkish President praised Soleimani with the highest praise given to fallen Muslim soldier. US President Donald Trump gave even more credence to the statement when he referred to it during a press conference on Tuesday. "I'm actually surprised to hear it," Trump said when asked what he thinks about Erdogan calling Soleimani a martyr. trtworld
Netanyahu calls Israel a ‘nuclear power’ before correcting himself in apparent slip of tongue
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/netanyahu-israel-nuclear-power-weapons-iran-crisis-trump-a9272086.html
Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to accidentally admit his country has nuclear capabilities with an apparent slip of tongue on Sunday.Netanyahu described his country as a “nuclear power” at a weekly cabinet meeting before quickly correcting himself with an embarrassed smile.Israel is widely-believed to possess nuclear weapons but it has never confirmed or denied claims about its atomic arsenal and has maintained a policy of deliberate ambiguity on the issue for decades. While reading prepared remarks in Hebrew on a deal with Greece and Cyprus for a subsea gas pipeline, Mr Netanyahu said: “The significance of this project is that we are turning Israel into a nuclear power.”independent
Several killed in car bomb attack near Somali parliament
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/killed-car-bomb-attack-somali-parliament-200108085230658.html
At least 4 people were killed and 10 wounded when a car bomb exploded close to a checkpoint near Somalia's parliament in the capital Mogadishu on Wednesday, police said.A plume of thick black smoke was seen over the city and witnesses said a number of vehicles were on fire."Explosives were packed in a vehicle which the security forces think was trying to pass through the checkpoint but because he could not do that, the suicide bomber detonated it," said police officer Adan Abdullahi.aljazeera
Australia to kill up to 10,000 camels amid wildfires
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/australia-to-kill-thousands-of-camels-amid-wildfires-2160450?pfrom=home-topstories
Sydney:Authorities in Australia will begin 5-day campaign to kill thousands of camels in the country as they drink too much water amid the wildfires.The Govt will send helicopters to kill up to 10,000 camels in a 5-day campaign starting today, The Hill reported. Marita Baker, an Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) (large, sparsely-populated local Govt area for Aboriginal Australians) executive board member, said that camels were causing problems in her community of Kanypi.The planned killing of the camels comes at a time the country is ravaged by wildfires since November. The disaster has killed more than a dozen people and caused the displacement or deaths of 480 million animals, according to University of Sydney researchers.ANI
*views, Articles, FEATURES*
For headline-manager Amit Shah, JNU violence is a gift that distracts from CAA protests:DILIP MANDAL, theprint
https://theprint.in/opinion/for-headline-manager-amit-shah-jnu-violence-is-a-gift-that-distracts-from-caa-protests/346175/
The isolationist view of the progress of knowledge is fundamentally defective:Amartya Sen, indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/friendship-and-progress-6205177/
Whose police?JNU violence raised questions about conduct of Delhi Police: indian express Editorial
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/jnu-students-attacked-violence-abvp-delhi-police-6205162/
Rajasthan Video Falsely Shared As Attack On Minorities In Pakistan
https://www.boomlive.in/fast-check/rajasthan-video-falsely-shared-as-attack-on-minorities-in-pakistan-6491
Indian Economy, Worst In 42 Years, Needs An Honest Look:Andy Mukherjee | Bloomberg
https://www.ndtv.com/business/opinion-indian-economy-worst-in-42-years-needs-an-honest-look-2160641?pfrom=home-topstories
The deaths in Kota hospital bare the light on a healthcare system founded on apathy towards the poor:Shah Alam Khan, indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/kota-infant-death-toll-rises-infant-mortality-rate-india-healthcare-services-6205180/
It’s high time that the community’s tragedy that began with the Partition ends:J.S. Bandukwala, indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/muslims-population-in-india-nrc-caa-protests-secularism-6205149/
Present operations and aims of country’s statistical system are at alarming variance with past legacy:C P Chandrasekhar, indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/cp-chandrasekhar-jnu-withdraws-from-statistics-committee-nsso-central-statistics-office-modi-govt-6205150/
BJP’s damage control on Citizenship Act: First pass law, then convince the public:Rohan Venkataramakrishnan
https://scroll.in/article/949035/bjps-damage-control-on-citizenship-act-first-pass-law-then-convince-the-public
JNU violence: Police, internal security, admin repeatedly refused to help students despite calls for help:NIKITA SAXENA,caravanmagazine
https://caravanmagazine.in/politics/police-administration-internal-security-refused-to-help-students
Is JNU Your Enemy?Apoorvanand, The Wire
https://thewire.in/education/watch-the-wire-opinion-is-jnu-your-enemy
Amit Shah’s aggression is diminishing PM Modi’s carefully cultivated image:SHIVAM VIJ
https://theprint.in/opinion/amit-shahs-aggression-is-diminishing-pm-modis-carefully-cultivated-image/346494/
With Art 370, BJP hoped to win Kashmir but is now losing Jammu: ‘Are we also anti-national?’;MANEESH CHHIBBER
https://theprint.in/opinion/with-art-370-bjp-hoped-to-win-kashmir-but-is-now-losing-jammu-are-we-also-anti-national/346173/
Why I didn’t call myself a JNU-ite for 37 yrs. But now something has changed: Yogendra Yadav:YOGENDRA YADAV
https://theprint.in/opinion/i-didnt-call-myself-jnuite-for-37-yrs-then-something-changed-yogendra-yadav/346322/
Opinion: JNU Represents Everything Repugnant To RSS’s Idea Of Nationhood:Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/opinion-opinion-jnu-represents-everything-repugnant-to-rsss-idea-of-nationhood/345363
Kashmir, CAA, Jamia, JNU: How families deal with ideological differences:Sunalini Mathew
https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/kashmir-caa-jamia-jnu-how-families-deal-with-ideological-differences/article30495172.ece?homepage=true
Savarkar & the BJP:A.G.NOORANI, frontline
https://frontline.thehindu.com/politics/article30441872.ece?homepage=true
Quietly defiant, Kanpur’s Muslims persist in the face of police brutality and state apathy:caravanmagazine
https://caravanmagazine.in/politics/caa-protests-uttar-pradesh-kanpur-dead-police-muslims
Muslim student from JNU falsely blamed for ‘masterminding’ violence at the university:altnews
https://www.altnews.in/muslim-student-from-jnu-falsely-blamed-for-masterminding-violence-at-the-university/
Good protestor, bad protestor: Uneven police response to anti-CAA demonstrations:TANWEER FAZAL, caravanmagazine
https://caravanmagazine.in/politics/good-bad-protestor-uneven-police-response
All the Times the Supreme Court Turned a Nelson's Eye to Injustice:Markandey Katju and Janhvi Prakash, thewire
https://thewire.in/law/supreme-court-constitution
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 6:03 PM).*
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