15 Feb. 2020: 20 Jamadi-2, 1441: Vol: 12, No: 132
*anti-CAA,NRC-NPR stir*
Anti-CAA: Protests erupt across Tamil Nadu a day after Chennai Police baton charge demonstrators
https://scroll.in/latest/953254/caa-protests-erupt-across-tamil-nadu-a-day-after-chennai-police-baton-charge-demonstrators
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/protests-held-across-tamil-nadu-condemning-police-action-in-chennai/article30828853.ece?homepage=true
Protests erupted across Tamil Nadu today, a day after the Chennai Police baton charged a group of people demonstrating against CAA in Washermanpet. A large number of Muslims residents including women, have been staging a road blockade stir across the southern districts of Tamil Nadu since Friday night. The agitation continued on Saturday in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, parts of Thoothukudi, Madurai and Ramanathapuram districts.In Tenkasi, the protesters condemned the police action in Chennai and sat on the Tiruneveli-Tenkasi road near the Govt Hospital. Traffic was halted for about 30 minutes. Tenkasi DSP Gokulakrishnan, Inspector Adivel and a team rushed to the spot and held talks with the protesters. 4 policemen had also been injured in Friday’s protests. The police alleged that they resorted to baton charge because the protestors pelted stones at them. Friday’s incident led to sporadic protests in at least 12 towns across Tamil Nadu on Saturday. Traders in Kannur shut shop to protest the alleged police atrocities. There were reports of protests in Tiruchendur too. Over 1,000 people carried out a protest outside a post office in Kumbakonam district, while another protest took place at Melapalyam in Nellai.Protestors blocked a road on Chidambaram-Trichy Highway, while over 500 people continued a demonstration in Ramanathapuram district. Over 1,000 women gathered in Washermanpet to protest the incident, and shops remained closed in the area. Meanwhile, Chennai Commissioner of Police AK Viswanathan met Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswami at latter’s residence today to explain police action against protestors. In a 30-minute meeting, commissioner also told Palaniswami about the various protests going on around the city.On Friday, Viswanathan had met representatives of Muslim groups and community leaders, following which the protest at Washermanpet came to an end.Opposition parties condemned the police “atrocities” on the protestors. DMK President MK Stalin claimed the protests were being held in a peaceful manner and sought to know why the police used force to disperse them. scroll/thehindu
TN cops use force against anti-CAA protesters
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/chennai-cops-lathicharge-caa-protesters-demonstrations-continue
Jamia Coordination Committee members detained for protesting outside Tamil Nadu House
https://www.business-standard.com/multimedia/video-gallery/general/jamia-coordination-committee-members-detained-for-protesting-outside-tamil-nadu-house-99532.htm
New Delhi: Members of Jamia Coordination Committee protested outside Tamil Nadu House today. The demonstration was held against alleged police action against anti-CAA protesters in Chennai on Feb 14.These protesters were later detained by Delhi Police.ANI
NPR Drives Another Wedge Among Maharashtra Allies as CM Approves Exercise from 1st May in Snub to NCP, Congress
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/npr-drives-another-wedge-among-maharashtra-allies-as-uddhav-thackeray-approves-exercise-in-snub-to-ncp-congress-2501835.html
Mumbai: In yet another test for ideologically divergent Maharashtra allies, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has decided to go ahead with NPR in the state in a snub to allies NCP and Congress.Sources said that chief minister Thackeray was keen to implement NPR in Maharashtra from May 1, even though NCP and Congress remain opposed to the exercise.While the Congress has earlier held that NPR is nothing but "NRC in disguise", NCP too said it had made its reservations with the exercise clear.Majeed Memon of NCP said: “It is clear that the party is not supporting NPR. Sharad Pawar has made it clear. The ultimate decision has to be accepted by all three parties.”This is not the first time the allies have disagreed on core issues. On Friday, in his first criticism of Thackeray after their govt in Maharashtra came to office in Nov, Pawar said Shiv Sena chief was wrong in letting NIA take over the probe into Elgar Parishad case from the state police.News18
Maharashtra Set To Roll Out NPR From May 1 As Uddhav Thackeray Overrules Congress
https://news.abplive.com/news/india/maharashtra-set-to-roll-out-npr-from-may-1-as-uddhav-thackeray-overrules-congress-1159987
SC Directs Centre, Assam to File Status Report on Bangladeshi Migrants in Detention Centres
https://thewire.in/law/sc-directs-centre-assam-to-file-status-report-on-bangladeshi-migrants-in-detention-centres
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Centre and the Assam Govt to file a fresh report with regard to the status of the release of Bangladeshi migrants in detention centres as per its earlier order.A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde was apprised by advocate Prashant Bhushan that over 300 people were in detention for over three years, while more than 700 had been detained for over one year.The apex court posted the matter for hearing in the third week of March after solicitor general Tushar Mehta sought time.The top court in May last year had ordered that illegal foreigners in Assam who have completed more than three years in detention may be released after they provide biometric details in a secured database.PTI
Assam Officials Allege Email Tampering, Data Deletion In Citizens' List
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/assam-nrc-officials-allege-email-tampering-data-deletion-in-citizens-list-2179937
Guwahati: The officials of NRC in Assam are likely to ask the centre to launch an independent probe into suspected cases of "wilful deletion" of data and important emails, people with direct knowledge of the matter have told NDTV.The emails that were suspected to have been deleted between November and December last year when state NRC coordinator Prateek Hajela was transferred and Hitesh Dev Sarma was appointed in his place, the sources said, asking not to be identified. Assam NRC directorate may have to file a petition with the Supreme Court since the citizens' list exercise to weed out illegal immigrants is being monitored by the top court, the sources said. The request for the probe is likely to be sent to the centre through the Registrar General of India, the sources said.ndtv
Shaheen Bagh Protesters Accept Amit Shah’s Proposal to Discuss CAA Doubts; Home Ministry Says No Such Meeting Scheduled for Tomorrow
https://www.news18.com/news/india/ready-to-meet-him-tomorrow-shaheen-bagh-protesters-accept-amit-shahs-proposal-for-discussion-to-dispel-caa-doubts-2502143.html
New Delhi: Protesters at Shaheen Bagh on Saturday said said they are willing to speak to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discuss CAA. The agitators, mostly women, have been demonstrating at the locality in southeast Delhi since mid-December.The comments come a day after Shah said anyone who wants to discuss issues related to the CAA with him can seek time from his office. "(We) will give time within three days," he had said at a programme in the national capital on Thursday."We accept Amit Shah's proposal for a discussion. We are ready to meet at 2pm tomorrow. We are not seeking any appointment," said the protesters on Saturday. "Now it's for Home Minister Amit Shah to decide whether to meet us (and where) or not."But sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs said no such meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.According to a report in India Today, protesters intend to march to Shah's residence with a charter of demands."Amit Shah ji invited the entire country to come and meet him to discuss issues related to CAA. So, we will be going to meet him. We don't have any delegation, anyone who has an issue with the CAA will be going," ANI quoted them as saying.Shah on Thursday Strongly had defended the CAA, which provides for Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslims from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, and said there is no such provision in the new law that will take away the citizenship of Muslims.news18
Shaheen Bagh Protesters Divided Over Meeting Amit Shah, No Decision Yet
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-shaheen-bagh-protesters-divided-over-meeting-amit-shah-no-decision-yet/347334
Shaheen Bagh ‘dadis’ to meet Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/shaheen-bagh-dadis-to-meet-home-minister-amit-shah-on-sunday
Can’t label anti-CAA protesters traitors… need to protect rights: Bombay High Court
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bombay-high-court-anti-caa-protesters-traitors-6268888/
Mumbai:Setting aside an order by Additional District Magistrate against allowing protests in Beed, Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court said that those protesting against the CAA “cannot be called traitors, anti-nationals only because they want to oppose one law”.The Court said that an agitation cannot be suppressed only on the ground that people are agitating against the Govt. It also asked the bureaucracy to “keep in mind” that when people believe that a “particular Act is an attack on their rights… they are bound to defend that right”. And underlined that it is not for the Court “to ascertain whether the exercise of such right will create a law and order problem”.Granting relief to petitioners who were seeking permission to sit at a location for an indefinite agitation, the Court noted they had given an undertaking that no slogans would be raised against the country, any religion, or unity and integrity of the nation.“The submissions made show that there will be no question of disobedience of provisions of CAA by such agitation. This Court is expected to consider the right of such persons to start agitation in a peaceful way. This Court wants to express that such persons cannot be called as traitors, anti-nationals only because they want to oppose one law. It will be an act of protest and only against the govt for the reason of CAA,” Division Bench of Justices TV Nalawade and MG Sewlikar said. The Court was hearing a petition filed by a 45-year-old Beed resident, Iftekhar Shaikh, challenging an order by a police inspector last month refusing permission for an agitation based on an order by the additional district magistrate..Referring to the freedom struggle and the agitation against the British led by Mahatma Gandhi, including Khilafat Movement, the Court said the movement was in solidarity with and support to the cause of Muslims of another country, even though no Indian Muslims were affected in seeking to preserve the authority of Ottoman Sultan.indianexpress
Calling dissent ‘anti-national’ strikes at the heart of democracy: Justice Chandrachud
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/justice-d-y-chandrachud-caa-protest-democracy-anti-national-6269831/
Ahmedabad :Supreme Court judge Justice D Y Chandrachud today said that labelling dissent as “anti-national” or “anti-democratic” strikes at the heart of deliberative democracy.“A legitimate government committed to deliberate dialogue does not seek to restrict political contestation but welcomes it…A state committed to the rule of law ensures that the state apparatus is not employed to curb legitimate and peaceful protest but to create spaces conducive for deliberation,” Justice Chandrachud said while delivering a lecture at Gujarat High Court auditorium here.“Within the bounds of the law, liberal democracies ensure that their citizens enjoy the right to express their views in every conceivable manner, including the right to protest and express dissent against prevailing laws. The blanket labelling of such dissent as ‘anti-national’ or ‘anti-democratic’ strikes at the heart of our commitment to the protection of constitutional values and the promotion of deliberative democracy,” he continued.Significantly, Justice Chandrachud was part of a bench that had sought response of UP govt on a plea seeking quashing of notices sent to alleged protesters for recovering losses caused by damage during the anti-CAA agitations in the state.He further emphasised that “the commitment to civil liberty flows directly from the manner in which the State treats dissent”. He also termed dissent as the “safety valve of democracy” and said that silencing of dissent and the generation of fear in the minds of people go beyond the violation of personal liberty and a commitment to constitutional values.Justice Chandrachud said that the true test of a democracy is its ability to ensure the creation and protection of spaces where every individual can voice their opinion without any fear of retribution.He also stated the suppression of difference and silencing of popular or unpopular voices that offer alternate views is a great threat to pluralism in the country.
Election card is proof of citizenship: Court
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/election-card-is-proof-of-citizenship-court/articleshow/74144034.cms
MUMBAI: A magistrate court held that original election cards are proof of citizenship this week while acquitting a Mankhurd couple arrested in 2017 on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals illegally living in India.The court held a birth certificate, a domicile certificate, a bona fide certificate and a passport can be relied upon to establish the origin of any person. "Even the election card can be said to be sufficient proof of citizenship as while applying for the election card or a voting card, a person has to file a declaration with the authority in view of Form 6 of Peoples Representation Act to the authority that he is a citizen of India and if the declaration is found false, he is liable for punishment," the court said. The court further said the documents submitted by the accused, Abbas Shaikh (45) and Rabiya Shaikh (40), were not rebutted by the prosecution or proven to be fake. "It is necessary to mention that the person may lie but the documents will never," the court said.The court clarified that Aadhar card, PAN card, driving licence or ration card cannot be termed as the documents proving citizenship as they are not meant for the purpose.TOI
Top Sikh Body Akal Takht Extends Support To Anti-CAA Protests
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/top-sikh-body-akal-takht-extends-support-to-anti-caa-protests-2180483
Amritsar: Akal Takht, the top Sikh body, has extended its support to the Muslim groups that have been protesting against CAA for weeks.A delegation led by Delhi Minority Commission chief Zafarul Islam Khan met Giani Harpeet Singh, the chief priest of Akal Takht, in Amritsar where the latter assured the Sikh community's support to the protests.The chief of Akal Takht, also known as 'jathedar', said there is a sentiment of fear and insecurity among the minorities and the Sikhs are bound to stand by the oppressed."Sikhs are bound by their principles to stand for the victim and against injustice. We had received a similar request from another group of the Muslim community. There is a sentiment of fear and insecurity among minorities and it is not good for the country," he said after the meeting.The chief priest asked the Muslim leaders to also seek the support of Hindu groups against the Citizenship law."I have appreciated their efforts to meet Sikh leaders. At the same time, I have suggested them to meet Hindu leaders and discuss the issues in the same way as they have discussed with me," the Akal Takht chief said."Many factions within the Hindu community also share similar concerns of insecurity and fear, and I can only hope that all will come on one stage to discuss the problem to maintain communal harmony and peace in India," he added.Khan said the meeting with the Sikh gave them hope."We have come here to gain support against the attempt of making India a nation based on just one religion. We have been told by Akal Takht jathedar that Sikhs have always stood against oppressors...They have given us hope," he said.ndtv
Feeling of insecurity among minorities: Akal Takht Jathedar
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/feeling-of-insecurity-among-minorities-akal-takht-jathedar-6267079/
Bidar sedition case: After spending 2 weeks in jail, mother, teacher finally get bail
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bidar-sedition-case-after-spending-2-weeks-jail-mother-teacher-finally-get-bail-118201
After spending more than two weeks in prison over an anti-NRC play, the mother of a student and a head-teacher at Shaheen Primary and High School in Bidar were granted bail by the district and sessions court on Friday. The 2 will be released against a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh each, the court said. “The accused/petitioners will be released on bail… on their executing personal bond in a sum of Rs. 1 lakh each with two sureties for the like sum to the satisfaction of the Jurisdictional Magistrate,” Judge M Premavathi said in her bail order. The two women have also been asked by the court to appear before the investigating officer in the case when they are called upon. “We are happy to hear that bail was granted to both the teacher and the mother of the student. We still can’t believe that a satirical play critical of NRC attracted a charge of sedition,”Touseef Madikeri, CEO of Shaheen Primary and High School said after the bail was confirmed. The school management was charged with sedition over a play, staged by students of classes 4, 5 and 6 on January 21, which voiced dissent against PM Narendra Modi and NRC. thenewsminute
Bidar School Sedition Case: Siddaramaiah, Dinesh Gundu Rao Detained During Protest
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-bidar-school-sedition-case-karnataka-congress-siddharamaiah-dinesh-gundu-rao-detained-during-protest/347325
Several Karnataka Congress leaders, including its president Dinesh Gundu Rao and leader of the opposition Siddaramaiah, were detained by the police in Bengaluru on Saturday, as they marched to besiege Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa's office to protest against the alleged misuse of the police department by the BJP Govt in the state. Rao and Bangalore Rural MP D K Suresh tried to jump the barricade erected by the police to stop them, and march towards the Chief Ministers residence, but were stopped midway and detained.The march, which began from Gandhi statue on Race Course Road, led to a traffic pile-up.State Congress had organised the protest over sedition case filed against a Bidar school and arrest of a parent and the headmistress (now on bail) for their alleged involvement in staging a drama portraying Prime Minister Narendra Modi in poor light in connection with the CAA and NRC.The principal opposition party in the state alleged misuse of the police department by the state Govt to book cases against those opposing BJP and its "divisive policies".PTI
UP poet Imran Pratapgarhi slapped with Rs 1.04 crore fine for anti-CAA protests in Moradabad
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/up-poet-imran-pratapgarhi-slapped-with-rs-1-04-crore-fine-for-anti-caa-protests-in-moradabad/story-vlbicnzGx28ncHH83B9ZII.html
Bareilly: Poet Imran Pratapgarhi has been slapped with Rs 1.04 crore fine for participating in anti CAA protest in Moradabad and for allegedly instigating the protestors at the city’s Eidgah premises.Pratapgarhi was also asked by the additional city magistrate to appear before him last Wednesday but he defied the order.“Govt is trying to find new ways to scare the agitators. But we cannot afford to be afraid of such tactics as the fight is now for (our) existence,” said Pratapgarhi. A protestor, who did not wished to be named, however, claimed that the Eidgah was a private place and the prohibitory order could not possibly apply to it.HT
In Muzaffarnagar protest case, ADM is prosecution, jury and judge combined
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/muzaffarnagar-caa-protest-case-adm-prosecution-jury-judge-6268931/
On Wednesday, Muzaffarnagar ADM ordered 53 people to pay a total of Rs 23.41 lakh for damage caused to property during an anti-CAA protest on December 20. ADM Amit Singh issued the orders a month after he had issued notices seeking replies from them.Of the 53, 50 had responded to the notices but records accessed by Indian Express show glaring gaps in due process.For one, ADM did not allow the defence to cross-examine the police on explanations and evidence submitted by those asked to pay up. Neither did he detail the evidence placed on record by the accused. Instead, the ADM’s final executive order only states that the accused have refuted all the allegations.The order does not even give any detail about which accused was involved in the destruction of a particular public property.Instead, it says that the accused have been held responsible for damage of public property based on CCTV footage and photographs provided by police.The order records the argument put forward by the accused that “none of them have been named in FIR” and that “notices make no mention of what are the public properties that have been damaged”. But there is no response from the police on these key discrepancies.The order was passed despite the notices issued last month being challenged before the Supreme Court. On Thursday, the Allahabad High Court stayed similar notices issued in Kanpur on the grounds that their legality is being questioned before the Supreme Court.indianexpress
UP Police Brutalised Minors During Anti-CAA Protests Crackdown: Fact-Finding Team
https://thewire.in/rights/up-police-minors-protests
New Delhi:A fact-finding team has, in its report, concluded that UP police used extreme torture including physical violence and sleep deprivation on anti-CAA protestors. The report was a joint endeavour by Quill Foundation, Citizens Against Hate and Haq: Centre for Child Rights.The report claims that 41 minors were detained and tortured in custody in the days after the anti-CAA protests took place in Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar and Firozabad. The report claims that 41 minors were detained and tortured in custody in Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar and Firozabad and did not receive any legal assistance. All the minors that the fact-finding team spoke to claimed that they had been beaten by the police using batons and were also made to watch the police torture adults who had been detained.thewire
UP Opposition seeks judicial probe into deaths in anti-CAA clashes
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-oppn-seeks-judicial-probe-into-deaths-in-anti-caa-clashes/article30824419.ece
Opposition on Friday demanded a judicial probe into deaths during the anti-CAA protests in UP, with Samajwadi Party (SP) alleging that the casualties were caused in firing by police and BJP men.The demand was raised in State Assembly during Zero Hour, when Opposition parties also pressed for a discussion on the issue.Opposition MLAs walked into the Well of the House, creating a ruckus, when Speaker Hriday Narayan Dixit turned down the notice for a discussion. The House was then adjourned for 30 minutes.PTI
4 Days After Bail Order, Dr Kafeel Slapped With NSA For anti-CAA remarks at AMU
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/kafeel-khan-nsa-up-Govt-caa?fbclid=IwAR2nzflHiF9_7D9PK5iGtoM8V4-9U4OlemCsdW_-bcBjDPRP3O8s9KbYoN0
UP Govt has slapped National Security Act (NSA) against Gorakhpur physician Dr Kafeel Khan for allegedly making provocative comments during his speech on CAA at AMU. On Friday, Khan's wife Dr Sabista Khan tweeted from his official handle that he has been booked under NSA.Sabista also alleged that Kafeel was being harassmed without any reason.An FIR was registered against Khan at the civil lines police station in Mumbai on 13 Dec. He was kept in police custody at Mumbai’s Sahar police station. While Kafeel was granted bail on 10 February, he has still not been released from Mathura jail.According to FIR, Khan is accused of provoking the religious sentiments of Muslim students of AMU while he was addressing a gathering of around 600 students about CAA on 12 Dec.thequint
UP Govt Slammed For Imposing NSA On Dr Kafeel Khan Just Before His Release From Jail
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/up-govt-slammed-for-imposing-nsa-on-dr-kafeel-khan-just-before-his-release-from-jail
New Delhi:Several people have denounced imposition of NSA on Dr. Kafeel Khan terming it as “Kashmir model”. Political commentator and national president of Swaraj India Yogendra Yadav tweeted: “Shocking! UP Police follows Kashmir model. Dr Kafeel was arrested. Court ordered his release. But he was not released. Now we learn that he has been booked under NSA. Name of the game: will keep cooking excuses, but will catch and keep whoever we want.”Besides Yadav, several other people have denounced imposition of NSA on Dr. Kafeel.Jayant Chaudhary, former MP and president of Rashtriya Lok Dal, said: “The mighty State under threat from a Doctor! Dr Kafeel Khan booked under NSA for anti-CAA speech. Is there any officer in UP left with a conscience & spine to tell baba not to use unconstitutional powers to hound a citizen?” Youth leader Umar Khalid tweeted: “Kafeel Khan slapped with draconian National Security Act. He was to be released after getting bail on 10th Feb. After delaying his release, they have slapped NSA. Organising free medical camps for poor a threat to national security? Saving infant lives a threat? #FreeDrKafeel”.India Tomorrow
AMU students now seek release of Sharjeel Imam
https://www.newkerala.com/news/2020/23624.htm
Aligarh: AMU students, most of them women are now demanding the release of anti-CAA activist Sharjeel Imam, who was arrested by Delhi Police in a sedition case last month. The students on Thursday shouted slogans of 'Azadi' (freedom) and demanded that Sharjeel Imam be released.They also took out an anti-CAA/NRC/NPR protest march from the Maulana Azad library to Bab-E-Syed inside the campus.Speaking to reporters, one of the protesting women students said that they will continue their movement against the alleged police brutality at the Jamia Millia University, JNU and AMU, adding that no one can suppress the voice of students.Another protester said that "Sharjeel's speech was not wrong, it was misinterpreted" and the charges against him must be withdrawn."He should get justice and all those who have been wrongly put behind the bars during anti-CAA protests across the state should also be released," the protester said.newkerala
Swara Bhaskar on Sharjeel Imam: He talked about Chakka Jaam
https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/india-swara-bhaskar-on-sharjeel-imam-he-talked-about-chakka-jaam-1159763
Actress Swara Bhaskar along with other activists and celebrities began a campaign called 'India My Valentine'. She said that the motive behind the campaign was to help such people unite who feel that many things were not going in the right direction in India. Talking about Sharjeel Imam with ABP News, she said that he talked about Chakka Jam and nothing else.abplive
Anti-CAA protest: Deoband women lock selves up in ‘detention centre’
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/anti-caa-protest-deoband-women-lock-selves-up-in-detention-centre/articleshow/74142099.cms
Muzaffarnagar: Women opposing CAA in Deoband have locked themselves up in a symbolic “detention centre” as a mark of protest.According to the protesters, a special container has been made of iron to showcase their “dilemma” against the CAA. The women protesters had marched to the Eidgah grounds on the evening of January 27, and have been sitting on a dharna there since then.Amna Roshi, who is leading the protest and whose brother, Musharraf Usmani, was booked under various sections by police, said, “Installing a cage here at the dharna spot is a warning to the community – ‘if you do not wake up in time, you will face consequences and be lodged in this kind of detention centre’.”In reply to a question, Roshi said, “We are following the Shaheen Bagh protest and won't end it till the Govt takes back CAA.”Meanwhile, local administration has tried to convince the women protesters to call off their agitation but to no avail.TOI
Patna: 3 round firing by miscreants near anti-CAA protest site in Phulwari Sharif, 3 people arrested
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/patna-3-round-firing-by-miscreants-near-anti-caa-protest-site-in-phulwari-sharif
Anti-social elements opened fire against protesters demonstrating against CAA, NPR and NRC on Friday night near the picket at Ishopur pipeline. However, no one was reported injured in the firing.Patna police have also confirmed that three rounds of firing were shot. According to some media reports, 6 people came riding on three motorcycles, who opened fire. Police are inspecting CCTV footage from nearby areas to look for the miscreants.The sit-in protest against CAA has been going on for the last 28 days in Ishopur. On Friday night also people were demonstrating in the area. Meanwhile, a sudden firing started at a distance of about 50 meters from protest site.nationalheraldindia
Kanhaiya’s Cavalcade Attacked Again in Bihar, Several Injured
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/kanhaiya-kumar-s-cavalcade-attacked-again-in-bihar-vehicle-damaged-several-injured
The cavalcade of CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar was attacked Bihar’s Arrah on Friday by a mob opposing his state-wide tour against CAA, seriously damaging the vehicle in which he was travelling and leaving several people injured. He was on his way to address a rally in this west Bihar town, when attack happened."Our cavalcade has been attacked many times since 'Jan Gan Man Yatra' began on 30 Jan. Today was, indeed, a close shave. It was the first time that the vehicle in which we were sitting was attacked, though thankfully we escaped unhurt," Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmed Khan, who has been accompanying Kumar on the state-wide tour, told PTI over phone.PTI
This Is a Long Fight: Anurag Kashyap At Anti-CAA Protest in Jamia
https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/anurag-kashyap-joins-anti-caa-protests-in-jamia-millia-islamia-university?fbclid=IwAR1LJFS8yFdYKRFcQhY7wzUWniQD9MC8TiQHzeRPCMi8tcW3UXIwDTW6tx8
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap visited Jamia Millia Islamia on Friday and took part in the protests. Expressing his concern about the political unrest in the country, Anurag said that he does not support CAA and NRC. He added that this is a “fight of patience”, urging the students and other protesters gathered not to lose hope.Anurag started off by saying that this is his first visit to Jamia, and that he feels alive as he steps into campus.thequint
In Shaheen Bagh, turning a new page of protest
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/shaheen-bagh-library-caa-protest-fatima-sheikh-savitri-bai-phule-6267528/?fbclid=IwAR0peuIoStR40xna8Xv1v0nW5ar_S5fenLYnCbt6LxYbSxusMJ49xwc8XnM
New Delhi:A 20-something lad sits quiet with George Orwell’s Animal Farm in his hand just about 50 metres from Shaheen Bagh protest site.Engrossed in the allegory that addresses the issue of creating equal and free space for all, he seems to be completely cut off from his not-so-quiet surrounding — where protesters demanding equal rights to citizenship are raising slogans like ‘Kaagaz nahi dikhayenge’, ‘Inquilaab Zindabad’ with occasional breaks at the sound of azan from a nearby mosque.However, he isn’t alone. There are many like him — of different ages, some reading, some taking notes from specific books, and others running their eyes through the covers of the books that are displayed at Shaheen Bagh’s bus stand-turned-library.“It all started after the violence in Jamia in December last year,” says Satya Prakash, one of the organisers and also a Masters student in Jamia Millia.“There were also repeated attempts to malign the movement in Shaheen Bagh saying the protesters here are paid to stage agitation. So, we started looking for a way to contribute our capacities to the movement here, and that is when Asif Bhai came up with the idea,” the student of Modern History says. Mohammad Asif, whom he refers to, was a student of AMU, and is at present in Delhi working on his doctoral research proposal.It was Jan.17, death anniversary of Rohith Vemula, when the organisers, including Satya, Asif, Noor, brought in their own books — a bunch of 30-35 — and placed them on display at the Shaheen Bagh bus stand under the banner of Fatima Sheikh-Savitri Bai Phule Library. A placard asking people to ‘donate books’ and a Facebook page have however helped surge the number of books to over 500, even before the service completed a month of its existence.indianexpress
‘Come collect your gift’: Shaheen Bagh protesters’ Valentines Day invite to PM Modi
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/shaheen-bagh-modi-valentine-day-6266896/?fbclid=IwAR0MabwUtVbfxZGczciaJVgMYrsuEj9WXFTWdiF1Ap7gWIG2E9w3QhB07xs
‘Revolution will come’: This powerful video tribute to Shaheen Bagh protesters is going viral
https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/this-animation-tribute-gitanjali-rao-to-the-anti-caa-protestors-at-shaheen-bagh-is-going-viral-6266838/?fbclid=IwAR0STWxSbETAYEEOmeaQJfQqyZXR9CjIAN-v-xIrGpJcL205QNwDVFIfBjA
If needed, i would be first to go to detention centre, says Rajasthan CM after visiting Jaipur's 'Shaheen Bagh'
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/if-needed-i-would-be-the-first-to-go-to-detention-centre-says-rajasthan-cm-after-visiting-jaipurs-shaheen-bagh?fbclid=IwAR3ilyZHOqFCKrhI7ipE7CXFDKA9wHFs-QAN39uzhwRXjtJW_-R1ilk9RXo
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday evening made a surprise visit to the Jaipur’s ‘Shaheen Bagh’ where protests are going on against CAA. Gehlot said Congress and the state Govt were with them and if needed, he would be the first to go to a detention centre.The Chief Minister said information on birthplace of parents was being sought for NPR. “If I am not able to furnish the details, I too would be asked to live in a detention centre. But stay assured, if such a situation comes then I would be the first to go there,” Gehlot told the protesters.He demanded NDA Govt to “reconsider CAA, which is against the spirit of the Constitution, and come forward to withdraw it so that peace and harmony can be maintained.”India Tomorrow
"Don't Know Parents' Birthplace, Will Go To Detention Camp": Ashok Gehlot
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/anti-caa-protest-i-will-be-the-first-to-go-to-detention-centre-says-rajasthans-ashok-gehlot-2180504
SC notice to Centre on plea challenging constitutional validity of CAA
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/sc-notice-to-centre-on-plea-challenging-constitutional-validity-of-caa20200214125925/
The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the constitutional validity of CAA, and NRC.The apex court has sought the Central Govt's reply and tagged the matter along with similar pending matters. The petition was filed by Jamiat Ulema.Earlier on Feb.7, the top court issued a notice to Centre on a plea challenging the constitutional validity of CAA and effective implementation of Assam Accord.ANI
Tripura: ‘Don’t show any papers’, Youth Congress raises ‘azadi’ slogans against CAA, NRC, NPR
https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/tripura-dont-show-any-papers-youth-congress-raises-azadi-slogans-against-caa-nrc-npr-6269629/
Tripura :Youth Congress in Tripura led protests against the contentious CAA, NRC and NPR on Friday. raised ‘azadi’ (freedom) slogans and appealed people to not show their documents during CAA exercise. The ‘Akrosh rally‘ marred streets of Tripura’s village Manu in Dhalai district, 111 km away from Agartala and slogans like ‘NRC se Azadi’, ‘CAA se Azadi’, ‘NPR se Azadi‘ filled the air.Indian Youth Congress president Srinivas B.V. said the BJP-led Centre introduced the citizenship law, NRC and NPR on communal lines and asked people to unite in struggle against Govt policies.indianexpress
Indo-American diaspora debates CAA
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/indo-american-diaspora-debates-caa/articleshow/74145939.cms
In the backdrop of debates around India’s recently announced CAA and abolition of article 370 of India’s constitution, Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies hosted a panel discussion on the issues and the crucial role of Indo-Americans. The panel included Nissim Reuben (AJC), Senge Sering(Gilgit Baltistan Analyst), Sant Gupta (political analyst) , and Dr. Vijay Sazawal (ex-President of Indo American Kashmir Forum). The panel was moderated by Nar Koppula, a founding member of the Washington DC-based US-India Security Forum (USISF).ANI
*J&K AND S. ASIA*
Erdogan talks Kashmir in Pak Parliament, compares Kashmiri 'struggle' to Turkey's plight in WW1
https://www.news18.com/news/world/erdogan-rakes-up-kashmir-in-pak-parliament-compares-kashmiri-struggle-to-turkeys-plight-in-ww1-2501181.html
Islamabad:Notwithstanding India's objection, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday once again raked up the Kashmir issue, vowing that Ankara will support Pakistan's stand as it is a matter of concern to both the countries. Addressing a joint session of Pakistan's Parliament, Erdogan, who arrived here on a two-day visit, announced that Turkey will back Pakistan in its efforts to come out of the Grey List of FATF which is meeting this week in Paris."I also want to emphasise that we will give support to Pakistan which is subject to political pressure in FATF meetings," he said on the upcoming meeting of the anti-terror financing watchdog. Voicing his country's support to Pakistan's stand on Kashmir issue, he said it can be resolved not through conflict or oppression but on the basis of justice and fairness."Our Kashmiri brothers and sisters have suffered from inconveniences for decades and these sufferings have become graver due to unilateral steps taken in recent times,"Erdogan said, apparently referring to India revoking the special status of J&K in August last year. "Today, the issue of Kashmir is as close to us as it is to you (Pakistanis)."Such a solution (on the basis of justice and fairness) will serve the interests of all parties concerned. Turkey will continue to stand by justice, peace and dialogue in the resolution of the Kashmir issue," the president said. Turkish President, in his address, likened the "struggle" of Kashmiris with that of his country in World War I against foreign domination. Drawing comparison with the battle of Gallipoli which was fought in Turkey between Allied Powers and the Ottoman Empire in which over 2 lakh troops were killed on the both sides, Erdogan said "there is no difference between Gallipoli and Kashmir"."Turkey will continue to raise its voice against the oppression," he told Pakistani lawmakers in his address to National Assembly and Senate, which was his record fourth address to the Pakistani Parliament over the years.PTI
Kashmir: India tells Turkish president not to interfere in its affairs after he backs Pakistan
https://scroll.in/latest/953232/india-rejects-turkish-pms-statement-comparing-kashmir-situation-to-turkeys-freedom-struggle
India on Saturday rejected Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s speech on Kashmir in Pakistani Parliament, asking him not to interfere in New Delhi’s internal affairs. India has said that J&K is its internal matter. “India rejects all references to J&K, which is an integral and inalienable part of India,”Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. “We call upon the Turkish leadership not to interfere in India’s internal affairs and develop a proper understanding of the facts, including the grave threat posed by terrorism emanating from Pakistan to India and the region.”scroll/PTI
On Kashmir, Jaishankar tells US Senator India will ‘settle it’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jaishankar-jammu-and-kashmir-us-senators-6269287/
New Delhi :In the wake of concerns by US leaders over the “human rights situation” in Jammu and Kashmir, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Saturday said “do not worry”, adding that India would “settle it”. Four influential US Senators had written to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on February 12 seeking an assessment of the human rights situation in J&K. 4 signatories were Chris Van Hollen, Todd Young, Richard J Durbin and Lindsey O Graham.Referring to Kashmir, Graham told Jaishankar he hoped two democracies — in reference to India and Pakistan — “end it differently”.“In India, you are moving forward, you got your problems like we do at home, but you’ve chosen the democratic path. When it comes to Kashmir, I don’t know how it ends, but let’s make sure that two democracies will end it differently. If you can prove that concept here, then I think that’s probably the best way to sell democracy,” Graham said.indianexpress
After Mufti, Abdullah, Shah Faesal Booked Under Public Safety Act
https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/shah-faesal-booked-under-public-safety-act?fbclid=IwAR0B_YE2TKm4GnS3ens7Qztn8c8f2RX0kq5fw5VLnBqFyNqkxs9uvJP9t-o
Shah Faesal, ex civil servant and chief of J&K People’s Movement (JKPM), has been booked under Public Safety Act (PSA), reported ANI.The move comes days after former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir – Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah – were booked under the draconian act which allows detention without a trial.PSA can remain in force initially for three months but can be extended to a maximum of one year in case of apprehension of a law and order situation.The Quint
No answers on who was responsible for Pulwama attack even after 1 yr an ‘insult’ to martyrs: Tharoor
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/no-answers-on-who-was-responsible-for-pulwama-attack-even-after-1-yr-an-insult-to-martyrs-shashi-tharoor?fbclid=IwAR1mw7mjioyG_96dXTqAISvZqa6K4Y5kEeNSULKtAqaPALMdBHZ99LSxvTo
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has termed as an 'insult' to the Pulwama attack martyrs, the fact that no answers were forthcoming on who was responsible for it, even a year after the incident. Centre has a responsibility to keep soldiers safe on a routine movement, he said. "Where is the accountability? Who is responsible? Was there carelessness? Was there a conspiracy? Even one year after the Pulwama incident, the fact is we have no answers is an insult to the martyr's," Tharoor said.PTI
Govt shouldn't have called Mehbooba Mufti Daddy's girl: J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh exclusive
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mehbooba-mufti-daddys-girl-psa-dilbagh-singh-jk-dgp-exclusive-1646711-2020-02-15
J&K's police chief is defending political detentions in Kashmir under PSA. But he also says Mehbooba Mufti -- one of the detainees -- shouldn't have been called "Daddy's girl" in a Govt dossier.The territory's administration explained its decision to book Mehbooba Mufti, under PSA by pointing to her "insidious machinantions" and "usurping profile and nature". It said the "masses" called her "Daddy's girl" -- her father was the late Mufti Sayeed, an ex-CM himself -- and "Kota Rani". indiatoday
Roadshows by top J&K officials in major cities to woo investors
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/roadshows-by-top-jk-officials-in-major-cities-to-woo-investors-6268837/
Srinagar: J&K administration will send its top bureaucrats for roadshows to major cities in the country to attract investors for a Global Investor Summit to be held in April this year.In an order issued Friday, the state Govt accorded sanction to send 54 bureaucrats to Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad starting February 17 till March 3.
*OTHERS*
Plea seeking a ban on mosques from using loudspeakers for azan: Delhi HC asks authorities to submit report
https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/plea-seeking-a-ban-on-mosques-from-using-loudspeakers-for-azan-delhi-hc-asks-authorities-to-submit-report-152738
Delhi High Court has directed Delhi Govt and Delhi Police to submit status reports in a contempt petition highlighting non-compliance with court's earlier order banning use of loudspeakers by religious places between 10 pm to 6 am.The present contempt petition is moved by Sanjiv kumar, claiming that almost all the mosques in Delhi are using loudspeakers, in violation of orders passed by both the Supreme Court in 2005, as well as the Delhi High Court in 2019. The plea has been moved under the logic that if Hindus can give up bursting of the firecrackers on Diwali, Muslims should also refrain from using loudspeakers for the purpose of azan.The court's direction has been sought to ask Delhi Govt to ban the use of loudspeakers for all mosques in Delhi, as the same violates Supreme Court's order prohibiting use of loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am. A similar direction is also sought for Union Govent, asking the Centre to ensure that the State Govts are complying with Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Petitioner has asked for a duty to be imposed on SHO and the District Magistrate of each district, to ensure that none of the mosques in Delhi are using loudspeakers in violation of court orders.In addition to mosques, the petition also demands SHO/DM to ensure that even protestors at Shaheen Bagh are not using loudspeakers between 10 pm to 6 am.'Court's order is against the use is loudspeakers, it's not against Azan or Islam', petition highlights.The Single Bench of Justice AK Chawla has keep the matter for hearing on May 15livelaw.in
Plea claims violation of restrictions imposed on use of loudspeakers; Delhi HC seeks status report
https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/plea-claims-violation-of-restrictions-imposed-on-use-of-loudspeakers-delhi-hc-seeks-status-report-120021401972_1.html
Petition soon in SC to seek Babri Masjid rubble
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/petition-soon-in-sc-to-seek-babri-rubble/1734104
Lucknow:All-India Babri Masjid Action Committee will move the Supreme Court seeking rubble of the demolished Babri mosque in Ayodhya, said AIBMAC convener Zafaryab Jilani here on Friday.He said that he would soon discuss the issue with senior lawyer Rajiv Dhawan and would file a petition in the Supreme Court later this month."We could have raised the rubble issue during the review petition''s hearing, but the plea was dismissed."According to the Shariat, a mosque''s debris cannot be used in any other construction. The apex court has not given any direction on the mosque''s debris," he said. Jilani said the SC stated that the demolition of the mosque was illegal and unlawful."The pillars, stones and other wreckage of the demolished mosque should be handed over to Muslims. We will soon file a petition for this," he said.IANS
Yoga classes held inside Hyderabad mosque
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/in-a-first-yoga-class-in-city-mosque-clinic/articleshow/74142815.cms
Hyderabad: In a first such move in Hyderabad, a mosque committee in Old City has allowed yoga classes to fight rising non-communicable diseases and obesity. One of 3 floors in Masjid-e-Ishaq at Nawab Saheb Kunta at Tadbun has been converted into a healthcare and medical counselling centre where Yoga is also taught.“There is not much space in the narrow lanes for walking and outdoor exercises. So, in the mosque our counsellors are not only demonstrating yoga asanas, but also giving YouTube links to some patients to follow Yoga on mobile phones to reduce their waistline,” Mujtaba Hasan Askari, who runs the clinic, told TOI. TOI
Mosques may verify ‘ethnicity’ claims of Assamese Muslims
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mosques-may-verify-ethnicity-claims-of-assamese-muslims/articleshow/74126098.cms
Guwahati: Neighbourhood mosque committees across Assam could be officially tasked with verifying the "ethnicity" of Assamese-speaking Muslims during the state's first census to distinguish “native” Muslim communities from “immigrant” ones. Assam Minorities Development Board's proposal to make mosques the official verification authority comes on the heels of a campaign by the Janagosthiya Samannay Parishad to get the state's 40 lakh Assamese-speaking Muslims to file affidavits to add an ancestral or ethnic surname to their Muslim names.Board chairman Mominul Awal has already filed an affidavit to change his name to Mominul Awal Goria, surname representing the ethnic community he belongs to. While adopting a new surname is a personal choice that many Assamese-speaking Muslims might not want to exercise, there is no escaping the census to establish their ethnicity.TOI
Tamil Nadu budget: More funds to repair mosques and churches
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-budget-more-funds-to-repair-mosques-and-churches/articleshow/74144601.cms
Govt has raised the allocation for maintenance of mosques and churches in the state, a move opposition said was aimed a wooing back the minorities who are upset with AIADMK’s support for CAA.Deputy CM O Panneerselvam announced that the fund for annual maintenance of mosques across the state had been raised to ₹5 crore from ₹60 lakh. The Govt would spend ₹5 crore on repairs and maintenance of churches against the earlier allocation of ₹1 crore. Panneerselvam also announced ₹2.50 crore towards annual administrative grant for the Wakf Board. Besides, scholarships to the tune of ₹98.66 crore would be disbursed to around 3.64 lakh students of minority communities in the current fiscal year.Ruling AIADMK had faced an electoral rout in Lok Sabha elections after striking an alliance with BJP. In the recent polls to urban local bodies, the minorities are thought to have voted against the party for backing CAA in Parliament.TOI
‘Grave consequences’: Sena after US removes India from developing countries’ list
https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/grave-consequences-says-shiv-sena-after-us-removes-india-from-developing-countries-list/story-zQlc4GRlaMqYK4lwlB1ejL.html
Mumbai :Shiv Sena has criticised US president Donald Trump for withdrawing India’s status as a developing country a week ahead of his two-day visit to India from Feb.24, saying he is “bringing a box of bitter gourds instead of sweets”. The office of US Trade Representative (USTR) had issued a notice earlier this week removing India and 24 other nations, including China, from the list of developing countries and listing it as a developed economy, making it ineligible for benefits given by Washington to developing countries.US move on Monday will also reduce the threshold for triggering an investigation into whether nations are harming American industries with unfairly subsidised exports, according to USTR notice. Sena said in an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana on Saturday that the move by US will lead to bhayankar dushparinam or grave consequences.HT
SC issues fresh guidelines for listing of appeals by death row convicts; fixes 3-judge-bench to hear matters within 6-months of leave being granted to move plea
https://www.firstpost.com/india/sc-issues-fresh-guidelines-for-listing-of-appeals-by-death-row-convicts-fixes-3-judge-bench-to-hear-matters-within-six-months-of-leave-being-granted-to-move-plea-8043841.html
The Supreme Court has come out with guidelines for expeditious hearing of criminal appeals involving the death penalty, a decision which comes against the backdrop of delay in execution of the four death row convicts in the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder case. The SC has fixed a deadline of 6 months, from the date of the verdict of the high court, for hearing an appeal against the cases of a death sentence.In the circular, which was made public on Friday, it is mentioned that in a matter wherein the High Court has confirmed/ upheld death penalty and this court has granted leave (admission of case), the criminal appeals will be listed for hearing not later than six months before the three-judge bench from the date of grant of leave, irrespective of the fact that appeal is ready or not."As soon as the special leave petition involving death penalty is filed, a communication from the Registry may be sent to the court appealed from to make ready and dispatch to this court the certificate of service as well as the original record within a period of 60 days or within further such period fixed by court, after receipt of the intimation of the filing of such special leave petition along with the translation of the documents in vernacular language, if any," the circular said. PTI
Sanskrit replaces Urdu; new names for Dehradun, Rishikesh railway stations stir controversy
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/sanskrit-replaces-urdu-new-names-for-dehradun-rishikesh-railway-stations-stir-controversy
With the aim to “promote Sanskrit” in BJP-ruled Uttarakhand, the Railways ministry has decided to replace Urdu name of the prominent railway stations with Sanskrit ones, renaming Dehradun as Dehradunam and Rishikesh as Rishikesham.The signboards which have names of railway stations written in Hindi, English and Urdu will now be written in Hindi, English and Sanskrit only. Urdu has been dropped from the manual.However, when a controversy erupted over the move, the signboard at Dehradun station was changed again and its Urdu name was rewritten.nationalheraldindia
‘Nationalism not an Indian concept’: RSS Joint Gen Secretary Manmohan Vaidya
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nationalism-rss-joint-gen-secretary-manmohan-vaidya-6269688/
Nagpur:Emphasizing that Indian ethics were completely different from those in the West, RSS Joint General Secretary Manmohan Vaidya Saturday called for the use of Indian words instead of English terms that tend to change whole way of looking at concepts like religion, nationalism, secularism, tolerance ideology, and fundamentalism. “Nationalism isn’t a Bharatiya concept. It was born in the Western concept of nation-state and comes with a baggage of ideologies like fascism and personalities like Hitler and Mussolini. In Bharat, the concepts are rashtriyata which are different from nation and nationalism. Hence Rashtrvad for nationalism isn’t an acceptable parallel word,” Vaidya said in his inaugural address at 2nd Nagpur Literary Festival here. “Bharatiya concept of Rashtra is different than that of nation. For us, Rashtra means not geography but people and society. That’s why in Bharat, there never was the idea of a Govt doing all things for the people like in a welfare state, as eloquently enunciated by Ravindranath Tagore,” he added.indian express
Gautam Navlakha, Teltumbde get 4 weeks to move Supreme Court
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/gautam-navlakha-teltumbde-get-4-weeks-to-move-supreme-court
Mumbai: Observing that there was prima facie material to show their complicity in offences punishable under the terror law, Bombay High Court on Friday turned down the applications filed by civil rights activists Gautam Navlakha and Anand Teltumbde, seeking protection from arrest. The duo is accused of having links with the banned CPI (Maoist) party and for instigating the riots that took place in Bhima-Koregaon in January 2018.The HC has however, granted them further protection from arrest till four weeks so as to enable them to move the Supreme Court and seek similar relief.freepressjournal
You didn’t act, why blame us: EC sends a letter to SY Quraishi over his critical piece
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/election-commission-letter-to-sy-quraishi-critical-piece-6268895/
New Delhi :Nearly A week after former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi wrote in Indian Express that Election Commission should have ordered the lodging of FIRs for hate speeches made during Delhi campaign, the poll panel, in a highly unusual move, has written to him pointing out that no legal action was taken during his tenure as CEC under Representation of People Act and the IPC for violation of Model Code of Conduct.“Election Commission is planning to publish a compilation of actions taken against violators of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in General Elections of Assembly and Parliament during last 20 years starting back from 11 Feb, when the results of General Elections to Assembly of NCT of Delhi were announced. A list of MCC notices issued and action taken by Commission during the period when you were holding the office of CEC is enclosed,” Dr Sandeep Saxena, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, wrote in the letter. indianexpress
PAN to become inoperative after 31 March if not linked with Aadhaar; 17.58 crore PANs at risk
https://www.firstpost.com/business/pan-to-become-inoperative-after-31-march-if-not-linked-with-aadhaar-says-income-tax-dept-17-58-crore-pans-at-risk-8042831.html
PAN will become inoperative if it is not linked with Aadhaar by 31 March, 2020, Income Tax department has said.The deadline for linking of PAN and Aadhar has been extended several times and the current deadline ends on 31 March, 2020.Till 27 Jan., 2020, over 30.75 crore PANs have already been linked to Aadhaar. However, 17.58 crore PANs are yet to be linked with the 12-digit biometric ID. PTI
Institute run by Swaminarayan sect isolates students during their periods
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bhuj-colg-students-made-to-strip-menstrual-check-6268916/
Rajkot:A day after 66 girl students of Shree Sahjanand Girls Institute in Bhuj town of Kutch district staged a protest after they were reportedly forced to strip to “prove” they were not menstruating, police booked college principal Rita Raninga, hostel coordinator Anita Chauhan, hostel supervisor Rameelaben and peon Naynaben for sexual harassment, extortion, criminal intimidation and other charges Friday.Students and officials have confirmed that the institute has followed a discriminatory practice of physically isolating girls during their monthly period but this is the first time that they were asked to strip.indianexpress
Nadda summons Giriraj for calling Deoband ‘Gangotri of terrorism’
https://theprint.in/politics/jp-nadda-summons-giriraj-singh-for-calling-deoband-gangotri-of-terrorism/366031/
BJP president JP Nadda on Saturday summoned Union Minister Giriraj Singh over his recent controversial remark on Deoband.This comes three days after Singh while addressing a gathering at UP’s Saharanpur had said, “I had once stated that Deoband is the Gangotri of terrorism. All the major terrorists from across the world have been born here.” After facing flak for his statement, Union Minister said that he stands by his statement that “Deoband is Gangotri of terrorism”.“My statement is correct and if someone has a problem then ask UP police to list how many people are involved in terror activities,” he told reporters.ANI
Ram Vilas Paswan: Dalit MPs want Indian Judicial Service with quotas, I support demand
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ram-vilas-paswan-on-dalit-mps-demand-indian-judicial-service-quotas-6268913/
Irked by the Supreme Court observations on reservation not being a fundamental right, Dalit MPs across party lines met at Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan’s residence recently and favoured the creation of an Indian Judicial Service (IJS) with reservation. Paswan said: “All MPs who attended the meeting demanded reservation in the judiciary and the creation of an Indian Judicial Service because whenever a matter related to the weaker sections goes to the Court, it gets stuck.”
After SC Rap, Govt Orders Telcos to Pay Up; Airtel Offers Rs 10,000 Cr by Feb 20
https://www.news18.com/news/business/after-supreme-court-rap-govt-asks-airtel-vodafone-to-clear-dues-by-1159pm-tonight-2501323.html
New Delhi: After getting an earful from the Supreme Court for putting on hold recovery of dues from telecom companies, Govt on Friday began issuing orders, asking firms such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to clear past dues immediately.The Supreme Court had asked companies to clear dues, totalling an estimated Rs 1.47 lakh crore, before the next date of hearing on March 17.Airtel responded to DoT order by offering to pay Rs 10,000 crore by February 20 and the remaining before March 17. Airtel owes nearly Rs 35,586 crore, including licence fee and spectrum usage charge, to the Govt.news18
Teachers, doctors, sweepers: Kejriwal to share stage with aam aadmi at swearing-in ceremony
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-swearing-in-ceremony-guests-6269455/
As many as 50 representatives from each sector will share the stage with chief minister-designate Arvind Kejriwal during his swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila Grounds on Sunday, the party announced.Briefing reporters Saturday, AAP leader Manish Sisodia said, “The guests for the oath-taking ceremony will mainly comprise those who have helped the chief minister run the state in the last five years and will continue to do so. We have invited 50 people from various sectors for the event.”“People who have helped in developing Delhi in the last five years will be at the forefront with us tomorrow,” he added.indianexpress
*WORLD*
1st coronavirus death in Europe as toll passes 1,500
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/clone.of.cloneofchina-coronavirus-outbreak-latest-.html
The death toll from a new coronavirus epidemic in China surged past 1,500 on Saturday, a day after people returning to the capital from holidays were ordered to quarantine themselves for 14 days to try to contain the virus's spread.State Councillor Wang Yi, who also serves as China's foreign minister, acknowledged that the virus, now known as COVID-19, was a significant challenge but defended Beijing's management of the epidemic and lashed out at the "overreaction" of some countries. "Through our efforts the epidemic is overall under control," he told Reuters on Friday. Egypt reported its first case of the coronavirus on Friday, becoming the first country in African continent to confirm a case, and the second in the Middle East region, after UAE diagnosed its first cases late last month. An elderly Chinese tourist hospitalised in France has died from the new coronavirus, first fatality confirmed in Europe and outside of Asia, French health minister said. France has recorded 11 cases of the virus. aljazeera
Chinese factories shut by coronavirus, 13.7% of India’s imports at risk
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-economy-to-take-a-hit-as-china-shuts-down/story-vKhfuW4ARMJfVeHv1lXJJJ.html
As China continues to reel under the impact of Coronavirus-- confirmed cases are climbing towards 60,000, according to Bloomberg -- its economy has taken a massive hit.Retail car sales fell 22% to 1.71 million units, the biggest-ever drop for the month of January, Bloomberg reported, adding that according to China Passenger Car Association, Feb sales could drop 30%.The epidemic has unleashed a massive disruption of economic activity. Hubei province, which according to Bloomberg is equal to the size of Sweden’s economy, has been facing a shutdown for more than three weeks now. How will these developments impact India?One way to look at it is to see the importance of China in India’s foreign trade. China has been India’s largest source of imports since 2004-05, shows data from CMIE database. In 2018-19, latest period for which annual data is available, it had a share of 13.7% in India’s total imports. Any major disruption in the Chinese economy can disrupt these imports and hence both production processes and supply of consumer goods in India.HT
Crackdown on militants as US, Afghan Taliban seek deal
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51495137
In the past 2 weeks, three influential Pakistani militants based in Afghanistan have been assassinated, whilst another Pakistani militant group has been targeted in a deadly raid by Afghan special forces.The apparent crackdown comes as negotiations between US and Afghan Taliban officials, aimed at bringing an end to the 18-year-long conflict, appear to be leading towards an agreement.One militant source told the BBC he believed the deaths were the result of a secret pact between American and Pakistani forces. Pakistan is believed to have played an important role in facilitating the discussions. In the latest incident, Shehryar Mehsud, leader of a breakaway faction of Pakistani Taliban, was killed in the eastern province of Kunar when a remote control bomb exploded close to his home.BBC
US-Taliban talks: A prelude to all-encompassing Afghan deal?
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51511179
US, Taliban negotiate 7-day reduction in violence: Pentagon
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/taliban-negotiate-7-day-reduction-violence-pentagon-200213153223932.html
Convicted in war crime case, Bangladesh Jammat-e-Islami leader Abdus Subhan dies
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/convicted-war-crimes-jamaat-leader-dies-in-bangladesh/1734613#
DHAKA: Bangladesh Jammat-e-Islami senior leader Abdus Subhan, who was convicted on war criminal charges and has been in jail since 2012, died in a hospital Friday. The former lawmaker was taken to Dhaka Medical Hospital (DMCH) from the country’s central jail Jan. 24.“Jamaat-e-Islami leader was undergoing treatment at the hospital with old age complications and died today. His body is kept at the morgue for autopsy and the process is underway to hand over the dead body to his family,” DMCH Police Outpost in-charge Inspector Bachchu Mia said.The party and its student wing expressed sorry in a news release that said Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat and former 5-time lawmaker died deprived of proper treatment in jail and cases brought against him were politically motivated, made as per the “Govt will.” Anadolu Agency
UN: Israel killed 3,602 Palestinians, injured over 100,000 during past decade
https://ppost24.com/post/672/un-israel-killed-3602-palestinians-injured-over-100000-during-pas?fbclid=IwAR0Q7I3nQrsEyeDze2kNvvJwLdS6rZnH0kItcwv08WJ-1Jlkm4CR0hCL3hQ
Israeli occupation forces killed 3,602 Palestinians citizens and wounded over 100,000 in occupied Palestinian territories during the last decades, UN report revealed.In 2019, Israeli occupation forces killed 132 Palestinians, mostly by air-launched explosive weapons or live ammunition: 107 were killed in Gaza Strip and 25 in West Bank.Another 15,368 Palestinians were injured during the year by Israeli occupation forces: 42 per cent required medical treatment after inhaling tear gas, 16 per cent were hit by steal coated with rubber bullets and 13 per cent were shot with live ammunition. ppost24.com
Raqqa residents flee amid fear of Syrian govt return
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/raqqa-residents-flee-fear-Govt-return-200202183335089.html
Yousef was worried when he heard in mid-October that Russian and Syrian Govt troops had entered northeastern Syria. 24-year-old resident of Raqqa city feared the return of Govt forces to his hometown could endanger his life.Within days of Syrian army units being deployed in the northern part of the province, he and his three younger brothers fled to Turkey, where they are now staying with an uncle.aljazeera
*views, Articles, FEATURES*
Kejriwal ran a Modi-like campaign to win Delhi:Monika Arora
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/mirror-effect-arvind-kejriwal-delhi-elections-2020-6268712/
India escaped SARS and MERS outbreaks largely unscathed:Shahid Jameel
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/battling-the-bug-coronavirus-2019-ncov-cases-india-6268708/
Please, Do Not Misquote Gandhi on Citizenship:S.N.SAHU
https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/18317/Please-Do-Not-Misquote-Gandhi-on-Citizenship?fbclid=IwAR0iJ1iG0cMBsK2KwJSxpl0pPzJp3lWwm0UvxH-3uGKeN3xvU1V9z9KIhi4
Pulwama Attack Helped BJP to Play Its Ideological Game in Kashmir:AJAI SAHNI
https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/pulwama-crpf-terror-attack-bjp-modi-kashmir-security
Both Hindus and Muslims want development. But that’s where the similarity ends:RUKMINI S
https://theprint.in/opinion/both-hindus-and-muslims-want-development-but-thats-where-the-similarity-ends/365765/
CAA-NRC: How CrPC Is Being Used to Silence Protests in UP:Saurabh Sharma
https://www.newsclick.in/caa-nrc-how-crpc-being-used-silence-protests
Courts just don’t realise the significance of reservation to SC/ST communities: Chirag Paswan
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/courts-just-dont-realise-the-significance-of-reservation-to-the-sc-st-says-chirag-paswan/article30822849.ece?homepage=true
Dear Home Minister Amit Shah, Did You Study Any History at School?SHASHI THAROOR
https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/amit-shah-shashi-tharoor-caa-mahatma-gandhi-congress-refugees?fbclid=IwAR0OcpBCIwQajpu-0Aa8awu-FDg5D8cDfIRiNHQ0c8C6JEhJ5HBESZ4NUto
Male constables of Delhi Police hit and stomped on them, complain Jamia women in hospital:nationalheraldindia
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/male-constables-of-delhi-police-hit-and-stomped-on-them-complain-jamia-women-in-hospital
Hand dryer, garlic cannot prevent coronavirus: WHO busts 12 myths about the infection
https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/hand-dryer-garlic-cannot-prevent-coronavirus-who-busts-myths-6269854/
Back from adult prison, Bihar minors arrested in police raids on Muslim homes post CAA protests tell of maltreatment
https://www.firstpost.com/india/caa-protests-back-from-adult-prison-bihar-minors-arrested-during-police-raids-on-muslim-homes-tell-tales-of-maltreatment-8044871.html
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 3:39 PM).
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