NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
31 March 2020: 5 Shahban 1441: Vol:12, No:169
*Coronavirus india*
Tablighi Jamaat: Delhi Police registers FIR against Maulana Saad, others under Epidemic Diseases Act
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/tabligh-jamaat-attendees-mainly-hailed-from-central-south-s-e-asia-says-mha-6340611/
Delhi Police Tuesday registered an FIR against Tablighi Jamaat preacher Maulana Saad and others of members of the outfit under Section 3 of The Epidemic Diseases Act (1897) for organising a congregation at Nizamuddin West Markaz amid the coronavirus outbreak. Delhi CM on Tuesday said 1,548 people were evacuated from Markaz Tablighi Jamaat over the past 3 days. Of these, 441 were symptomatic of COVID-19 and have been sent to hospital for testing, while the others have been quarantined, he added. Meanwhile, Union Ministry of Home Affairs also informed that the attendees of the Tabligh Jamaat at Nizamuddin Markaz in New Delhi on March 21 mainly hailed from Central and South-East Asian countries. Markaz at Banglewali Mosque in Hazrat Nizamuddin in New Delhi. From here, they are detailed for Chilla activities to different parts of the country,” Ministry statement said. An estimated 1,746 persons had assembled for Tabligh Jamaat at Nizamuddin markaz in New Delhi on March 21, out of which 1,530 hailed from states across India while 216 were foreign nationals. Nationwide contact-tracing is being undertaken by the authorities to locate the COVID-19 infected cases of the contacts of the people who assembled for the Jamaat at Nizamuddin West in New Delhi. “Chilla activities in all States are coordinated by District Coordinators in different Districts, who, in turn, in some States are supervised by State Amirs. As on March 21, there were about 1,746 persons staying in Hazrat Nizamuddin Markaz. Of these, 216 were foreigners and 1,530 were Indians,” it added.Ministry also informed that in addition to the above-mentioned figures, about 824 foreigners had been, as on March 21, doing Chilla activities in various parts of the country. Home Ministry had previously dispatched the details of these 824 foreigners with the state police for identifying them, getting them medically screened and quarantining them.“So far, about 2,137 such persons have been identified in different States…all Tabligh Jamaat workers staying at Hazrat Nizamuddin Marka are being medically screened since March 26. So far 1,203 Tablig Jamaat workers have been medically screened. 303 of them have symptoms of COVID-19 and were referred to different hospitals in Delhi. Rest of them have been moved to different quarantine centre at Narela, Bakkarwala and Sultanpuri. This process will continue throughout today to move every Tabligh Jamaat worker out of Nizamuddin Markaz,” Home Ministry informed. Indian express
As on March 21, there were 1746 people including 216 foreigners at Markaz: MHA
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/delhi-markaz-nizamuddin-coronavirus-6339806/
Over 1500 evacuated, 441 hospitalised: Kejriwal seeks action against Markaz organisers
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/over-1-500-evacuated-441-hosptalised-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-seeks-action-against-nizamuddin-event-organisers-1661852-2020-03-31
Govt bans issuing tourist visa to foreign Tablighi activists
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/govt-bans-issuing-tourist-visa-to-foreign-tablighi-activists/1786908
New Delhi: The govt today decided not to issue tourist visa to any foreigner who wishes to visit India and take part in Tablighi Jamaat activities after the organisation''s headquarters at Nizamuddin area turned out to be a hotspot for spread of coronavirus, officials said. The decision was taken after it was found that about 2,100 foreigners have come to India since January 1 and indulged in Tablighi Jamaat activities in different parts of the country. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been advised that missions may be requested to refrain from granting tourist visa to such foreigner who is likely to use it for Tablighi Jamaat activities, a home ministry official said.The home ministry told the MEA that it should ensure that details regarding place of stay and return ticket as well as financial means to defray expenses in India by such visa applicants must be examined carefully before granting them tourist visas.While the e-visas are granted by Ministry of Home Affairs, normal tourist visas are issued by Indian missions following clearance from MHA, said a government official.In addition, the home ministry told Delhi Police Commissioner to caution the organisation''s headquarters about the decision and also ensure that those who are promoting missionary activities and having tourist visa are treated as visa violators.They must not be allowed to conduct Tablighi Jamaat activities on tourist visa, the ministry said.PTI
Never violated law, sought help from authorities for vacating premises, didn't Get Response: Delhi’s Nizamuddin Markaz
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/delhi-markaz-nizamuddin-coronavirus-6339806/
New Delhi: Dismissing reports that quarantine protocols were not practiced at New Delhi’s Nizamuddin Markaz, mosque administration has clarified that it had tried to comply with them but a large group of visitors were stuck at the markaz (centre) as the govt suspended all passenger train operations across the country till March 31.It also said that organisation had requested the concerned SDM to issue vehicle passes so that the stranded guests can go back home, but permission is yet to be granted.In a press note, Nizamuddin Markaz — Delhi HQRS of Tablighi Jamaat — said after PM Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Janata curfew’ on March 22, ongoing program was discontinued. However, as Indian Railways suspended its operations, it had to accommodate the stranded guests. “Before Janta Curfew could be lifted at 9 PM, Hon’ble CM of Delhi announced lockdown of Delhi beginning at 6 AM on 23rd March till 31st March, thereby further diminishing any chances of these visitors availing road transport for their journey back home. Despite this challenging situation, with help of Markaz administration, around 1500 visitors left Markaz Nizamuddin by availing whatever meager transport was available.” The lockdown was further extended to 3-weeks on March 23. Parts of southeast Nizamuddin West in Delhi have been put under a strict lockdown after 18 people tested positive for COVID-19.“On 24th March, suddenly a notice was issued by SHO, P.S. Hazrat Nizamuddin, seeking closure of Markaz premises. The same was responded on 24th March, stating that the compliance of directions regarding closure of Markaz is already underway and around 1500 people had departed the previous day, thus leaving around 1000 visitors belonging to different states and nationalities in Markaz. It was also informed that Ld. SDM concerned had been requested to issue vehicle passes so that the remaining people could be sent back to their native places outside of Delhi. It is relevant to indicate here that lists of 17 vehicles with registration numbers along with the names of the drivers plus their license details were submitted to Ld. SDM so that the stranded visitors/ guests could be ferried towards their destination. The requisite permission is still awaited,” it further added.It also added that a Tehsildaar along with a medical team visited Markaz on March 25 to examine the visitors. “It is also being circulated that certain deaths have occurred due to the same. It is humbly stated that if the above fact-check could have been done by CMO, authorities would have apprised him about their visits, deliberations and cooperation extended by Markaz in order to disperse remaining visitors. During this entire episode, Markaz Nizamuddin never violated any provision of law, and always tried to act with compassion and reason towards visitors who came to Delhi from different states. It did not let them violate the medical guidelines by thronging ISBTs or roaming on streets,” it said, further offering its premises as a quarantine facility. indianexpress
Tableeghi Jamat Markaz Had Sought Vehicle Pass from SDM 1 Week Ago to Send out Stranded Persons, Didn't Get Response
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/tableeghi-jamat-markaz-had-sought-vehicle-pass-from-sdm-one-week-ago-to-send-out-stranded-persons-didnt-get-response
Nizamuddin markaz had sought help from authorities for vacating premises:letter reveals
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nizamuddin-markaz-had-sought-help-from-authorities-for-vacating-premises/article31214305.ece
Coronavirus India: After Delhi Mosque Event, 7 Deaths, Nationwide Hunt: NNNDTV
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-delhi-markaz-nizamuddin-mosque-sealed-after-7-covid-19-deaths-850-moved-out-for-qu-2203336
Home Ministry to blacklist 800 Tablighi preachers from Indonesia for violation of visa rules
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/home-ministry-to-blacklist-800-tablighi-preachers-from-indonesia-for-violation-of-visa-rules/article31214048.ece
Union Home Ministry will blacklist around 800 preachers from Indonesia who came on a tourist visa and participated in a 3-day religious conference in Delhi this month.A senior govt official told The Hindu that around 8,000 people from across the country attended a gathering earlier this month at Alami Markaz Banglewali Masjid, the headquarters of the Tablighi Jamaat in Nizamuddin area of south Delhi.Many people from across the country who tested positive for COVID-19 had attended the conference or were close contacts of the participants, an official said.India and Indonesia have a liberal visa arrangement and allow tourist visa on arrival for the citizens.“They came here on a tourist visa but were participating in religious conferences, this is violation of visa rules. We are going to blacklist around 800 Indonesian preachers so that in future they are not able to enter the country,” said the official.The official added that the preachers then moved in batches to Telangana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and conducted group meetings in mosques and held several meetings.“Around 50% of positive cases in Telangana are linked to the meetings organised by the preachers. Around 350 people from Telangana had also attended the conference in Delhi,” said the official. Last week, a 65-year-old man in Srinagar who attended the conference in Delhi died after contracting the virus.the hindu
Muslims should not be blamed for spread of coronavirus: Omar Abdullah
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/muslims-should-not-be-blamed-for-spread-of-coronavirus-omar-abdullah/article31218043.ece
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said Muslims should not be blamed for the spread of coronavirus in the country. He was reacting to netizens’ response to reports that several people who tested positive for COVID-19 had attended a congregation of Tabligh-e-Jamaat, at Nizamuddin in Delhi.“Now #TablighiJamat will become a convenient excuse for some to vilify Muslims everywhere as if we created & spread #COVID around the world,” Abdullah said in a series of tweets.“At first glance it would appear the #TablighiJamat were nothing if not irresponsible in the way they went about things but that’s not unique to them. The majority of Muslims in India have heeded government guidelines and advice the same as anyone else,” he added. Abdullah said those people who were associating the COVID-19 with the Tabligh-e-Jamaat were more dangerous than any virus.“People tweeting stuff with hashtags like Tablighi virus are more dangerous than any virus nature could ever conjure up because their minds are sick while their bodies may very well be healthy,” he said.PTI
Northeast states urgently call Tablighi Jamaat conference attendees to report to hospitals
https://thenewsmill.com/northeast-states-urgently-call-tablighi-jamaat-conference-attendees-to-report-to-hospitals/
The state govts in Assam, Manipur and other Northeast states have ‘urgently’ called upon those people from the region who recently attended a religious congregation at Nizamuddin in Delhi, to report to nearby govt hospitals immediately, after reports came in that many people attending the congregation showed COVID-19 positive symptoms. thenewsmill
35 More Test Covid-Positive in Delhi & Andhra After Nizamuddin Event, Over 1,000 from Telangana Attended
https://www.news18.com/news/india/35-more-test-positive-for-coronavirus-in-delhi-and-andhra-after-nizamuddin-mosque-event-9-deaths-linked-2558219.html
New Delhi: The headquarters of a religious sect in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area, which has developed into one of the biggest coronavirus disease (Covid-19) hot spots in India, was on Tuesday sealed and 800 people moved out in buses were quarantined in different parts of the city as several more positive cases with links to the gathering held here in mid-March emerged. Telangana administration is estimating over 1,000 people from the state might have attended the congregation, a senior official said, adding search is on to identify people who came in contact with them.Of 6 people in Telangana, 2 died in Gandhi Hospital, one each in Apollo Hospital, Global Hospital, in Nizamabad and in Gadwal. A cleric at the event had died in Srinagar last week. He had also visited the Deoband seminary in Uttar Pradesh and on his return to Kashmir, held multiple gatherings.The links to the deaths in Mumbai and Karnataka emerged on Tuesday as the full scale of the cluster outbreak of coronavirus became a little clearer.
Coronavirus in UP: 10 foreign Tablighi Jamat members found in Meerut mosque amid lockdown; 3 locals booked
https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/coronavirus-in-up-10-foreign-tablighi-jamat-members-found-in-meerut-mosque-amid-lockdown-three-locals-booked/571275
Meerut: With coronavirus pandemic gripping India and the world, a tense situation arose when 10 foreign nationals were found at a mosque in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday night.10 African nationals, who were in India for missionary work as part of Tablighi Jamat, include five from Sudan, four from Djibouti and one from Kenya. They were found in a mosque in Mawana town of Meerut district. Panic gripped local administration after reports emerged that 10 foreign nationals were residing in Bilal Mosque of Mohalla Hiralal in Mawana. A team of senior police and health department officials immediately rushed to the mosque to take stock of the situation."We have checked all 10 foreign nationals for any symptoms of coronavirus. So far there is nothing to worry as all of them are normal," said Health Inspector Dr Satish Bhaskar. Meanwhile, Mawana police have lodged a case against 3 locals including city cleric Moulana Nafees, a local doctor Naimuddin Saifi. African nationals were residing in the city since March 17 and did not register themselves with the local police. Police have now seized the passports of all 10 foreigners.Currently, all 10 Tablighi Jamat members are under quarantine in the mosque. The mosque has been locked from outside so as to prevent local Muslims from gathering for prayers and prevent any possible infection.A local told Times Now that the foreigners could not inform the local police due to 'Janata curfew' and then subsequent lockdown. Others claimed that LIU was informed about their stay.On the other hand, City cleric, Moulana Nafees, said he has nothing to do with this case as he is not involved in the day-to-day running of Tablighi Jamat.timesnownews
19 foreigners found illegally staying at 2 mosques quarantined; 4 facilitators booked
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/19-foreigners-found-illegally-staying-at-2-mosques-quarantined-4-facilitators-booked/articleshow/74901001.cms
Coronavirus in India: 22 including 17 foreign nationals arrested in Jharkhand
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-in-india-22-including-17-foreign-nationals-arrested-in-jharkhand-1661475-2020-03-30
Ranchi:Exactly in a week's gap again, 22 people including 17 foreign nationals from different countries were arrested in Ranchi's Badi Masjid under Hindpidi police station limits.In a similar raid, police had detained 11 maulvis from China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan hiding in a mosque in Tamad police station area in Jharkhand's Ranchi. All of them were put under quarantine to contain the spread of Covid-19.The back to back arrests of foreign nationals has raised many questions. Police seized the passport and visa of all foreigners and are investigating into all dimensions. The arrested foreign nationals have been kept in isolation ward at Khel Gawn stadium under heightened security.Their swab samples have been collected and sent for testing. Doctors said none of them have any symptoms of Covid-19. However, one of them is diabetic.Among the 22 detained, 8 are from Malaysia, three from England, two from West Indies, one each from Holland and Bangladesh, two from Africa, three from Delhi and one each from Gujarat and Mumbai.Police carried out the recent raid after receiving input. They had a lead that many foreign citizens are hiding in Badi Masjid.indiatoday
Mahmood Madani offers premises for isolation centers of 10 thousands COVID-19 patients
http://twocircles.net/2020mar30/435656.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
New Delhi: In the face of growing effects of COVID-19 in country, Jamiat Ulama General Secretary Maulana Mahmood Madani has written letter to the Prime Minister of India Narendre Modi in which he offered the premises for isolation and quarantine centers accommodating upto 10 thousand people. “On a rough estimate we can voluntarily accommodate up to 10 thousand people. You are requested to please direct the concerned authorities to let us know of their requirements wherever and whenever the need might arise,” Madani wrote. Madani in the letter said “The hope is the key to our victory over the worst and gravest circumstances. The whole country stands together ready to support and sacrifice.”He wrote that the organization has activated all its state and district units to offer relief to the people in need through thousands of locally organized disaster management and relief committees of civilian volunteers.
Coronavirus in India: First case in Jharkhand takes tally to 1,429, death toll climbs to 41
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-india-covid19-tally-cases-total-infection-death-toll-news-update-health-ministry-1661610-2020-03-31
New Delhi: Following the sharpest single-day spike in India, the total number of the novel coronavirus cases has climbed to 1,429 after over 30 fresh cases were recorded on Tuesday. The death toll due to Covid-19, meanwhile, has climbed to 41.India has seen an increase of over 200 cases in a single day while the number of active cases is around 1,280 with 147 people either been cured or discharged. Maharashtra has reported the most deaths (10), followed by Gujarat (6), Punjab (4), Madhya Pradesh (4), Karnataka (3), West Bengal (3), Delhi (2), Kerala (2), Telangana (2) and Jammu and Kashmir (2). Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh have reported a death each.So far, the highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases have been reported from Kerala with 234 infections, followed by Maharashtra at 230 which recorded 10 fresh cases on Tuesday. The number of cases in Delhi, meanwhile, has gone up to 98.The cases in Karnataka have gone up to 98 till now, it has increased to 101 in Uttar Pradesh. The number of cases has risen to 77 in Telangana, 73 in Gujarat, 74 in Tamil Nadu while the number of cases in Rajasthan has climbed to 93. It has risen to 55 in J&K. MP has 66 positive patients. Punjab has reported 41 cases, while 40 Covid-19 cases have been detected in Haryana. There are 40 patients in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal (27), Bihar (16) and Ladakh (13).Ten cases have been reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.Chandigarh and Chhattisgarh have recorded 13 cases and 8 cases respectively, while Uttarakhand has reported seven cases. Goa has reported five coronavirus cases, while Himachal Pradesh and Odisha have reported three cases each. Puducherry, Mizoram and Manipur have reported a case each. On Tuesday, Jharkhand reported its first coronavirus patient -- a Malaysian woman who was among 24 persons found staying in a mosque in Ranchi. indiatoday
SC’s suggestion to Modi govt: Arrange bhajan, namaz to prevent panic among migrants
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/supreme-courts-suggestion-to-modi-govt-arrange-bhajan-namaz-to-prevent-panic-among-migrants
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to rope in community leaders of various faiths to conduct 'bhajan-kirtan' and 'namaz' to check panic among migrant workers in shelter homes amid the coronavirus outbreak.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, cited the Home Secretary and told the court: "As of 11 a.m. today, no migrant worker is on the road."A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and Justice L. Nageswara Rao held the hearing through video conferencing on a plea by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava seeking directions to provide food and shelter to migrant workers left helpless after the imposition of the nationwide lockdown to control the outbreak of coronavirus.Mehta insisted people have been taken to the nearest available shelter.The Chief Justice also asked the government to set up an expert committee within 24 hours.The Centre contended that the menace of fake news was a biggest challenge. "The country has taken preemptive and proactive steps. The government will shortly implement a system where panic among migrant workers is addressed. We have trained counselors at the district mental programme, we can send them," Mehta said. Chief Justice replied, "We want to impress upon you that the panic will destroy more lives than the virus. You need counselors. You can have bhajan, kirtan, namaz or whatever, but you have to give strength to the people."Mehta replied, "We will mobilize religious leaders -- maulvis, sadhus -- to counsel the people in the shelter homes."The bench, emphasizing efforts to control panic, told Centre, "Ensure trained counselors and community leaders belonging to faiths visit relief camps and prevent panic." CJI also asked Centre to make arrangements to provide adequate provisions for drinking water, food, beds and medicines in shelter homes. "Summer is approaching. There has to be water otherwise it creates a big problem", he added.The matter has been posted for further hearing next week.
‘Panic will destroy more lives than virus’: SC tells Centre to counsel migrants
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/supreme-court-coronavirus-migrants-6340178/
FIR to be registered against those spreading rumours: MHA
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/coronavirus-live-updates-india-covid-19-lockdown-migrants-6339648/
With over 1,200 COVID-19 cases reported in the country so far, number of hotspots of the disease have increased, the Health Ministry said Tuesday, while underlining that it is implementing rigorous contact tracing and cluster containment strategies. Addressing the daily press conference to provide updates on the COVID-19 situation, Joint Secretary in Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said 227 cases have been reported in the last 24 hours and he attributed the increase to “lack of people’s support and delay in timely detection” of the cases.
6 lakh migrants in relief camps
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/coronavirus-live-updates-india-covid-19-lockdown-migrants-6339648/
As the national coronavirus lockdown entered its seventh day, the Home Ministry, in a press briefing, said over 6 lakh migrant workers have been housed in 61000 relief camps.
Lockdown: Closure of Karnataka-Kerala Border Creates Humanitarian Crisis, Causes Death of Patients, Passengers Stranded
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/lockdown-closure-of-karnataka-kerala-border-creates-humanitarian-crisis-causes-death-of-patients-passengers-stranded
NEW DELHI: A grave humanitarian crisis has developed in Kerala after the closure of Kerala-Karnataka border by the Karnataka government with a view to contain the spread of Coronavirus. Karnataka has closed its borders with Kerala on March 22 as also with five other neighbouring states including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Goa. A large number of people are also stranded on the Kerala-Karnataka border as blockade as blockade has affected inter-state traffic movement.Two persons died and a woman delivered a baby girl on Karnataka-Kerala border after it was closed denying entry of all vehicles, including ambulances following lockdown. A 70-year old woman, Pathumi, who was denied entry into Karnataka even for urgent medical treatment available at the medical hub of Mangaluru in Karnataka, died on the border near Thapapady on March 29 . She was staying with her granddaughter at Udyavar village in Manjeswar Block near Kerala-Karnataka border, as she was unable to go back to her village due to lockdown.On March 26, Abdul Hameed, an asthama patient from Thaminadu near Thalapady in Kerala, lost his life after the Karnataka police refused entry to the ambulance to go to a Mangaluru hospital. On March 27, wife of a labourer from Bihar delivered her baby in an ambulance after Karnataka police denied her entry into a Karnataka hospital.
Migrating labourers disrupt production; retailers fear shortage of essential items
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/migrating-labourers-disrupt-production-retailers-fear-shortage-of-essential-items
As grocery stores, across the country, are grappling with panic buying and dwindling supplies of fresh stocks, the exodus of labourers have added more fuel to the fire by affecting the entire supply chain of essential commodities, ranging from wheat flour to pulses and biscuits to edible oils.Majority of grain markets are shut, oil and rice mills are operating with minimum workforce, and truck operators are finding it difficult to move fast moving consumer products (FMCG) across the cities, mostly sealed during the nationwide 21-day lockdown. If the situation aggravates, the country might witness hoarding of goods and price rise of several items. Despite the efforts of Central as well as state governments to ensure proper supply of FMCG and other essential goods, te fear of COVID-19 pandemic is keeping away the labourers and workers from working in the mills and factories."The coronavirus fear has affected the production. Nearly 80 per cent of dal mills are inoperative due to unavailability of labour and supply of raw material. Though the government has now allowed plying of trucks, still issues with transportation remains," says Suresh Agarwal, of All India Dal Mills Association adding, "even as authorities have allowed truckers to operate, the police of different states, particularly on the borders creates hindrance in transporting goods."IANS
COVID-19: With No Food or Govt Aid, Loom Workers in Bhiwandi Fear the Worst
https://thewire.in/rights/covid-19-lockdown-bhiwandi-loom-workers
Bhiwandi: Each time someone new walks into the arterial lanes of Kondachiwadi basti at Bhiwandi, a large number of people immediately swarm around the person. Amid the commotion, desperate voices can be heard making myriad inquiries, all seeking the same answer. “Kaha se aaye ho, ration laaye ho kya? Kuch khaane ka intezaam kar sakte ho kya?” (Where have you come from? Have you got some ration for us? Can you arrange for some food here?)The concept of “social distancing” is impractical when food stocks are running low and people are worried about their future.It has been eight days since Maharashtra govt imposed a complete lockdown in the state as a precautionary measure to control the spread of the coronavirus. But this sudden announcement has had the worst impact on migrant labourers and daily wagers, virtually pushing the over 6 lakh migrant power loom workers in Bhiwandi towards starvation.“We first listened to the chief minister and a day later to Prime Minister and decided to stay back. But now, we are left here with no food or aid from the government. We will all die of hunger even before the virus catches us,” says 50-year-old Mohammad Sajjad Ansari, despondently.
'Hunger will kill us before coronavirus', say Rohingya in India
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/kill-coronavirus-rohingya-india-200331035538875.html
Din Mohammad is doing everything possible in his power to keep his family and fellow Rohingya refugees healthy during a 3-week lockdown enforced by the Indian government to fight the coronavirus.For past week, Mohammad, 59, who lives with his wife and 5 children in Madanpur Khadar refugee camp in the capital, New Delhi, makes rounds of shanties to ensure people are maintaining social distancing and keeping their huts made from wood and plastic sheets clean.But he knows these measures are hard to implement in crowded refugee camps like theirs, where people live in cramped conditions lacking basic facilities like toilets and clean water."We are literally sitting on a powder keg," Mohammad said. "It won't take long before it explodes."Nearly 40,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees living in various refugee camps across the country fear that a humanitarian catastrophe looms large over them, as they have been left to fight the coronavirus pandemic alone. aljazeera
136 million likely to lose job in India, post coronavirus lockdown
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/136-million-likely-to-lose-job-in-india-post-coronavirus-lockdown
One of the sectors which is going to face severe problems resulting from the 21 day lockdown, will be the employment sector.According to a report in Livemint, a human development economist and professor at the Centre for Informal Sector and Labour Studies in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Santosh Mehrotra has stated that in his analysis. In a paper co-authored with Jajati K Parida of the department of economic studies, Central University Punjab (India’s Employment Crisis: Rising Education Levels And Falling Non-agricultural Job Growth), Mehrotra pegs the job-share of the informal sector at 90.7% overall and 83.5% in the non-farm sectors. Most estimates in the paper are based on NSS and PLFS data.According to this paper, India’s labour force is about 495 million. In the year 2017-18, around 30 million were unemployed, which implies that 465 million are currently employed.nationalheraldindia
Sitamarhi man beaten to death for alert on migrants returning to village without medical test
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/sitamarhi-man-beaten-to-death-for-alert-on-migrants-returning-to-village-without-medical-test-6340132/
Patna :A 20-year-old man in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district was allegedly beaten to death for alerting the authorities about the return of 2 migrants from Maharashtra without undergoing any medical test. Police have arrested 2 persons in connection to the case. The incident took place on Monday evening when Bablu Kumar, a resident of Madhaul village of Runi Saidpur under Sitamarhi district, called up a helpline number, saying two villagers – Munna Mahto and Sudhir Kumar – had returned from Maharashtra without getting any medical test done. A medical team arrived and conducted tests of the two youths ruling out any symptoms of Covid-19.His father lodged a case against Munna Mahto, Sudhir Kumar and 5 others and arrested Munna and Sudhir.indianexpress
Domestic abuse cases rise as lockdown turns into captivity for many women
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/domestic-abuse-cases-rise-as-lockdown-turns-into-captivity-for-many-women-1661783-2020-03-31
New Delhi:Domestic violence cases in India have increased since the March 24 lockdown with husbands venting their frustration on wives, who have no escape from their abusers, say experts. India has been under a three-week lockdown since March 24 with its 1.3 billion people instructed to stay home in view of the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed 32 lives and infected over 1,200 people in the country.The National Commission for Women (NCW), for instance, received 58 complaints from March 23 to March 30, according to data accessed by PTI.Many of these complaints have come from north India, particularly Punjab, said NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma."The number has increased. Men are frustrated sitting at home and are taking out that frustration on women. This trend is especially seen in Punjab from where we have received many such complaints," Sharma told PTI.
Coronavirus: Validity of expired driving licences, vehicle registration extended till June 30
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-in-india-validity-of-expired-driving-licences-vehicle-registration-extended-till-june-30-ivalidity-of-expired-driving-licence-vehicle-registration-e-1661700-2020-03-31
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has extended the validity of documents like driving licenses, permits and registration that expired since February 1.The ministry has said the validity of all permits, driving licences and registrations or other documents which have expired since Feb.1 or will expire by June 30, will be treated valid until June 30.The ministry informed about the decision in an advisory to all states and union territories.indiatoday
*Coronavirus World*
Coronavirus Updates: Global Infections Cross 8 Lakh-mark, Death Toll Inches towards 38,000
https://www.news18.com/news/india/coronavirus-live-updates-delhi-nizammudin-telangana-markaz-tabligh-e-jamaat-mumbai-kerala-death-us-2557841.html
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/trumps-flags-tougher-coronavirus-curbs-live-updates-200330231121941.html
The number of coronavirus infections around the world today crossed 8 lakh-mark, with 8,00,049 people infected by the deadly virus. According to John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, 37,878 deaths have so far been reported globally.
Spain has reported 849 new deaths from the coronavirus, the highest overnight jump since the start of the pandemic, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 8,189. In United States, further restrictions on movement are being considered to curb the spread of the virus, with the country now reporting twice the number of cases as China where the outbreak began late last year.US has nearly 163,500 confirmed cases, the highest number in the world, and more than 3,000 deaths.More than a third of the world's population is now under lockdown as an increasing number of countries implement sweeping measures to fight the coronavirus pandemic.Before and after satellite images show the impact of the measures on cities worldwide.The death toll in England from the coronavirus outbreak rose 29% to 1,651, National Health Service said."Patients were aged between 19 and 98 years old and all but 28 patients (aged between 19 and 91 years old) had underlying health conditions," it added.Scotland said 60 people had died as of Tuesday. Wales said 69 people had died.
Iran Reports 141 New Deaths and 3,111 Fresh Cases
Iran has reported 141 new death and 3,111 new cases of coronavirus, reports The Guardian. The health ministry of Iran has announced 141 new Coronavirus death in last 24 taking the total number of Coronavirus deaths to 2,898, as many as 3,111 new cases reported positive in the same period pushing the total number of infections to 44,606.
China coronavirus toll 170, WHO declares health emergency
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/china-coronavirus-toll-170-who-declares-health-emergency
WHO has declared the new coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency after the death toll in China rose to 170, with more than 7,800 cases confirmed in almost 20 countries."The main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China, but because of what is happening in other countries," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom posted on Twitter, Efe news reported."Let me be clear: this declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China. On the contrary, WHO continues to have confidence in China's capacity to control outbreak."IANS
COVID-19: World economy will go into recession with likely exception of India, China: UN
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/un-on-world-recession-covid-19-global-updates-6339841/
The world economy will go into recession this year with a predicted loss of trillions of dollars of global income due to the coronavirus pandemic, spelling serious trouble for developing countries with the likely exception of India and China, according to a latest UN trade report.With two-thirds of the world’s population living in developing countries facing unprecedented economic damage from COVID-19 crisis, UN is calling for a USD 2.5 trillion rescue package for these nations.According to the new analysis from UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD),UN trade and development body titled ‘COVID-19 Shock to Developing Countries:Towards a ‘whatever it takes’ programme for two-thirds of the world’s population being left behind’, commodity-rich exporting countries will face a USD 2 trillion to USD 3 trillion drop in investments from overseas in the next two years. UNCTAD said that in recent days, advanced economies and China have put together massive government packages which, according to the Group of 20 leading economies (G20), will extend a USD 5 trillion lifeline to their economies.PTI
*OTHERS*
Muslim leaders express solidarity with Sikhs over gurdwara attack in Kabul
https://frontline.thehindu.com/dispatches/article31219439.ece
Upset with the dastardly attack on the Sikh place of worship in Kabul, Muslim clerics, bureaucrats, academics and editors have joined hands to condemn the incident and express solidarity with the besieged minority. The joint statement was signed by, among others, Zafarul Islam Khan, Chairman, Delhi Minorities Commission; Prof Tahir Mahmood, former Chairman, National Minorities Commission; Sadatullah Husaini, president, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; and Maulana Mahmood Madani, general secretary, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. It calls the attack on the gurdwara “murderous”, leading to the “martyrdom of 25 innocent and blameless Sikh brothers”.Addressed to Sikh brothers and sisters, “specially Giani Dr Harpreet Singh, Jathedar Akal Takht, Amritsar”, the letter offers condolences to the bereaved. “We unconditionally condemn this criminal act. On behalf of the Muslims of India, we offer our condolences to our Sikh brothers and sisters and to the Sikh leadership and people everywhere. And since the criminal killers call themselves Muslims, we wish to inform our Sikh brothers and sisters that these criminals have nothing to do with Islam or Muslims. The criminals of the ISIS (Daesh), who criminally attacked the Sikh gurdwara in Kabul, have nothing to do with Islam or Muslims. They, in fact, follow the ideas of the Khawarij rebels who were never accepted by Muslims and who are considered by Muslims as rebels and outlaws working against Islam. They, in terms of their character, plans, words and deeds, serve the enemies of Islam and humanity and commit everything which is against Islamic teachings and Muslims.”The signatories, who had earlier, condemned the act in their personal capacity, assured the Sikhs of solidarity. “If conditions were conducive we would ourselves have come to Amritsar to convey our sentiments but since the whole country is going through a lockdown at present, we are conveying our sentiments to you in writing. We remain your brothers and well-wishers.”The letter was also signed by Mufti Mukarram, Shahi imam, Fatehpuri Masjid, Delhi; and Kamal Faruqui, member, All India Muslim Personal Board.frontline
Muslim Leaders Write Joint Condolence Letter to Jathedar Akal Takht, Condemn Kabul Gurudwara Attack
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/muslim-leaders-write-joint-condolence-letter-to-jathedar-akal-takht-condemn-kabul-gurudwara-attack
*WORLD*
Iran says 'terrorist' attack inside Turkey halts natural gas flow
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/iran-terrorist-attack-turkey-halts-natural-gas-flow-200331090319599.html
Iran's natural gas exports to Turkey have stopped after a "terrorist" attack on a pipeline inside Turkey, an Iranian official told state television."This morning, terrorists attacked a natural gas pipeline inside Turkey near Iran's Bazargan border with Turkey ... flow of gas has been halted," said Mehdi Jamshidi-Dana, director of National Iranian Gas Co on Tuesday."The pipeline has exploded several times in the past. It is also likely that the PKK group has carried out the blast," he told Iran's state news agency IRNA, referring to the outlawed armed group, the Kurdistan Workers Party.Jamshidi-Dana said "the Turkish border guards have left" because of the coronavirus outbreak before adding that "we have informed them of the explosion and are waiting for their response", IRNA reported.
Oil price war: Analysts expect prices to drop further
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/oil-price-war-analysts-expect-prices-drop-200331110100351.html
Top energy officials in the US and Russia will meet to tackle an historic collapse in global oil markets.The meeting comes after a dispute over output levels earlier this month sparked a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.Prices have plunged even further due to the coronavirus pandemic and analysts say there is little prospect of a recovery any time soon.aljazeera
US extends Iran nuclear cooperation sanctions waivers
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/extends-iran-nuclear-cooperation-sanctions-waivers-200331004911303.html
United States has allowed companies from Russia, China and Europe to continue their work at Iranian nuclear facilities without being subject to American sanctions, the US State Department announced on Monday.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed off on the waiver extensions but couched the decision as one that continues restrictions on Iran's atomic work.Current and former officials familiar with the matter said Pompeo had opposed extending the waivers, which are among the few remaining components of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that the administration had not cancelled.However, the officials told AP that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had prevailed in an internal debate on the subject last week.aljazeera
*views, Articles, FEATURES*
Migrant workers distrust a state that does not take them into account:Partha Mukhopadhyay
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coronavirus-lockdown-covid-19-deaths-cases-mass-exodus-migrant-workers-6339152/
Why selective testing is more suitable for India than WHO’s ‘test, test, test’ doctrine
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/why-selective-testing-and-lockdown-are-more-suitable-for-india-than-whos-test-test-test-doctrine/
How Delhi police continue to torment Muslim survivors of the communal carnage: Seemi Pasha
https://www.newslaundry.com/2020/03/30/how-delhi-police-continue-to-tormet-muslim-survivors-of-the-communal-carnage
Among informal sector workers, Dalits and Adivasis affected worst due to lockdown [Interview]
http://twocircles.net/2020mar30/435647.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Ground Report: Borders Sealed, Migrant Workers Evade Police for Long Walk Home
https://thewire.in/rights/ground-report-up-delhi-police-lockdown
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:22 PM).
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