*SOUTH ASIA- INDO-PAK, J&K*

Ladakh face-off | Armed forces given free hand to assess and deal with situation on ground

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/armed-forces-told-to-forcefully-deal-with-chinese-aggression-along-lac/article31881949.ece?homepage=true

The armed forces have been given a free hand to assess the situation on the ground along LAC and take appropriate action as required, a defence source on Sunday. This was conveyed during a review meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with the Chief of Defence Staff and 3 Service Chiefs. “The situation along LAC and preparedness of the forces was reviewed at the meeting. Forces have a free hand to assess the situation and to take action required. While we don't want escalation but if it happens by the other side, appropriate action will be taken. Clear cut instructions to this effect were given,” a defence source said. Singh held the review meeting ahead of his departure to Russia on Monday for participation in the 75th anniversary of World War-II.These instructions come in the backdrop of the violent clash in Galwan on Monday when Indian troops were attacked by Chinese troops with rods and stones and resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers including the Commanding Officer Col B. Santosh Babu. The prevailing border situation is also expected to come up for discussion in Singh’s meeting with his Russian counterpart in Moscow. Mr. Singh will return from Russia on 25th. He will continue to monitor the situation during the trip, the source added.

 

Additional 2,000 ITBP troops may be sent to Sino-India border

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/additional-2000-itbp-troops-may-be-sent-to-sino-india-border/article31879970.ece

About 2,000 additional troops of ITBP may be sent to forward locations along the Sino-India border to strengthen vigil amid standoff between Indian Army and Chinese troops in Ladakh.ITBP personnel, currently engaged in different duties in various parts of the country, is being requisitioned in view of prevailing situation in Ladakh.About 20 additional companies (2,000 troops) are likely to the deployed in different locations of the Sino-Indian border, a senior government official said.ITBP guards 3,488 km long LAC between India and China, along with the Indian Army. PTI

 

"Satellite Photos Show...": Rahul Gandhi's Fresh Attack On PM Over Ladakh

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-china-face-off-ladakh-satellite-photos-show-says-rahul-gandhi-in-fresh-attack-on-pm-modi-over-ladakh-2249896?pfrom=home-topstories

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharpened his attack on PM Narendra Modi over violent face-off between Indian and Chinese soldiers in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley last week, pointing to satellite images to claim that China had "captured Indian territory near Pangong Lake".In today's tweet Mr Gandhi said the photos "clearly" contradicted the PM who, during Friday's all-party meeting on the India-China tension, was quoted as saying that "neither is anyone inside our territory nor is any of our post captured"."The PM said - neither has anyone entered the country nor has anyone captured our territory. But satellite images clearly show that China has captured Indian territory near Pangong Lake," Congress MP said in a tweet posted.ndtv

 

'Narendra Modi Is Actually Surender Modi': Rahul Gandhi Takes Jibe At PM Over China Standoff

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-narendra-modi-is-actually-surender-modi-rahul-gandhi-takes-jibe-at-pm-over-china-standoff/355165

Rahul Gandhi launched his sharpest attack on the PM, calling him "Sur(r)ender Modi" instread of Narendra Modi and accused him of conceding Indian territory to Chinese.

 

Amid Border Tension, PMO Seeks Product-Wise Details from India Inc to Curb China Imports

https://www.news18.com/news/india/amid-border-tension-pmo-seeks-product-details-from-india-inc-to-curb-china-imports-2680397.html

The government has sought product-wise details of cheap imports, comparison with domestic prices and tax disadvantage, if any, from industry to curb low quality inbound shipments especially from China and boost domestic manufacturing, sources said.They said a high level meeting to discuss ways to promote Atma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India), including cut in import dependence from China, also took place recently in PMO.The exercise to reduce and curb imports from China assumes significance in the wake of border tensions between two countries that has led to growing demands to boycott goods from China.China accounts for about 14 per cent of India's imports and is a major supplier for sectors like cell phones, telecom, power, plastic toys and critical pharma ingredients.

 

Ladakh face-off: Boycott Chinese goods and break country’s economy, says Madhya Pradesh CM

https://scroll.in/latest/965218/ladakh-face-off-boycott-chinese-goods-and-break-countrys-economy-says-madhya-pradesh-cm

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday urged people to boycott all products made in China, after the violent clash between soldiers of the two countries in more than 40 years, HT reported. “India will give a befitting reply to China,” Chouan told reporters in Rewa district of the state, where he was attending the funeral of a soldier killed in the clash. “We will break its economy.”scroll

 

Muslim body issues fatwa for boycott of Chinese goods

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jun/21/muslim-body-issues-fatwa-for-boycott-of-chinese-goods-2159448.html

Bareilly: All India Tanzeem Ulama-e-Islam, a religious and social organisation headed by 5 senior clerics, has issued a fatwa to boycott Chinese products in the country. The clerics said the community members should stand with the army and government in this hour.Expressing concern over India-China face-off, general secretary of Tanzeem, Maulana Shahbuddin Rizvi expressed concern over the India-China face-off and said, "A fatwa has been passed for boycotting Chinese products on a query posted by a Bareilly-based resident. The clerics in the fatwa have condemned the conspiracy of China to encroach upon Indian land and the killing of our brave soldiers."The panel of 5 clerics include Tanzeem's president Mufti Ashfaq Hussain Qadri, Mufti Iqbal Ahmad Misbahi, Mufti Tauqir Ahmad Qadri, Mufti Hashim Raza Khan and Qari Saghir Ahmad Rizvi.IANS

 

Army’s protective gear has Made in China link, Niti member says relook

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/armys-protective-gear-has-made-in-china-link-niti-member-says-relook-6468635/?fbclid=IwAR2zCOn-TTq2JTyVSxgFunyYX6Hp_YgwtlKI7pk2dFUz84fCu_BcKFSnhFk

On June 18, two days after the violent faceoff in Galwan Valley, the Ministry of Defence contacted manufacturers of protective gear and bullet-proof jackets worn by Army personnel in forward areas, including in Leh, for “urgent” reinforcement of supplies — estimated at 2 lakh units. Follow India-China border dispute LIVE updatesWhat has added a twist to this is the fact that a majority of the existing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) use Chinese raw materials. This includes the company that got 2017 contract — it’s in the delivery stage — for supplying 1.86 lakh bullet-proof jackets to Army. Announcing the Rs 639-crore contract to SMPP Pvt Ltd, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said, in Parliament, that there was “no embargo” on the import of raw materials from China for the manufacture of protective jackets for Army.With the changed circumstances, there are calls for a rethink. Niti Aayog member and former chief of DRDO VK Saraswat has urged a “re-look” at these imports.Meanwhile, industry representatives said that besides HPPE and fabric, boron carbide and other ceramics were also imported from China for manufacture of bullet-resistant jackets.indianexpress

 

‘China Enjoys Watching India Boycotting Its Products’: Expert

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-china-enjoys-watching-india-boycotting-its-products-expert/355169

China may have concluded that India's protectionist propensities and clamour for ban on Chinese products will, in fact, damage the country itself, says Steve H. Hanke, Professor of Applied Economics at Johns Hopkins University in USA and Senior Advisor at Renmin University of China’s International Monetary Research Institute in Beijing. In an email interview with Outlook, Hanke suggests that instead of engaging into a military conflict with China, India should focus on its economic reforms. Hanke said, "after this incident, China will certainly play hardball with the Galwan Valley. Chinese believe that the territory is theirs and will do anything to defend it. They are not going anywhere. Furthermore, Chinese territorial ambitions under Chairman Xi are becoming more aggressive and clear with each passing day--just look at what's going on in South China Sea." On Indians call to boycott Chinese products, Professor Hanke said, "Perhaps the Chinese are smarter than you think. They might have correctly concluded that India's protectionist propensities and embrace of bans on Chinese products will, in fact, damage India. Maybe they enjoy watching Indian fanatics shoot themselves in the foot." On asking that how realistic would it be to boycott all Chinese products by Indians, he replied "As stupid as the boycott policy is, it is perfectly feasible. Indeed, it's happening right before our eyes. It would not be the first boycott imposed by Indians in which they damage themselves." He added, "Modi should dial back on his nationalist rhetoric and start paying attention to real economic reforms which he has promised but never delivered on."outlookindia

 

Top Chinese firm signs MoU with Adani group to invest $300 million

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/engineering/top-chinese-firm-signs-mou-with-adani-group-to-invest-300-million/articleshow/59231001.cms

 East Hope Group, one of China's largest private companies, will invest $300 million in setting up manufacturing units at Mundra SEZ in partnership with Indian infrastructure giant Adani Group. MoU signed by two firms proposes to set up manufacturing units in Mundra SEZ in Gujarat to produce solar power generation equipment, chemicals, aluminium and animal feed, a statement by the Indian Consulate in Shanghai said.It will also put in place East Hope Group's engineering and industrial integration chain to recycle and economise product cost at Mundra SEZ,it said.economictimes

 

Only 4 out of 10 Indians won’t buy Chinese phone, finds survey conducted before Galwan clash

https://theprint.in/india/only-4-out-of-10-indians-wont-buy-chinese-phone-finds-survey-conducted-before-galwan-clash/446047/

New Delhi: With anti-China sentiment growing since the tensions started at Ladakh border more than a month ago, there has been a call to boycott ‘Made in China’ products in India. A recent survey by market research firm Counterpoint Research, however, found that only four out of 10 Indians will likely not buy Chinese smartphones.The results of the survey were published on 19 June. While four out of 10 respondents in India had “strong opinions of not buying” Chinese smartphones, most were unsure about their decision “at the time of survey”, Pavel Naiya, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research, told ThePrint.The survey was conducted between mid-May and the first week of June, before last Monday’s violent face-off that killed 20 Indian soldiers in action at the Galwan Valley.

 

"Emotionally Manipulating People": Kamal Haasan Tells Centre Over Ladakh

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ladakh-violence-india-china-face-off-dont-emotionally-manipulate-people-kamal-haasan-tells-centre-pm-modi-over-ladakh-2249855?pfrom=home-topscroll

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has cautioned PM Narendra Modi against trying to "emotionally manipulate people" over the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh's Galwan Valley last week, in which 20 Indian troops died for their country and dozens more were injured.In his strongly-worded statement Kamal Haasan hit out at the government for saying that those questioning PM's comments at Friday's all-party meeting - during which PM Modi was quoted as saying: "Neither is anyone inside our territory nor is any of our post captured" - were trying to "give a mischievous interpretation" to PM's remarks.

 

Ladakh Councillor Arrested For Audio Clip Mocking PM Modi And Army Over India-China Standoff

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-ladakh-councillor-arrested-for-audio-clip-mocking-pm-modi-and-army-over-india-china-standoff/355134

A councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil was arrested early on Saturday after his “highly objectionable” audio clip mocking PM Narendra Modi and Army in the wake of the recent face-off between India and China went viral on social media, officials said.The action against Zakir Hussain, a councillor from Shakar constituency in Kargil district, followed registration of an FIR against him by police on Friday even as the councillor submitted a public apology over his remarks, the officials said.Hussain, a long time Congress activist, was expelled by the party on the issue, while both LAHDC Leh and Kargil said the entire population of Ladakh has been patriotic and always fully behind the Army in protecting the country's sovereignty.In the audio clip, the councillor is heard using highly derogatory language against the PM and mocking the Army over the standoff with China in eastern Ladakh which left 20 soldiers including an colonel-rank officer dead.PTI

 

There is intrusion: Buddhist leader

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/india-china-clash-buddhist-leader-says-there-is-intrusion/cid/1782500?ref=top-stories_home-template

Asenior Buddhist leader in Ladakh on Saturday affirmed that Chinese had transgressed into Indian territory in eastern Ladakh, a day after PM Narendra Modi had said no one had intruded “into our frontier there”.Ladakh Buddhist Association president P.T. Kunzang, however, stressed that it was difficult for either country to prove which parts of the territory along LAC was theirs because of the absence of clear demarcation.“I’m not talking about the Aksai Chin part, which they (Chinese) have already taken. After that, unofficially, they have certainly done it (occupied Indian territory),” Kunzang told The Telegraph.

 

Report: Chinese aggression along LAC in eastern Ladakh not new, locals attribute it to lack of demarcation line

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ground-report-chinese-aggression-along-lac-in-eastern-ladakh-not-new-locals-attribute-it-to-lack-of-demarcation-line-1691279-2020-06-21

Srinagar:There has been no communication with people living in villages along the LAC in Ladakh since the current standoff began. Most of the areas have been cut off to the extent that even local councillors are incommunicado.About 120 kms short of Galwan, there are civilian populations in Durbuk and Shyok. As per locals in Leh, there has been no communication with them. "It could be because of security reasons. But there is no contact," Gyal P Wangyal, Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council said.Though this aggression on the part of the Chinese seems to be different from that in the past, many locals feel these clashes are inevitable. There is no clear demarcation, a concern that worries people in eastern Ladakh more than anything else."We want this issue to be settled, let the border be clear. Otherwise, this will keep on happening. They (Chinese) have done it in past they will do it again," PT Kunzang, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association says.indiatoday

 

Army Indian, but PM stokes regional pride

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/india-china-clash-army-indian-but-prime-minister-narendra-modi-stokes-regional-pride/cid/1782494?fbclid=IwAR2NyOM1IohCfa0de0xgGfM4rqNIuhFrLuFzhTRp5LDxOYNtJdfHp-BCGUQ#.Xu73zMVV6UI.facebook

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday said while launching a job scheme for the poor that “when I’m speaking to the people of Bihar, I will say the valour was of Bihar Regiment — every Bihari is proud of it”. “The country is proud of the sacrifice made by our brave soldiers in Ladakh.Today, when I’m speaking to the people of Bihar, I will say the valour was of Bihar Regiment — every Bihari is proud of it. I pay tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for nation,” Modi said while launching Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan.The reference to Bihari pride raised the eyebrows of many a military veteran, especially since the Indian Army is a symbol of national integration and the regional label of a regiment does not bar citizens from across the country from playing a role in it. Several retired officers also recalled that Modi had “politicised” Pulwama attack and Balakot air strikes to garner votes in last year’s general election. They wondered whether he was now trying to milk the sombre occasion ahead of Bihar Assembly polls due this year.telegraphindia

 

Nepalese radio stations blast anti-India propaganda between songs near border areas

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nepalese-radio-stations-blast-anti-india-propaganda-between-songs-near-border-areas-1691266-2020-06-21

Nepal's FM radio channels close to the border with India are broadcasting propaganda to back Kathmandu's claim on Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, residents in India's border villages said.Nepalese parliament recently adopted a new political map of the country showing these areas as part of its own territory, a move strongly opposed by India."Some Nepalese FM channels have of late started playing anti-India speeches in between Nepali songs," said Shalu Datal, a resident of Dantu village in Pithoragarh's Dharchula sub-division."As people on both sides of the border listen to Nepali songs, they also hear the anti-India speeches delivered by Nepalese Maoist leaders in between them," he said.The main FM stations playing anti-India content between songs are Naya Nepal and Kalapani Radio, Datal said."Some old channels like Mallikarjun Radio and a site named annapurna.online are also broadcasting reports depicting Kalapani as Nepalese territory," he said. FM stations are situated at Chabrigar near district HQRS in Nepal's Dharchula.The stations have a range of about three kilometers and can be heard in Dharchula, Baluakot, Jauljibi and Kalika on the Indian side of the border.PTI

Nepal stations bombard Uttarakhand villages with anti-India songs

 

Islamic Centre holds protest against China in Lucknow

https://in.news.yahoo.com/islamic-centre-india-holds-protest-214631320.html

Lucknow: Islamic Centre of India held a protest in Lucknow against China’s action on LAC. The protesters were seen holding placards, with messages against “Boycott Chinese products”.They also raised slogans "China Murdabad”. ANI

 

Aligarh: VHP And Bajrang Dal Protest, Call For Boycott Of Chinese Goods

http://www.businessworld.in/article/Aligarh-VHP-And-Bajrang-Dal-Protest-Call-For-Boycott-Of-Chinese-Goods/21-06-2020-289533/

 In the aftermath of a face-off between armies of India and China, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, Aligarh carried out a protest calling for shops to boycott goods and products from China. Protestors walked through streets while raising slogans against Chinese products.The protest aimed to educate residents of the area and local shop-owners as to why they should not buy or sell goods from China. Volunteers visited 11,000 families in Aligarh while going door to door on Saturday.According to Gaurav Sharma, Bajrang Dal Convener said the protest was carried out in response to the violent face-off that took place at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh.

 

Hindu Raksha Dal Workers Allegedly 'Lock' Gates Of Chinese Phone Company In Protest

https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/social-relevance/hindu-raksha-dal-workers-lock-gates-of-chinese-phone-company-516196.html

After the recent face-off between China and India at the Ladakh border, Indians were left infuriated. While on the one hand, 'boycott Chinese products' trended online, on the other hand, people went to the extent of breaking Chinese products they already owned, claim reports.Based on a video that was shared on Twitter by a corespondent for Times of India, members of the fringe group Hindu Raksha Dal allegedly held a protest outside the factory of Chinese mobile phone company Oppo in Greater Noida, UP on Saturday.

 

PM Endorses China’s Position over Territory Dispute: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal

https://clarionindia.net/pm-endorses-chinas-position-over-territory-dispute-congress/?fbclid=IwAR0yIW83dHKZ4a46ibxSFEEpdd3ogw6zN-Im1TDG2CQLBSau27E7BFp7GJs

 Congress on Sunday slammed PM Narendra Modi over the statement he made at all-party meeting and then on PMO’s clarification on the statement, demanding an explanation from him.Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal, in a press conference, asked: “Has not the PM in a way endorsed the Chinese position that they never intruded into our territories? PM must explain.” Congress alleged that PM has contradicted his own ministers. “It is clear that PM’s statement of June 19,is in contradiction of the statements made by the Defence Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister and Army Chief,” Sibal said.IANS

 

'Will Chinese get domicile rights in J&K by default now?': Mehbooba on PM Modi's statement over India-China clash

https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/will-chinese-get-domicile-rights-in-jk-by-default-now-mehbooba-mufti-on-pm-modis-statement-over-india-china-border-clash

After PM Modi said that ''neither is anyone inside our territory nor have any of our posts been captured" in an all-party meeting on Friday, former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti hit out at the Modi government.Exasperated former J&K CM asked that "will Chinese now get domicile rights in J&K by default?"She took to Twitter and said,"Will Chinese have to apply for domicile rights in J&K or do they get it by default since GOI’s no intrusion into Galwan valley stand has redrawn LaC?Our apprehensions about demographic changes has another dimension to it now." Reaching out to the nation and the political party leaders during the all-party meeting on Friday PM Modi had said that "neither is anyone inside our territory nor is any of our post captured" and 20 brave soldiers made the supreme sacrifice for nation during a violent clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley and also taught a lesson to those "who had dared to look towards our motherland".

 

J&K admin plans to open 200 liquor shops, religious leaders in Valley object

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jk-admin-plans-to-open-200-liquor-shops-religious-leaders-in-valley-object-6468677/

Srinagar :Jammu and Kashmir administration plans to open about 200 liquor shops in Jammu and Kashmir, 67 of which will be in the Valley. The move has drawn opposition from religious leaders in the Valley, who said they will oppose it.In a letter to J&K’s Financial Commissioner, Excise Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan sought approval to start the process.“As per survey conducted and in exercise of the powers under Rule 28 of J&K Liquor & License Rules 1984 & section 4(B) of Excise Act, a total list of 183 locations including 116 in Jammu and 67 in zones of Kashmir is enclosed,” Shavan wrote in the letter dated June 16. “It is requested that necessary approval may kindly be granted enabling to proceed further strictly under the rules by way of any transparent method, either e-auctioning zone wise or location wise as the government deems fit as a matter of policy.”indianexpress

 

J-K Govt Says 'No Decision Taken' On Liquor Sale Points After Threats Of Protest

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-jk-govt-says-no-decision-taken-on-liquor-sale-points-after-threats-of-protest/355188

J&K government on Sunday said that the finance department has not taken any policy decision regarding issuance of fresh liquor licences in unserved areas after the excise department carried out a survey on liquor sale points.The government said no list of unserved areas has either been considered or approved.“No decision will be taken without participation of stakeholders and due process,” J&K government spokesman Rohit Kansal said.outlookindia

 

3  militants killed in gunfight in Srinagar

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gunfight-erupts-between-security-forces-and-militants-in-srinagar/article31881357.ece?homepage=true

Three local militants were killed in a gunfight in a congested locality of Srinagar’s Zadibal area on Sunday, while the body of a non-local militant was found at the Kulgam encounter site.“The police on Saturday night received a tip-off about the presence of three militants in the Zadibal area. A siege was laid and efforts were made to ensure their surrender. The families [of 2 militants] and local elders made repeated pleas on loudspeakers to surrender. The hiding militants lobbed grenades and fired at security forces instead. All the three militants were killed in the gunfight,” said Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir.“Two militants still remain active in Srinagar. Militants use Srinagar to receive funds and meet their group leaders and other associates,” Mr. Vijay Kumar said.thehindu

 

New dense locust swarm from Pak enters in Rajasthan

https://www.hindustantimes.com/jaipur/new-dense-locust-swarm-from-pakistan-enters-rajasthan-s-sriganganagar-district/story-L9qFFpyXbhbpBVgfqXRLvM.html

A new five square kilometer dense swarm of desert locust entered Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan on Sunday and breeding of locusts has been reported in Bikaner district amid even as the Rajasthan government augmented the means to control the invasion.These included 411 tractor-mounted power sprayers and 53,000 litres of plant protection chemical, procured under a World Bank-funded project for locust control activities, multiple officials said.

 

*INDIA- ISLAMOPHOBIA, HUMAN RIGHTS & OTHERS*

 

Constable’s death in riots: Delhi Police chargesheet mentions Yogendra Yadav

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/delhi-riots-yogendra-yadav-constable-death-6468737/?fbclid=IwAR2Kkn0jNzan0d8Og8gn2kbQRSvKY22rhVuTzONkewQYZOMN2tyvvU0nhfM

Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav, student leader Kawalpreet Kaur and advocate D S Bindra find mention in a chargesheet filed by Delhi Police in the murder case of head constable Rattan Lal (42) during the riots in Delhi in Feb.While the 3 are not part of the list of 17 accused, chargesheet states that the “links of organisers of (Chand Bagh) protest site with likes of DS Bindra (AIMIM), Kawalpreet Kaur (AISA), Devangana Kalita (Pinjra Tod), Safoora, Yogendra Yadav, etc itself indicates a hidden agenda behind the violence”. According to police, the Chand Bagh protest had been going on since mid-Jan.As per the chargesheet, on Feb.24, “serious communal riots took place in Northeast Delhi, in which more than 750 cases were registered, 53 persons lost their lives, including head constable Rattan Lal of the Delhi Police”.indian express

 

Delhi Police Chargesheets in Riot Cases One-Sided: Jamiat’s Lawyer Panel to Fight for Victims

https://clarionindia.net/delhi-police-chargesheets-in-riot-cases-one-sided-jamiats-lawyer-panel-to-fight-for-victims/?fbclid=IwAR33at3scsVExI1zCNtBs-8tTwiEKApw8sh2ddxvNYQRDMFBu55hf7nny2o

New Delhi: Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind has termed Delhi Police chargesheets in the city riot cases as “one-sided and biased” and has constituted a panel of lawyers in order to ensure justice to all affected persons.He also questioned the decision of Delhi govt to appoint Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitors General Aman Lekhi and Maninder Singh to fight riots cases.Jamiat’s team of lawyers will study chargesheets and fight the cases of the affected people. Commenting on the arrests of anti-CAA movement leaders and police actions in the northeast Delhi riots cases, Jamiat’s president Maulana Arshad Madani said: “It is regrettable that even during the lockdown, people in power are using police to fulfil their secret agenda against the Muslim minority. When people are not daring to come out of their homes for fear of Coronavirus, innocent Muslims are being arrested on the charges of running anti-CAA movement. It is regrettable that former bureaucrat and human rights activist Harsh Mandar and humanitarian Sikh man DS Bindra, who had organized langar in Shaheen Bagh, have also been made accused.” clarionindia

 

 

‘Is Langar A Crime?’: DS Bindra on His Name Being Linked to Riots

https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/delhi-riots-ds-bindra-langar-chandbagh-chargesheet-chandbagh-ratan-lal?fbclid=IwAR3xR8kuy1ZNHr3HyA9sXUsvudUZ8vezk2qsk5V8ZZB9lxyTajUvajoY0j8

“What wrong have I committed? Is serving langar a crime?” a deeply upset DS Bindra told The Quint after the charge sheet filed by Delhi Police in the death of constable Ratan Lal under FIR 60 mentioned his name.Bindra, an advocate based in Delhi, came into prominence after he put up a Langar or public kitchen, during the protests against CAA at Shaheen Bagh. For a brief while he also organised the public kitchen at the anti-CAA protest site at Chandbagh as well.Speaking to The Quint, he denied any involvement in Delhi riots."All I did was to put up a Langar. I only did what my faith taught me, what our Gurus taught us. I don’t understand why I am being targeted because of that,"said DS Bindra.

 

Delhi Police ignored complaints against Kapil Mishra, other BJP leaders for leading mobs in Delhi violence: caravanmagazine

https://caravanmagazine.in/politics/delhi-police-ignored-complaints-against-kapil-mishra-bjp-leaders-leading-mobs-delhi-violence

Just hours after Kapil Mishra delivered a speech near the Jaffrabad metro station in northeast Delhi, threatening to clear protests against CAA, BJP leader led a rampage by an armed mob less than two kilometres away, in Kardampuri, according to 2 complaints lodged with Delhi Police. The complaints noted that on the afternoon of 23 Feb, Mishra gave an incendiary speech in Kardampuri, calling upon a mob to attack Muslim and Dalit protesters in the area. The Caravan is in possession of numerous complaints filed in Feb.and March by residents of northeast Delhi, who wrote that they witnessed violence perpetrated by or at the behest of BJP leaders. The other BJP leaders named in these complaints include Satya Pal Singh, a member of parliament from UP’s Baghpat constituency who previously served as the commissioner of police in Mumbai; Nand Kishore Gujjar, UP’s MLA from Loni; Mohan Singh Bisht, MLA from Delhi’s Karawal Nagar constituency; and Jagdish Pradhan, a former Delhi MLA from the Mustafabad constituency, who was defeated the assembly polls held weeks before the violence broke out. Despite the gravity of the accusations against Mishra, no action was taken against the BJP leader. It is a settled principle of criminal procedure that upon receiving any complaint that prima facie constitutes a cognisable offence, the police must register an FIR. The complaints seen by The Caravan contained accusations ranging from incitement to violence, to eyewitnesses recounting cold-blooded murder, to police officials looting a mosque and directing their subordinates to send the money to MP Satya Pal Singh. Many of these complaints bear the stamps of the office of the commissioner of police and the Dayalpur police stations. Yet, the police did not register them as FIRs.

 

United Against Hate, ‘fact-finding’ group accused of conspiracy in Delhi riots

https://theprint.in/india/united-against-hate-the-fact-finding-group-accused-of-conspiracy-in-delhi-riots/442438/?amp&__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR3etxGlOmkS6AzuCIqyDY3IQujzm1uH5YKDsY9KWDtA1kLGPf1i_744VRg

New Delhi: In a dingy neighbourhood in Haryana’s Panipat one late night last Sept., 31-year old Zulfiqar and his older brother found themselves surrounded by a mob armed with steel rods, allegedly forcing them to chant Jai Shri Ram. Zulfiqar felt it could be the last minutes of their lives.A “petrified” Zulfiqar ran back to his room, which doubled up as his weaving factory, and called a helpline number he had seen on Facebook, he told ThePrint. This helpline, to provide assistance to victims of mob violence and prevent possible incidents of violence, had been launched by a Delhi-based platform called United Against Hate(UAH) earlier in 2019. Activist Khalid Saifi, a UAH member, took Zulfiqar’s call and immediately rang up Nikhil Sharma, a 29-year-old local businessman in Panipat, to rush to his aid.“I came and stood between the mob and the 2 brothers. I said if you have to kill them, you must kill me first,” said Sharma. His intervention proved life-saving for Zulfiqar and his brother as the mob backed off. “I had met Khalid bhai at many protests earlier… He would always be the first one to stand up for the less privileged,” Sharma added. On 26 Feb, Saifi was arrested from Khureji Khas anti-CAA protest site in the national capital for his alleged involvement in Delhi riots and has been in custody since. Last week, Delhi Police named him in the chargesheet, saying Feb.riots were part of a “deep-rooted conspiracy” that had links with UAH and its members Saifi and Umar Khalid.ThePrint spoke to members of the group and its associates about the origin and functioning of UAH, in the light of these allegations. In collaboration with lawyers, journalists and retired police personnel, the group would go on to conduct several “fact-finding” missions across India over the next 2 years — from investigating Assam’s foreign tribunals involved in NRC process to 2018 violence in UP’s Kasganj. UAH describes itself an initiative to show solidarity against hate — of all kinds.Delhi Police chargesheet in the riots case said now-suspended AAP leader Tahir Hussain was connected to Saifi and Khalid in a larger conspiracy to organise the riots. Umar Khalid, an activist from JNU and founding member of UAH denied these charges. “Delhi Police is writing crime fiction, this is completely false,” he said. theprint

 

‘A bald allegation,’ Court slams police, grants bail to Rajdhani School principal in Delhi violence case

https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/school-principal-granted-bail-in-delhi-riots-case/story-v7T3aWASw6JbiNh2XHsJVI.html

A Delhi court on Saturday granted bail to Faisal Farooq, the principal of Rajdhani Public School, who was earlier charged with hatching a conspiracy to precipitate and aggravate riots in and around his school. The court observed that CCTV camera footage did not show his presence at the place where the riots had broken out.Duty Judge Vinod Yadav said that one witness, Roop Singh, stated on March 8 that he had seen Farooq at the spot of the incident. Singh had also claimed to have heard him asking the guard of the school to permit Muslim persons inside the school.However, later in his statement recorded before the magistrate on March 11, he did not say a word about having seen the accused man at the scene or having heard him say anything to the guard of the school.The court, while granting bail, said that to “cover up” the deficiency in the statement of witness, IO recorded a supplementary statement by Singh, claiming that he had got scared before the magistrate which is why he could not state the correct facts. IO had moved an application before the court to get this additional fact added to his statement. However, it was dismissed by the judge, the court noted in its order.“It is clearly apparent that there are contradictions in the various statements of this witness about the applicant,” the court said. It also noted that Farooq kept on calling the police to report about damage to his school from Feb.24, but FIR in his case was not recorded then. It was ultimately recorded on March 5.

 

Delhi riots: HC denies Ishrat Jahan extension of interim bail

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/court-refuses-bail-extension-to-ishrat-jahan/story-s4cPGcsHhES2xwGWCLBIbJ.html

A Delhi court has  refused further extension of interim bail to former Congress councillor Ishrat Jahan, booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for her alleged role in February riots in Delhi.She had sought extension on the ground that her husband and she had symptoms of Covid-19. She was earlier granted week’s interim bail till June 19 for her wedding.Additional sessions judge Dharmender Rana directed Jahan to surrender in jail on Friday and asked the jail superintendent to ensure adequate medical care. Jahan, through advocate Lalit Valecha, had earlier sought extension for seven days interim bail granted till June 19 for her to get married.

 

Man made to sing anthem: Delhi riots FIR names no accused

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/man-made-to-sing-anthem-northeast-delhi-riots-fir-names-no-accused-6467268/

Delhi Police FIR in the death of Faizan — a 24-year-old who was filmed lying injured on the ground with 4 others, as men in police gear forced them to sing the national anthem and Vande Mataram during the Northeast Delhi riots — makes no mention of an accused or the videos.At least two videos of the incident at Kardampuri were shot on February 24, and Faizan died three days later. The FIR, filed on February 28 at Bhajanpura police station by sub-inspector Rahul, states that when police tried to make contact with Faizan at GTB hospital, they found he had left after treatment. As per the FIR, police have no eyewitnesses so far.When contacted, Delhi Police spokesperson M S Randhawa said, “FIR has been filed in the murder case and the investigation is on.”

 

500 prominent citizens address letter seeking bail of activists

http://muslimmirror.com/eng/500-prominent-citizens-address-letter-seeking-bail-of-activists/?fbclid=IwAR3exIrv5Hr48Vxes4DsZ3vpkZU4g2ueLNodGYjmIE-SI4kfrAzDYcUngeo

Kolkata: A group of 500 prominent Indian citizens , including film personalities Anurag Kashyap, Shabana Azmi, Soumitra Chatterjee and Aparna Sen have penned an open letter to the Centre demanding an immediate release on bail of activists like Varavara Rao and Safoora Zargar at a time when “a pandemic is raging across the country”.Left leaning poet and writer Varavara Rao is among the 11 rights activists to have been jailed, apart from Sudha Bhardwaj, Shoma Sen, Anand Teltumbde, Gautam Navlakha, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalvez, Surendra Gadling, Mahesh Raut, Sudhir Dhawale and Rona Wilson, the letter said.“In the prisons of Maharashtra where they are being detained, some inmates have died and many others have tested positive for COVID-19,” the letter issued by the Indian Cultural Forum platform on June 16, said.The letter also expressed dismay over denial of bail to student activist Safoora Zargar of Jamia Millia University and human rights activist of Assam, Akhil Gogoi.The statement was signed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das, Amol Palekar, Onir, Anurag Kashyap apart from around 20 prominent Bengali personalities.

 

Govt. misusing laws to detain students, activists critical of CAA, NRC, says former AMU students’ union president

https://twocircles.net/2020jun19/437570.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29

Indian authorities are committed to muzzle the anti-CAA voices by arresting and booking Muslim students activists, human rights influencers and protesters. Several activists have claimed to be targeted by BJP and right-wing forces. One such voice is M Salman Imtiyaz, former president of AMU Students’ Union and an active anti-CAA protestor. Imtiyaz is a research scholar in social work and he has strongly called out actions of the govt and actively participated in anti-CAA protests. Authorities have booked him under various charges even if there is no evidence to prove these charges. Imtiyaz said state machinery is working with force and misusing the law to muzzle voices who constantly questioned present regime during anti-CAA movement.twocircles

 

Babri demolition case: CBI court set to record statements of Advani, 8 others via video-conference

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/babri-demolition-case-cbi-court-set-to-record-statements-of-advani-8-others-via-video-conference-6468905/

A special CBI court in Lucknow, hearing Babri Masjid demolition case, has decided to record statements of 9 accused, including ex deputy PM Lal Krishna Advani, under Section 313 of CrPC through video conference between June 22 and July 2.The court has fixed dates to get their statements recorded from their residence and issued direction to director of NIC, Lucknow, to make necessary arrangements for the same. The court will record statement of RN Srivastava on June 22, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das on June 23, Jai Bhagwan Goyal on June 24, Amar Nath Goyal on June 25 and Sudhir Kakkar on June 26, Acharya Dharmendra Deo on June 29, Advani on June 30, Murli Manohar Joshi on July 1 and Kalyan Singh on July 2, said prosecution. Advani, Jai Bhagwan, Amar Nath and Joshi are residents of Delhi while RN Srivastava, Das and Kalyan Singh are living in UP, and Deo in Rajasthan and Kakkar in Punjab, said prosecution. Singh, Das, Jai Bhagwan and Amar Nath are said to be unwell.indian express

 

‘Adv. Ejaz Maqbool took Rs 60 lakh in Dhavan’s name in Babri case’, alleges lawyer Kazam Khan

http://muslimmirror.com/eng/adv-ejaz-maqbool-took-rs-60-lakh-in-dhavans-name-in-babri-case-alleges-lawyer-kazam-khan/?fbclid=IwAR3_Dj_3YuWum7pCA-bO5R3GIhH4MzyrxyWJIkWpjKl5GWftDfPINS5FaUM

New Delhi: Advocate Kazam Ali Khan, a Hyderabad-based lawyer made a sensational allegation against  Ejaz Maqbool,  an Advocate on Record, that  he had taken fraudulently  an  amount of Rs. 60,00,000/-from Jamiat Ulama(Arshad Madaani) in the name of Dr. Rajiv Dhavan  who appeared on behalf of the Muslim parties in Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir title suit case which  was finally adjudicated by the Supreme Court on Nov.9, last year. It is said Dr. Haven had rendered pro bono legal services in Bari Mashed case. However, Ejaz Maqbool, who assisted Rajiv Dhavan and was an important member of the Babri Masjid legal team, vehemently refuted the charge terming Khan’s allegations as “all nonsense and a result of professional rivalry.”In a letter addressed to Maulana Syed Rabey Hussaini Nadwi, head, AIMPLB, Hyderabad lawyer Khan said, “Hazrat, a few days before Lock-down one very important piece of information came to my knowledge. The information is so important that I want to bring it to your kind notice. Dr. Rajiv Dhavan, Senior Advocate appeared in SC and argued in favour of Babri Masjid. I salute him for the services rendered by him in Babri Masjid case. This is my belief and claim that the services of Dr. Rajiv Dhawan will be remembered in golden words till doomsday. Interestingly, instead of asking to Jamiat president, Khan asked Maulana Nadawi that the money should be taken back from Ejaz Maqbool and it should be placed before Dr. Dhawan with a request that he should pronounce judgment as to how this money should be utilized. When contacted, advocate Maqbool refused to comment on it. However, he only stated that “it is all nonsense and out of professional rivalry”.  muslimmirror

 

In UP’s Taprana, Muslims forced to sell houses and flee after police crackdown: caravanmagazine

https://caravanmagazine.in/religion/muslims-up-taprana-shamli-flee-police-crackdown?fbclid=IwAR2s_KEvaLmEmW6n4hv0FcivJRVVaBiyXZT5RFx1igkcHh7sx3IYsnKLQ-0

In Muslim-dominated Taprana village of Shamli district in western Uttar Pradesh, a leaflet stuck outside close to 50 Muslim homes read: This house is for sale. We are forced to flee the village due to ransacking and destruction by the police and its informers. Our children and women are mentally compelled to leave the village. These Muslim families—90% of Taprana’s population comprises Muslims—had decided to leave after an attack that occurred on the intervening night of 26 and 27 May. Residents alleged that around 200 police personnel, members of PAC, and local informers attacked villagers. They severely beat up dozens of Muslim residents—including a 13-year-old girl and a 30-year-old man with a mental disability—verbally abused them, ransacked their homes, and destroyed their belongings. The police were so barbaric, villagers said, that they brutally beat up children and senior citizens, used slurs against the women, and even thrashed the cattle tied in the courtyard of a house. Some residents further alleged that the police personnel looted their savings and valuables such as jewellery. According to local residents, police officials from the nearby Jhinjhana police station first showed up in Taprana on 25 May, on Eid, to arrest two brothers named Afzal and Imran. Brothers were accused of cow slaughter and had been ordered to leave the district. Police received information that the two had come home for Eid. Jamshed Ali, a 65-year-old resident, said that when the police arrived to arrest Afzal and Imran on night of 25 May, Afzal unsuccessfully attempted to flee. Meanwhile, their family members and some villagers gathered to persuade the police to not take them away that night.

 

Emirati royal slams Islamophobia in India

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/emirati-royal-slams-islamophobia-in-india/1883111?fbclid=IwAR33xo6Gaua5lhNN6ijSg7de0O830zyM9gX3KWBCDeKKVU9_aDOkBobcZEE

Emirati Princess Sheikha Hend bint Faisal al-Qasimi has strongly criticized Islamophobic tendencies in India and also expressed solidarity and sympathies with Indian Muslims and Kashmiris.In an interview with TwoCircles.net, al-Qasimi recalled a hate tweet by an Indian citizen living in UAE. The tweet was "insulting my religion, insulting my country, condescending my rulers and my leaders and saying that Indians were running the business in my country." She said that some Indians who adhere to radical Hindu ideology known as Hindutva, have shown disrespect and indulged in hate remarks on social media. She said that some of them have now left Gulf. But, she attributed their departure to the global economic situation due to COVID-19 pandemic."We accept everyone who comes and lives in peace. We belong to a religion of peace. We give a chance to everyone to defend themselves, “said the princess."I believe hate is the stepping stone to genocide. I was ignorant of what was happening in India and this episode opened my eyes to the genocide that is happening in India, which I do not think the media is covering," said al-Qasimi.Expressing surprise about the silence of the world on the issue, the princess also raised the issue of forced lockdown in J&K which continued for eight months, after India revoked special status."I would understand being under lockdown for a week or a month as during the current pandemic. But Kashmir was under lockdown for up to 8 months and how long will it continue? Kashmir is a living prison and a camp," she said.She compared the situation in Kashmir to that of the Gaza Strip, where Israel has put up blockade over the past many years.Referring to the arrest of New Delhi-based central university Jamia Millia student Safoora Zargar, al-Qasimi also pointed out human rights violations against Indian Muslims. Anadolu Agency

Gulf Muslims will never accept Islamophobia, in India or anywhere else: Shaikha Hend’s exclusive interview

http://twocircles.net/2020jun18/437562.html

 

Muslims misusing Article 30, time for a rethink: BJP's Kailash Vijayvargiya

https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/muslims-misusing-article-30time-for-a-rethink-vijayvargiya

Indore: BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya believes that Muslims are misusing the Constitutional provisions given under Article 30 that gives minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice, as many of the madrasas instead of imparting real education are breeding jihadis, which is damaging the society and country.freepressjournal

 

Allowing Coal Auction in Very Dense Forest Areas Will Be ‘Triple Disaster’: Jairam Ramesh

https://thewire.in/politics/allowing-coal-auction-in-very-dense-forest-areas-will-be-triple-disaster-jairam-ramesh

New Delhi: Former environment minister Jairam Ramesh has written to present environment minister Prakash Javadekar expressing ‘deep sense of shock’ over the govt’s recent announcement to fully open up commercial coal mining for the private sector through the auction of 41 mines. Of the 41 coal blocks, 11 are located in Madhya Pradesh, 9 each in Chhatisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand and 3 in Maharashtra. Ramesh has said that the government’s decision to allow mining in ‘no go’ areas will be a ‘triple disaster’ as the mining and transportation of coal will impose high environmental cost, it will lead to loss of very dense forest cover and it will add adversely affect public health due to air pollution associated with coal mining.“PM and you have spoken eloquently in global forums on India’s commitment to fight global warming. What sort of commitment is this that coal blocks in very dense forest areas are being opened up for mining?” he asked Javadekar.

 

Maharashtra: 80 cases of child marriage stopped, 16 FIRs filed since lockdown enforced

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-80-cases-of-child-marriage-stopped-16-firs-filed-since-lockdown-enforced-6468792/

Mumbai :After receiving letters and WhatsApp messages from minor girls seeking help and anonymous alerts from vigilant villagers, the state govt and NGOs have intervened to stop as many as 80 instances of child marriages in Maharashtra since nationwide lockdown was enforced in March. So far, FIRs have been registered in 16 other cases in which incidents came to light after marriage ceremonies. According to data collated by state’s Women and Child Development  department, a surge is being seen in cases of child marriages due to factors including the lockdown, and the resultant closure of schools, impact on rural economy and lack of financial security and uncertainty over livelihood which has pushed many into poverty.indianexpress

 

Unable to Speak in Hindi, Jharkhand Villagers Beaten up by CRPF on Suspicion of Supporting Maoists

https://thewire.in/rights/jharkhand-villager-maoist-naxal-hindi-questions

New Delhi: Taking cognisance of the complaint filed by the Anjedbeda gram sabha in West Singhbhum (Chaibasa) district of Jharkhand, the local police has registered an FIR against unnamed CRPF personnel for beating up villagers.On Thursday, the gram sabha in a letter to SP had alleged that several members of the village were mercilessly beaten by CRPF personnel, who accused them of supporting Maoists. Chaibasa SP Indrajeet Mahatha confirmed that an FIR has been registered on the basis of the statement of a villager injured in the incident and that investigation is going on.According to the SP, FIR has been registered against unnamed CRPF personnel.the wire

 

Facing health issues due to ‘torture’ by Cong: Pragya

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/torture-by-congress-has-caused-present-health-issues-pragya-thakur-6469572/

BJP’s Lok Sabha member from Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur on Sunday attributed her health issues, including alleged loss of vision, to “torture” she suffered under Congress regime.Thakur, who participated in the International Yoga Day event at the state BJP headquarters here, told reporters that she had “swelling and pus from retina to brain”, adding she lost vision from one eye.indianexpress

 

Diesel rates hit record high after 15th straight day of increase, petrol at two-year peak

https://scroll.in/latest/965258/diesel-rates-hit-record-high-after-15th-straight-day-of-increase-petrol-at-two-year-peak

The prices of petrol and diesel rose for the 15th consecutive day on Sunday. The price of diesel hit a record high with an increase of 60 paise per litre while petrol rates rose by 35 paise. The cumulative increase in petrol and diesel prices in 15 days has been Rs 8.88 per litre and Rs 7.97, respectively.

 

India, countries across 4 continents witness 2020’s first solar eclipse

https://scroll.in/latest/965255/in-pictures-india-countries-across-four-continents-witness-2020s-first-solar-eclipse

India and several other countries across four continents witnessed the first solar eclipse of 2020 on Sunday. The solar eclipse coincided with the summer solstice, when the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere tilts most towards the sun. The phenomenon was also visible from Sri Lanka, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Pakistan and China. Jammu, Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur were among the first places in India to witness the solar eclipse. The eclipse began at about 9:15 am in India and is likely to end after 3 pm.

 

*CORONAVIRUS- LOCKDOWN*

Coronavirus: ‘Told my people to slow down testing,’ says Donald Trump as US count crosses 22 lakh

https://scroll.in/latest/965241/coronavirus-told-my-people-to-slow-down-testing-says-donald-trump-as-us-count-crosses-22-lakh

US President Donald Trump has told his supporters at an election rally in Oklahoma that he had asked health officials to reduce coronavirus testing since they were a “double-edged sword”, Reuters reported. Trump’s statement contradicts health experts across the world, who consider increased testing to be an important tool in fighting the disease.Trump said that 25 million people in the US had been tested for the coronavirus so far, a number he claimed to be higher than other countries. “When you do testing to that extent, you’re gonna find more people and you’re gonna find more cases,” Trump said at his rally . “So I said to my people slow the testing down, please.”An unidentified White House official told the news agency that Trump’s comment was a joke. “He was obviously kidding,” the official said. “We are leading the world in testing and have conducted 25 million + in testing.”US is the world’s most-affected country with 22,54,855 corona cases and 1,19,719 deaths.scroll

‘Covid-19 testing double-edged sword, asked my people to slow it down’ : US President Donald Trump

 

COVID: Saudi reopens mosques in Mecca, ending 3-month shutdown

https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/covid-19-saudi-arabia-reopens-mosques-in-mecca-ending-3-month-shutdown-1.72167579

Thousands of worshippers early Sunday flocked to mosques in the Saudi holy city of Mecca on the first day of their reopening after three-month closure as kingdom has further loosened restrictions imposed due to new coronavirus. ictures posted by the Mecca region authorities showed worshippers performing the Fajr prayer inside mosques amid strict health measures to stem the spread of COVID-19.They include the use of personal prayer rugs, keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between worshippers, performing the ritual ablution at home, and wearing a protective face mask. Worshippers are also advised to avoid handshakes, use apps on their smartphones to read the Holy Quran or use their personal copies of the sacred book.The branch of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Mecca had readied the city’s nearly 1,560 mosques for reopening by putting in place precautions and ensuring all-out sterilisation of the worship places.On May 31, mosques reopened across Saudi Arabia, except in Mecca, for congregation prayers as part of a phased plan for gradual return to normal.Starting from Sunday, a months-long curfew was fully lifted across Saudi Arabia and all economic activities were allowed to resume. However, curbs on international air travel, Umrah journeys and gatherings of over 50 persons remain as part of measures to stem the spread of COVID-19.

 

Spain lifts coronavirus state of emergency,reopens borders

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/spain-lifts-coronavirus-state-emergency-reopens-borders-200621152542320.html

Passengers wearing masks and wheeling suitcases arrived at Madrid's main airport and French people crossed the border to buy bargain alcohol and tobacco on Sunday as Spain opened its borders to most European countries and ended a state of emergency imposed to contain COVID-19.Spain's borders are now open to all European Union countries except Portugal, as well as Schengen Area members outside the bloc and the United Kingdom in a much-needed boost to the country's tourism industry which accounts for more than 12 percent of the economy.

 

Over 20,000 foreign medical graduates want to aid Covid fight, but govt won’t agree

https://theprint.in/health/more-than-20000-foreign-medical-graduates-want-to-aid-covid-fight-but-govt-wont-agree/446016/

New Delhi: In light of coronavirus pandemic, more than 20,000 foreign medical graduates (FMGs) have approached the government to allow them to work as doctors without the mandatory bridge exam that they otherwise have to clear to practice in India. All India Foreign Medical Graduates Association sent a letter addressed to President, PM and Health Minister of the country in March, seeking licenses to work as doctors and aid in the fight against Covid-19.Some of FMGs sent another letter to the govt in June. However, they have not yet received a reply from either the health ministry or MCI. The graduates who complete their MBBS from countries like China, Ukraine, Russia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Nepal and Kazakhstan, have to clear Foreign Medical Graduate Exam to practice in India, as mandated by MCI. MBBS graduates from US, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not need to write this exam.theprint

 

Study portrays a grim picture of labourers after lockdown

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/study-portrays-a-grim-picture-of-labourers-after-lockdown/article31879585.ece?fbclid=IwAR1JoOmYGqBmGEWy7VgFpmNsmbzqmd61U3BxESex5vsrbOrQMuAgruRY3UI

Only about 5% labourers earned ₹15,000 a month, 90% of those working under contractors didn’t get paid, 20% went completely out of food for seven days at a stretch, were some of the findings which were observed during a study conducted by JNU’s Centre for Equity Studies.The study was conducted by JNU centre in collaboration with Delhi Search Group and Karwan-e-Mohabbat in which 1,405 labourers were interviewed from across the country to access the impact after 45 days of the nationwide lockdown.According to the study, only 5.5% of them earned a monthly amount of ₹15,000 and also that women earned less than men. The study claimed that 46.8% of women earned less than ₹5,000 in pre-COVID-19 period as compared to 14.8% of men.thehindu

 

Cancer Care Declined 64%, Hospital Childbirths 26% as Lockdown Hit Essential Medical Services: Govt Report

https://www.news18.com/news/india/cancer-care-declined-64-hospital-childbirths-26-as-lockdown-hit-essential-medical-services-govt-report-2680499.html

The nationwide lockdown imposed in March to curb the spread of coronavirus resulted in a massive fall in hospitalisations in India, with cancer treatment and institutional deliveries being among most severely affected. An analysis done by National Health Authority showed a 64 per cent decline in oncology services, while institutional child deliveries fell by 26 per cent. The survey, called PM-JAY Under Lockdown: Evidence on Utilization Trends, was from January 1 to June 2 and included a large portion of the lockdown period.The report, seen by News18, shows that access to essential services was a major problem during the first 10 weeks of the lockdown.The average weekly claim volumes under the Ayushman Bharat scheme during these ten weeks were 51 per cent lower than the weekly average observed during the twelve weeks prior to the lockdown. The decline in claim value was even steeper, says the report.

 

Tablighi Jamaat: 7 foreigners who attended event in Delhi move SC against their blacklisting

https://scroll.in/latest/965269/tablighi-jamaat-seven-foreigners-who-attended-event-in-delhi-move-sc-against-their-blacklisting

7 foreigners who attended a Tablighi Jamaat congregation in New Delhi in March have moved the Supreme Court, challenging the decision of Ministry of Home Affairs to blacklist them, NDTV reported on Sunday. The foreigners include two citizens of Thailand, and one each from Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Tunisia and Malaysia. The petition asked the Supreme Court to remove them from the government’s blacklist, which prohibits them from entering the country for 10 years. The Tablighi Jamaat congregation has been accused of being responsible for causing thousands of coronavirus infections in the country. Hundreds of foreigners had attended the event.scroll

 

All Religious Places Re-Open In National Capital, Restrictions Continue on Tablighi Jamaat Masjid

http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/all-religious-places-re-open-in-national-capital-restrictions-continue-on-tablighi-jamaat-masjid

New Delhi:While all religious places, including mosques, opened in Delhi after ‘unlock’1.0 on June 8, Banglewali Masjid, the headquarters of Tablighi Jamaat, remains closed. The mosque was closed in last week of March after hundreds of Tablighi Jamaat members, including some from foreign countries, were found stranded in the mosque due to sudden lockdown on March 25 to check the spread of coronavirus disease. A round the clock security has been deployed at the mosque which is still locked. The key of the lock is kept with the security personnel on duty there. They unlock the gate of the mosque during time of ‘namaz’ for 15-20 minutes. Only 5 persons are allowed for ‘namaz’, say the locals around the mosque. In all other mosques, the restrictions on the number of people have been withdrawn, al beit, social distancing norms have to be followed strictly by the mosque management and those coming for prayer. When India Tomorrow contacted SHO of Nizamuddin Police Station Mukesh Walia and asked him the reason for continuing the restrictions, he said, “DCP, South East Delhi, is the appropriate authority to give the statement”. However, DCP R. P. Meena, when contacted, said, “I am out of station and cannot give the reason”. India Tomorrow

 

Covid-19: Mumbai Police, BMC disagree over reimposing complete lockdown in some areas

https://scroll.in/latest/965274/covid-19-mumbai-police-bmc-disagree-over-reimposing-complete-lockdown-in-some-areas

Mumbai Police and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation are at loggerheads about reimposing a strict lockdown in parts of the city where the number of coronavirus cases have surged, PTI reported. While the police want a total lockdown in parts of Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Dahisar, the civic body feels it is not feasible.Last week, a complete lockdown was reimposed in parts of Malad East suburb, which falls under the P-North Ward, after a rapid increase in the number of cases there. From 2,664 cases recorded till June 13, the number of cases rose to 3,488 on June 19.

 

India's Coronavirus Tally Crosses 4 Lakh With Biggest Single-day Spike Of Over 15,000 Cases

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-indias-coronavirus-tally-crosses-4-lakh-with-highest-single-day-spike-of-over-15000-cases/355148

India on Sunday saw another record spike of 15,413 new COVID-19 cases in a single-day, pushing the tally to 4,10,461, while the death toll rose to 13,254 with 306 new fatalities, according to Union Health Ministry data.The number of recoveries continued to surge with 2,27,756 patients cured so far, while there are 1,69,451 active cases, according to updated official figures at 8 am.outlookindia

 

3-fourths to die of COVID in Bhopal were survivors of 1984 gas tragedy

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/three-fourths-to-die-of-covid-19-in-bhopal-were-survivors-of-1984-gas-tragedy/article31883729.ece?homepage=true

Nearly three-fourths of 60 patients to die of COVID-19 in Bhopal were survivors of the gas tragedy which compromised their immunity significantly leaving them vulnerable to the illness, said survivors’ groups.An analysis of 60 of 69 deaths here until June 11 by four groups working for the survivors, which they submitted to the Chief Minister requesting intervention, has revealed 45 deaths, or 74%, were that of survivors, while 5% (three deaths) were of their children. Further, at least four of the five deceased among the survivors suffered from one or more underlying illness which hastened death. Deaths proved survivors were ailing even 35 years after the methyl isocyanate leakage from a pesticide plant here, contended Rachna Dhingra of the Bhopal Group for Information and Action. “They had suffered permanent damage. 81% of the deceased had comorbidities, which they acquired due to gas exposure,” she said.

 

 

262 Containment Zones in Delhi: 13 New COVID Hotspots Identified in 24 Hours, 73 Areas De-Contained

https://www.india.com/news/india/262-containment-zones-in-delhi-over-20-new-covid-19-hotspots-identified-in-delhi-73-areas-de-contained-full-list-4063764/

The day Delhi recorded the highest single-day spike with 3,630 new cases, the number of containment zones too rose up to 262, with the South West district topping the chart with 39 active areas. A close second is the North district with 36 active containment zones. North Delhi Municipal Corporation authorities said that they have started house-to-house screening of people living in containment zone. The exercise has started from Bada Hindu Rao area.77 fatalities have been recorded in 24 hours, Delhi health department said in a bulletin.It said the death toll due to the coronavirus infection has risen to 2,112, and the total number of cases now stood at 56,746. As many as 31,294 patients have recovered, been discharged or migrated so far, while the number of active cases stood at 23,340, the bulletin stated, adding 3,51,909 tests have been conducted till date. Delhi government on Saturday issued an order fixing the cost of a COVID-19 isolation bed in any private hospital in Delhi in the range of Rs 8,000-Rs 10,000 and an ICU bed with a ventilator at Rs 15,000-Rs 18,000 per day.india.com

 

Mizoram extends 'total lockdown' till June 30; total number of cases at 140

https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/mizoram-extends-total-lockdown-till-june-30-total-number-of-cases-at-140

In a bid to control the spread of the virus in Mizoram, the government had decided to impose two weeks of total lockdown in the northeastern state. Following a consultative meeting chaired by CM Zoramthanga, it was decided that this lockdown would be in place from June 9 to June 22.Now, a day before it was slated to end, the Mizoram government has extended the lockdown date till the end of June.

 

Odia Muslim in SC with a prayer: Allow Rath Yatra

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/odia-muslim-in-sc-with-a-prayer-allow-rath-yatra/articleshow/76488686.cms

NEW DELHI: An Odia Muslim has moved the Supreme Court with a fervent prayer — allow the world-famous Rath Yatra at Puri this year as discontinuance of the religious tradition would ritually mandate its stall-ing for next 12 years.Hailing from Itamati in Nayagarh district of Odisha, Aftab Hossen sought modification of the SC’s June 18 order banning not only Rath Yatra but also all religious and secular rituals associated with it. “There is anger all over Odisha. People are ready to self-abstain from the yatra if it can be conducted by sevayats for the purpose of continuity in observance of the Jagannath culture and rituals associated with the religious tradition,” he said.In long tradition of noted Muslim devotees of Jagannath, most noted being 17th century poet Salabega, Hossen through advocates P K Mohapatra and Harprasad Sahu said that if for any reason there is a break in the annual Rath Yatra, “the same cannot be performed for next 12 years. So restraining Rath Yatra this year would mean stopping it for the next 12 years, which will seriously harm Jagannath culture.”

 

Telangana HC Points Out Loopholes in Police Claims on Brutality During Lockdown

https://thewire.in/law/telangana-high-court-police-brutality-lockdown

New Delhi: Hearing a PIL regarding police brutality during the lockdown, the Telangana high court pointed out a series of discrepancies in the police’s counter-affidavit, asking the state police “to submit the injury reports of the injured persons, their statements, if any recorded by the police, and further to inform this court with regard to the progress made in the departmental enquiries, which have been initiated against delinquent police personnel”.The order was passed on Wednesday by a bench of  Chief Justice Raghvendra Singh Chauhan and Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy.Aggrieved by the action of the police personnel by assaulting the members of the common people by chasing, charging lathis, abusing and manhandling them amid the COVID-19 lockdown, the petitioner, Hyderabad-based social activist Sheela Sarah Mathews, had filed the case last month, arguing the police action was not only arbitrary but also illegal.

 

Centre warns of massive phishing campaign mimicking govt communication on Covid

https://scroll.in/latest/965264/centre-warns-of-massive-phishing-campaign-mimicking-government-communication-on-covid-19

Centre on Saturday night warned people of a massive phishing campaign that could mimic official communication on the coronavirus pandemic to steal personal data and financial information from people. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, also known as CERT-In, that works under the Ministry of Information Technology, said that the phishing attack is expected to begin on Sunday, and could use the email [email protected].

 

Bangladesh cricketers: After Mashrafe Mortaza and Nafees Iqbal, Nazmul Islam also tests positive for Covid

https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/mashrafe-mortaza-nafees-iqbal-nazmul-islam-also-tests-positive-for-covid-19-1691058-2020-06-20

Former captain Mashrafe Mortaza and two other Bangladesh cricketers, Nazmul Islam and Nafees Iqbal have tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. The 36-year-old Mortaza was reportedly unwell for the last couple of days and tested positive for the contagious disease on Saturday. He is currently in self-isolation at his residence.Mortaza, who plays only ODIs and had stepped down from captaincy earlier this year, is the second high-profile cricketer to get infected by the disease. Last week, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi had tested positive for COVID-19.

 

Coronavirus vaccine status check: GSK booster shot in clinical trials; Clover starts human tests

https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-glaxosmithkline-oxford-astrazeneca-moderna-clover-status-check-6469474/

New Delhi Even as the Covid-19 pandemic has set off an unprecedented response from the global scientific community to find a vaccine, according the World Health Organization’s latest count, 13 experimental jabs are being tested in humans and more than 120 others are in earlier stages of development. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna Inc, have been ramping up production and promising supplies of millions of doses of their experimental vaccines before the year end.indian express

 

*WORLD*

Top Trump officials to hold two key meetings to discuss Israel's annexation plans

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200621-top-trump-officials-to-hold-two-key-meetings-to-discuss-israels-annexation-plans/

Top US officials from President Donald Trump’s administration will hold two meetings to discuss whether to green light Israel’s annexation plans, according to i24 News. Included in Trump’s cohort involved in the discussions are Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Adviser Richard O’Brien, Avi Berkowitz, Assistant to the President and Special Representative for International Negotiations and Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner.US ambassador to Israel David Friedman will also attend.It is said that Trump will attend these meetings, taking place on Monday and Tuesday, “at some point”.Israeli PM Netanyahu has declared annexation of the West Bank will begin on the 1st of July.

 

Israel Intelligence Ministry: ‘Annexation will not lead to violence in West Bank’

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200620-israel-intelligence-ministry-annexation-will-not-lead-to-violence-in-west-bank/

According to the Israeli Ministry of Intelligence Services now is the best time to implement the annexation plan, as the Palestinians will not turn violent and Arab countries will not continue protesting, while international criticism will shortly diminish.Israel Hayom announced on Friday that it had obtained a copy of a position paper presented to the Intelligence Services Minister Eli Cohen, stating that the paper presented the advantages of the Israeli annexation of large parts of occupied West Bank.According to the paper, the annexation: “Improves the starting conditions of future negotiations with the Palestinians for Israel and crystallises the cost of Palestinian rejection of peace talks, and therefore could spur [the Palestinians] back to the negotiation table in an effort to halt additional phases.”

Israel takes steps to isolate Jordan Valley in preparation for annexation

 

Israel set to annex one-third of occupied West Bank

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/israel-set-annex-one-third-occupied-west-bank-200621131147510.html

Israel is a few days away from beginning to annex nearly a third of the occupied West Bank.But as the July 1 start date set by PM Benjamin Netanyahu approaches, a workable plan remains unclear.The United States is backing the annexation if Netanyahu can reach an agreement with his coalition partner, Benny Gantz.

 

Netanyahu’s aide: ‘Morsi was the last resistant Arab leader’

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200620-netanyahus-aide-morsi-was-the-last-resistant-arab-leader/

Edy Cohen, a close aide to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, revealed on Thursday that the late Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi could have been a “disaster for Israel”, hailing current Egyptian President Abdul-Fattah Al-Sisi, who ousted him.Cohen posted on Twitter: “Mohamed Morsi could have been a disaster for Israel if there was no military coup by Al-Sisi who ousted him.”He added: “I have said this in the past: Morsi was a danger to Israel’s national security. He was the last resistant Arab leader after Saddam Hussein.”

 

Brazil supports Israel against UNHRC resolution

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200621-brazil-supports-israel-against-unhrc-resolution/

On 19 June, Brazil voted against a UNHRC resolution which demanded accountability for severe violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian territories. The resolution also called for the criminal prosecution of those found responsible for crimes and recognized the jurisdiction of International Criminal Court (ICC) in the territories.The resolution was approved by the Council with 22 votes in favour and only 8 against, including Brazil. 17 countries abstained. The resolution had support of all South American countries. Commenting on the resolution, Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Riyad al-Maliki accused those countries that did not support it of practicing “political hypocrisy, standing in the face of justice and on the wrong side of history.”

 

'1 million Palestinians face food shortages in Gaza'

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/1-million-palestinians-face-food-shortages-in-gaza/1884230

GAZA:Around one million Palestinian refugees in Gaza face food shortages due to Israel’s continued blockade and slashed global funding for UN agency for Palestinian refugees, a welfare organization said on Saturday.In a statement on the World Refugee Day, Jamal al-Khoudary, chairman of the Popular Committee to End Gaza's Seige, said “a genuine decline” in support from donors has had “serious repercussions on the Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem and other Arab states.”He said the US’ decision to halt funds, estimated to be around $360 million annually, for UNRWA 2 years ago had severely impacted the agency's operations.Moreover, he said, Israel’s blockade on Gaza since 2006 has resulted in skyrocketing levels of poverty and unemployment in the besieged area. World Refugee Day is marked globally on June 20 and focuses on increasing awareness about the suffering of millions of refugees across the world.

 

Egypt has a 'legitimate right' to intervene in Libya: Sisi

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200621-egypt-has-a-legitimate-right-to-intervene-in-libya-sisi-says/

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday said his country has a legitimate right to intervene in neighbouring Libya and ordered his army to be ready to carry out any mission outside the country, if necessary, Reuters reports.Sisi’s comments came amid high tensions over regional rival Turkey’s intervention in Libya. He also warned forces loyal to the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli not to cross the current frontline with Khalifa Haftar’s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA).Turkey’s support for the GNA has reversed a 14-month assault on Tripoli by forces loyal to Haftar, which are backed by Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

 

Saudi Arabia, UAE support Egypt's comments on Libya

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200621-saudi-arabia-uae-support-egypts-comments-on-libya/

Saudi Arabia and UAE on Sunday supported Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s statements on Libya.“Saudi Arabia stands by and supports Egypt on the right to protect its borders and people,” Saudi Arabia official news agency said in a statement.Additionally, the Foreign Ministry of the UAE said it supports all actions by Egypt to ensure its stability and security. middleeastmonitor

 

Tripoli government to boycott Arab League Libya talks

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200621-tripoli-government-to-boycott-arab-league-libya-talks/

Libya’s UN recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) will boycott Arab League talks on the conflict next week, i24 reports.Libya’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Taher Siala has told the bloc’s executive council that this planned meeting would “deepen the rift” between Arab governments on the issue. The talks, which will be held during video conference due to coronavirus fears, was urgently requested by Egypt; an ally of warlord General Khalifa Haftar, who is based in Eastern Libya.

 

Libyan official: Egypt's president 'beating the drums of war'

 

Iran's Chabahar port spared from US sanctions in rare cooperation

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/iran-chabahar-port-spared-sanctions-rare-cooperation-200620161933575.html

Tehran : It has been a year since Iran shot down a US Global Hawk surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz.Tensions have escalated since and the two countries came the closest they have in recent years to all-out conflict in January, when US assassinated one of Iran's most popular leaders - Quds Force commander, Major General Qassem Soleimani.Iran retaliated by firing missiles on a base used by US soldiers outside Baghdad, injuring dozens of American troops. Both sides took a step back but have continued to engage in hostile rhetoric, while US recently announced new sanctions against Iranian shipping companies.But behind the scenes, throughout ongoing tensions, two countries have continued to cooperate - albeit indirectly - on relief and reconstruction work in Afghanistan. Chabahar port in the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran is a hub of activity and one of the country's economic lifelines. Located on southeastern edge of the country, it is the only Iranian entity of its kind that has been spared from American sanctions.aljazeera

 

Reading: UK police rule deadly park stabbings 'terrorist attack'

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/killed-injured-uk-park-stabbing-200621070111588.html

British police have said they are treating a stabbing rampage that killed 3 people in a park in the southern city of Reading as a "terrorist attack".Three other people were seriously wounded in the attack that took place on Saturday in the city's Forbury Gardens Park.

 

Black Lives Matter movement blooms in Netherlands, Belgium

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/black-lives-matter-movement-blooms-netherlands-belgium-200621131715538.html

Teenagers in the Netherlands and Belgium have come to the forefront in Black Lives Matter movement after being inspired by events in the United States.They have started petitions, held protests and campaigned on social media.

 

Hundreds Run Riot, Loot Shops In Germany's Stuttgart City: Police

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/in-germanys-stuttgart-city-hundreds-run-riot-police-2249838?pfrom=home-topscroll

Berlin: Hundreds of people ran riot in Germany's Stuttgart city centre in the early hours Sunday, throwing stones and bottles at police and plundering stores after smashing shop windows."Police are currently securing leads and are interrogating more than 20 people who have been provisionally arrested,"  authorities in the southwestern city said in a statement.More than a dozen police officers were also hurt in the clashes, it added."I sharply condemn this brutal outbreak of violence, these acts against people and things are criminal action that must be forcefully prosecuted and condemned," Baden-Wuerttemberg state premier Winfried Kretschmann said in a statement.Interior minister for the region Thomas Strobl said the riots were of "an unprecedented nature".AFP

 

Judge rejects White House bid to block publication of Bolton book

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/judge-rejects-white-house-bid-block-publication-bolton-book-200619171721474.html

A federal judge has ruled that former national security adviser John Bolton can move forward in publishing his tell-all book despite efforts by the Trump administration to block the release because of concerns that classified information could be exposed.The decision from US District Judge Royce Lamberth on Saturday is a victory for Bolton in a court case that involved core First Amendment and national security concerns.The ruling means a broader election-year readership and distribution of a memoir that paints an unflattering portrait of President Donald Trump's foreign policy decision-making during the turbulent year-and-a-half that Bolton spent in the White House.

 

Afghan Taliban kidnap dozens of civilians amid peace efforts, officials say

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/afghan-taliban-kidnap-dozens-of-civilians-amid-peace-efforts-officials-say/article31882859.ece?homepage=true

Taliban militants kidnapped about 60 civilians in central Afghanistan over the past week, officials said on Sunday, with more than half still being held amid efforts by US and other foreign powers to start peace talks.Taliban took the hostages in the central province of Daikundi after a women escaped a Taliban-controlled village in a neighbouring province, according to provincial deputy governor, Mohammad Ali Uruzgani. Some 26, including women and children, had been released and tribal elders were mediating to free the remaining civilians, Uruzgani added.A Taliban spokesman denied kidnapping the civilians. Taliban rejected both UN and govt allegations and accused the government of causing civilian casualties in the last week.Reuters

 

 

Internet blackout in Myanmar's Rakhine enters its 2^nd  year

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/internet-blackout-myanmar-rakhine-enters-year-200621065709404.html

Internet shutdown in Myanmar's conflict-ridden northwest, described by rights groups as world's longest, has entered a second year.Locals and campaigners are appealing for an end to the blackout as coronavirus fears grip the region.The Myanmar military has been embroiled in a bloody civil war since Jan.2019 against Arakan Army (AA), a rebel group fighting for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. The govt shut down mobile data in several townships across Rakhine state and neighbouring Chin state on June 21 last year, causing panic among residents desperate for information about the unrest.On Friday, HRW called for an immediate end to "world's longest govt-enforced internet shutdown".

 

*views, Articles, FEATURES*

India Failed to Read Chinese Tea Leaves in Time, Its Options Now Are Limited:Ashok K. Mehta

https://thewire.in/security/india-failed-to-read-the-chinese-tea-leaves-in-time-its-options-now-are-limited

China's PLA Capable Of Fighting Transformational, Algorithm War; India's Old Resolution Mechanisms Won’t Work:Pravin Sawhney

https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/chinas-plas-ability-to-fight-transformational-algorithm-war-a-danger-old-resolution-mechanisms-wont-work/303346

India’s Socialist leaders warned China was bigger enemy, but both BJP and Congress ignored:DILIP MANDAL

https://theprint.in/opinion/india-socialist-leaders-warned-china-bigger-enemy-bjp-congress-ignored/444525/?fbclid=IwAR2-Yv-shVtGv7ARFLYYF4HTblQFn-KPgcfyKxHYd4PK6oDTIan6g9Kf8CI

The Hindu Explains | Who does Galwan Valley belong to?Ananth Krishnan

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-hindu-explains-who-does-galwan-valley-belong-to/article31879418.ece?homepage=true

Peshwa’s tax holiday: How Mughals and Marathas dealt with distress migration:Mario da PenhaJ

https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/the-peshwas-tax-holiday-how-the-mughals-and-marathas-dealt-with-distress-migration/article31875853.ece?homepage=true

Nepal PM K.P. Oli | From the Jhapa revolt to the seat of power:

Srinivasan Ramani

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/nepal-prime-minister-kp-oli-from-the-jhapa-revolt-to-the-seat-of-power/article31878367.ece?homepage=true

Why the Chinese are laughing at us: By Labonita Ghosh

https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/why-the-chinese-are-laughing-at-us/articleshow/76487835.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Modi's 'No Intrusion' by China Claim Contradicts India's Stand, Raises Multiple Questions:Devirupa Mitra

https://thewire.in/security/modis-no-intrusion-by-china-claim-contradicts-indias-stand-raises-multiple-questions

With Harsh Mander named in Delhi riots chargesheet, Indian democracy has slipped into a dark hole:Apoorvanand

https://scroll.in/article/965111/with-harsh-mander-named-in-delhi-riots-chargesheet-indian-democracy-has-slipped-into-a-dark-hole?fbclid=IwAR3YImzFWaItrS4VYIlB9w3uXTfZjqitUGxJvhinnEFpcQRrgymR7lkDFsU

‘We’re aware of our fate’: how Muslim women artists have reacted to arrest of Pregnant student leader:FATHIMA SHIRIN

https://maktoobmedia.com/2020/06/07/were-aware-of-our-fate-how-muslim-women-artists-have-reacted-to-arrest-of-pregnant-student-leader/

India-China border tensions: Call for ban on Chinese goods ignores economic realities and will hurt Indian companies:Samrat

https://www.firstpost.com/india/call-for-ban-on-chinese-goods-as-response-to-situation-in-galwan-valley-ignores-economic-realities-will-only-hurt-indian-companies-8502211.html

Mr Modi’s dream that 21st century will be a China-India led Asian century is practically over:P Chidambaram

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-china-clash-soliders-killed-narendra-modi-p-chidambaram-6468531/

When country appears to be on the edge of another war with China, it's not ‘anti-national’ to ask questions:Tavleen Singh

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-china-border-dispute-narendra-modi-tavleen-singh-6468560/

Israel plans to annex west bank: India’s deafening silence :Ashis Ray

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/israel-plans-to-annex-west-bank-indias-deafening-silence

Ladakh signals failure of Modi’s foreign policy and his lack of access to Xi Jin Ping:Sarosh Bana

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/ladakh-signals-failure-of-modis-foreign-policy-and-his-lack-of-access-to-xi-jin-ping

Economists say: No more a recession, India headed towards ‘depression’ :Tathagata Bhattacharya

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/economists-now-say-future-bleaker-than-ever

 

  Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 11:21 PM)