HEADLINES

·     Home Ministry approves study to probe radicalisation in India, suggest amends in UAPA

·     Term 'Love Jihad' Not Mentioned in UP Govt's Proposed Law Against Forced Religious Conversion

·     Hindu-Muslim marriages: Kanpur SIT finds no trace of external funding

·     ‘Should interfaith marriages performed by BJP leaders be called love-jihad?’ asks Chattisgarh CM

·     MP govt wants to levy ‘gauseva’ tax to raise funds for cow welfare schemes

·     Delhi riots: Activist Gulfisha Fatima gets bail, court says not flight risk, no danger to witnesses

·     Marriage Between First Cousins Illegal, States Punjab and Haryana High Court

·     Saudi hosting G20 Summit

 

INDIA

 

Home Ministry approves study to probe radicalisation in India, suggest amends in UAPA: ANI report

New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a study to analyse radicalisation in India, suggest practicable solutions to remedy and/or prevent the problem and also indicate how UAPA can be amended.The study ‘Status of Radicalisation in India: An Exploratory Study of Prevention and Remedies’ will be done under the leadership of GS Bajpai, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice who is also Registrar of National Law University. According to Bajpai, the study will focus on the process of radicalisation, its actors, target youths and will be probably conducted in four states like Maharashtra, Assam, Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir where cases of radicalisation have been reported.Currently, there is no clear definition of radicalisation in the legal system. On the basis of the study’s findings, Bajpai said that changes in UAPA Act will be suggested to the government.“This study is about the status of radicalisation in India. This study will analyse the pattern and dynamics of radicalisation. Also, we will study actors of radicalisation and how they are targeting youth,” Bajpai said.“Thirdly we will study who are vulnerable targets. These targets are selectively identified by actors of radicalisation. Fourthly, we are interested in the idea of de-radicalisation. We need the blueprint to counter radicalisation,” Bajpai said.On giving suggestions to amend UAPA Act on the basis of study’s findings, Bajpai said, “We will also critically reviewing the current legal aspects, UAPA Act primarily. We would study to define radicalisation and de-radicalisation.”“Approximately 75 radicalised individuals, those undergoing de-radicalisation and de-radicalised individuals shall be sampled from each state. Similarly, 75 functionaries from law enforcement agencies, officers of correctional services and judges will be interviewed from each state,” Bajpai said.“Lastly, approximately 50 relatives of the individuals, psychologists, psycho-social workers, counsellors, religious and community leaders will be sampled from each state,” he added.ANI

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mha-approves-study-to-analyse-phenomena-of-radicalisation-recommend-changes-in-uapa/story-ifvLL8TFxnrTZAfDmjt83M.html

 

 

Term 'Love Jihad' Not Mentioned in UP Govt's Proposed Law Against Forced Religious Conversion

While Uttar Pradesh's Yogi Adityanath-led BJP govt has declared that it will bring a tough law to tackle what right-wing outfits call 'love jihad', the proposed bill will have no mention of this politically contentious phrase.Some saffron groups and BJP leaders have used the term 'love jihad' to target interfaith marriages, accusing Muslim men of engaging in a mass conspiracy to turn Hindu women away from their religion by seducing them.The proposed legislation on 'love jihad' presently under consideration of UP law dept will be called 'Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion Bill'. The state cabinet is expected to approve it in a few days, after which it is likely to be tabled in the upcoming winter session of UP assembly.The bill as prepared by the state law commission was initially sent to the govt last year. An amended copy of it was recently sent again to the state's home department. Justice Aditya Mittal, the chairman of the law commission, said, "The term 'love jihad' has not been used in the bill, and conversions related to all religions will be covered under the new law. To be precise it will not just be focused on Hindu-Muslim conversions or conversions for the specific purpose of marriage itself."Under the Act, a consenting couple needs to reach out the DM's court, expressing a desire for marriage. Subsequent to such a request, the administration issues a 30-day notice during which objections can be raised to such a proposed marriage. The court in turn will have the power to nullify such a marriage. In case the charge is proven, the accused can be awarded rigorous imprisonment for up to 5 years, if the woman is from the general category. The quantum of punishment can go up to 10 years in case the victim is a minor or a Dalit.CNN-News18

https://www.news18.com/news/politics/conspicuous-by-absence-term-love-jihad-not-mentioned-in-yogis-proposed-law-against-forced-religious-conversion-3101147.html

 

Hindu-Muslim marriages: Kanpur SIT finds no trace of external funding

Lucknow: A SIT which probed 14 cases of Muslim men marrying Hindu women in Kanpur did not find any trace of funding by Islamist organisations for the men to marry Hindu women, as alleged by those who asked police to probe the interreligious marriages.A senior police officer involved in the investigation told ET that FIRs of 14 cases were collected from the respective stations in Kanpur for detailed study. Requesting anonymity, as the report has not been submitted yet, the officer said in four marriages, no case was made after 4 concerned women’s statements negated allegations of force. “In rest of the cases, charge sheets have been based on grounds such as ‘minor status’, use of fake identity, etc. However, we have not been able to trace any flow of external funds from any outfit to the accused for their activities, as alleged,” the officer said.The officer said the men were in touch with each other but the probe could not conclude if they operated as a gang. The team will submit its report soon.ET

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/hindu-muslim-marriages-kanpur-sit-finds-no-trace-of-external-funding/articleshow/79329213.cms

 

‘Love jihad’ a ploy of BJP to divide nation on communal lines: Rajasthan CM Gehlot

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has said that “love jihad” was a phrase manufactured by the Bharatiya Janata Party to divide the nation and disturb India’s communal harmony. He said the idea to have a law over it goes against an individual’s right to personal liberty.“Marriage is a matter of personal liberty,” Congress leader wrote on Twitter. Therefore, any law around the concept is “completely unconstitutional” and would not stand in any court of the law, Gehlot added. “Jihad has no place in love.”“Love jihad” is a conspiracy theory used by right-wing groups who accuse Muslim men of converting Hindu women by marriage. Right-wing leaders allege it to be a part of a larger Muslim conspiracy of eventually turning Hindus into a minority in India.Gehlot accused the BJP of creating an environment in the nation “where consenting adults would be at the mercy of state power”. “Marriage is a personal decision and they are putting curbs on it,” he wrote. “This is like snatching away personal liberty.”

https://scroll.in/latest/979018/love-jihad-a-ploy-of-bjp-to-divide-nation-on-communal-lines-says-rajasthan-cm-ashok-gehlot

 

 

Union Minister Giriraj endorses law against 'love jihad' in Bihar, JDU distances itself from BJP leader’s demand

Patna:Union Minister Giriraj Singh has favoured enactment of a legislation in Bihar against 'love jihad', saying there is a need to work on bringing a law to tackle the menace in the country.With BJP-ruled states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana set to bring a law against 'love jihad', BJP’s Giriraj Singh said a similar law should be brought in Bihar too as he went on to call 'love jihad' cancer for the society.“Love jihad has come to be realised as a menace in all states across the country - not just among Hindus but among all non-Muslims. In Kerala where Christians have a large population, members of the community have raised concern over this phenomenon,” Giriraj said.“There is a need to work towards bringing a law against 'love jihad' and population control,” Giriraj said. JDU, NDA’s alliance partner in Bihar, however, has said there is no need to discuss the statement made by Giriraj.JDU Bihar president Vashishth Narayan Singh, on Saturday, said “There shouldn’t be any discussion on such comments. It is not necessary that if someone gives a comment then there should be a discussion.”

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/giriraj-singh-law-love-jihad-bihar-jdu-distances-itself-bjp-leader-s-demand-1742894-2020-11-21

 

BJP Trying To Undermine Right To Liberty On Pretext Of 'Love Jihad' Law, Says Congress Leader

Bengaluru: BJP is trying to undermine right to religion and liberty with an ulterior motive of social exclusion of Muslims "on the pretext of love jihad law", Congress leader BK Hariprasad alleged.He said that making laws to regulate marital relationship between two consenting adults is against constitution and will offend notion of basic freedom."On pretext of Love Jihad Law @BJP4India is trying to undermine right to religion and liberty with a ulterior motive of social exclusion of Muslims. Making laws to regulate marital relationship between two consenting adults is against constitution, will offend notion of basic freedom," Hariprasad said in a tweet.ANI

http://www.businessworld.in/article/BJP-trying-to-undermine-right-to-liberty-on-pretext-of-love-jihad-law-says-Congress-leader/21-11-2020-344916/

 

Maha govt working efficiently, no need to bring laws on 'Love Jihad': Minister Shaikh

Speaking on laws on 'Love Jihad' in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai's Guardian Minister has said that Maharashtra govt is working efficiently and it does not need to bring laws on 'Love Jihad'.

https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/news/maha-govt-working-efficiently-no-need-to-bring-laws-on-love-jihad-aslam-shaikh-666422

 

Bills in Karnataka likely against cow slaughter, 'love jihad' as a push for BJP's Hindutva agenda

BJP govt is likely to table bills to prohibit cow slaughter and religious conversions for marriage (also termed as love jihad) in the upcoming winter session of the legislature, in what will be seen as a push for the party's Hindutva agenda in Karnataka."Cow slaughter ban will be a reality in Karnataka in the near future," BJP national General Secretary C Ravi said in a tweet.Ravi said he had spoken to Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chauhan on getting Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter & Preservation of Cattle Bill passed in the Cabinet and table it in the upcoming Assembly session that starts Dec. 7.  Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act, 1964, which is in force now, permits slaughter of bulls, bullocks and buffaloes if they are above 12 years or if they are unfit for breeding or if the buffaloes don't yield milk. BJP govt's proposed Bill seeks to impose a blanket ban on slaughter of cattle and consumption of beef, while also prescribing penalty for violations. Revenue Minister R Ashoka told reporters that the government would also legislate a law against 'love jihad'. "The government has taken a clear stand against love jihad. During discussions held with CM, it was decided to ban love jihad and punish those behind it. The govt has decided to come up with a law and will definitely implement it," he said.

https://www.deccanherald.com/state/top-karnataka-stories/bills-in-karnataka-likely-against-cow-slaughter-love-jihad-as-a-push-for-bjps-hindutva-agenda-917980.html

 

No PFI role behind decision to embrace Islam: Kerala Dalit woman

Kannur: Slamming a television channel for recording her conversation through a sting operation in which she was seen saying about the role of Popular Front of India and SDPI behind her decision to embrace Islam, Dalit autorickshaw driver Chithralekha said that  channel should not work overtime to paint her a terrorist. In yet another Facebook post released after the channel aired the news, she said that everybody could guess the motive behind such a report.In her FB post she said that, what she is thinking about is to join Islam and not any Muslim organisation.  “Nothing would come out of this hidden camera operation. I have the capacity to take a decision on my own regarding the issue.  If it’s the Popular Front which is behind the decision, I have no hesitation to say it,” she said.  The channel should not try to play the role of a father, she said.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2020/nov/20/no-pfi-role-behinddecision-to-embraceislam-kerala-dalit-woman-2225603.html

 

MP govt wants to levy ‘gauseva’ tax to raise funds for cow welfare schemes

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh govt is considering levying gauseva kar (cow cess) to raise additional funds for cow welfare activities. Besides generating sufficient funds, the cess will ensure people’s participation in the sacred work of cow protection, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Friday. The first meeting of the Gau cabinet (cow cabinet) is scheduled to take place Sunday. BJP government on Wednesday became the first state to constitute a ministerial committee on cows, comprising the six cabinet ministers who hold the portfolios of revenue, forest, home, farmers’ welfare, panchayat and rural development, animal husbandry and social justice. Gau cabinet is tasked with coming out with integrated schemes for cow protection and conservation, and must facilitate quick decision-making. CM is the chairman of the cabinet. He also holds the portfolios of general administration, public relations, Narmada Valley Development and aviation among others that are not allocated to ministers.

https://theprint.in/india/madhya-pradesh-govt-wants-to-levy-gauseva-tax-to-raise-funds-for-cow-welfare-schemes/549293/

 

Marriage Between First Cousins Illegal, States Punjab and Haryana High Court

Chandigarh: Punjab and Haryana High Court has said that marriage between first cousins is illegal. The court said that marriage which the petitioner (man) wants to perform with a girl, who is his first cousin, was also per se illegal. "The submission in the present petition that as and when she attains the age of 18 years, they will perform marriage is also per se illegal," the judge said while hearing the petition. The assertion came after a 21-year-old man moved the high court against state of Punjab seeking anticipatory bail in a case registered on August 18. The state counsel, while opposing the bail plea, contented that the girl was a minor and her parents had lodged FIR as she and the man were first cousins and their fathers were brothers.The man's counsel told Justice Arvind Singh Sangwan that the petitioner had also filed a criminal writ petition, along with the girl, for protection of life and liberty. The counsel for the petitioner has sought time from the court to address arguments and the case was adjourned to January next year.PTI

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/marriage-between-first-cousins-illegal-states-punjab-and-haryana-high-court-2328026

 

UP govt on Siddique Kappan: Had India’s daughter pamphlet, riot plan

* The “pamphlets so recovered i.e. AM I NOT INDIA’S DAUGHTER… etc have an effect of amplifying social hostility and public revolt”.* Accused have revealed they “gathered funds” to “instigate rioting on basis of caste” in connection with the Hathras case, “as they have done on the basis of religion in protest of CAA”.* Accused created a website using web platform ‘Carrd’; “Many kinds of anti-national propaganda are being spread in India through such kind of websites viz. propaganda relating to incidents of mob lynching, migration of labours in recent times.”These submissions of the Uttar Pradesh Police in official records — the FIR, remand applications seeking custody — regarding the case registered against Delhi-based journalist Siddique Kappan and three others, are part of the state government’s affidavit before the Supreme Court in response to a petition seeking release of Kappan from custody.The police submissions form part of an affidavit filed by Senior Superintendent of Jail, District Jail Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, after a bench headed by CJI sought responses from the Centre and UP government last Monday.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/up-govt-on-kappan-had-indias-daughter-pamphlet-riot-plan-7059607/

 

Family of Hathras victim living in conditions similar to house arrest: rights body

Lucknow: A civil rights body on Saturday claimed that members of the Hathras rape victim’s family are living in conditions akin to house arrest and they fear for their lives once CRPF cover given to them is withdrawn. PUCL also released a report on the state of investigation into the case. The organisation demanded security for the family and their rehabilitation through Nirbhaya fund.The whole family is in a way under house arrest conditions and their normal social life has been cut off, PUCL members Kamal Singh, Farman Naqvi, Alok, Shashikant and K B Maurya told reporters here. The victim’s family members fear for their lives after the CRPF protection is withdrawn, they said.PTI

https://theprint.in/india/family-of-hathras-victim-living-in-conditions-similar-to-house-arrest-says-rights-body/549288/

 

'If Authorities Had Listened in Time, She Wouldn't Be Dead': Bulandshahr Dalit Victim's Family

Bulandshahr (UP): On Nov.17, at Sidh Nagla village in Bulandshahr, a minor Dalit girl was burnt alive in broad daylight. In August, the victim had been raped allegedly by one Harish alias Chainta, and was since being harassed by his associates to withdraw her complaint.The victim used to help her family with farm-related work in the surrounding sugarcane fields. On August 14, following an argument related to the operation of a machine, the victim was picked up from a sugarcane mill by one Kajal of Dhamni, the village neighbouring Sidh Nagla. Her father found her almost 24 hours later, semi-conscious, in the surrounding orchards, where she said she had been raped by Harish, who worked in the orchards. The family says there was no past dispute between the victim’s family and Harish.At a panchayat meeting, the victim’s father and uncle, too, were allegedly threatened in public.

https://thewire.in/women/bulandshahr-rape-murder-ablaze

 

 

Delhi riots: Activist Gulfisha Fatima gets bail, court says not flight risk, no danger to witnesses

A Delhi court Saturday granted bail to student activist Gulfisha Fatima, arrested in a northeast Delhi riots case in which an 18-year-old man had died.Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat granted bail to Gulfisha on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 30,000 with one surety of the like amount. The court observed that there was nothing to suggest that witnesses in the case were under threat, or that she was a flight risk. However, she will remain at Tihar jail, where she is currently lodged, as she is in judicial custody in a UAPA case being investigated by Special Cell. Gulfisha has been in custody in this case from June 3. The court also considered the period of the custody of the applicant and the ground of parity, as co-­accused Devangana Kalita and Natasha Narwal have been granted bail. When the police argued that a co­-accused, Tafsil, has been declared a Proclaimed Offender, the court said, “The present applicant can’t be refused bail for the act and conduct of Tafsil, who will face consequences under the law.”Gulfisha’s lawyer, Mehmood Pracha, had told the court she “has been falsely and maliciously implicated in the present case without any evidence”.“No role has been attributed to the applicant except vague and unsubstantiated allegations which have no nexus with the alleged crime,” Pracha argued.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-riots-jamia-student-gulfisha-fatima-gets-bail-7060476/

 

'Victims must be compensated': SC judge inaugurates 'North East Delhi Riots Claims Commission'

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant on Saturday inaugurated the North East Delhi Riots Claims Commission (NEDRCC) for providing compensation to victims of the communal violence that took place in Feb.Justice Kant inaugurated the commission online and said in a statement that justice to victims of the riot was the need of the hour."Justice to the riot victim is the need of the hour. Riot victims must be compensated with promptitude. To achieve this objective, I wish this commission (NEDRCC) all the very best," Justice Kant said in the statement.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/nov/21/victims-must-be-compensated-sc-judge-inaugurates-north-east-delhi-riots-claims-commission-2226338.html

 

 

ED set to intensify anti-CAA protests probe; says investigating PFI-Bhim Army links

New Delhi: With a fresh round of questioning of suspects, Enforcement Directorate is set to intensify its probe into a money laundering case filed to investigate allegations of illegal funds being used to "fuel" anti-CAA protests, official sources said. They said the agency has unearthed some chats between some senior office bearers of PFI and Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, and it will seek clarifications from them. "ED is investigating financial links between PFI and Bhim Army on the basis of credible evidence recovered from senior PFI officials," the agency tweeted. Azad says his convoy shot at in UP The tweet was in response to a news report that said the ED has found "no links" between the Bhim Army and the PFI. Official sources said the chats found between individuals of the two groups indicated talks about certain activities in the Jama Masjid area during the anti-CAA protests.

https://www.oneindia.com/india/ed-set-to-intensify-anti-caa-protests-probe-says-investigating-pfi-bhim-army-links-3179253.html

 

 Delhi riots: Court extends judicial custody of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam in UAPA cases till 23 Nov

A Delhi court on Friday extended by three days the judicial custody of former JNU student leader Umar Khalid and JNU student Sharjeel Imam who were arrested under UAPA in a case related to the communal violence in northeast Delhi in Feb. Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat extended their judicial custody till 23 November as sought by public prosecutor.During the hearing held through video conferencing, Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad, appearing for the police, said the mandatory time period of 90 days to complete the probe in the case will be completed on 23 November.When the judge asked Prasad whether the police was going to file the charge sheet on Monday, he did not give any specific date and said he will let the court know on 23 Nov.Advocate Trideep Pais, appearing for Khalid, opposed remand application saying it was hollow like the earlier applications.The judge then asked Khalid if he was facing the problems now in Tihar prison, as mentioned earlier by him. Khalid replied, "Besides curbing my liberties and a malicious investigation, I am not facing any other issues."Imam's counsel Surabhi Dhar informed the court that certain documents which he had written while in custody in Assam was taken from him when he was brought to Delhi and has not been returned yet. Imam too said the documents were taken from him at the gate of Tihar prison.The court has put up the matter for further hearing on 23 Nov. PTI

https://www.firstpost.com/india/delhi-riots-court-extends-judicial-custody-of-umar-khalid-sharjeel-imam-in-uapa-cases-till-23-nov-9036901.html

 

Delhi riots: Court dismisses bail plea of Vikram Singh seen rioting, firing gunshots

A Delhi court has dismissed the bail plea of an accused allegedly seen rioting and firing gunshots at public persons and police officials during the violence that took place in northeast Delhi.Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat on Friday dismissed the bail plea of Vikram Singh noting that he was allegedly the part of the unlawful assembly which in the prosecution of the common object had committed the offence of rioting and firing gunshot injuries on the public persons and police officials during the violence.ANI

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-riots-court-dismisses-bail-plea-of-man-seen-rioting-firing-gunshots/story-ZnX9OWZlfAYZ4uOlbaBH0L.html

 

UP Muslim Minor With No Link to Anti-CAA Protests Released After 11 Months

Lucknow: On Nov.6, 16-year-old Hussain* had a full, home-cooked meal for the first time in 11 months. His house in Thakurganj was rippling with excitement – his parents, two brothers and 3 sisters surrounded him on all sides.“My son is home after months,” his mother says.The circumstances of his return tell a story different from the usual experiences of others in his age group.Hussain was arrested on Dec.25 from a friend’s house. His last 10 months were spent at a juvenile correction centre. He was arrested for having been a part of the protests against CAA. Except, Hussain says, he never attended even one protest against CAA.“We are a poor family, with not many resources. Our father is a plumber who somehow manages to pay our school fees and buy us books,” Hussain says. Aashma Izzat, a Lucknow-based advocate who secured Hussain’s bail, said that the order was arbitrary as it is in the best interest of minors to stay with parents instead of in jail.

https://thewire.in/communalism/uttar-pradesh-police-minor-arrest-juvenile-anti-caa-protest

 

Farooq Abdullah flags issue of selective security measures for candidates fighting local polls

SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) president and Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) chairman Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday wrote to the State Election Commission and raised the issue of selective security measures for candidates fighting the District Development Council polls."Security cannot and should not be used as a tool or an excuse to interfere in democratic processes," Dr. Abdullah wrote in a letter to State Election Commissioner K.K. Sharma.He alleged that candidates put up by the PAGD are immediately whisked away to “secure locations” in the name of security and confined to those “secure locations”.Jammu and Kashmir will have its maiden DDC polls from November 28.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/farooq-abdullah-flags-issue-of-selective-security-measures-for-candidates-fighting-local-polls/article33149078.ece?homepage=true

 

 ED conducts searches in Kashmir in J&K Bank transactions case

Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at seven places in Kashmir on Saturday in connection with a case related to suspicious transactions in the J&K Bank.“Among these locations, 6 are in Srinagar and one is in Ananatnag district,” said an official.ED probe is based on an FIR registered by Srinagar CID against officials of the J&K Bank and others. It is alleged that the bank’s accounts were used for routing money belonging to public servants as well as some private parties. Bank officials deliberately did not raise alerts, as is required under the anti-money laundering norms.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ed-conducts-searches-in-kashmir-in-jk-bank-transactions-case/article33149451.ece?homepage=true#

 

 In J&K, a fragile peace amid persisting conflict: The Hindu Ground Zero report

As the Army finds success in checking infiltration, ceasefire violations by Pakistan have gone up. Dinakar Peri reports on the woes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir living in fear of shelling, facing loss of income from trade and tourism and carrying on without 4G Internet On the afternoon of July 8, 2020, Sadaqat Hussain, 23, and Zameer Ahmed, 26, were hit by sniper fire from the Pakistani side of the LoC in Simari Panchayat, Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir, while they were helping construct a community bunker. Ceasefire violations along LoC and International Border (IB) have increased in the last few years; this year, they have reached a new high. This increased exchange of fire, involving small arms, mortars and medium artillery, and causing injuries and deaths, has led to a scramble to build bunkers for villages along the border. The incident in Tangdhar occurred during one such construction effort. Army officials said the workers were probably mistaken for military personnel. Hussain and Ahmed received some assistance from the Army but are still sometime away from full recovery. One has been injured in the leg and the other in the stomach.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/a-fragile-peace-amid-persisting-conflict/article33146116.ece?homepage=true

 

India summons Pakistan official over gunfight in J&K in which four militants were killed: Report

India on Saturday summoned an official from the Pakistani High Commission to raise concerns about the gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir’s Nagrota area earlier this week, in which four militants from the Jaish-e-Mohammed group were killed, ANI reported. India communicated to Pakistan its concerns about the attack that the militants were said to be planning, the news agency reported, citing unidentified government officials. India also repeated its demand that Pakistan stop supporting terrorism on its soil.

https://scroll.in/latest/979094/india-summons-pakistan-official-over-gunfight-in-j-k-in-which-four-militants-were-killed-report

 

Militant Recruitments Continue in Kashmir, 2020 Spike The Second Highest in Last 10 Years

The government on multiple occasions this year claimed that abrogation of Article 370 and 'unhindered' security operations will stamp out militancy from Jammu and Kashmir and wean away youth from joining militancy. But official data accessed by News18 contradict those claims and suggest that 2020 saw the second highest militant spike in the last 10 years. Figures reveal there isn't much of a gap between the number of militants killed and youth joining militancy.From January to the first week of November, 191 militants, including 20 foreigners, were killed in security operations. But around the same time, 145 youth signed up for militancy.

https://www.news18.com/news/india/militant-recruitments-continue-in-jk-2020-spike-second-highest-in-last-10-years-3103445.html

 

Before COVID, society became victim of 2 pandemics -- religiosity, strident nationalism: Hamid Ansari

Overt and covert ideologies are seeking to segment India on an imagined criteria of "us and them", former vice president Hamid Ansari said on Friday, asserting that even before COVID-19, society became a victim of two other pandemics -- religiosity and strident nationalism.Ansari said that as against religiosity and strident nationalism, patriotism is a more positive concept as it is defensive both militarily and culturally.Speaking at the virtual launch of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's book 'The Battle of Belonging', Ansari said that in a short space of four years, India has made a long journey from its founding vision of civic nationalism to a new political imagery of cultural nationalism that appears to be firmly embedded in the public realm.Much has also been written about the perils of strident nationalism and it has been called an "ideological poison" that has no hesitation in transcending and transgressing individual rights, Ansari said.In the book published by Aleph Book Company, Tharoor makes a stinging critique of the Hindutva doctrine and the CAA, which he says is a challenge to, arguably, the most fundamental aspect of Indianness.He has asserted that Hindutva is a political doctrine and not a religious one.PTI

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/before-covid-society-became-victim-of-two-pandemics-religiosity-strident-nationalism-says-hamid-ansari

 

Hindu Mahasabha chief compares former vice president Hamid Ansari to Owaisi; says both speak language of Pakistan

Slamming former vice president Hamid Ansari for his recent "two pandemics" remark, Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha president Swami Chakrapani has asserted that his statements are similar to that of AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, who he said speaks the language of Pakistan."There is not much difference between the statements of Ansari and Owaisi. They are speaking the language of Pakistan. The statements of Ansari, who has served as Vice President of India, is condemnable," Chakrapani told ANI here.Speaking on the reports of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka formulating laws against 'love jihad', Chakrapani said lakhs of our sisters and daughters have suffered due to this and added that there is a need for stringent laws for the same. ANI

https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/swami-chakrapani-compares-hamid-ansari-to-owaisi-says-both-speak-language-of-pakistan/684898

 

Sikhs Welcome Muslims to 550-year-old Mosque Abandoned During Partition in Punjab’s Kapurthala

NEW DELHI:Muslims offered prayers for the first time since 1947 in a 550-year-old mosque in Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district of Punjab last Friday.Sikh community members who helped repair the mosque welcomed the Muslims to the abandoned shrine situated inside a fort.According to Sikh traditions, Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, had offered Namaz at this mosque.The mosque is one of the many Muslim religious places that were left abandoned due to communal violence during the 1947 partition when Muslims from East Punjab migrated to the western side in Pakistan.On November 13, Sikhs and Muslims of the area held a joint event to mark the opening of the mosque. The Sikhs also distributed sweets among the Muslim attendees.Sant Sukhdev Singh and Sant Balbir Singh from the Sikh community were at the forefront to get the mosque opened.  Balbir is known for environment-related activism in the area.The Punjab head of the Jamaat-Islami Hind Abdul Shakoor was present on the occasion and spoke on the life and legends of Guru Nanak. He was accompanied by Maulana Yazdani, Dr Irshad and Dr Shahzad. Shakoor said that the opening of the mosque was the result of the marathon efforts made by the leaders of the Sikh community. “They approached us and said they want to do the repair work on the mosque and open it for Muslims.” After the event the Muslims held a ritual prayer of thanks. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind vice president Engineer Saleem welcomed the development, saying that it sent “a positive message across the country and globally from our Sikh brothers in Punjab at a time when some elements are trying to stoke anti-Muslim sentiments and even targeting religious places in the country.”

https://clarionindia.net/sikhs-welcome-muslims-to-550-year-old-mosque-abandoned-during-partition-in-punjabs-kapurthala/

 

Prominent Rights Activist Asks Maharashtra Govt to Provide Housing Quotas for Minorities

MUMBAI — A prominent rights activist has demanded that the Maharashtra Government provide 15 per cent reservations for minorities in the public and private space in the upcoming new housing policy to help maintain the country’s ‘secular character’, here on Saturday.In a letter to Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Harmony Foundation President Abraham Mathai said that he had made a similar suggestion in 2003 when he was the Chairman of the Minorities Commission.However, no government initiated any policy that could encourage multi-cultural habitations even as “the rapacious cancer of communalism and radicalism” ruthlessly devastates the fabric of nationhood.Despite attempts, Minister Awhad and other government officials were not available for comments on the issue.Mathai said that unlike the past when communities lived in harmony as good neighbours, in recent years, the communal forces have led to minorities seeking refuge in ghettos, which in turn led to further divisiveness and rise of radical hate-mongers on both sides.

https://clarionindia.net/prominent-rights-activist-asks-maharashtra-govt-to-provide-housing-quotas-for-minorities/

 

SC modifies Karnataka HC’s 10-year restriction on Tablighi Jamaat members’ visit to India

The Supreme Court has modified a Karnataka High Court order which imposed restrictions on nine Tablighi Jamaat members to visit India for 10 years, as they had attended the event in Nizamuddin Markaz in March at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. A bench of Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Sanjiv Khanna said: “We clarify that in case the appellant (Toichubek Uulu Bakytbek) and 8 others similarly situated persons apply for visa to visit India, the application(s) would be considered on merits without being influenced by the directions given in paragraph (i) of the impugned judgment dated October 13, and the affidavit/undertaking filed by the appellant and 8 others.” The top court modified the order issued by the Karnataka High Court on October 13. The top court came on a plea of foreigner Tablighi Jamaat members, who were aggrieved by the High Court order.

https://citytoday.news/sc-modifies-karnataka-hcs-10-year-restriction-on-tablighi-jamaat-members-visit-to-india/

 

FIR against 3 people associated with Sufi shrine for illegally occupying forest land in UP

Muzaffarnagar:A case has been registered against three people associated with a shrine dedicated to a Sufi saint for allegedly occupying a forest land illegally in Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh, police said. The case was registered against the widow of late Sufi saint Khushal Miyan and two others at Bhopa police station on Thursday, a police officer said.The religious complex at Biharigarh village is built in a reserved forest area and was declared illegal by the forest department. Apart from a a mosque and a shrine dedicated to the Sufi saint, the complex houses a chillahgah and the residence of the saint's family.PTI #

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/1314751-kerala-gold-smuggling-ed-rejects-swapna-sureshs-claims-says-its-digging-deep

 

Blueprint for Ayodhya mosque on hold; Covid hits architect

The launch of Ayodhya mosque blueprint has been postponed after the consultant architect, Prof SM Akhtar, tested Covid positive and was rushed to Jamia Hamdard Hospital, Delhi.Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation, constituted by Sunni Waqf Board to construct the mosque, was planning an interaction with reporters in Lucknow next week with a clinical presentation of Ayodhya-Dhannipur Masjid project. Athar Hussain, secretary of mosque Trust, said, “We were planning an interaction with reporters on the mosque blueprint, but we have to wait till Prof Akhtar recovers completely from the infection. Now, we will go for a virtual interaction with the media, which would most likely be next month.”

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/ayodhya-mosque-blueprint-launch-delayed-after-architect-prof-akhtar-contracts-covid/articleshow/79331875.cms

 

Denied Salary by Govt for Years, UP Madrassa Teachers Lead a Wretched Life

Uttar Pradesh’s madrassa teachers on Saturday said they had been burdened with debt and living a wretched life as they were not given their salaries by the Central government for the last four years.Aijaz Ahmed, National President of Islamic Madrassa Modernisation Teachers Association of India (IMASS), told Clarion India that the Central government did not pay salaries of madrassa teachers working under SPEMM (Scheme for Providing Education in Madrassas and Minority Institutions) since 2016. The salaries for six months in 2016-17 have only been paid. Afterwards, the Central government released a salary of two months this November.There are 25,000 teachers in 8,500 madrassas across the state under SPEMM.Clarion India

https://clarionindia.net/denied-salary-by-govt-for-years-up-madrassa-teachers-lead-a-wretched-life/

 

Punjab farmers accept CM Amarinder’s request, announce total lifting of rail blockade from Monday

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh Saturday succeeded in breaking the imbroglio over the suspension of train services in the state, with the Kisan Unions acceding to his appeal and announcing complete lifting of the rail blockade from Monday, November 23, to pave the way for resumption of both goods and passenger train services in the state after 2 months.Soon after the announcement, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to reciprocate by restoring all train services in the state, and also to hold further talks with the farmer representatives to resolve the crisis over the farm laws. In a tweet, CM welcomed the farmers’ decision.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/punjab-farmers-lift-rail-blockade-goods-and-passengers-trains-to-run-from-monday-7060306/

 

Kerala Governor signs ordinance seeking to curb vilification of women and children via social media

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has signed an ordinance amending the Kerala Police Act purportedly to give the law enforcement more teeth to prosecute persons who exploit social media to target women and children, according to Raj Bhavan officials. The State cabinet had in October decided to give an edge to the Kerala Police Act (KPA) by recommending the addition of a new provision, Section 118-A, to the law passed in 2011.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-governor-signs-ordinance-seeking-to-curb-vilification-of-women-and-children-via-social-media/article33148784.ece?homepage=true

 

Modi govt ‘instructs’ BSNL to discontinue 2G services; management, employees protest

Despite being well aware that the state-owned telecommunications company BSNL is battling for survival amid cutthroat competition posed by private telecom giants such as JIO and Airtel, a committee of technical experts constituted by the Modi government has ‘instructed’ the BSNL to discontinue 2G services.Sources in the know of the development told National Herald that so-called ‘instruction’ has come at a time when BSNL is trying hard to revive its fortune by launching 4G services. “Discontinuation of 2G services would be detrimental…last nail in the coffin of the BSNL you can say,” said an employee on condition of anonymity.It is worth noting that 60 percent of BSNL’s mobile revenue comes from 2G services. BSNL management and workers’ organization – All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) – have both opposed the suggestion.

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/modi-government-instructs-bsnl-to-discontinue-2g-services-management-employees-protest

 

Electoral bonds worth over Rs 282 crore sold ahead of Bihar polls, reveals RTI query

State Bank of India sold electoral bonds worth more than Rs 282.29 crore ahead of the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections, The Hindu reported on Saturday, quoting a response by the public sector lender to a Right to Information application. The query was filed by Commodore Lokesh K Batra (retired), who had sought a “branch-wise and denomination-wise” information on the sale of electoral bonds between October 19 and October 28, according to The Hindu.

https://scroll.in/latest/979082/electoral-bonds-worth-more-than-rs-282-crore-sold-ahead-of-bihar-polls-reveals-rti-query

 

 

MJ Akbar vs Priya Ramani: New judge urges both sides to consider settlement of defamation case

A Delhi court Saturday urged former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar and journalist Priya Ramani to consider settling the criminal defamation case that Akbar has filed against Ramani since the offence was compoundable in nature. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Ravindra Pandey took over the case after his predecessor, ACMM Vishal Pahuja, was transferred by the Delhi High Court along with over a hundred judges on November 18. ACMM Pandey said this while hearing the matter that is in its last stages of hearing. Both sides have completed their final arguments and senior advocate Geeta Luthra, representing Akbar, was about to complete her rebuttal to the final arguments when Pahuja was transferred.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mj-akbar-priya-ramani-defamation-case-settlement-7060134/

 

Maulana Kalbe Sadiq's condition remains serious

Lucknow :Vice-president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board and prominent Muslim cleric Maulana Kalbe Sadiq's health condition continued to remain critical on Friday, a health bulletin issued here said. 83-year-old is suffering from pneumonia and was admitted to ICU of a private hospital here on Tuesday. "He is suffering from severe pneumonia, UTI and septic shock. His condition continues to be critical," hospital bulletin said. "Presently he is on assisted ventilation, vasopressor support and optimal antibiotic coverage. In view of Acute Renal Failure and deteriorating kidney functions he underwent dialysis," it added.PTI

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/education/1315196-muslim-cleric-maulana-kalbe-sadiqs-condition-remains-serious

 

 Tamil Nadu : Dalit Liberation movement seeks action against Kodumudi policemen

Alleging that police inaction led to the murder of a Dalit couple in Kodumudi on November 14, Dalit Liberation Movement – Tamil Nadu has urged DGP to register a case against the personnel at Kodumudi police station. In a petition sent to the DGP, Chennai, the movement’s State general secretary S. Karuppiah said that S. Ramasamy (58) of Chitta Pulla Palayam Colony in Kodumudi and his wife R. Arukani (56) were murdered in early hours of November 14 by some men belonging to another community.The petition said that Ramasamy’s daughter Menaka and her husband Perumal had come to the village to celebrate Deepavali when a seven-member gang, led by one Surya, harassed her at 9.30 p.m. on November 13. The couple suffered injuries after they were attacked by the gang. Menaka’s father questioned Surya, and left home.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/dalit-movement-seeks-action-against-kodumudi-policemen/article33149452.ece?homepage=true

 

 

Ayurvedic doctors can now practice general surgery alongside ortho, ENT and dentistry

Ayurvedic doctors can now perform surgeries with central government allowing PG students to practise general surgery alongside orthopaedic, ophthalmology, ENT and dental.Centre amended Indian Medicine Central Council Regulations, 2016, to introduce formal training in the above-mentioned procedures as part of the curriculum for postgraduate students of shalya (general surgery) and shalakya (diseases of ear, nose, throat, ENT, eye, head, oro-dentistry) specialisations.“PG scholar of Shalya and Shalakya shall be practically trained to acquaint with as well as independently perform the following activities so that after completion of his/her PG degree, he/she is able to perform the procedures independently,” read the gazette notification issued on Nov.19. It also said students will be trained in 2 streams of surgery and will be awarded titles of MS (Ayurved) Shalya Tantra -- (General Surgery and MS (Ayurved) Shalakya Tantra (disease of eye, ENT, head and oro-dentistry).The training modules for surgical procedures will be added to the curriculum of Ayurvedic studies.The decision of the government will allow Ayurveda practitioners to legally perform procedures such as skin grafting, cataract surgery, and root canal treatment.This has come even as Indian Medical Association has been openly opposing such policy moves by Centre, especially the plan to mix modern medicine with the traditional systems of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), in coming years.

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayurveda-doctors-practice-general-surgery-ortho-ent-dentistry-1742883-2020-11-21

 

'AIADMK-BJP Alliance To Continue For 2021 Assembly Elections', Says CM Edappadi K. Palaniswami

AIADMK -BJP alliance will continue for the 2021 Assembly elections, AIADMK co-ordinatorand deputy CM O. Panneeraselvam announced as home minister Amit Shah arrived in Chennai on a 2-day visit to the state.This was iterated by chief minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami at a function in which Shah kick started a slew of projects.PTI

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-the-shah-of-tamil-nadu/364962

 

CORONA

 

13 crore COVID tests done so far, cumulative positivity rate falling steadily: Health Ministry

Total number of tests conducted in India for the detection of COVID-19 infection has crossed the 13-crore mark with last one crore done in just 10 days, while the cumulative positivity rate remained low and continues a downward trajectory, the Union Health Ministry said on Saturday. According to ICMR, over 13.06 crore samples have been tested till Nov.20 with 10,66,022 being tested on Friday.The cumulative national COVID-19 positivity rate has declined and stood at 6.93% as on date while the daily positivity rate on Friday was just 4.34%.According to the health ministry data, 46,232 people were found to be infected with COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours.India’s current active caseload of 4,39,747comprises 4.86 per cent of total cases. The country has registered 49,715 new recoveries in a day taking the total recovered cases to 84,78,124 which exceed active cases by 80,38,377. The recovery rate has improved to 93.67% as on date.  PTI

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/13-crore-covid-19-tests-done-so-far-cumulative-positivity-rate-falling-steadily-health-ministry/article33149492.ece?homepage=true

 

 

Madhya Pradesh announces night curfew in five cities

 Madhya Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has  announced imposition of night curfew across 5 cities in the state. The curfew will come into force from November 21 starting from 10 pm until 6 am the next morning. It was announced that night curfew will be imposed in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Ratlam and Vidisha. But the night curfew will not hinder the movement of transportation vehicles and labours working in factories.The schools upto class eight will remain shut in Madhya Pradesh and the higher secondary and colleges will also not hold regular sessions.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/madhya-pradesh-announces-night-curfew-in-five-cities/

 

Coronavirus: After Ahmedabad, night curfew in Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot from today

With Gujarat witnessing a rise in Covid-19 cases, the government has decided to impose night curfew in Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot from Saturday. During the curfew, essential services such as medical shops, hospitals, clinics, dairy booths and petroleum/CNG pumps will remain open. Rail and air passengers as well as candidates appearing for various competitive exams will be allowed to commute during the curfew if they possess valid travel tickets and admit cards respectively.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/coronavirus-india-live-updates-covid-vaccine-news-delhi-kerala-maharashtra-7059706/

 

Gurgaon, Faridabad Start Random Covid Tests For Commuters At Delhi Border

Gurgaon: After Noida, authorities in Gurgaon and Faridabad have started random testing of people coming into the city from Delhi which is struggling with it's worst phase of COVID-19 pandemic so far with cases and deaths touching record highs. Commuters are being randomly tested at all Delhi-Gurgaon Borders and the administration says the exercise will help them identify areas which are the worst affected. So far they have tested over 400 people at the border and have found three positive cases.

https://www.ndtv.com/gurgaon-news/gurgaon-faridabad-start-random-coroanvirus-tests-for-commuters-at-delhi-border-2328403?pfrom=home-topstories

 

Only 100 people to be allowed at wedding functions in Noida and Ghaziabad

Noida and Ghaziabad - the twin cities bordering national capital Delhi - have re-imposed cap on the number of guests to be invited for weddings. District administration in Noida and Ghaziabad have restricted the number of guests and weddings and other functions to 100.The authorities have also said that violators will face tough action. Uttar Pradesh government has already started random checking of people coming from Delhi due to the spike in the number of cases.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/noida/only-100-people-to-be-allowed-at-wedding-functions-in-noida-and-ghaziabad/story-4GB1jw1qwBL6C80wNkkKTP.html

 

Economic consequences of COVID on South Asia greater than healthcare challenges: Report

The economic consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on South Asia are proving to be even greater than the healthcare challenges in the region, according to a report compiled by a top American think-tank.Titled "9 Months of COVID-19: The Impact on South Asia", the report released by the Hudson Institute think-tank on Friday, is co-authored by Husain Haqqani, former Pakistan ambassador to US, and Aparna Pande and is an update to their 30-page report "Crisis from Kolkata to Kabul: COVID-19's Impact on South Asia" published in May 2020."The economic consequences of COVID-19 on South Asia are proving to be even greater than the healthcare challenges in the region. Different South Asian countries have dealt with the pandemic in various ways, but the economic costs overall seem to be higher than the healthcare consequences," said Haqqani.IANS

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/economic-consequences-of-covid-19-on-south-asia-greater-than-healthcare-challenges-report

 

Iran imposes nationwide COVID-19 restrictions but no lockdown

 A slew of new restrictions, including partial lockdowns and curfews, came into effect across Iran on Saturday as an alarming surge in COVID-19 infections continues unabated.Officials updated a colour-coded list of cities and counties based on the number of confirmed COVID-19 hospitalisations, which classify them from “white” denoting no danger to “red” that shows the highest level of alarm.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/21/iran-imposes-nationwide-covid-19-restrictions-but-no-lockdown

 

WORLD

 

Saudi Hosts G20 Summit Today In A First For An Arab Nation

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia hosts G20 summit Saturday in a first for an Arab nation, with the downsized virtual forum dominated by efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and a crippling economic crisis. 2-day meeting of the world's wealthiest nations comes as President Donald Trump refuses to concede a bitter election and campaigners criticise what they call G20's inadequate response to the worst global recession in decades.World leaders will huddle virtually as international efforts intensify for a large-scale roll out of coronavirus vaccines after a breakthrough in trials, and as calls grow for G20 nations to plug funding shortfalls.AFP

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/saudi-arabia-hosts-g20-summit-today-in-a-first-for-an-arab-nation-2328379?pfrom=home-topstories

 

 

Erdogan, Saudi king discuss improving ties

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed ways of enhancing ties with King Salman of Saudi Arabia in a rare phone call since the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The phone call came on the eve of the G20 leaders’ summit hosted by Riyadh on Saturday and Sunday.Erdogan and the Saudi king discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on G20 summit, the Turkish presidency said late on Friday.“President Erdogan and King Salman agreed on keeping channels of dialogue open in order for the bilateral relations to be enhanced and for issues to be settled,” the presidency said.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/21/erdogan-saudi-king-discuss-improving-ties-amid-g20-summit

 

Mike Pompeo to visit UAE to discuss arms sale, Israel normalisation

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Saturday to discuss a planned multibillion-dollar arms deal between US and UAE , as well as the Gulf nation’s newly normalised relations with Israel. In a statement this week, US State Department said Pompeo would meet Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, often considered the country’s de facto ruler, to discuss the UAE-Israel deal “and other issues of bilateral concern including security cooperation and countering Iran’s malign influence in the region”.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/21/pompeo-travels-to-the-uae-to-discuss-arms-sale-iran-and-israel

 

US curbs on Israel boycotts ‘an attack’ on dissent, advocates say

Trump administration’s latest attempt to equate boycotts of Israel with anti-Semitism is part of a years-long push to criminalise criticism of Israel in US and abroad, legal and political experts say. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced US plans to label the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement for Palestinian rights as “anti-Semitic” and curtail funding for groups that support it.Dima Khalidi, founder and director of Palestine Legal, a US-based legal advocacy group, said the measure aims to stifle advocacy for Palestinian rights.Palestine Legal has documented more than 200 proposed bills that aimed to restrict Palestine advocacy in dozens of states across US alone. Only 25 percent of those motions have been successful, but the group says 30 US states currently have laws on the books.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/20/us-curbs-on-israel-boycotts-an-attack-on-dissent-advocates-say

 

Rights group: Austria carries out 'politically-motivated' violations against Muslims

A human rights group has accused Austrian security authorities of committing "politically-motivated" human rights violations against Muslims, a statement issued on Wednesday revealed."Geneva Council for Rights and Liberties (GCRL) is deeply concerned about the human rights violations committed by the Austrian security authorities, during the broad raids carried out in four provinces, which included the arrests of at least 30 Arabs and Muslims," the statement disclosed.It added: "Austrian police, on 9 November, launched raids on more than 70 houses across 4 provinces in Austria, with orders given for 30 Muslims to be arrested."

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201121-rights-group-austria-carries-out-politically-motivated-violations-against-muslims/

 

Israel bars Palestinians from Al-Aqsa for Friday prayer

Israeli police on Friday prevented hundreds of Palestinian residents of the occupied West Bank from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque to perform Friday prayer, Anadolu Agency reports.According to an Anadolu Agency correspondent, Israeli police stopped worshipers from the West Bank at checkpoints at the entrances to the Old City in Jerusalem and allowed only a very small number of them to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque after identity checks.The Palestinians, who were prevented from reaching the Al-Aqsa Mosque, performed Friday prayers on the streets near the Old City.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201120-israel-bars-palestinians-from-al-aqsa-for-friday-prayer/

 

 

Pompeo to meet Taliban negotiators in Qatar

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet negotiators from the Afghan government and the Taliban on Saturday amid signs of progress in their talks as the United States speeds up its withdrawal. Pompeo met Qatar’s ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, and the foreign minister on his stop in the capital Doha, the Taliban’s base for diplomacy.Pompeo’s visit comes in the wake of a rocket attack which struck densely populated areas of Kabul, killing at least eight people in the latest outbreak of violence in the Afghan capital. The Taliban denied responsibility and no group has claimed the attacks. The State Department said late on Friday Pompeo will meet separately with the Afghan government and Taliban negotiation teams in Qatar.The outgoing top US diplomat is on a 7-nation tour of Europe and Middle East as President Donald Trump shores up late-term priorities.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/21/mike-pompeo-to-meet-taliban-negotiators-in-qatar

 

23 rockets hit Afghan capital Kabul, 8 civilians killed

A rocket barrage slammed into the heavily fortified Green Zone where many embassies and international firms are based in the Afghan capital, Kabul, killing at least eight civilians and wounding dozens more on Saturday. Tariq Arian, spokesman for the interior ministry, said “terrorists” mounted the rockets on a small truck and set them off, adding an investigation was under way to find out how the vehicle came inside the city undetected.Taliban fighters, battling against a foreign-backed Kabul administration, denied involvement in the attack saying they “do not blindly fire on public places”.“The rocket attack in Kabul city has nothing to do with the mujahideen of Islamic Emirate,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, using the insurgents’ name for Afghanistan.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/21/23-rockets-hit-afghan-capital-kabul-civilians-killed

 

 

 

Ethiopia says it captured Tigrayan town of Adigrat

Ethiopia said on Saturday its forces seized another town in their advance on the capital of the northern Tigray region, Mekelle, and rebuffed an African Union push to mediate the conflict.The government has said it will soon reach Mekelle after taking surrounding towns, the latest being Adigrat – the second-largest city in Tigray about 116km  north of the capital.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/21/ethiopia-denies-talks-on-tigray-region-growing-conflict

 

UN urges Egypt to release human rights activists

UN has urged Egypt to release three members of a rights group arrested within days of each other, adding to international pressure on the country over the case. The call came on Friday as the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) was targeted after several ambassadors and diplomats visited its Cairo office on November 3.Security forces arrested EIPR office manager Mohamed Basheer on Sunday, before detaining researcher Karim Ennarah on Wednesday and executive director Gasser Abdel-Razek on Thursday.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/20/un-urges-egypt-to-release-human-rights-activists

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPINIONS-EDITORIALS-VIEWS

 

 

‘Love jihad’: As pandemic rages, BJP states turn focus to laws based on Hindutva conspiracy theory:Rohan Venkataramakrishnan

https://scroll.in/article/979015/love-jihad-as-pandemic-rages-bjp-states-turn-focus-to-laws-based-on-hindutva-conspiracy-theory

 

Anti-love jihad law: Crackdown on conversion for marriage or persecution?

https://www.indiatoday.in/programme/newstrack-with-rahul-kanwal/video/anti-love-jihad-law-crackdown-on-conversion-for-marriage-or-persecution-1742700-2020-11-20

 

Enough is Enough. There is No Legal Basis for Any ‘Love Jihad’ Law:LVAKASHA SACHDEV

https://www.thequint.com/news/law/no-legal-basis-for-love-jihad-laws-forced-conversions-sham-conversions-lack-of-definitions

 

History of 'Love Jihad': How Sangh Parivar Spread a Dangerous, Imaginary Idea:

Ajoy Ashirwad Mahaprashasta

https://thewire.in/communalism/love-jihad-anti-muslim-history-sangh-parivar

 

Muslim girl burnt alive in Bihar for ‘resisting sexual advances’, family alleges police inaction in punishing culprits

http://twocircles.net/2020nov20/439928.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29

 

Yogendra Yadav is wrong to assume Owaisi’s AIMIM will be a ‘Muslim BJP’:Sharjeel Usmani

https://theprint.in/opinion/yogendra-yadav-is-wrong-to-assume-owaisis-aimim-will-be-a-muslim-bjp/548911/

 

Lesson for Indian Muslims from Bihar: Learn to distinguish between friends and foes:Zafar Agha

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/lesson-for-indian-muslims-from-bihar-learn-to-distinguish-between-friends-and-foes

 

BJP does not want Owaisi, BJP does not need Owaisi:Shivam Vij

https://theprint.in/opinion/bjp-does-not-want-owaisi-the-bjp-does-not-need-owaisi/548615/

 

‘There Is Yearning And Churning Among Muslims’:Asaduddin Owaisi's INTERVIEW

https://magazine.outlookindia.com/story/india-news-there-is-yearning-and-churning-among-muslims/303993

 

Can Republic TV and Arnab Goswami’s communal and political rant take cover of free speech?Jagdish Rattanani

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/can-republic-tv-and-arnab-goswamis-communal-and-political-rant-take-cover-of-free-speech

 

Noam Chomsky and Vijay Prashad Had Message for India and Tatas: Tata Lit Fest Cancels their Event

https://clarionindia.net/noam-chomsky-and-vijay-prashad-had-message-for-india-and-tatas-tata-lit-fest-cancels-their-event/

 Madhya Pradesh's So-Called 'Anti-Love Jihad Law' Is Old Wine in a New Bottle:Rishav Raj Singh

https://thewire.in/communalism/madhya-pradesh-love-jihad-law

 

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