NEWS
DIGEST, MID-DAY
22 May 2018:06 Ramazan 1439: Vol:10, No:27
INDIA
AIMPLB meets top law panel to discus Islamic
laws and expressing apprehensions regarding Uniform Civil Code
New Delhi:In the first-ever meeting of All
India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Law Commission over the Uniform
Civil Code held on Monday, several issues were discussed, including inheritance
in the case of abandonment, adoption and death, apart from widow remarriage and
child marriage. According to the Press Release issued by the AIMPLB, 11-member
delegation led by its Vice President Syed Jalaluddin Umari, who is also President
of Jamaat Islami Hind, met with the law panel. One of the topics under
discussion was what happens to the inheritance of a child if the father
abandons the family. In this case, while the child has rights over his father's
property, the rights are curtailed when it comes to the property of the grandfather.
In this regard, the AIMPLB contended that while under Islamic laws, no one is
left unattended, the laws do not make any segregation between self-owned and
inherited property. This and nuances under a few other laws under the Uniform
Civil Code were discussed by Law Commission in a meeting on Monday. Issues
under adoption and guardianship, remarriage of widows, custody of a child whose
father has passed away, and child marriage were other issues that were
discussed in the meeting, where AIMPLB was asked to elaborate on the religion's
stand on these matters as part of the Law Commission's consultations. Both parties
are scheduled to meet after Eid now, where the AIMPLB will bring in references
to these laws as per the Quran.One of the points discussed pertained to the
right of a child and a wife if a man abandons them. "Islam does not leave
anyone unattended, and so the child has rights to the properties of the father,
as well as the grandfather, who has to be the guardian," said AIMPLB
member Kamal Faruqui, who was a part of the meeting. However, AIMPLB also
contended that if guardianship and inheritance issues come up in case the
father passes away, then the mother assumes the role of a guardian as well as
her parents. "In this case, the child will only be entitled to the
father's property and not the grandfather's. The discretion lies with the
grandfather," said Faruqui.Apart from that, AIMPLB contended that widow
remarriage is a pious act under Islamic laws, and while she has right to her
husband's property, the onus to have her remarried also lies with her parents.
As per the discussions, child marriage was also discussed, and the group
contended that while child marriage is allowed, there are several conditions attached
to it. Adoption, too, was another issue which was on the agenda. AIMPLB said
that Islam does not recognise adoption, especially in cases where the child's
gender is different from those of the prospective parents' biological children.
They, however, contended that the parents were within their right to take care
of the child, but he or she will not have inheritance rights. dnaindia
Muslim Personal Law Board delegation meets
-law-commission of India on various Islamic laws
Eye on polls, BJP pushes for Uniform Civil
Code
New Delhi: Exactly a year is left for the
Modi-led Govt for the next general
elections and the BJP is strongly pushing for the drafting of Uniform Civil
Code, one of its key promises in its manifesto during the 2014 Lok Sabha
polls.BJP leader and Supreme Court lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who is more
popular as a PIL petitioner in SC and who was instrumental in getting triple
talaq banned; and notices issued on other pleas seeking scrapping of
controversial Muslim practices like polygamy and nikahhalala, vehemently argued
for the UCC before Law Commission on May 18. Law Ministry had in July 2016
asked the law panel to study the scope and feasibility of implementing UCC in
India.It has already received 70,000 responses to its 16-point questionnaire
issued in Oct, 2016.But the panel later decided to widen consultation by
eliciting views of the stake holders like Upadhyay.Appearing before the
commission, Chairman Justice BS Chauhan and members including Professor S
Sivakumar, Upadhyay, cited Article 44 of the Constitution which says the state
shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code, favourable
remarks in SCs landmark Shah Bano case of 1985 and certain SC observations in
Aug.2017 while banning triple talaq. india today
‘Turbulent
political atmosphere’, let’s pray for India ahead of 2019 elections, says Delhi
Archbishop
Archbishop of Delhi, Anil Joseph Thomas Couto,
has come under fire from BJP after sending a controversial letter that refers
to a “turbulent political atmosphere” threatening democracy and secularism to
all parish priests asking for a prayer campaign to be launched and also
appealed for fasting on Fridays ahead of the 2019 general polls. “As we look
forward towards 2019 when we will have new Govt let us begin a prayer campaign for our country
from May 13, 2018 which marks the anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed
Mother at Fatima, consecrating ourselves and our nation to the Immaculate
Hearts”, the circular reads.“I request that we observe a day of fast every
Friday of the week by forgoing at least one meal and offering our penance and
all our sacrifices for our spiritual renewal and that of our nation.” Moreover,
I earnestly request that we organise an hour of Eucharistic adoration every
Friday at a convenient time in all our parishes, religious houses and
institution specifically praying for our nation”, the letter further
stated.When the media tried confronting the Archbishop on the issue, his office
denied any political motive and named it a standard practice before the
polls.Criticising the move, RSS’ leader Rakesh Sinha said that this is a direct
attack by the Diocese of Delhi on Indian secularism and democracy. newsx
Delhi archbishop asks Christians to pray for
politicians, claims 'secular fabric under threat'
No discrimination against anyone on basis of
religion, Rajnath over Archbishop
comments
New Delhi:India does not discriminate against
anyone on the basis of religion or sect, and such things are not allowed in the
country, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday.His comments came in the
wake of Archbishop of Delhi referring to a “turbulent political atmosphere” in
the country and appealing to launch a prayer campaign ahead of 2019 general polls.“India
is such a country where there is no discrimination against anyone on the basis
of religion or sect or any other such things. Such a thing cannot be allowed,”
Singh said on the sidelines of a function here.In a letter written to all
parish priests in the capital, the Archbishop of Delhi, Anil Couto, asked for a
prayer campaign to be launched and also appealed for fasting on Fridays ahead
of 2019 general polls.indianexpress
Govt says begging a crime, HC asks take a stand
New Delhi: Central Govt on Monday told the Delhi High Court that
begging will not be decriminalised since it is not just a social issue but has
wider implications and could be linked to organised crimes such as beggars’
syndicates indulging in kidnapping of children.In a U-turn from its earlier
stand, when it had said that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment was
working on a draft Bill to decriminalise begging and rehabilitate beggars and
homeless people, the Govt told the court
that as the matter concerns law and order, it may be prudent to implead MHA.The
bench replied, “The writ petition is of 2009, and in 2017 you sought time to
file your counter. Now you are saying you have written to the MHA…(which) is
not responding…. You are the Govt of
India, (yet) you take such stand…. It’s pathetic.”indianexpress
By manipulating merit list, modi govt. plans
to appoint officers of RSS choice into central services: Rahul
New Delhi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi has
strongly denounced the proposal from the PM ’s Office to allocate service and
cadre to successful candidates of Civil Services Examination not on the basis
of their all-India rankings, which is the rule, but on the combined score
obtained in the Civil Services Examination and the Foundation Course.Congress
president has termed the move as “PM’s plan to appoint officers of RSS’s choice
into Central Services”.Opposing the move, Congress president tweeted: “Rise up
students, your future is at risk! RSS wants what’s rightfully yours. The letter
below reveals the PM’s plan to appoint officers of RSS’s choice into the
Central Services, by manipulating the merit list using subjective criteria,
instead of exam rankings.” At the end of his tweet, Rahul used this hashtag
#ByeByeUPSC.caravandaily
“Bye, bye UPSC”: Rahul slams PMO proposal on
Civil Services allocation
Modi has unleashed a ‘sinister proposal’ to
destroy All India Civil Services Merit: Congress spokesman
New Delhi:Congress today alleged that PM Narendra Modi’s “main objective is to destroy
institutions” as it opposed the proposed changes in civil services allocation.
It also took a swipe at the ruling NDA, saying it should be renamed as NPA due
to piling bad loans under its Govt.Congress leader Randeep Surjewala hit out at
the PM alleging that he has unleashed a
“sinister proposal” to destroy the all-India civil services merit.Terming Modi
as “Main Objective to Destroy Institutions”, Surjewala said that “Modiji has
unleashed a sinister proposal to destroy All India Civil Services Merit”.“Adding
‘Foundation Marks’ will demolish UPSC’s merit list giving leeway to executive
to tamper the merit as per their whims. Unpardonable!,” he said on Twitter. Central
Govt is considering a major change in
the allocation of services to successful candidates of civil services
examination. PMO has asked the department concerned to examine if the services
can be allocated after the completion of foundation course, according to an official
communique.The duration of foundation course for officers of almost all the
services is three months. At present, service allocation to candidates selected
on the basis of civil services examination, conducted by UPSC, is made well
before the commencement of the foundation course.PTI
Delhi minorities commission issues notice to
JNU on proposed ‘Islamic terrorism’ course
New Delhi: Delhi Minorities Commission on
Tuesday issued a notice to the registrar of JNU seeking to know the reason
behind a varsity proposal to start a course on ‘Islamic terrorism’. Taking suo
motu cognisance of reports about the proposed course, the Commission has asked
the registrar to explain on what basis the course on “Islamic terror” is being
started by the university,said Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, the commission’s
chairman.JNU Academic Council “passed” a proposal to set up a Centre for
National Security Studies under which there would be a course on “Islamic
terrorism”, said a professor who attended the meeting said last week. JNUSU in
a statement on May18 had alleged that during 145th Academic Council (AC)
meeting held the same day, JNU V-C allowed the “tabling of a course on ‘Islamic
Terrorism’ under the proposed National Security Studies special centre.”DMC has
asked JNU administration to reply whether there is any concept paper or
proposal to include a course on “Islamic Terror” in proposed “Centre for
National Security Studies”, and demanded a copy of it.“Has the current
administration of JNU considered the implications of introducing this subject
in the campus on its students and on the broader society outside?,” Commission
has questioned.It has also sought details of the proposed course and areas
covered by it, methodology, reference books and works to be followed, experts
who will teach and undertake research on the subject.The commission has also
asked JNU to provide minutes of Academic Council meeting and the list of
members who attended it. JNU administration has been asked to file its reply to
these questions by June 5, Khan said.Ajay Dubey, the chairperson of the
committee which submitted its report, did not confirm nor deny the plans for
the centre last week, but said, “Terrorism and religion are not linked.There is
no proposal for a course on Islamic terrorism.”“Islamic terrorism is going to
be just one of the focus areas for research at the centre. Whether it exists or
not, only research can tell,” said Amita Singh, acting chairperson of Centre
for Study of Law & Governance, had said. The proposed course has been
opposed by sections of teachers and students at the JNU.HT
Will snap ties with BJP if it goes ahead with
citizenship bill: AGP’s leader
New Delhi: Fresh from the Karnataka debacle,
BJP now has a new headache with its ally in Assam — Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) —
threatening to break ties if it goes ahead with the contentious Citizenship
Amendment Bill, 2016.Coming at a time when allies like TDP, Shiv Sena and to
some extent the Shiromani Akali Dal are giving the BJP a hard time, Mahanta’s
comments could spell further trouble for the party in the run-up to the 2019
Lok Sabha polls.“If the BJP does go ahead with the bill, then the alliance with
us won’t remain,” former Assam CM and
AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta said.The bill, introduced in Lok Sabha in
July 2016, seeks to amend the Citizenship Act 1955 to make Hindu, Sikh,
Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian immigrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and
Pakistan, eligible for Indian citizenship. Ex CM also said his party has not
received any assurance so far from the BJP on this issue. “To please a certain
section, the BJP may well go ahead with this bill. Maybe not immediately, but
before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections,” he said.theprint
Protests Across N-E: “Warning to Centre, We
Will Fight Against Citizenship Bill”
Congress to get deputy CM, speaker posts in
Karnataka
New Delhi: Congress will get the post of
speaker and a deputy CM in Karnataka,
the first names that party president Rahul Gandhi will decide in the coming
hours ahead of HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in as CM of Congress-JD(S) coalition Govt on Wednesday.The CM -designate met Rahul and
his mother, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi,at Congress chief’s residence here on
Monday. The visit was a courtesy call to invite the Congress leaders for the
swearing-in. It was preceded by a half-hour meeting with pre-poll ally and BSP
chief Mayawati, JDS secretary general Danish Ali said.Rahul and Kumaraswamy
alluded to the history of acrimony between Congress and JD(S) to say they
should forget the past and look to the future. Congress sources said the
party’s entire focus was on Kumaraswamy’s oath, election of the speaker and the
confidence motion, and that no formal negotiations were held on specifics of
power-sharing.TOI
Karnataka govt formation: Congress-JD(S) mull
'20-13' formula for cabinet allocation; war over Dy CM post likely
Muslim should be made K'taka Dy CM: Muslim bodies
Bengaluru:A group of Muslim organisation has
demanded that 7-time Congress MLA from Shivajinagar, Roshan Baig should be made
the deputy CM in the new Govt of Karnataka.Briefing the media, the
organisation also said, if not Baig, then some other leader from the Muslim
community should be made the deputy CM of the state.ANI
Hindu Mahasabha moves SC for stay on
Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in as Karnataka CM, refused early hearing
New Delhi:The Supreme Court has refused an
early hearing to a petition moved by Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM)
challenging the upcoming oath-taking ceremony and appointment of HD Kumaraswamy
as Karnataka CM. Kumaraswamy is scheduled to take the oath of office on
Wednesday. ABHM, in its plea filed through lawyer Barun Kumar Sinha on Monday,
sought quashing of the Governor’s communication inviting Kumaraswamy to form Govt
and an early hearing. It also termed the
alliance between the Congress and JD(S) as “unconstitutional”.indianexpress
‘Catch them alive and understand their
grievances’: Security forces new mantra in militancy-hit Kashmir
New Delhi:In a departure from conventional
approach, security forces battling militancy in J&K have shifted focus on “catching them alive”
and motivating them to return to their families. “Our effort is to catch them
alive and understand their grievances. After all, a 15 or 16-year-old boy can’t
be brainwashed to the extent that he would like to be killed in a gunfight.
There has to be a counter-narrative,” a senior official engaged in
counter-insurgency operations was quoted as saying by PTI.As per officials, the
strategy of police and security agencies is to sever the “umbilical cord” by
wrecking the overground worker network, which is instrumental in radicalising
youth and pushing them to jihad.Emphasising need to eliminate hardcore
terrorists like Saddam Paddar, Esa Fazl and Sameer Tiger, officials said these
terrorists were the brains behind the fresh influx of cadres for Pakistan-based
militant groups LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen.indianexpress
J&K: 4 girls injured as Army opens fire on
protesting over Iftar party
Srinagar: Four girls –2 of them siblings- were
injured when the Army troops opened fire on protesters in J&K ’s southern
Shopian district late Monday evening.The police sources said that Army jawans
opened “aerial fire” when some “miscreants” hurled stones at them in Shopian’s
Dreed Kalipora village. The reports said that the Army had invited the local
elders and other prominent villagers to an Iftar party but the village Auquaf
committee had advised it not to hold any such event in view of the anger among
the local residents over the recent killings in the security forces action, the
locals told the police.However, the Army ignored the advice and went ahead with
hosting the Iftar party at a local mosque. As the word about it spread, groups
of youth took to the streets chanting pro-freedom slogans and then allegedly
hurled stones at soldiers. Army, the witnesses said, opened fire injuring four
girls. The police said that the soldiers of Army’s 34 Rashtriya Rifles had gone
to participate in the Iftar party held at the Jamia Masjid in Dreed Kalipora.
But while the Iftar party was underway, some “miscreants” started protesting
and allegedly hurled stones at the soldiers. Meanwhile,Army said that keeping
up with the spirit of the holy month of Ramazan, it organised an Iftaar party
for the locals of Bijbehera, Bunera and Arizal in south Kashmir which was
attended by local youth, prominent businessmen, surrendered militants and
leaders of the region.asianage
J-K: Shutdown in Valley, march to Eidgah
foiled
Srinagar:J&K Govt on
Monday imposed restrictions on civilian movement in several parts of Srinagar
to foil a separatist march, even as the Valley observed shutdown on the death
anniversary of Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone. All business
establishments remained shut and public transport was off roads in response to
the shutdown call given by the joint separatist leadership.Govt offices also
saw thin attendance. Separatists had asked people to march to Eidgah cemetery
where Farooq and Lone are buried. Hurriyat leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Ali
Shah Geelani were put under house arrest.Yasin Malik was arrested on Friday.indianexpress
Ramzan ceasefire improved law and order:
J&K police chief SP Vaid
Srinagar:J&K Police Chief SP Vaid has said the ceasefire
announced during the holy month of Ramzan has been successful and has helped
improve the overall law and order situation in the state. Vaid tweeted:
"Ramzan ceasefire has been successful thus far. The initiative of PM (Modi) has helped in general improvement in
law and order.IANS
Centre, CRPF Differ Over Ramzan Ceasefire
'Success'
J&K: BJP MLA’s brother booked for comments
against Mehbooba Mufti
Jammu:BJP MLA from Basohli and ex-Forest
Minister Choudhary Lal Singh’s younger brother Rajinder Singh alias Bubby has
been booked for allegedly using derogatory remarks against CM Mehbooba Mufti
during a “Dogra Swabhiman Rally” in Kathua Sunday.“A case stands registered
against him under Section 509 of Ranbir Penal Code and Sections 66 and 67 of
the IT Act,” said Kathua SSP Shridhar Patil. “Police parties are looking for
him.” While both Bubby and Lal Singh could not be contacted as they had
switched off their mobile phones, sources said the case was registered on the
directions of DGP SP Vaid.Bubby, who was leading a group during a march led by
his brother from Lakhanpur to Hiranagar Sunday, was captured on camera
purportedly using abusive language against the CM and calling her
names.indianexpress
J&K Jamaat alleges forces ‘harassment’ in
Shopian village
J&K Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday alleged that
the workers and associates of Jamaat from Shopian and adjoining areas are being
“harassed” by the Rashtriya Rifles camp at Ahgam Shopian and are being
allegedly forced to attend the said camp where they are subjected to “mental
harassment” by asking unnecessary questions.The spokesman said that the said
camp in-charge repeatedly ask these workers of jamaat questions which are
beyond his domain and concern. Jamaat strongly denounces the role of 44-RR camp
at Ahgam Shopian against the local Jamaat workers and associates, and asks the
human rights bodies to intervene in this crucial situation and take effective
steps to stop it.kashmirlife
Muslim man breaks his Ramzan fast to save a Hindu,
eats food before donating blood
20-year-old Ajay Bilawalam fell ill and
realized that he was suffering from leprosy.Platelets in his blood began to
fall rapidly and to a dangerously low level, until he got help, from a Muslim.
Ajay needed A+ blood to survive and recover from his ailing health. Watching
his son die, it was Ajay's father who took it to social media to seek help from
his family and friends and get blood for Ajay. He wrote a poignant, heartfelt post,
asking people to donate blood or reach out to someone who is willing to.Upon
reading the post-Aarif, who is the president of National Association For
Parents And Students Rights immediately called Ajay's father and expressed his
willingness to make the donation.When Aarif reached the hospital, he was asked
by the doctors to first eat something and then participate in the donation.He
then insisted that he wanted to make the donation without consuming any food
since he was fasting, but doctors refused. Therefore, in order to save a life
and keeping humanity above any religion, Aarif consumed whatever food was given
by doctors and made the donation. indiatimes
Communal tension rises as right-wingers
attacking Muslim establishments following reportedly arresting of a RSS
pracharak in Satna lynching case
Parts of MP were engulfed in communal tensions
as right-wing Hindu organisations tried to attack shops and other
establishments after one Muslim, Shiraz Khan was lynched and one more person,
Shakeel was left fighting for life. 4 people have been arrested in relation to
the attacks, and the situation in the region remains tense but under control.
According to a local journalist, ever since the 4 people were arrested, Hindu
right-wing organisations have been attacking Muslim establishments with the
help of police. “I saw Hindu right-wing organisation members with swords in
various areas of Satna and Guna attacking shops, even as the police were
watching as if they are helpless. Across MP, Muslims are being threatened
during the month of Ramzan and this attack on the two Muslims is part of the
same strategy,” he said.Of the accused, one person is said to belong to the RSS
and was a local pracharak, the local source confirmed.TCN
MP police book murdered man for cow slaughter
before filing case against his attackers
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind condemns lynching
incident in Satna, calls for punishing guilty
New Delhi: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has condemned
the lynching of Siraj Khan by a violent mob in Satna, MP.JIH Secretary-General
Mohammed Salim Engineer, said, "We condemn the lynching of Siraj Khan.
Media reports suggest that he was mercilessly beaten to death on suspicion of
slaughtering a bull. This is absolutely unacceptable and shameful. There must
be someone who must be held accountable besides the ‘’lynch-mob’’ as there
seems to be no end to this series of lynching men from the minority community
on charges of slaughtering bovines or possessing beef."Engineer further
said, “The usual modus operandi of those who are supervising these hate crimes
from the background is to first kill, then glorify the killers, frame charges
against the victims and ensure that there is no condemnation by anyone from the
Govt. This attempt to ’normalize’ lynching over the beef issue is most
sinister and is extremely damaging for the country.”TCN
Meerut: Bajrang Dal threatens to protest over
alleged abduction of Hindu woman
Meerut: Bajrang Dal has threatened an
agitation if authorities fail to trace a married Hindu woman, who they claim
has been abducted by a 25-year-old Muslim man, even as police said the two
appear to be together willingly. Hindu groups affiliated to the ruling BJP
allege Shahzad abducted the 23-year-old woman on April 8 while she was on her
way to her in-laws’ place with her husband 6 days after their wedding. SSP Rajesh
Kumar Pandey cited inputs from his sources and said the two moved the Allahabad
High Court on May 5 seeking police protection. “But we have not officially got
a copy of the court’s view. Girl may have gone with him (Shahzad) willingly and
it appears that her parents might have forced her to get married…”Woman’s
brother said they have approached the high court and have been given a month to
respond. “We will put our case before the High Court to get our sister back,’’
he said. 4 police teams have failed to trace the two, with Bajrang Dal alleging
it to be a case of “love jihad”. Authorities have written to Facebook to trace
their location as Shahzad has been uploading pictures and updating his status
on the site. Shahzad uploaded a photo on Monday with the woman wearing a
saffron dupatta in the backdrop of Amritsar’s Golden Temple.Police have
announced Rs 25,000 award for anyone who helps trace the 2. Police have detained
8 of Shahzad’s friends, who had commented on his Facebook.indianexpress
Shahi Imam title given by Shahjahan: Bukhari
tells HC
Defending his decision to anoint his son as
his successor, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Maulana Ahmed Bukhari has claimed
before the Delhi High Court that it was an inherited title bestowed on the
first Imam by Mughal emperor Shahjahan and it was a custom which was not in
conflict with law for centuries.Bukhari claimed that the emperor had said that
the Imamat of Jama Masjid will continue in the family of the first Imam
only."As Shahi Imam is a title which was given to the first Imam of Jama
Masjid (Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari, Shahi Imam) by the emperor Shahjahan
and he also stated that the Imamat of the said Jama Masjid will continue in his
family only."As this is a custom and tradition and not in conflict with
any law from centuries, so no one should be restrained from using the
title/honor of Shahi Imam for the Imam of Jama Masjid," he said in an
affidavit filed before a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice
C Hari Shankar. The court was hearing 3 PILs challenging the Shahi Imam's
decision to appoint his son as the Naib Imam, which would make him his
successor.Bukhari, who is the 13th Imam in the line of descent, was responding
to the PILs filed by Suhail Ahmed Khan, Ajay Gautam and advocate VK Anand in
which they had said Jama Masjid was a property of Delhi Wakf Board and Bukhari
as its employee cannot appoint his son as Naib Imam (deputy Imam).However,
Bukhari claimed that "Jama Masjid is not a property of Waqf Board, it is a
waqf property whose ownership vests in Allah," and added that neither he
nor his predecessor Shahi Imams were employees of Delhi Waqf Board.PTI
240 temples lie in Indonesia, where 88%
population is Muslim: Sanjiv Bhatt
New Delhi: All-time vocal, former IPS officer,
Sanjiv Bhatt has in a tweet appreciated the ‘coexistence’ (of different
religions) by taking an example of the presence of prominent temples in a
Muslim dominated country Indonesia.“Prambanan Temples, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
These are set of 240 temples. The biggest is Shiva temple. It faces Nandi temple,
flanked by the Brahma and Vishnu temples. Hamsa and Garuda temples face their
riders’ temples. And 88% of Indonesia’s population is Muslim. #coexistence,”
tweeted Bhatt.siasat
Riot video shows policemen shouting ‘communal’
abuses
Aurangabad: 10 days after Aurangabad police
ordered an inquiry into the role of cops in the communal riots that rocked the
city on May 11 and 12 on the basis of a video, another clip showing policemen
shouting “communallycharged” abuses surfaced on social media. The authenticity
of the video, however, could not be independently verified.A 17-year-old boy
and a senior citizen were killed while 60 people, including 31 police personnel
were injured, in the communal violence in Aurangabad’s old city area. New clip,
a copy of which is with TOI, appears to have been shot from one of the houses
in Nawabpura in the early hours of May 12. It shows policemen firing from their
self-loading rifles, abusing the residents of the area and then challenging
them to come out of their houses.When contacted, SIT chief and DCP Deepali
Dhate Ghadge said they are investigating the video and the accused would soon
be identified.“It is very embarrassing that our policemen are found to be
showering communal abuses and shielding the rioters. Whether complainants come
forward or not, we will initiate action against the guilty policemen,” said a
senior police officer. Residents of the area have alleged that several rounds
were fired and several caps of empty cartridges were found on the road the day
after. They added that fearing the threats, they remained indoors, while the
rioters continued to torch their vehicles and property. TOI
Hyderabad: 2 Myanmar nationals arrested for
getting Aadhaar
Hyderabad: 2 Myanmar nationals were arrested
along with two locals for allegedly getting Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards and
PAN cards by submitting fabricated documents, the police said.The duo,
identified as Mohammad Fayaz, a labourer, and Mohammad Faisal, an Imam in a
mosque, have been staying in Balapur area here since 2015. They were arrested
along with a local visa agent and his associate, Rachakonda Police Commissioner
Mahesh M Bhagwat said. The two Myanmar nationals had come to India as refugees.
They planned to get Indian citizenship and approached the visa agent to obtain
Aadhaar and other cards for passports, the officer said.PTI
No Relief From Rising Fuel Price; Petrol,
Diesel at Fresh All-Time High Across States
Mumbai: Petrol price on Tuesday, May 22,
touched a new all-time high across states in India, reaching Rs 84.70 per litre
in Mumbai, 30 paise more than what it was on Monday, May 21. The price of
diesel, too, touched another peak of Rs 72.48 per litre in Mumbai today. In
Delhi, the price of petrol was at Rs 76.87 per litre today while the cost of
diesel went up to Rs 68.08 per litre here. Meanwhile, the industry as well as
the Opposition are demanding an excise duty cut to give partial relief to
consumers.In Chennai, the price of petrol on May 22 went up to Rs 79.79 per
litre while diesel was at Rs 71.87 per litre. In Kolkata, petrol price went up
to Rs 79.53 while diesel cost rose to Rs 70.63 per litre today.india.com
Counter-US strategy in mind, Putin talks
defence ties with India
Welcoming PM Narendra Modi to Sochi, Russia President
Vladimir Putin Monday emphasised on “defence cooperation” between the two
countries — at a time when the US is moving to target Russian tie-ups in the
sector.Stressing that Modi’s visit for an informal bilateral summit in Bocharev
Creek would give a fresh impetus to ties, Putin said, “Our defence ministries
maintain very close contacts and cooperation. It speaks about a very high
strategic level of our partnership.”The two leaders also reiterated the significance
of longstanding partnership in the military, security and nuclear energy fields
and welcomed the ongoing cooperation in these areas, a statement from the
Indian side said.Ahead of the summit, sources had indicated that the adverse
impact of US sanctions against Russia — under the Countering America’s
Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) — on defence ties with India may
come up during the conversation between Modi and Putin. India and Russia are
currently discussing an S-400 air defence system deal.According to a statement
by the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders agreed that the Special
and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia is an important
factor for global peace and stability.indianexpress
In bilateral chill, small steps towards thaw,
says Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria
New Delhi:Although there have been no official
announcements about a positive movement on India-Pakistan relations, there are
signs that both sides are looking at “windows of diplomatic opportunity to move
forward”.Steps taken include exchange of prisoners and progress on other
bilateral agreements, besides meeting of Indus Water Commission and scheduled
meetings of Coast Guard teams.Speaking to Indian Express, Indian High
Commissioner to Islamabad Ajay Bisaria delineated this thaw. “We have in recent
months been working on small steps forward, particularly on the humanitarian
side, to build an atmosphere of trust between the countries,” he said. “One of
these steps we have proposed is the exchange of all prisoners, particularly
those in the vulnerable category (women, seniors and the mentally challenged).
We have had some traction this year, including on agreements to exchange
medical delegations and resuming the institutional mechanism of the Joint
Judicial Committee, which will inspect jails and accelerate the process of
repatriation of prisoners.” indianexpress
World Bank listens to Pak’s grievances on
Indus Waters Treaty
Washington:A Pakistani delegation raised the
issue of India’s alleged violation of the Indus Waters Treaty with the World
Bank which discussed opportunities within the treaty to seek an amicable
resolution, officials said Tuesday.Yesterday’s meeting took place days after PM
Narendra Modi inaugurated the 330 MW
Kishanganga hydroelectric project in J&K , amid protests from Pakistan
which claims that the project on a river flowing into Pakistan will disrupt
water supplies.Pakistan’s Foreign Office had, on Friday, voiced concern over
the inauguration of the hydroelectric project, saying inauguration without
resolution of dispute between the two countries will tantamount to violation of
the Indus Waters 1960 that regulates the use of waters in the shared rivers.
“Indus Waters Treaty is a profoundly important international agreement that
provides an essential cooperative framework for India and Pakistan to address
current and future challenges of effective water management to meet human needs
and achieve development goals,” a World Bank spokesperson told PTI.PTI
75% of people believe corruption has increased
under Modi Govt, says CMS study
Positioning himself as the “Chowkidar” of the
wealth of the nation, Narendra Modi had famously said “Na khaunga, na khane
dunga” after becoming PM . But all his promises to curb corruption stand
exposed, as a recently-conducted study proves.Study reveals that corruption has
not only increased during Modi’s tenure, but most of the people in the country
also believe that Modi is not serious about fighting corruption.The study,
which covered 13 states (including six which are ruled by BJP) and 11 public
services, concluded that 75% of Indian households think that that the level of
the corruption in public service has either increased or remained the same
during the last 12 months. The states covered in the study include AP,
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar, MP,UP,West Bengal,Delhi,Punjab,
Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat. “While 38% of households across India feel
that the level of corruption has increased, another 37% of households feel that
the level of corruption in public services has remained the same as before. At
least 27% of the households had experienced corruption at least once while
availing any one of the 11 public services covered by the report,” claimed the
study.Conducted by CMS, the CMS-India Corruption Study 2018 points out that the
number of the people who doubt Narendra Modi’s commitment to fight corruption
in public life has increased in 2018.nationalheraldindia
Kerala: 200-year-old 'military' mosque offers
'green' iftar
When this mosque was constructed for the
soldiers of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore over 2 centuries ago, it
was a tiny thatched roof structure sans domes and minarets. Sharing border with
a Hindu shrine, it offered Muslim members of the royal army a place to offer
their prayers and 'eidgah' near their cantonment in the capital city.When it
had metamorphosed into the present magnificent structure over decades, the
'Juma Masjid' at Palayam here now woos even non-Muslims with its unique iftar
feast and secular gatherings during the month of Ramzan.Cutting across
religious barriers, local people including officials of the nearby state
Secretariat, drivers, traders, travellers and passers by, throng centuries-old
mosque during evenings of holy month.Complete adherence to green protocol and
distribution of "oushadha kanji, a unique medicinal porridge prepared and
served in an eco-friendly manner, make the iftar of this
"pattalappalli" unique.Palayam Juma Masjid was once known as
'pattalappalli' (military mosque) in local parlance as it was made for
Travancore Army. According to the mosque's management, over 900-1200 people
including non-muslims relish this delicious and nutritious 'kanji' every day of
the holy month.PTI
Mamata confers Banga Bhushan Award to Imam
Rashidi who lost his son in Asansol riots
Kolkata: Maulana Imam Imdadul Rashidi didn’t
reach to receive ‘Banga Bhushan’ Award presented by West Bengal Govt . Maulana
said he could not travel to Kolkata as it is the Holy month of Ramadan. Maulana
said Ramadan is the month of ibadah hence he cannot involve in any other
activity except ibadah.It must be noted that Maulana Imdadullah Rashidi lost
his young son in Asansol riots which began in the industrial town and other areas
in the state after the Ram Navami celebrations. Imam Maulana Rashidi’s son
Sibghatullah Rashidi had appeared in 10th class board exam. He went missing on
the day when riots occurred. It was found that the rioters had kidnapped him.
Later his body was recovered.Impressed by the peace-loving attitude and courage
of Imdadullah West Bengal CM Mamata
Banerjee decided to confer Banga Bhushan Award on him.siasat
Godse’s Birthday Celebration by Hindu
Mahasabha Disrupted by Congress Workers in Bhopal
The affection of Hindu Mahasabha in BJP-ruled
Madhya Pradesh for Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin Nathuram Godse is well-known. Six
months after setting up a Godse temple in Gwalior, the right-wing group was
celebrating his birth anniversary on 19 May in Bhopal. But celebrations ended
abruptly after Congress workers showed up and protested.The Godse worshippers
had gathered under a railway overbridge called Veer Savarkar Setu in the state
capital with a garlanded picture of Gandhi’s murderer and were distributing
sherbet (sweetened drink) to the people passing by.All was well until a group
of youth Congress workers reached the overbridge and disrupted the festivities.
Led by youth Congress spokesperson for Madhya Pradesh, Krishna Ghadge, the
workers shouted slogans against Godse and in favour of Gandhi. A video of the
incident went viral on social media.In the video, a woman associated with Mahasabha
is seen asking Congress workers to prove that Godse had killed Gandhi. Later,
the right-wingers also began raising slogans in favour of Godse.Before the
situation went out of control, police arrived at the celebration site, which
comes under Bagsewania police station. newsclick
WORLD
Call for coup in Saudi: Dissident prince urges
uncles to seize power
Germany - A dissident Saudi prince has called
on his uncles to depose King Salman and take over the country.Prince Khaled bin
Farhan made the appeal to Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz and Prince Muqrin bin
Abdulaziz, saying that the damage being done to the Saudi royal family and the
kingdom by Salman’s “irrational, erratic and stupid” rule had gone beyond the
point of no-return. In an interview with Middle East Eye, Prince Khaled, who
was given political asylum in Germany in 2013, said that if Ahmed and Muqrin
were to unite ranks then “99 % of the members of the royal family, the security
services and the army would stand behind them”.
'I seize this opportunity to appeal to my uncles Ahmed and Muqrin, who
are the sons of Abdulaziz…to do something
to change things for the better' Prince Khaled is a distant member of the Saudi
royal family. But Riyadh is sensitive to any member breaking ranks, however
distant he may be to the line of succession, and has tried to lure him back.
The prince said that recent statements by Mamduh bin Abdulaziz, one of the
eldest surviving brothers of King Salman, indicated wider resentment within the
family as a whole.“There is so much anger within the royal family,” Prince
Khaled said, “I took this information and appeal to my uncles Ahmed and Muqrin,
who are the sons of Abdulaziz and are highly educated, well versed and able to
change things for the better. I can say that we are all behind them and support
them.”Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, a former deputy minister of interior and minister of
the interior, retains the support of important sections of the security forces
and the tribes, the prince said. Prince Khaled said he had received a large
number of emails from people within the police and army in support of his call.
The call for a coup comes as mystery continues about bursts of heavy gunfire
which were heard outside the king’s Ouja palace in Riyadh in April.Official
explanation was that security guards had shot down “a toy drone”.But the
anonymous Saudi blogger Mujtahidd said that the palace had been attacked by
heavy guns mounted on two SUVs, during which 6 security staff and two
assailants were killed. MBS has not been seen in public since the shooting
incident prompting speculation in the Russian media that he had been killed. In
recent days, the office of MBS has released images of him with regional leaders
to counter such rumours. middleeasteye
All mosques in China should raise national
flag, says state-run Islamic association
All mosques in China should raise the national
flag and study the Chinese Constitution, socialist core values to strengthen
their “concept of nation” and carry forward “spirit of patriotism,” state-run
China Islamic Association said. Chinese experts hailed the initiative for
seeking to assimilate religion into a socialist society and as progress for
religious development.In a letter published on its website, the association
urged nationwide Islamic associations and mosques to raise national flags all
the time and in prominent positions. Associations and mosques should also study
the Chinese Constitution, socialist core values and traditional classical
Chinese culture, state-run Global Times quoted the letter as saying.The legal
study classes should be offered so that Muslims can conduct religious
activities in accordance with the law and correctly understand its relationship
with religious doctrine.PTI
Ex-Prez candidate son: Egypt is deliberately
trying to kill my dad
Egypt’s Govt is deliberately trying to kill
former presidential candidate Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh by failing to improve
the conditions of his imprisonment, his son has warned.Aboul Fotouh is
suffering from the deterioration of his health as a result of his
incarceration. He is being held on charges of “publishing false news to harm
Egypt’s national interests” and membership in an illegal group, in reference to
the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood. He strongly denies all the accusations. His
son said in a Facebook post on Saturday, following a visit to his father in
detention, that “there is no improvement in the prison’s conditions or [my father’s]
health, and the request to transfer him to a hospital continues to be
rejected.”Aboul Fotouh is being held in solitary confinement and has been put
on the country’s terror list, allowing authorities to freeze his assets and ban
him from travel should he be released.MEMO
Egypt intensifies Sinai home demolitions in
bid to fight IS, says rights group
A rights group has accused Egyptian army of
unlawfully destroying thousands of homes and hundreds of hectares of farmland
in parts of northern Sinai, as part of its campaign against militants
affiliated to the Islamic State (IS) group.Using satellite imagery and local
testimony, HRW said that at least 3,000 homes and commercial buildings were
destroyed in northern Sinai, leading many lifelong residents to be displaced in
the area.The destruction, much of which is "likely unlawful"
according to the group, has extended beyond the two Govt -designated security
buffer zones in the cities of al-Arish and Rafah.HRW had also accused Egyptian
army of demolishing several homes in al-Arish,"in retaliation against
terrorism suspects, political dissidents, and their relatives".Since 2013,
more than 1,500 armed attacks have killed dozens of civilians and hundreds of
members of the security forces in northern Sinai, according to Tahrir Institute
for Middle East Policy.Residents who have fallen victim to the recent round of
demolitions told HRW that army began demolishing houses and razing farms around
the al-Arish airport, soon after President Fatah Abdel al-Sisi announced a
five-kilometre airport buffer zone in Jan. 2018. middleeasteye
No Plan B: New US demands on Iran 'set stage
for war'
A US air force plane was waiting for Mike
Pompeo while he was taking the oath as the country's new secretary of state in
late April in Washington, DC. Promising to get the state department's
"swagger" back, Pompeo wasted no time after being sworn in, setting
off on a whirlwind tour of the Middle East to Israel, Saudi Arabia and
Jordan.At every stop, the US' top diplomat lambasted Iran, accusing it of being
"the greatest sponsor of terrorism" in the world. He vowed to ensure
Tehran never possessed a nuclear weapon.A few days later, on May 9, President
Donald Trump announced Washington was abandoning the 2015 nuclear deal - signed
between Iran and six major powers - under which Tehran accepted limits on its
nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.pullout was strongly opposed
by the pact's other signatories, including Washington's European allies, and
caused jitters in some of Europe's biggest companies over the fate of
multi-billion dollar deals made with Iran. In Tehran, prospect of further
punishing sanctions weighed down on residents, increased anti-White House
sentiment and prompted the country's foreign minister to embark on a diplomatic
tour to save the deal.aljazeera
UK will use US embassy in Jerusalem despite
condemning move
British officials will make use of the new US
embassy in Jerusalem, despite the UK Govt condemning the move. 62 Palestinians were
killed by Israeli soldiers during protests enflamed by the embassy's relocation
last week. When US President Donald Trump announced the American plan to
recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last December, the UK rebuffed the
decision, saying it would be unhelpful for peace prospects. Last week, UK,
along with France, Germany and much of the international diplomatic corps,
boycotted the ceremony inaugurating the new embassy in Jerusalem’s Arnona
neighbourhood.But in a meeting three days later with members of the British
Palestinian Policy Council, UK Middle East Minister Alistair Burt rejected the
group’s request that UK continue the boycott and refuse to work in the new
embassy, according to an account from an attendee.“When we asked him to confirm
[that] UK officials would not attend meetings at the embassy going forward, as
the UK does not recognise it, he was very clear that they would attend,”source
said.Foreign Office has now confirmed that, while UK does disagree with the
move, diplomats and other representatives will attend meetings at the embassy
going forward.News of the UK’s decision to attend meetings at the new US
embassy comes after Britain abstained on Friday during a UN HRC vote on a
resolution to assign international war crimes investigators to look into
Israel’s response to protests that have seen 110 Palestinians killed since late
March.middleeasteye
Israel MPs discuss a bill to promote the
establishment of a Kurdish State
Israeli parliamentarians from the Likud and
Yisrael Beiteinu parties began a debate in the Knesset on Monday to examine
ways in which Israel could help the Kurds establish an independent state in
Syria, Iraq, and Turkey.The official Israeli radio said that Knesset members
from both parties submitted a proposal for an agenda on this issue to the
Knesset.It pointed out that this proposal came against the background of the
deterioration in relations between Tel Aviv and Turkey, the expansion of
Iranian power in the region, and the opposition to the establishment of an
independent Kurdish state as a sovereign state.The radio quoted Knesset member
Yoav Kish (Likud) as one of the initiators of the proposal, saying that in
light of regional circumstances recently
created, it is clear that an independent Kurdish state is an Israeli
interest.MEMO
Abbas 'suffers from pneumonia, condition
improving'
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is
suffering from pneumonia but his condition is improving, according to officials
who visited him in hospital.Ahmad Tibi, an Arab member of the Knesset, said on
Monday that he paid a visit to the 82-year-old leader at a hospital in Ramallah
in the occupied West Bank."He suffers from pneumonia and is treated with
antibiotics," Tibi, who is also a doctor, wrote on Twitter.Noting that
Abbas's condition had "markedly improved", Tibi added: "He will
spend several more days in the hospital. We discussed several political
issues."aljazeera
14 police killed in Taliban attacks in eastern
Afghanistan
Kabul:An Afghan official says at least 14
police officers have been killed after Taliban attacked several districts in
eastern Ghazni province.Provincial council member Hassan Reza Yusoufi says the
seven killed in Dih Yak district included police chief and a reserve police
commander. Another 7 were killed in Jaghatu district.Latifa Akbari, the head of
provincial council in Ghazni, confirmed that Taliban stormed several
checkpoints in Dih Yak and Jaghatu and there are more than 20 casualties among
security forces.Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for
the attacks. Mujahid claimed the Jaghatu district headquarters was captured as
well as police checkpoints in Dih Yak.AP
Indian-origin Sikh becomes Malaysia's 1st
cabinet minister
Gobind Singh Deo, Indian-origin Sikh
politician in Malaysia, has become a cabinet minister, first member of the
minority community in the country's history to be appointed as a minister. Deo,
45, who has been given the communications and multimedia portfolio, is among
the two politicians of Indian descent included in Pakatan Harapan coalition's
Cabinet. Other Indian-origin lawmaker is M Kulasegaran from Democratic Action
Party, who has been made the human resource minister.Deo represents Puchong
constituency in the Malaysian Parliament and is the son of late Malaysian
lawyer and politician Karpal Singh. PTI
NGOs: Saudi must be held to account for rights
violations in Yemen
Mwatana Organization for Human Rights and
Columbia Law School’s Human Rights Clinic have submitted a new report to the
United Nations that is highly critical of Saudi Arabia’s human rights
record.Radhya Almutawakel, Chairperson of Mwatana Organization for Human Rights
said: “No one has been spared in the war in Yemen—for more than three years,
Saudi-led coalition airstrikes have killed and injured thousands of civilians,
destroying homes, schools, hospitals, and even hitting weddings and
funerals.”Almutawakel went on, “When Govt s review Saudi Arabia’s human rights
record at the UN later this year, they must examine Saudi conduct not only in
Saudi Arabia but also in Yemen, and offer recommendations to promote human
rights and a peaceful solution to the conflict.”The report also describes
Saudi’s continued restriction of vital food imports and humanitarian aid to
Yemen which has lead to what the UN has described as the “worst humanitarian
crisis in the world.”middleeastmonitor
Lebanon’s Saad Hariri asked to lead caretaker
govt
Beirut:Lebanese President Michel Aoun on
Tuesday asked PM Saad Hariri to continue
leading his cabinet until a new Govt can
be drawn up.In a statement, Aoun thanked Hariri and his cabinet ministers for
remaining at their positions until a new cabinet can be formed following
Lebanon’s May 6 parliamentary poll.The newly elected parliament is slated to
hold its first session on Wednesday, when lawmakers will choose a new assembly
speaker.Anadolu Agency
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
SC must now address itself to protecting the
institution from political machinations:Kapil Sibal
UP By-Polls: In Kairana and Noorpur, It’s
United Opposition Versus BJP Again:Prudhviraj Rupawat
Satna 'beef' lynching – Why MP Govt must say, not in my name: yasheesingh
Remembering revolt of 1857: When Hindus and
Muslims were comrades in arms:Anirudh Deshpande
Paraguay: Is Israel's latest 'best friend'
also a Hezbollah haven?Peter Speetjens
Amid Maharashtra farm sector slump, crop loans
fall by 40%:Manasi Phadke
There’s no accurate data on Other Backward
Classes. 2021 census should start counting:TEJAS HARAD
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