NEWS
DIGEST, Afternoon
27 Feb. 2019:
21 Jamadiul-II 1440:Vol:11, No:139
INDIA
Indian pilot ‘missing in action’ as IAF shoots
down Pak aircraft; Islamabad claims he’s in its custody
New Delhi:Ministry of External Affairs today said
Pakistan’s attempts to target military installations on the Indian side were
foiled successfully and that one Pakistan aircraft was shot down.MEA spokesman
Raveesh Kumar said India lost one MIG-21 in that engagement,while one pilot is
“missing in action”. Pakistan claims that it has the pilot in its custody, MEA
spokesperson said, adding that the Govt is ascertaining the details.Hours after
Pakistan claimed “strikes across LoC from within Pakistani airspace”, Pakistan
Army also released a video that purportedly shows an IAF pilot identifying
himself as Wing Commander Abhinandan. Indian Express has learnt that a
complement of Pakistan Air Force aircraft, presumably comprising Mirages, F16s
and JF17s, crossed over to the Indian side of LoC in Rajauri-Naushera sector.This
attack happened at around 10 AM, and Pakistani bombs missed the targets which
seemed to be an ammunition point, a supply point, a brigade headquarters and a
battalion headquarters in the area.An IAF combat air patrol (CAP) of Mig29
aircraft was immediately put up in air to engage the Pakistani aircraft in the
air. 2 Mig29 aircraft were claimed to have been shot down by Pakistan, with one
wreckage falling on the Indian side and the other on the Pakistani side of LoC.
PTI has reported that a Pakistani F16 was shot down in the engagement. There
has been no official confirmation of the engagement from the govt.In a
statement released by Pak Foreign Ministry, Islamabad said:“This was not
retaliation to continued Indian belligerence. Pakistan has, therefore, taken
strikes at a non-military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage.
Sole purpose being to demonstrate our right, will and capability for
self-defence. We have no intention of escalation, but are fully prepared to do
so if forced into that paradigm. That is why we undertook the action with clear
warning and in broad daylight.”“If India is striking at so-called terrorist
backers without a shred of evidence, we also retain reciprocal rights to
retaliate against elements that enjoy Indian patronage while carrying out acts
of terror in Pakistan. We do not wish to go to that route and wish that India
gives peace a chance and to resolve issues like a mature democratic nation,”
Pakistan’s statement said,reported The Dawn.While there is no official reaction
from the Indian Govt yet, PTI quoted officials saying that the Pakistani jets
were pushed back by Indian aircraft on air patrol. According to the report,
Pakistan jets violated Indian air space in Nowshera sector of J&K’s Rajouri
district and in Poonch. PTI reports, quoting officials, that Pakistani jets
dropped bombs while returning. There were no immediate reports of any
casualties or damage.Security has been heightened in J&K. Flight services,
which were suspended at 7 airports for civilian traffic, including Srinagar,
Jammu and Leh, have resumed operations.An official from Airport Authority of
India (AAI) had earlier told PTI that “civilian air traffic has been suspended
temporarily in view of the emergency”. 2 bodies have been recovered from the
site.The entire airspace north of Delhi has been vacated, official sources
said, reported PTI.Since Tuesday evening, Pakistani troops had also resorted to
firing mortar shells targeting civilian hamlets and forward posts. All Govt and
private schools located within 5 kms of LoC in the district are closed today.
The exams scheduled for today also stand cancelled, DM, Rajouri told ANI.In
Rajouri, Pakistan fired 120 mm mortars targeting civilian hamlets.Meanwhile, 5
Pakistani posts were destroyed as Indian Army retaliated to unprovoked cross
border heavy shelling and firing of missiles. Defence Ministry Spokesperson said
the firing resulted in several casualties on Pakistani side. 5 Indian soldiers
were also injured during the fight.indianexpress
India tells Pak to release IAF pilot, protests
‘vulgar display’ of injured
India today asked Pakistan to ensure immediate
release and safe return of Indian Air Force pilot who was missing in action
after Pakistan shot down a MIG 21 jet. India also objected to Islamabad putting
out widely circulated photographs and videos of the pilot. A statement by ministry
of external affairs said the video was a “vulgar display” of an injured
personnel of Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International
Humanitarian Law and Geneva Convention.India said Pak’s “unprovoked act of
aggression” was in sharp contrast to India’s non-military anti-terror
pre-emptive strike in Balakot. HT
6 IAF Personnel, 1 Civilian Killed as Military
Aircraft Crashes in J&K's Budgam District
Srinagar:6 personnel onboard an Indian
military chopper and a civilian were killed today when the aircraft crashed in
Budgam district of J&K.Aircraft crashed in an open field near Garend Kalaan
village in Budgam at 10:05 am, officials said.It broke into 2 and caught fire
immediately, senior officials said. Defence officials said aircraft, an MI-17
chopper, crashed after developing a technical snag. It crashed amid rapid
escalation of tension between India and Pakistan. news18
PM Modi holds key review meet with top
officials on Pak situation
PM Narendra Modi is holding a key meeting with
security and intelligence officials after Pakistan Air Force jets violated Indian
airspace early today morning, sources said. NSA Ajit Doval, senior officials of
the Indian Navy, Army and the Air Force and other security officials were present
at the meeting, sources said. Meeting takes place in the background spiralling
tension between India and Pakistan after an Indian Air Force fighter plane was
shot down Wednesday and its pilot was reported missing in action.External
affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that an Indian Air Force pilot
who engaged Pakistani jets that violated Indian airspace this morning is
missing in action. He said India is verifying Pakistani claims that the pilot
is in its custody.HT
Let’s not miscalculate: Imran Khan after
Pakistan jets violate Indian airspace
New Delhi:Pakistan PM Imran Khan today called for de-escalation of
hostility in the aftermath of Pulwama attack. In a televised address, Khan said
violation of Indian airspace by Pakistan air force was “a demonstration of our
capabilities” after strike by Indian Air Force.He said, “We didn’t take action
on Tuesday morning because we weren’t aware of the damage caused by air strike
by India. We did not want to cause much collateral damage in India when there
was not much damage on our side. The only motive of Pakistan’s strike today was
to demonstrate that we have the capability to hit back.”He was referring to IAF
strike in Pakistan. Khan said the country’s air force crossed LoC this morning
to demonstrate its capability to carry out a similar exercise inside Indian
territories. 3 Pakistan Air Force aircrafts were reported to have violated
Indian airspace. Khan claimed that 2 MiG planes crossed the border in
retaliation of Pakistan air force’s action. “They were shot down.Pilots are
with us,” he said.Further, Khan appeared to play down the impact of IAF strike
saying “not much damage was done” in the exercise. He appealed to PM Narendra
Modi to resolve the issues through dialogue.“All wars have happened due to
miscalculation. With all the weapons that you (India) and we (Pakistan) have,
can we afford to miscalculate. If it escalates neither I or Mr Modi would be in
a position to control its course. This is why I suggest that better sense
should prevail,” Khan said.HT
Order on shutdown of airports in north India withdrawn,
flights to resume
The order to shut down nine airports over the
northern states of J&K,Punjab and Himachal has been withdrawn. Flight
operations have already resumed from some airports,including Jammu. Civil
Aviation official told PTI, "As of now, ops to these airports resumed
(sic)."Order for shut down was issued a short while ago amid an escalation
of hostilities with Pakistan. NDTV
J&K : ‘Lot of noise, thought the war had
begun’
Srinagar:There was uneasy calm in the Valley
Tuesday following the pre-dawn strike in Balakot, with local residents fearing
that the situation between the two nuclear armed countries may escalate in the
near future. Recent Govt orders for hospitals to stock up medicines and for
food department to complete distribution of rations added to the sense of
anxiety among citizens in Kashmir. Residents closely followed the developments
related to air strike Tuesday even as markets remained open and traffic plied
smoothly.Arshid Ahmad, who works for a private company in Srinagar, said people
will suffer if Pakistan retaliates to the Indian action. “Unlike last time,
Pakistan accepted that India crossed LoC. It means things will definitely
escalate. Pakistan will also react now. There is fear and people panicked in
the Valley. No one knows what is going to happen,” he said. Residents in Uri in
north Kashmir said jets hovering over skies made a lot of noise early Tuesday.
indianexpress
‘Blatant
politicisation of sacrifices made by armed forces’: 21 opposition parties
target BJP
New Delhi:Leaders of 21 opposition political
parties on Wednesday condemned Pulwama attack and targeted ruling BJP over
“blatant politicisation” of the sacrifices made by the jawans. The opposition
parties expressed solidarity with the armed forces in the fight against
terrorism.Reading out a joint statement after the meeting of opposition party
leaders, Congress head Rahul Gandhi said, “meeting of 21 parties expressed
their deep anguish over blatant politicization of the sacrifices made by our
Armed Forces by leaders of the ruling party.”his comes in the wake of BJP
leaders including party chief Amit Shah saying at public rallies post-Pulwama
attack that “only Modi Govt can avenge” the attack on security forces.“National
security must transcend narrow political considerations. Leaders observed that PM
has, regrettably, not convened an-all party meeting as per the established
practice in our democracy,” reads the joint statement. The opposition parties
expressed deep concern for the safety of the missing pilot, confirmed earlier
in day by external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. HT
Army, BSF troops along International Border,
LoC put on highest degree of alertness
Jammu: Army and BSF have been put on the
highest degree of alertness along the border after air space violations by the
neighbouring country and the night-long heavy firing and shelling by Pakistani
troops on forward and civilians areas across the LoC which stopped on
Wednesday. Authorities have ordered temporary closure of educational
institutions in a 5-km radius along LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts today
amid mounting tensions between the two countries. All residents of the border
areas have been asked to remain inside their homes and not venture outside.PTI
Balakot air strikes: China offers tacit
support to India, but rejects labelling Pakistan as terror sponsor
Wuzhen: China today appeared to have walked a
thin line by tacitly supporting Indian air strikes in Pakistan, but making it
plain that it would not label Islamabad as a state sponsor of terrorism.China’s
deft balancing act became visible during comments by Chinese State Councillor and
Foreign Minister Wang Yi during course of Russia-India-China (RIC) Foreign
Ministers meeting in Wuzhen. Endorsing Chinese Foreign Minister’s remarks,
External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj,on 2 occasions referred to Wang’s
observation. But Chinese Foreign Minsiter was also emphatic against accusing
Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism. “China, Russia and India have
reaffirmed our strong opposition to terrorism in its various forms and
manifestations. At the same time, we believe that Pakistan has always been opposed
to terrorism,” Wang observed.Referring to “recent developments between India
and Pakistan,”Wang said he appreciated “statements by Indian and Pakistani
friends saying that they would exercise restraint and avoid escalation of the
situation.” The hindu
India doesn’t wish to see further escalation
of situation, says Sushma Swaraj in China
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said
that India will continue to act with responsibility and restraint and does not
want to see further escalation of the situation after the air strikes in
Balakot across the border. Swaraj defended the “preemptive action”, urging all
countries to show “zero tolerance to terrorism”. Swaraj visited China
today.scroll.in
IAF air strikes: Pakistan expresses
reservation about OIC’s invitation to Sushma Swaraj
Pakistan has expressed its reservation about Organisation
of Islamic Cooperation’s invitation to India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma
Swaraj to attend its meeting later this week in the wake of Indian Air Force’s
pre-dawn strike, PTI reported.India has been invited to the inaugural plenary
of the foreign ministers’ conclave of OIC, which is a group of Muslim majority
nations, in Abu Dhabi from March 1 to March 2. Swaraj will attend the meeting
as the “guest of honour”.At a press conference in Islamabad after a special
meeting of its National Security Committee,Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah
Mahmood Qureshi said the situation has changed now.He said he has spoken to his
UAE counterpart and “expressed reservations” about inviting Swaraj to the
conclave. “Aggression has been done against a founding member of OIC,” said
Qureshi.The minister said PM Imran Khan has held telephonic conversations with
UAE Crown Prince and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman over the
development.OIC on Pakistan’s request summoned an emergency meeting of its Kashmir
Contact Group in Riyadh. OIC expressed deep concern over the heightened tension
between the two neighbours and called for immediate de-escalation in the
region, according to Pakistan Foreign Office. OIC “condemned the Indian
incursion and aerial violation... against an OIC founding member state”. “It
urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid any steps that would
endanger peace and security in region,”it said.scroll.in
Lok Sabha elections: Election Commission says
it is monitoring situation after IAF air strikes
Election Commission of India said it is
monitoring developments in the country after Pulwama attack and Indian Air
Force’s pre-dawn strike across Line of Control, PTI reported. Election
Commissioner Ashok Lavasa said the poll panel is duty-bound to carry out the
mandate given by the Constitution. He was responding to a question on whether Election
Commission’s schedule for the Lok Sabha elections, due to be held in the
summer, would be affected by the developments in wake of the air
strikes.“Election Commission does keep a watch on all the developments which
take place,” said Lavasa. “And we are duty-bound to carry out our mandate,
which has been given by the Constitution.”scroll.in
IAF air strike BJP's attempt to sabotage LS
polls: CPI(M) leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan
Hours after a dozen Indian Air Force war
planes conducted a pre-dawn raid in Pakistan, a senior CPI(M) leader in Kerala
raised many eyebrows saying the strike was part of an attempt by BJP to trigger
a war and derail the upcoming general elections."BJP govt, which fears
defeat in Lok Sabha polls,is trying to polarise communities through war
mongering," said CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri
Balakrishnan."Instead of finding a solution to the insurgency in Kashmir,
BJP Govt is trying to make things worse by making the people of Kashmir enemies
of the state,"he said,addressing a rally in Idukki. Balakrishnan's comment
came even as several leaders cutting across party lines, including Congress
president Rahul Gandhi, hailed the IAF action.theweek
World Peace Possible Only After Pak Eliminated
From Global Map: Shiv Sena
Mumbai: A day after Indian jets bombed in
Pakistan's Balakot, Shiv Sena demanded continuous operations, dubbing the
Pakistan "dangerous" for the entire world.Shiv Sena, in an editorial
in party mouthpiece ''Saamana'', said there cannot be peace across the globe
until Pakistan is wiped off the world map.PTI
did not issue statement on India,Pak clashes:Taliban
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said today
the group has not issued any statement about the ongoing clashes between India
and Pakistan.Mujahid told Reuters that “statement circulating about their
comments on India,Pakistan clashes was fake”.“We have not said that India,
Pakistan clashes will affect the Afghan peace process. The statement shared on
social media and with news companies is fake,”he said. Reuters
NIA launches crackdown 2.0 against top
separatists in Kashmir
On a day IAF struck in Pakistan, NIA launched
a massive crackdown against separatists and raided 7 locations, including the
residences of Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and
JKLF chairman Mohommad Yasin Malik, in Srinagar in the terror funding case.
Apart from Mirwaiz and Malik, those raided included houses of Muhammad Ashraf
Sehrai, Zafar Akbar Bhat, Naseem Geelani, Masrat Alam and Shabir Ahmed
Shah.Shah is already lodged in Tihar jail on money laundering charges while
Alam is in prison since 2010. Malik was taken into custody some days ago and
lodged in Kothi Bagh police station.Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son
Naseem Geelani and his close aide and head of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Ashraf Sehrai
were also raided.Zafar, ex top Hizbul Mujahideen commander, who now heads the
separatist outfit JKSM, was architect of the ceasefire by Hizbul Mujahideen in
July 2000. Zaffar, along with 3 other commanders, held talks with then union
home secretary Kamal Panday in Srinagar for the settlement of Kashmir tangle.Joint
Resistance Leadership of separatists called for 2-day protest strike against
NIA raids,wide spreads arrests and attempts to tinker with State subject Law
under the pretext of 35 A.dnaindia
NIA Raids On Kashmiri Separatists: Another
Evidence Of Centre's 'Iron Fist Policy'?
After Centre’s assurance, SC declines further
orders on alleged harassment of Kashmiris
New Delhi :The Supreme Court today declined to
pass any further order on a plea on the alleged targeting of Kashmiris
post-Pulwama attack after taking note of Centre’s statement that no fresh case
of violence against them has been reported since Feb.22.Today, Attorney General
KK Venugopal submitted that no attacks have been reported against Kashmiris
after Feb.22 order by the apex court, directing chief secretaries and DGPs of
states and Union Territories to ensure “prompt” action to prevent any incidents
of violence or intimidation and social boycott of Kashmiris and other minority
communities in the aftermath of Pulwama attack. Petition by advocate Tariq
Adeeb said that “immediately after the (Pulwama) attack, mobs and vigilante
groups engaged in vitriolic hate speech and began attacking and threatening
Muslims and Kashmiris throughout the country” and referred to some of these
alleged instances. The plea alleged that Centre and states have not been
effective in curbing this and sought the court’s intervention.At least 10
Kashmiri students were booked and 24 others suspended or rusticated from
colleges across the country over “anti-national” social media posts. Several
Kashmiri students, especially in Uttarakhand and Haryana, had to pack up and
leave following cases of assault and violence.indianexpress
Babri Masjid litigant endorses PM Modi, says
‘tenure of PM Modi, CM Adityanath good’ -
New Delhi:
Ahead of the 2019 elections, PM Narendra Modi has received support and
praise from unexpected quarters. Iqbal Ansari, a litigant for the
reconstruction of Babri Masjid at the disputed land in Ayodhya, has endorsed
the Modi govt, saying that his “tenure was good” and that he “deserves praise.”Ansari
also lauded the Yogi Adityanath Govt in UP, adding that people who work well
“must rule the nation.” Notably, the NDA govt’s stance on Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri
Masjid debate is contrary to Ansari’s perspective, as the Modi Govt has backed
the construction of Ram Mandir at the site in Ayodhya. Meanwhile, praising the
BJP leaders, Ansari said, "When the tenure of PM Modi and CM Yogi has been
good, people will praise them. Since they deserve praise, I also praise them. I
want parties who work well to rule the nation. The tenure of both Modi and Yogi
has been going well,” Ansari said, Times Now
Was asked to resign in 24 hours': Odisha professor
who said 'India should not go to war with Pakistan'
Nationwide war mongering that has followed Pulwama
attack claimed its first victim in Odisha when Madhumita Ray, an assistant
professor with School of Rural Management in KIIT University, had to resign
from her post for her antiwar and ‘anti-army’ views in a discussion on leading
Odia TV channel Kanak TV on Feb.18. Notably, Achyut Samanta, founder of KIIT,
is also an MP from the ruling BJD.There was a heated debate between Ray and a
retired Colonel of Indian Army Purna Chandra Patnaik on the desirability of war
with Pakistan with the former sticking to her ‘no war’ views and calling for a
political process in Kashmir and Colonel calling her an ‘anti-national’ on live
TV. Significantly, this particular edition of the popular show ‘Manoranjan
Mishra Live’, however, is not available on the channel’s website.Ray says she
was asked to resign ‘within 24 hours’ by university authorities 2 days after
the show was aired on Feb.18 despite the fact that she was entitled to a
one-month notice as per the terms of service. “I chose to resign rather than
give up my freedom of expression. Next morning I got a message saying my
resignation had been accepted, and within 15 minutes I had a man from HR in my
room asking me to sign the relieving letter. I did not want to engage with
anyone after that, so Feb.21 was my last day,” she says. outlookindia
DoT Official Suspended After Flagging MLA
Kapil Mishra's 'Incendiary' Video
New Delhi: Ashish Joshi, bureaucrat who
complained to the commissioner of the Delhi Police over a “highly incendiary”
video posted by former AAP leader Kapil Sharma, was on Tuesday suspended by Department
of Telecommunications.He now faces disciplinary action.Mishra had, on February
24, uploaded to Twitter a video of himself reciting a poem, in which he vowed
to “wage war” against “traitors” who would be “dragged out of their homes onto
the streets”. Subsequently, Joshi – the controller of communications account in
Dehradun – wrote to Delhi CP Amulya Patnaik to register his concern. Twitter
forced Mishra to take the video down – not before it gained significant
traction. YouTube has since removed clip from its website as well.Journalist
Barkha Dutt, activists Kavita Krishnan and Shehla Rashid, politician Navjot
Singh Sidhu and actor Naseeruddin Shah were all referred to as “traitors” in
the video.“Those who wanted me arrested by showing a fake letter, that person
lost his job,” Mishra posted on Twitter on Tuesday. “This Ashish Joshi is
suspended from his job.”Speaking to the Hindustan Times on Monday, Joshi said,
“I do not know most of the people the person has named in the video. I have
filed a complaint in public interest. It is shocking when a person incites
violence by asking people to come forward and drag people out of their homes.” thewire
Non-bailable warrant against Arnab Goswami, 3 other Republic TV
journalists
Srinagar: A non-bailable warrant has been issued against Republic TV
editor Arnab Goswami and three other journalists by the court of the chief
judicial magistrate of Srinagar on Saturday, in a case filed by PDP leader
Naeem Akhtar.According to Scroll, alleging that the channel telecast
“scandalous” content against him, Akhtar had filed a plea seeking punishment
for the accused under Section 499 and Section 500 of IPC, which relate to
defamation.As reported by Kashmir News Service, court had on Dec.27 directed
Goswami, channel’s special Srinagar correspondent Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, Senior
Associate Editor Aditya Raj Kaul and anchor, Sakal Bhatt, to appear before
it.But Goswami, Kaul and Bhatt cannot answer the summons on Saturday because of
the situation prevailing in the Kashmir following Pulwama attack, Irshad Ahmad,
the counsel for the defendants, told the court. However, he said Fazil cannot
appear before the court due to her personal and professional engagements. Rejecting
the defendants’ application seeking personal exemption from appearance,CJM said
the accused were required to appear in court and submit surety bonds.siasat
SC to hear Centre’s plea seeking stay on
possible eviction of tribals, forest dwellers tomorrow
New Delhi :The Supreme Court has agreed to
hear on Thursday the Centre’s plea seeking a stay on the possible eviction of
around 11.8 lakh tribals and traditional forest dwellers, whose claim for right
over forest land has been rejected under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest
Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006.A bench headed by Chief
Justice Ranjan Gogoi took note of the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar
Mehta that the Centre’s plea be listed for hearing on an urgent basis.The apex
court had earlier asked 21 states to apprise it about the action taken by them
over the eviction of tribals and forest dwellers whose claim have been
rejected.PTI
SC to CBI director: Provide details of alleged
contempt by ex Kolkata police chief in Saradha case
The Supreme Court today directed CBI Director
to file affidavit giving details about the alleged contempt committed by West
Bengal police and the then Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with
Saradha chit fund scam cases.A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and
Justice Sanjiv Khanna asked CBI Director to provide information in support of allegations
of tampering and destruction of call data records by Kumar who was then heading
the West Bengal SIT.The SC said the affidavit has to be filed within 2 weeks
and posted the matter for further hearing on March 26.PTI
SC seeks Centre reply on plea on changes in
foreigners rules
New Delhi:The Supreme Court today sought Centre's
response on a petition challenging two notifications related to Passport Rules
and Foreigners Rules that allow religious minorities, except Muslims, facing
persecution in neighbouring countries, to stay in India even if they had
entered without valid documents.A bench of CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Justice L
Nageswara Rao and Justice Sanjiv Khanna sought the response on a petition by
the Nagarikatwa Aain Songsudhan Birodhi Mancha (Forum Against Citizenship Act
Amendment Bill), which has challenged amendments to the Passport Rules and
Citizens Rules framed under the respective statutes. The notice is returnable
in six weeks. Contending that Govt could not have issued the two notifications
in 2015 without amending law, petitioner has asked the top court to declare Passport
(Entry into India) Amendment Rules 2015 notified on September 7, 2015
"discriminatory, arbitrary and illegal".Similarly, the Forum and
others including Hiren Gohain, Manjit Mahanta and Harekrishna Deka, have also
sought the Foreigners Amendment Order, 2015, notified on Sept. 7, 2015, be
declared illegal.Besides seeking the strike down of 2015 notifications and the
2016 order of the Union Home Ministry in this regard, the petitioners want a
direction to Centre to take effective steps for the "conservation and
preservation of the distinct culture, heritage and traditions of the indigenous
people of Assam".Bill to amend Passport Act and the Citizenship Act to
buttress the amendment to Rules is likely to lapse with the imminent
dissolution of the present Lok Sabha in view of the forthcoming general
elections. IANS
Police begin verification drive in Deoband, 2
held
Lucknow: 4 days after UP ATS arrested 2
Kashmiri youths for suspected links with Jaish-e-Mohammad, Saharanpur police
have launched a “verification drive” of youths staying in hostels and other
rented accommodation in Deoband area of the city. During the drive, police
Tuesday arrested 2 Bangladeshi youths staying in a boys’ hostel posing as
students. Both were sent to jail after being produced before a court and police
said they were held for not having passport and visa. They might be taken into
police custody for detailed interrogation if needed, police said.Shahnawaz Teli
(26) and Aqib Ahmed Malik (28), JeM suspects arrested earlier, were also
staying at a private boys’ hostel in Deoband area posing as students. Both are
presently in 10-day police custody and being interrogated by ATS. “Several
youths belonging to other districts and states and also from abroad are staying
in Deoband on rent. They stay at guest houses, private boys’ hostels and even
private accommodations. There is no record of guest houses and private hostels
running here, therefore we have started a drive of verification of such
youths,”said Deoband SHO. He said notices were being sent to these
accommodations to provide details of the youths staying there. “We have asked
them to provide details of the youths staying at their places. We are also
holding meetings with those running hostels and guest houses,” added Singh.CO,
Deoband said, “owners of the guest houses and the hostels have been warned
through notices to provide specific details soon and action would be taken
against those who failed to respond accordingly or if something suspicious is
found at the places run by them.”indianexpress
RSS has launched campaign to project Gadkari
as next PM: Prakash Ambedkar
Mumbai:Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh chief and
convener of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, Adv Prakash Ambedkar, has alleged that RSS
has launched a campaign to project Nitin Gadkari as next PM and that Congress is also in agreement to it.
He said that NCP supremo Sharad Pawar should contest against Gadkari to
demolish the plan. Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi doesn't have a suitable candidate to
field against Gadkari from Nagpur constituency. RSS is projecting him as the
next PM and Congress is praising him for the work he has done, while Gadkari
has started praising Jawaharlal Nehru's policies. "This indicates at some
secret deal between BJP and Congress. The former should field a strong leader from
Nagpur to rule out such speculations," Ambedkar said.He challenged UPA to
field Ashok Chavhan from Nagpur or Sharad Pawar himself should contest from the
constituency, Ambedkar added. He cleared
that the option of a mega alliance is open for the next 2 days. Congress and
NCP have resorted to dynasty and caste politics. He also said that the Congress
has not yet cleared its stand on their proposal for joining the
mega-alliance."Congress should clear its stand on RSS before Feb.28.Otherwise,
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi will announce all 48 Lok Sabha candidates on March
1,"Ambedkar said. He also predicted that BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will harm
both the parties. Their cadres will be destroyed in each others'
constituencies. Times Now
Working with Election Commission to address
political bias and manipulation, reveals Twitter
Twitter is collaborating closely with Election
Commission of India to help address issues such as political bias and
manipulation on its platform in real-time, Colin Crowell, Global Vice President
of Public Policy of Twitter, said here. A day after appearing before the
Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT, Crowell told IANS that Twitter has
established lines of communication with the poll panel to check manipulation on
its platform as the world's largest democracy gets ready for the 2019
polls."We are working with the poll panel very closely and have
established a protocol and mechanism for them to reach out to us when they need
to. We have a dedicated global team that is cross-functional and prepared to
address manipulation in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections," elaborated
Crowell.IANS
SIO calls for laws to curb mob lynchings
Jamshedpur: Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO) has asked
political parties to change their approach towards the minority community and
aim for total development and empowerment of the minorities. In the run up to Lok
Sabha polls, SIO has come forward with recommendations for political parties
and asked them to incorporate them in their manifestos. Among the issues are
education, employment, freedom and security of Muslims.“A comprehensive scheme
must be developed for the rehabilitation of the innocent citizens falsely
accused in terrorism cases and subsequently acquitted.These people must be
adequately compensated for the duration of their incarceration,”said SIO
national secretary Syed Muzzakir.SIO also sought comprehensive laws for the
prevention of discrimination against religious minorities in employment,
education, housing and other public utilities, and for the prevention and
punishment of all kinds of harassment and violence on the basis of religious
identity. timesofindia
Fatwa asks MLA’s daughter to wear burqa in politics
Vijayawada: Raising the political temperature by another notch in
Vijayawada West Assembly constituency, which has a sizable Muslim population, a
fatwa was issued to Shabana Khatoon, daughter of MLA Jaleel Khan, who is
aspiring to contest the ensuing elections on TDP ticket, directing her not to
enter active politics without burqa. The fatwa was issued by Muslim clerics in
the city based on a complaint by ex mayor and TDP leader Mallika Begum. In
2009, Jaleel Khan had made Muslim elders issue a similar fatwa against Mallika
Begum when she contested Assembly polls. Jama Masjid Maulana Abdul Qadir Rizvi
on Monday announced that the fatwa issued to Mallika Begum in 2009 is also
applicable to Shabana Khatoon. “It is applicable to every Muslim woman,” he
stressed. Since Vijayawada West MLA Jaleel Khan met TDP chief N Chandrababu
Naidu, along with his daughter seeking party ticket for her and got an
assurance, there has been dissent in the party cadre in Vijayawada West
constituency. TDP senior leader Nagul Meera, who is also aspiring to contest
from Vijayawada West constituency, and other leaders, including Mallika Begum
expressed their unhappiness to the party leadership on the issue. Newindianexpress
Delhi Budget 2019-20: Education gets major share in Rs 60,000-crore
outlay
New Delhi: AAP Govt has presented a Rs 60,000 crore annual budget for
the financial year 2019-20. Dedicating
the budget to the soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, Deputy CM and Finance
Minister Manish Sisodia said, “This budget is dedicated to those martyred so
that their children get good education, their parents receive proper healthcare
and their family is more secure. This budget is dedicated to making their
dreams for their family and country come true.”MLAs present in the Delhi
Assembly also gave a standing ovation to Indian Air Force for carrying out
pre-dawn air strikes in Pakistan.The Govt said that this year’s budget is “2
times more” than the one presented in 2014-15, while it was pegged at Rs 53,000
crore the previous year.indianexpress
Afghan man detained for allegedly trying to enter Israeli embassy in
Delhi
Security personnel at embassy of Israel in the national capital on
Tuesday detained an Afghan man and handed him over to Delhi Police over
suspicion of trying to enter the embassy. Police said the man’s antecedents are
being verified.HT
WORLD
Russia, Syria urge US to withdraw its troops
Russia and Syria have called on the US to
leave Syria and to allow people inside a refugee camp in the southeast of the
country to be evacuated by Russian and Syrian forces.A joint statement released
today by Russia's Ministry of Defence said Russian and Syrian forces had
prepared buses to relocate refugees at the camp in Rukban area and would
guarantee them safe passage so they could start new lives.Tens of thousands of
Syrian refugees are facing harsh living conditions at the Rukban camp near Syria-Jordan
border, despite Russian attempts to set up "humanitarian corridors"
through the region last week."We also call on US, whose military units are
on Syrian territory illegally, to leave the country,"joint statement
issued today read.aljazeera
Syria flag missing as Assad visits Iran
Only Iranian flag was flying at a reception in
which Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad was meeting Supreme Leader of Iran Ali
Khamenei President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran, causing controversy.Activists said
this indicates Tehran’s “disrespect” of Al-Assad, despite their alliance, and
their mutual interests. However, others said that protocol dictated that the
guest’s flag be absent, this was refuted by some who said during other official
visits foreign flags have been on display. Activists posted photos showing the
presence of the Iranian flag alone, during meetings with presidents, including
Russian President Vladimir Putin.middleeastmonitor
US senators want report on Khashoggi killing
from intel community
Washington:In a new bid to force the Govt in
the United States to release information about the killing of US-based Saudi
journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a group of US senators introduced legislation on
Tuesday that would require Director of National Intelligence to submit a public
report on the assassination.A UN human rights probe found evidence that
Khashoggi's killing was premeditated. Seeking more information, Senators Ron
Wyden, Martin Heinrich, Jack Reed, Chris Coons, and Kamala Harris, introduced
legislation on Tuesday calling for a public report on the killing."I and
other believe that the American people have a right to know what this
administration knows about this horrendous and gruesome killing," Senator
Ron Wyden, lead sponsor of the bill and senior member of the Senate Intelligence
Committee, told Al Jazeera.aljazeera
Palestinian governor of Jerusalem arrested by
Israel
Israeli police arrested Adnan Ghaith, the
Palestinian governor of Jerusalem, in a dawn raid today, according to a local
NGO."Governor was arrested in a raid on his home in Jerusalem
neighbourhood of Silwan," Palestinian Prisoners Society said in a
statement.Ghaith was among 21 Palestinians rounded up in overnight raids
carried out by Israeli forces in occupied East Jerusalem, Maan reported.Many of
those rounded up were members of the Fatah movement in Jerusalem.It remains
unclear why the governor was arrested and Israeli police have yet to issue an
official statement. Ghaith, appointed by PA President Mahmoud Abbas in August
last year, was previously arrested several times by Israeli forces, last of
which was in Nov.aljazeera
Qatar refuses any deal undercutting
Palestinian rights
Qatar has called on the international
community, including US, to have a more inclusive approach in their policy
towards the Middle East. Qatar "had
no interest in anything that is not a two-state solution, 1967 borders, the
right of return, clear designation of Jerusalem as the capital of
Palestine," Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al
Thani said. Earlier this week, US
President Donald Trump’s senior adviser, Jared Kushner, started a regional tour
to promote the so-called “Deal of Century” – a backchannel plan to reach a
peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. “Anyone that looks at the situation right
now – the polarisation in the region – is quite certain that things will not remain
like this,” bin Jassim said. Anadolu
Agency
Green Left becomes first major Dutch party to
back Israel boycott
Dutch Green Left Party has become the first
mainstream political movement in the Netherlands to endorse a boycott of
Israel.The party backed the Palestinian-led, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions
(BDS) movement during its General Congress meeting on 16 Feb.“BDS is a
legitimate means to help Palestinians in their fight for justice,” the motion
in question states. The motion also states that Green Left “will be alert and resist
forcefully attempts in any country to criminalise BDS”.Green Left has 14 out of
150 seats in the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Dutch parliament.In
response to the news, Dutch Centre for Information and Documentation on Israel,
a pro-Israel advocacy group, condemned the Green Left, and claimed that BDS “is
linked to terrorist groups”.middleeastmonitor
UK must justify Hezbollah ban expansion: Labour
Party
Britain’s opposition Labour Party said that
interior minister Sajid Javid had to provide evidence to justify his decision
to widen a ban on Lebanese Hezbollah, Reuters reports. Britain said it plans to
ban all wings of Hezbollah due to its destabilising influence in the Middle
East, classing the movement as a terrorist organisation. “Home Secretary must
therefore now demonstrate that this decision was taken in an objective and
impartial way, and driven by clear and new evidence, not by his leadership
ambitions,”Labour spokesman said.Asked about comments, PM Theresa May’s
spokesman said it was for Labour to explain their decision.MEMO
Trump, Kim meet for 2nd summit in
Vietnam's Hanoi
US President Donald Trump has met with North
Korean leader Kim Jong Un for their second summit. 2 leaders shook hands and
exchanged smiles ahead of their 20-minute scheduled meeting.Asked if he has
"walked back" his stand on the pace of denuclearisation of North
Korea, Trump briefly said, "No."In his opening statement, Trump said
it was an "honour" to sit down agains with the North Korean
leader."It is great to be with you. We had a very successful first
summit."Kim for his part said that after more than eight months,
"obstacles have been overcome" by the two countries paving the way
for their second meeting.AP reports that Donald Trump's convoy was seen leaving
the Marriott Hotel in Hanoi ahead of a dinner with Kim Jong Un.Vietnam's Hanoi
is hosting the second summit between North Korea and US on Feb. 27-28.aljazeera
Nigeria's Buhari Wins Second Term as President
Abuja: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari won
a second term at the helm of Africa’s largest economy and top oil producer, the
electoral commission chairman said on Wednesday, following an election marred
by delays, logistical glitches and violence.He defeated his main opposition
candidate Atiku Abubakar, a businessman and former vice president. Buhari
secured 56% of votes, compared with 41% for Atiku,Buhari faces a daunting to-do
list, including reviving an economy still struggling to recover from a 2016
recession and quelling a decade-old insurgency that has killed thousands of
people in the northeast, many of them civilians. thewire
Amnesty criticises rights crackdowns in Saudi
Arabia, Iran, Egypt
Human rights group Amnesty International has
highlighted crackdowns on freedom of speech and political opposition in Saudi
Arabia, Iran and Egypt in a report on human rights in MENA region. Amnesty said
that crackdowns increased significantly across the region and researchers
documented abuses in a large number of countries. Amnesty did not limit its
commentary to MENA govts, it also criticised those of the West that were
willing to overlook the abuses when their interests were at stake.aljazeera
25 killed in Egypt train crash, fire at Cairo
station
A speeding railcar crashed into a barrier at
Cairo's main train station, causing its fuel tank to explode and triggering a
huge fire that left at least 25 people dead today, officials said. Railway
officials said the train was speeding and collided head-on with the barrier. At
least 47 people were also injured in the accident. Mohammed Said, the head of Cairo
Railroad hospital, said there are concerns the death toll could rise further
following the blaze.PTI
Iran’s Prez rejects resignation of his foreign
minister
Iran’s president rejected the resignation of
his Foreign Minister today, throwing his full support behind the diplomat who
negotiated the country’s nuclear deal with world powers as both men face
growing pressure from hard-liners as the accord unravels under American
pressure.President Hassan Rouhani earlier gave a speech praising Javad Zarif
after the Foreign Minister’s sudden resignation shocked the Islamic Republic
late on Monday night. His rejection of the resignation, reported by the
state-run IRNA, continued that praise.“Since I consider you in the front line
of resistance against broad pressures by the U.S., I consider acceptance of
your resignation against the expedience of the country and I do not agree with
it,” Rouhani reportedly told Zarif.AP
Nepal’s Civil Aviation Minister Adhikari among
7 killed in helicopter crash
Kathmandu:Nepal’s Tourism and Civil Aviation
Minister Rabindra Adhikari and six others were killed when their helicopter
crashed in eastern Nepal’s mountainous Taplejung district, according to a media
report.The deceased on board the Air Dynasty helicopter included its pilot,
prominent aviation and hospitality entrepreneur Tsering Sherpa, PM KP Sharma Oli's personal aide Yubaraj Dahal
and Deputy DG of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Birendra Prasad Shrestha, an
Air Dynasty official was quoted as saying by the Himalayan Times.Moments after
the chopper was reported missing, local residents in Pathibara area informed the
police about a huge flame at the crash site.Chief District Officer of Taplejung
Anuj Bhandari quoted the locals as saying they heard a loud bang followed by a
sight of smoke and fire in the area.It has been learnt that the minister along
with other officials had planned to visit Pathibhara Temple and then fly to
Panchthar to observe the under construction airport at Chuhan Danda.PTI
Sudan denies hosting Muslim Brotherhood
members
Sudanese National Security and Intelligence Service
(NSIS) denied the presence of Egyptian regime opponents in Sudan, who were said
to be threatening Egypt’s national security. “Sudanese authorities firmly deal
with any information related to threatening the Egyptian security.”NSIS’s head
of the press and information department, Mohammad Hamed Tbeidi, said in the
capital of Khartoum.“Any problem reported in the media is being dealt with
seriously,” Tbeidi reiterated, noting that both Egypt and Sudan were having “a
political will to resolve any threat they face.” Egyptian Consul General in
Khartoum, Ahmed Adly, said that his country wanted Sunda’s “unity, security and
stability,” calling on the media in Egypt and Sudan “to assume their role in
raising awareness of the importance of strategic relations between the two
countries.” Adly stressed preventing what he described as “minor personal
differences between Egyptian and Sudanese people.”MEMO
Muslim Brotherhood has had no legal presence
since 1954: Cairo court
Cairo Administrative Court upheld a decree
dissolving the Muslim Brotherhood group, saying that the group has had no
constitutional or legal presence since 1954, according to media reports.The
court said that Egyptian Revolutionary Command Council of July 23 revolution
issued a decree in 1954 to dissolve the Muslim Brotherhood and confiscate its
money and assets. Moreover, Cairo Court of Urgent Matters imposed in 2013 a ban
on the activities of the Muslim Brotherhood and confiscated all its property. Egypt
Today
Flash: views & NEWS
With air strikes, PM Modi locks his political
script for Lok Sabha polls:Prashant Jha
A Strike Where TV Knew More Details Than
Indian Air Force:Rajiv Tyagi
After India’s Strike on Pakistan, Both Sides
Leave Room for De-escalation: Maria Abi-Habib; nytimes
Airstrikes Had 3 Targets, But Hit Bullseye in
Just One:Siddharth Varadarajan
By washing feet of sanitation workers,
Narendra Modi merely mocks their plight:Shoaib Daniyal
Modi Knows War With Pakistan Is Not an
Option:Pravin Sawhney
IAF strike in Pakistan: How the world media
reported
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Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:05 PM)
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