06 AUG. 2019:
04 ZilHajj 1440:Vol: 11, No:264
INDIA:J&K ISSUE
India reacts sharply after China calls UT status
for Ladakh ‘unacceptable’, advises caution on Kashmir
China today said India should avoid “unilateral
actions” in J&K that could spark tensions in the region even as it
described New Delhi’s decision to reorganise Ladakh as a union territory as
“unacceptable”.In a swift response, India’s external affairs ministry rejected Chinese
criticism and said the proposal to form a new union territory of Ladkah was an
“internal matter”. It also pointed out the two sides had agreed to maintain
peace along their disputed border until a mutually acceptable solution is found
to the issue. Beijing’s strong response came a day after the Govt revoked the
special status of J&K and proposed splitting the state into two separate
union territories of J&K and Ladakh. China hadn’t immediately responded to
the move on Monday, though it was expected to do so for two reasons – its close
ally Pakistan is deeply invested in Kashmir, and part of the disputed
Sino-India boundary in Aksai Chin lies in Ladakh.The Chinese foreign ministry
issued two separate statements in Mandarin on the issue on Tuesday.“We urge
India to be cautious in its words and deeds on the border issue, strictly abide
by the relevant agreements reached between the two sides, and avoid taking
actions that further complicate the border issue,” said a statement published
on the foreign ministry’s website, referring to protracted negotiations between
the two sides on the disputed border.“China has always opposed India’s
inclusion of Chinese territory in India’s administrative jurisdiction in the
western part of the Sino-Indian border. This position is firm, consistent and
has never changed,” the statement added in a reference to the area in Ladakh
that New Delhi claims but is controlled by Beijing.“In recent days, the Indian
side has continued to undermine China’s territorial sovereignty by unilaterally
amending its domestic laws. This practice is unacceptable and will not produce
any effect,” the statement said.In a separate statement on India revoking
Kashmir’s special status and exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani
troops on the Line of Control, the foreign ministry described the situation in
the region as very tense.The statement also referred to India despatching a
large number of troops to the region and said:“China is seriously concerned
about the current situation in Kashmir. China’s position on the Kashmir issue
is clear and consistent. This issue is a legacy of history between India and
Pakistan, which is also the consensus of the international community.”It added,
“The parties concerned should exercise restraint and act with caution,
especially to avoid actions that unilaterally change the status quo and
exacerbate the tension. We call on the two sides to peacefully resolve relevant
disputes through dialogue and consultation and safeguard regional peace and
stability.”Responding to China’s criticism, external affairs ministry
spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said bill introduced in India’s Parliament for
creating a new union territory of Ladakh was “an internal matter concerning the
territory of India”.“India does not comment on internal affairs of other
countries and similarly expects other countries to do likewise,” he said. Kumar
noted New Delhi and Beijing had agreed to find a “fair, reasonable and mutually
acceptable settlement” of the border dispute on the basis of “Political
Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of India-China Boundary
Question”.He added both sides had agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity in
border areas till such a settlement is reached.HT
China ‘seriously concerned’ over Kashmir
situation, slams move on Ladakh
When I talk about J&K, PoK, Aksai Chin are
included in it: Amit Shah in Lok Sabha
Home Minister Amit Shah today asserted that PoK
and Aksai Chin are part of J&K and that Kashmir Valley is an integral part
of the country.“Kashmir is an integral part of India, there is no doubt over
it. When I talk about J&K, Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin are
included in it,” he said. On this, Opposition leaders said that the minister
was getting “worked up”. Shah hit back saying he was “ready to die for
Kashmir”. indian express
Lok Sabha also scraps Kashmir special status
The Lok Sabha today has vetted the govt’s move to
immediately scrap Article 370,a provision that had extended a special status to
J&K, and carve 2 union territories out of it. The two changes that would
bring the state under the direct control of the Centre, govt insists, would
help curb terrorism backed by Pakistan and fast track development.The
resolution to end special status for J&K and the bill to split J&K into
2 centrally-administered territories were passed by more than 351 votes in
favour of the motion, 72 against. Shah withdrew a third bill to extend 10% quota
in jobs and education for poor to people in Kashmir, pointing that this
reservation would now extend to the people in J&K automatically.HT
Process adopted by Prez to revoke special status
of J&K is unconstitutional:Petition in SC
New Delhi :A petition has been moved in the
Supreme Court challenging the Presidential notification on the revocation of
special status to J&K under Article 370. The petitioner Advocate ML Sharma
today said that the process adopted is unconstitutional. By changing the
interpretation of certain terms that find mention in Article 370, Monday’s
Presidential order, through Article 367, alters the interpretation of the
special provision. However, the President draws the power to issue such a
notification from Article 370 itself. Article 370 sub-clause 1(d) empowers the
President to extend provisions of the Indian Constitution to J&K.Presidential
order also requires the concurrence of the Govt of the state. However, since
J&K is currently under Governor’s rule, Governor Satya Pal Malik’s
concurrence is deemed to be the govnt’s concurrence.Advocate Aman Hingorani, an
expert in Kashmir constitutionalism, said that since the Governor is appointed
by the President, this concurrence could be held invalid.indianexpress
Experts say Govt order to end J-K autonomy could
be challenged in court
Was Detained At Home, Home Minister Lying":
Farooq Abdullah Breaks Down
New Delhi: National Conference patriarch Farooq Abdullah today
contradicted Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comment in parliament that he has
"neither been detained nor arrested". "I was detained in my
house... I feel sad that Home Minister can lie like this," 81-year-old
told NDTV from Srinagar.Minutes before, during the debate on the J&K
Reorganisation bill in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah had said Farooq Abdullah has
neither been detained nor arrested. When Nationalist Congress Party leader
Supriya Sule pointed out the veteran leader's absence, Amit Shah, who
introduced the bill in the lower house, said: "He has neither been
detained nor arrested. He is at home by his own will.""Why would I
stay inside my house on my own will when my state is being burnt, when my
people are being executed in jails? This is not the India I believe in,"
said Farooq Abdullah, emotionally describing his emerging to speak to reporters
as a "breaking the door". Then he explained how he made it outside. "I
told them (securitymen) that the home minister says I'm not detained. Who are
you to detain me?""I don't know how many of my securitymen will be
dismissed (because of this)," he added.The exchange in parliament came
amid opposition concerns about the mainstream leaders in J&K, who have been
kept in confinement since Sunday evening - hours before the Govt's move to end
special status for the state.Ex-CMs Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, who were
initially placed under house arrest, were formally arrested yesterday. There
has been no word from the Govt on when they would be released.Abdullah broke
down while talking of the Govt's move. "How do you think one would feel
when your body is being carved, the body that stood together in all odds,
fought every evil unitedly...They divided regions, will they divide hearts too?
Will they divide Hindus and Muslims? I thought my India was for all, everyone
who believes in secular, unity," he said."It is not a small thing
that we were given this state. It was not ordinary. It was given by leaders
like Nehru. We will sit and take it to logical end. We won't give in,"
Abdullah said.Amid a huge security build-up the Govt has also effected a clampdown
on internet and phone services in parts of J&K. All public meetings and
rallies have also been banned."What worries me is what must be the
ordinary man going through. Locked up, he may not even have medicine, food in
his house,"Farooq said. "I want to leave a message for people of my
state and people of India - We have been with you through thick and thin, I
hope you will be with us through thick and thin and pray for return of
democracy, secularism in our country," he added.NDTV
‘Not detained, Farooq Abdullah is at home,’ Amit
Shah responds to MPs
Kashmir open-air prison now, Kashmiris don’t know
their future: Mehbooba’s daughter
Kashmiris are being treated like animals in their
own land with total restriction on their movement or communication so much so
that no helpline for any emergency is there, Iltija Javed, daughter of PDP
chief Mehbooba Mufti has said.“I think the entire country and the international
community should know what is happening with people here and the mistreatment
being meted out to them. They’re being treated like animals. They are being
kept at home – they are unable to communicate or go out. In case of an
emergency, there is no helpline. How can there be a helpline when all the
numbers are down?” Iltija said from Srinagar.She said that her mother was first
kept under house arrest with nobody beingf allowed to meet her, but later she
was detained and shifted to guest house. nationalheraldindia
US media watchdog urges India to allow rnet
access in Kashmir Valley, expresses alarm over ‘communication blackout’
Washington:A US-based media watchdog has urged
India to ensure access to internet and communications services in Kashmir,
which were suspended in the Valley as a precautionary measure to maintain law
and order. Committee to Protect
Journalists expressed alarm over communication blackout in J&K."A
large-scale communication disruption at such a crucial time for Kashmir is an
egregious violation of citizens' rights to information from a free press,"
said Aliya Iftikhar, senior researcher for CPJ's Asia programme.PTI
National integration isn’t furthered by tearing
apart J&K: Rahul Gandhi
With Congress leaders split on scrapping of the
special status to Jammu-Kashmir, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi slammed BJP Govt
saying “national integration isn’t furthered by unilaterally tearing apart
J&K”.He also warned that the Govt’s move will have “grave implications for
our national security”.Party leader P Chidambaram called it a “black day”.
Earlier, the party’s chief whip Bhubaneshwar Kalita resigned from Rajya Sabha
protesting against its stand. Another Congress Rajya Sabha MP, Abhishek Manu
Singhvi said that in “personal capacity”
it was hard to oppose Centre’s move while expressing concern over the security
situation in Kashmir.Outside Parliament, veteran leader Janardan Dwivedi said a
“mistake” had been “rectified”. “It is not a new issue… Ever since
Independence, many of the freedom fighters had been demanding that Article 370
should be removed… An Independence-era mistake has been rectified and it is a
matter of national satisfaction,” he said.Jaiveer Shergill, another Congress
national spokesperson, tweeted:“My personal point of view:I support abrogation
of Art 370… but only in accordance with provisions & methodology provided
by the Constitution of India which mandates consent of J&K state
assembly…”indianexpress
Plan to approach UNSC, will fight it at every
forum: Pak PM on Kashmir issue
A day after India abrogated a section of Article
370, which gives special status to J&K, Pakistan PM Imran Khan told the
joint sitting of Parliament that Islamabad is considering approaching the UNSC
over the Kashmir issue. The joint sitting of Pakistan Parliament was called to
discuss the country’s future course of action after India revoked J&K’s
special status.Khan also accused India of “planning to change the demographics
of Kashmir in violation of the Geneva Convention”.“We will fight it at every
forum. We’re thinking how we can take it to International Court (of Justice)…
to UNSC ,”Khan said in an address to Pakistan’s parliament today.indianexpress
Pak army: Prepared to ‘go to any extent’ to help
Kashmiris
Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa today
said his troops were “prepared and shall go to any extent to fulfil our
obligations to Kashmiri people”. In a series of tweets, DG of Inter-Services
Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor said Army fully supported Pakistan
Govt’s “rejection of Indian actions” regarding Kashmir.“Army firmly stands by
the Kashmiris in their just struggle to the very end. We are prepared and shall
go to any extent to fulfil our obligations in this regard,” Pakistan Army
said.It said Pakistan never recognised Article 370 or Article 35 A of the
Indian Constitution. “Pakistan never recognised the sham Indian efforts to
legalise its occupation of J&K through article 370 or 35-A decades ago,
efforts which have now been revoked by India itself,” Ghafoor
tweeted.indianexpress
Pak may shift Army from Afghan to India’s border
https://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/060819/pak-may-shift-army-from-afghan-to-indias-border.html
New Delhi: Pakistan could withdraw its army from
Afghanistan border and deploy them on border with India after revoking of
Article 370 in J&K, said defence sources.“It will take 3-4 days for the
Pakistan army to gather their wits and make a strategy. We are keeping a close
watch and ready to respond swiftly to any threat emerging from Pakistan,” said
sources in the defence establishment.
The reaction from Pakistan could come as soon as Tuesday afternoon in
form of ceasefire violations. According to sources there are series of meeting
planned by the Pakistani establishment in the next few days. “Pakistan could also shift its forces from
Afghan and push them to our Western border. This move could put pressure on US
which is trying to make a deal with Taliban,” said sources. ASIAN AGE
Turkey expresses concern over Kashmir move
Turkey has expressed concern that India's
unilateral decision to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution which grants a
special status to the disputed Kashmir region is likely to increase
tensions.“We are concerned that the annulment of Article 370 of the
Constitution of India on 5 August 2019 which accords a special status to J&K
could further increase existing tensions,” Turkish Foreign Ministry said.Turkey
is ready to contribute to efforts to reduce tensions in the region if the
parties agree, the statement stressed.“We sincerely hope for the resolution of
the problem through dialogue and within the framework of the relevant UN
resolutions by observing the legitimate interests of all people of J&K as
well as Pakistan and India,” it added.Anadolu Agency
J&K bifurcation: India briefs UNSC members,
Islamabad summons Delhi envoy
As foreign ambassadors reached out to the Govt
for clarity on the move to scrap the special status granted to J&K under
Article 370, New Delhi moved quickly to brief foreign envoys, especially the
members of UNSC. Sources said that the briefing was led by Foreign Secretary
Vijay Gokhale and other secretaries, who briefed the ambassadors of US, UK,France,
China and Russia,among others.Some other major countries, including Germany,Canada,Japan
and ASEAN countries, were also briefed.Incidentally, none of the Organisation
of Islamic Cooperation countries have been briefed by Govt so far,according to
sources.indianexpress
Student outfits toe respective parent party line
on scrapping of Article 370
New Delhi:Student outfits toed their respective
parent party''s line on the Govt''s move of revoking Article 370 of Constitution,
which accorded special status to J&K, on Monday.Activists of RSS-affiliated
ABVP celebrated at Delhi University after the decision and thanked the central Govt
for it.Congress-affiliated NSUI did not comment on the
development.CPI(ML)-backed AISA''s Delhi president Kawalpreet Kaur accused the
Centre of betraying the people of Kashmir."We are ashamed of Modi Govt for
failing the people of Kashmir and betraying Indian Constitution."So even
today when Indian Govt betrayed the historical agreement with people of
Kashmir, it doesn''t matter to many. Let us not even talk about how many were
killed during the Operation Polo. Let us only hope that Kashmir survives
without bloodshed," she posted on Twitter.Jayant Jigyasu, member of RJD''s
student wing, said, "This decision is not of the Indian people but it
fulfils the agenda of Sangh. It is unconstitutional and unwanted." In
solidarity with the situation in Kashmir,Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students
Association (BAPSA) cancelled its protest scheduled for Aug.7 demanding a hike
in fellowship for research scholars.Labeed Shafi, president of Students Islamic
Organisation of India (SIO), said scrapping Article 370 is a "slap on
Indian democracy and Constitution"."The decision will sabotage Indian
Democracy and is a clear violation of human rights. These provisions were included
by then PM Nehru after a long negotiation with people of Kashmir,"he
said.PTI
Students protest amendment to Article 370
Shocked by decision, state will lose Muslim-majority
character, say Kashmiri residents
People of Kashmir have expressed apprehensions
about a new cycle of violence in the Valley, with many saying that scrapping of
Article 370, which gave special status to the state, could lead to change in
its Muslim-majority identity. “We are shocked by the decision and it left us
disappointed because our sentiments were attached with this Article… Its
scrapping means that the state will lose its Muslim-majority character,” said
50-year-old Farooq Ahmad Shah, a resident of Srinagar who was visiting Jammu.He
said though the state’s ruling parties rendered the Article a mere skeleton
over the last 70 years in collusion with the different Govts at the centre, its
scrapping is bound to provoke the people to vent their anger. “How long they
will keep us under house arrest?” asked Arshid Warsi, a man in his 20s from the
Valley who was also visiting the city. Revoking Article 370 does not mean “we
cannot express our resentment”, he said.A school teacher, who wished not to be
named, blamed the state’s mainstream parties for the “current crisis”. “Today
we feel we have lost our identity and it is very unfortunate that the Govt has
taken a decision which is going to create more resentment among the masses
rather than bringing peace,” she said.PTI
Sikkim wants Centre's assurance on sanctity of
Article 371 providing special status
Opposition parties in Sikkim today sought an assurance
from the Centre that the state's special status enshrined under Article 371(F)
will not be disturbed following the revoking of provisions of Article 370 in J&K.
The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha leaders, however, refused to comment on
this issue. Opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) and Hamro Sikkim Party
(HSP) were of the view that the Article 371(F) should not be tinkered with as
the situation in the two states are different. Contrary to prevalence of
insurgency in J&K since 1947, Sikkim has been a peaceful state ever since
it became a part of the Indian union in 1975, senior SDF leader K T Gyaltsen
said. "Article 371(F) is there to stay forever as the integration of
Sikkim with the Union of India is final and irrevocable," said Gyaltsen,
who was the speaker of Sikkim Assembly from 2009 to 2014. Senior SDF leader,
however, demanded an assurance from the Centre on the sanctity of Article 371F
to soothe nerves of the people who, he said, are anxious after hearing the news
of abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. PTI
‘Don’t worry’, Nagaland Governor Ravi allays fear
over removal of Article 371(A)
Newly appointed Nagaland Governor RN Ravi today
assured people of the state not to worry about removal of Article 371 (A)
following developments related to J&K after Centre scrapped Article 370
which granted special status to that state.Article 371(A) of the Constitution
states that no Act of Parliament related to religious and social practices of
Nagas, their customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal
justice involving Naga customary law and ownership and transfer of land and
resources will be applicable to the state unless the Nagaland assembly takes a
decision on that through a resolution.“Some people have expressed apprehensions
over the implications of the development in J&K on Nagaland. I would like
to categorically assure you all that you do not have to worry at all,” Ravi
said in a statement issued to the people of Nagaland.The former deputy national
security advisor who was the Centre’s interlocutor for the Naga peace process
took oath as Nagaland Governor on August 1.“Article 371 (A) is a solemn
commitment to the people of Nagaland. It is a sacred commitment. We are
earnestly working to happily conclude the ongoing political process which is at
a very advanced stage,” the statement added.HT
OTHERS
Day-to-day hearing begins in Babri Masjid land
case in SC: Nirmohi Akhara opens
arguments saying no Muslim entered Ram temple since 1934; CJI says prove
temple's existence
Day one of Supreme Court hearing the case of Ram
Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in Ayodhya concluded with petitioner
Nirmohi Akhara telling the SC bench that no Muslim was allowed inside the
temple since 1934 and sought the control and management of the entire 2.77 acre
disputed land. The Nirmohi Akhara, one of the parties to the case, presented
its case before CJI Ranjan Gogoi-led Constitutional bench and said that the
structure has been in its exclusive possession.The SC, observing that the
mediation efforts in the decades-old dispute had failed, took up the case for
day-to-day hearings starting today.Before the arguments began, bench,
comprising Justice SA Bobde, Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan and
Justice SA Nazeer, rejected the plea for recording the Ayodhya case proceedings
as was sought by ex RSS ideologue KN Govindacharya. Counsel for one of the petitioners in the case
the Nirmohi Akhara presented their arguments first today."We have been
fighting for this for so long because it is an issue of emotions for us,"
the petitioner said.Advocate Sushil Kumar Jain, appearing for the Akhara, said
that "Ram Janmasthan" belonged to, had been the possession of, and
was managed by the organisation. The lawyer also said that its suit in the case
was basically for possession and management rights of the disputed region."Outer
courtyard has always been in possession of Nirmohi Akhara, therefore suit of Akhara
is limited to inner courtyard," Jain was quoted by The Leaflet as saying. He
added that the saffron organisation, one of 14 akharas recognised by Akhil
Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, had been occupying the inner courtyard for
"hundreds of years".Staking a claim over the disputed 2.77 acres of
land, Jain argued, "The place known as Ram Janmasthan was also in
possession of Nirmohi Akhara." While the 5-judge Constitution bench asked
questions to understand the "structure and locations" of the disputed
site, the Akhara argued that its temples had been "demolished by some
miscreants with no caste, or creed, or religion" on 6 Dec.1992.Nirmohi
Akhara, claiming that Jhansi ki Rani was also "protected" by them
after the battle of Jhansi when she "took refuge" at the temple in
Ayodhya, claimed during its arguments that no Muslims were allowed to enter the
structure since 1934 and it has been in exclusive possession of Akhara.He also
cited judgments to back his claim that "a place cannot be considered a
mosque if no prayers or namaz are offered there."However, in response,the SC
cited the Allahabad's high court's order saying that before 1934, Muslims were
offering regular prayers at the site.The ongoing hearing also witnessed a
heated exchange of words between the bench and senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan,
who is appearing for a Muslim party. While the bench was asking the counsel for
Akhara to confine his arguments to the civil dispute and skip reading some
written statements, Dhavan interfered and said perhaps there should not be any
curtailment of arguments.At this, CJI said, "Dr Dhavan, keep the dignity
of the court." Dhavan said he had only replied to some questions. Justice Chandrachud,
questioned Jain over whether the basis
of the claim of Akhara to the land was possession or ownership, to which the
counsel said,"Ownership because of possession."The SC, in reply said,
"In any case, you have been given one-third of the disputed area in a
preliminary decree by the Allahabad HC."CJI Gogoi, reading from the HC
judgment just before the bench took a break for lunch, quoted the statement and
said, "There is no evidence to show that there existed any temple and that
there were idols in it". In response, Jain said,"My lords, structure
was demolished in 1992."However,CJI countered the claim by demanding
evidence from the advocate, citing the Allahabad judge's statement about there
being "no evidence".The hearing concluded for day 1 to resume
tomorrow .firstpost
Malegaon blast: Pragya , Purohit back NIA plea
for restrain on reporting trial
Mumbai:BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col
Prasad Purohit, accused in 2008 Malegaon blast, filed their replies on Monday
supporting NIA’s application seeking restrain on publication of trial
proceedings. However, another accused, Major Ramesh Upadhyay (retd), has
opposed NIA’s application stating that it is “belated, insincere”.NIA had last
week sought for the proceedings in the trial to be held “in-camera”. A group of
11 journalists, including from The Indian Express, have also filed an
intervention application opposing NIA’s plea to restrain the media from
reporting the trial. In her application filed through lawyers JP Mishra and
Prashant Maggu, Thakur has claimed that the accused have been subjected to
“media trial” and have been “over-exposed” to media debates, “influencing” the
opinion of the public at large including witnesses. She has further claimed
there is apprehension of threat to communal harmony and “jeopardising fairness
of the trial”.Purohit has also similarly cited security of witnesses claiming
that many of them have “expressed apprehension to their lives at the hands of
ATS officers” and “anti-national elements” to suppress the truth. Upadhyay,
however, in his reply filed through advocate Sudeep Pasbola, has claimed that
the case does not warrant an in-camera trial alleging that “unless NIA has
something to hide, the application has no merits”. He has further claimed that
the NIA has not furnished names of witnesses whose identity they need to
protect or has not stated how the ends of justice would be met by not allowing
journalists access to the hearing.An intervention application filed by the
father of a man killed in the blast has also stated that victims are entitled
to know the progress in the case and open access to the trial is as important
as any aspect of a fair trial. Plea filed by journalists through advocates
Rizwan Merchant and Gayatri Gokhale states that NIA had relied on section 17 of
NIA Act on protection of witnesses in its plea but is “devoid of any material”
to enable the trial court to conclude that the life of any witness is in danger
to pass such a restrain.indian express
Jamiat meet calls for law against lynchings,
moots platform to promote amity among different faiths
New Delhi: At Talkatora indoor stadium a
congregation of thousands of Muslim community members gave voice to the demand
for the enactment of a stringent law against mob lynching. The “Aman Aur Ekta
Sammelan” saw leaders of different faiths vociferously condemn hate crimes in
the name of religion or patriotism. The speakers, however, cautiously steered
clear of making any public statements on the govt’s recently enacted law
against triple talaq or the Centre’s decision on Kashmir. Organised by Jamiat
Ulama, the congregation saw participants unanimously vow to fight against the
menace of mob-lynching. JUH general secretary Mahmood Madani shared that it has
been decided to establish ‘Jamiat Sadbhawana Manch’ at the district and city
level to promote amity and friendship among people of different faiths, caste
and creed. In a joint declaration adopted at the meet, it is stated that
“various misconceptions and falsehoods tainting Islam with terrorism,
radicalism and gender injustice are being spread by forces inimical to the
eternal truths of our Islamic faith and heritage. Terrorism in all its forms is
condemnable and against the basic tenets of Islam.” Madani said that this
sadbhawana manch will be a medium to dispel these misconceptions being spread
by “a small section trying to create a majoritarian perception”. Through the
declaration, the community sought legislation against mob lynching providing
for strict punishment to the perpetrators and police and administrative
officials found negligent in fulfilling their duty. “Killing, burning, and
elimination of unarmed vulnerable civilians in the name of religion or
patriotism and publicising such acts on social media to terrorise the public at
large as the most repugnant and abominable acts. It cannot be tolerated in any
civilised society. We disown and denounce any such barbarous movements and
organisations. We demand effective action against them,” it is stated. Maulana
Arshad Madani appealed to the Govt to ensure a safe environment for the
minorities. He warned those trying to create unrest between Hindus and Muslims
by saying that “the brotherhood between the two communities is too strong and
the foundation of this unity cannot be shaken by anyone.” Besides leaders from
the minority community, other faith leaders too participated in the meeting
including Swami Chidanand Saraswati Maharaj President of Parmarth Niketan
Ashram, Acharya Lokesh Muni, Gyani Ranjeet Singh and Anil Joseph Thomas among
others. TOI
Artists, historians, writers support 49
personalities in their appeal to PM Modi to stop lynchings
89 eminent personalities today joined their
counterparts who had last month urged PM Narendra Modi to stop mob lynchings in
the country and expressed solidarity with them.The signatories include a group
of artists, economists, academics, filmmakers and writers. They include artists
Vivan Sundaram, Atul Dodiya, Veer Munshi, Nalini Malani, Arpana Caur,
historians Irfan Habib, Sohail Hashmi, Amar Farooqui, Atlury Murali, Arjun Dev,
economists Jayati Ghosh, Vikas Rawal, CP Chandrasekhar, filmmaker Anand
Patwardhan, writers Ashok Vajpeyi, Arun Kamal, Om Thanvi,Udayan Vajpeyi, Dhruv
Shukla, Naresh Saxena and media personality Sashi Kumar, among others.“We the following
artists, academics, theatre persons, writers and activists fully endorse dissenting
voice raised by our colleagues and express solidarity with their statement that
expresses concern and alarm at the increasing violence being generated against the
minorities and Dalits within the nation’s politics,” their statement read.They
attached the letter signed by 49 personalities that told Modi that “Jai Shri
Ram” slogan had become a “provocative war cry” and reason for a number of
lynchings.scroll
6 dead, 16 injured in fire in Delhi’s Zakir Nagar
New Delhi:6 people died and 16 were severely
injured after a major fire broke out in South East Delhi’s Zakir Nagar area in
the early hours today.A senior fire official said the five storey building
caught fire after a spark in the electricity meter board. The call was made
around 2.20 am after which 5 fire tenders were pressed into service. “One woman
jumped from the second floor and a body was recovered from the third floor,”
the official said.The fire dept said that 16 people, including 2 firemen, were
injured; some of them critically. About 10-15 vehicles were also damaged in the
incident, it added.thehindu
Prof Akhtar Haseeb Joins As New AMU Pro-V-C
Professor
Akhtar Haseeb, former V-C, Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and
Technology, Faizabad, has been appointed as the Pro-V-C of the varsity, till
further orders and in addition to his own current duties. The V-C of AMU,
Professor Tariq Mansoor has appointed Professor Haseeb in his new role,
according to a statement from the varsity.NDTV
Bakrid: United Shia Movement appeals against
animal sacrifice on Aug 12
Bareilly:Ahead of Eid al-Adha, known as Bakrid or
"festival of sacrifice", United Shia Movement has urged people to not
sacrifice animals on August 12, which falls on the last Monday of
Sawan."Last somvar (Monday) of sawan also falls on same day, there are
many people who go to temples. So, we have appealed to people to not conduct
animal sacrifice on August 12 and only do namaaz. Sacrifice can be done next
day," said KH Naqvi, General Secretary, United Shia Movement.Earlier Imam
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, had requested Muslims to sacrifice only
those animals, whose slaughter is permitted by the govt.ANI
Kashmir issue and US-China trade war dent rupee
to biggest fall in 6 years
Impact of US-China trade war along with domestic
political factors led the Indian rupee to its biggest fall since Sept. 2013 on
Monday.Global cues, such as a rise in protectionist measures along with a
massive fall in the Chinese Yuan and other emerging markets (EMs) currencies,
dented the Indian rupee.Additionally, the abrogation of Article 370 which
provided special status to J&K, spooked foreign investors, further
impacting the rupee. Rupee weakened to 70.7350 per US dollar from its previous
close of 69.6013.The currency had opened at 70.06 to a greenback. It ranged,
thereafter, between 70.06-70.7350 to a dollar.IANS
WORLD
UN calls for sanctions, arms embargo against
Myanmar army
Yangon: A week after his soldiers began storming
villages in Myanmar's Rakhine state, slaughtering thousands as they burned
people alive in their homes and raped women and children, the country's
military chief invited local businesses to a donation ceremony to support the
bloody campaign.The Sept.2017 ceremony, where senior general Min Aung Hlaing
raised over $1.4m, is just one example of how the Myanmar military has
exploited a large network of business ties to fund "brutal operations
against ethnic groups", a United Nations fact-finding mission said in a
report published on Monday. In the 111-page report, the panel of three legal
experts called on the international community to sever all ties with the
Tatmadaw, as the military is known locally, urging financial sanctions, an arms
embargo and a consumer boycott.It follows a report last year by the mission
that called for Min Aung Hlaing and other senior military officials to be
prosecuted for genocide for their role in the brutal 2017 crackdown, which
forced more than 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. The military has vehemently
denied any wrongdoing and describes its actions as legitimate "clearance
operations" in response to attacks on border posts by Rohingya armed
groups it says are "terrorists". A military representative did not
answer several phone calls seeking comment on the latest report.The report
offers a guide for anyone looking to hit the generals in their pockets by
trying "to map as comprehensively as we've been able to the economic
activities of the military," Christopher Sidoti, a member of the panel and
an international human rights lawyer, told Al Jazeera.aljazeera
Differences resolved on US troop withdrawal:Taliban
US and the Taliban have resolved differences in
peace talks over US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, as well as over
insurgent guarantees on cutting ties with other extremist groups, a Taliban
official said today.The development came during US-Taliban talks over the past
two days in the Gulf Arab state of Qatar, where the Taliban maintain a
political office.US side did not immediately confirm or provide details of what
was resolved but the US envoy reported “excellent progress” in the talks. The
Taliban official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized
to discuss details of the negotiations.Technical teams from the 2 sides were
continuing discussions on Tuesday in Doha. US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has
made intra-Afghan talks and a permanent cease-fire among his priorities in the
negotiations. Khalilizad said in a Twitter post overnight that “we have made
excellent progress” in the discussions.US and the Taliban now appear to be
closing in on an agreement under which US forces would withdraw in exchange for
guarantees that Afghanistan would not become a haven for other terrorist
groups. Khalilzad has said he is hoping for a final agreement by Sept.1, which
would allow the withdrawal of US and NATO troops. AP
China vows to counter US deployment of
intermediate-range missiles in Asia
China today said that it “will not stand idly by”
and will take countermeasures if US deploys intermediate-range missiles in Asia-Pacific
region, which Washington has said it plans to do within months. The statement
from the director of foreign ministry’s Arms Control Department, Fu Cong,
follows US’s withdrawal last week from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces
Treaty, a move Fu said would have a “direct negative impact on the global
strategic stability” as well as security in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.Fu
said China was particularly concerned about announced plans to develop and test
a land-based intermediate-range missile in Asia-Pacific “sooner rather than
later,” in words of one US official.AP
UK joins US-led security mission in Strait of
Hormuz
UK has
joined the US in a maritime security mission to protect shipping lanes in the
strategic Strait of Hormuz after Iran's seizure of merchant vessels in recent
weeks.While British officials stressed on Monday that there was no change to
London's policy on Iran, they said joining the US is the most significant
non-Brexit foreign policy move to date of the newly-appointed PM, Boris
Johnson.Just two weeks ago, Britain was calling for a European-led naval
mission. Now, it has joined what it said was a US-led "international
maritime security mission".No other countries are yet involved. aljazeera
Unacceptable:US warns Turkey of operation in Syria
US has warned that any Turkish operation in
northern Syria would be "unacceptable" and vowed to step up talks to
prevent unilateral incursions, as tensions between Washington and Ankara
simmer.On Sunday, President Recep Erdogan said Turkey, which already has a
foothold in northwest Syria, will carry out a military operation in a
Kurdish-controlled area east of the Euphrates in northern Syria against US-backed
Kurdish YPG that Ankara views as a terrorist group. "Clearly we believe
any unilateral action by them [Turkey] would be unacceptable,"US defence
secretary Mark Esper said in Tokyo."And so what we are trying to do now is
work out with them an arrangement to address their concerns and I'm hopeful
we'll get there," said Esper.Erdogan has threatened an imminent attack in
the northeast and he renewed that pledge today. aljazeera
Almost all masjids, graveyards of Greece’s Kos
island ruined: Association
Ankara:A Turkish cultural association has said
that almost all mosques and graveyards on Greece’s Kos (Istankoy) island were
“ruined” and closed to worship. Rhodes, Kos and Dodecanese Turks Culture and
Solidarity Association urged Greece to respect the freedom of religion of the
Kos Turkish community prior to the Eid-al Adha.The organization’s president,
Mustafa Kaymakçı, said in a written statement that the Algerian
Gazi Hasan Pasha (Lonca) Mosque has yet to be repaired following a 2017
earthquake that damaged the structure.Founded by Turks who migrated from Rhodes
and Kos to Turkey, the association is based in the western province of Izmir on
the Turkish Aegean coast. Kaymakçı said that shops under the mosque - which
were owned by the Kos Muslim Foundation Properties Management - were also
damaged.He underlined that another mosque in Germe village on the island was
damaged due to earthquake. However, the restoration of the mosque was not
permitted with local Muslims forced to use its courtyard for their daily
prayers. Anadolu
Egypt blames Cairo attack on Brotherhood offshoot
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190806-egypt-blames-cairo-terror-attack-on-brotherhood-offshoot/
Egyptian Govt has blamed the Hasm group for
carrying out a terrorist attack at Cairo’s main cancer hospital after an
explosion on Sunday night killed 20 people and injured 47.The Interior Ministry
has said the explosion occurred after a speeding car travelling against the
traffic filled with explosives collided with three other cars outside National
Cancer Institute. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has said that Egypt will
defeat “brutal terrorism” and “pull out terrorism by the roots.” Authorities
have now accused the Hasm group, which they say is a wing of the Muslim
Brotherhood, and have announced the arrest of one member.Most political
prisoners in Egypt are blamed for part of the Muslim Brotherhood, whether they
are or not. The organisation was made illegal in 2013.The Egyptian Govt has
been criticised for having a disproportionate reaction to terror attacks and
carrying out severe human rights abuses across the country in the name of the
war on terror.MEMO
Israel’s right-wing sign pledge to annex 60%of WB
Candidates of several Israeli right wing parties
signed a document agreeing to annex 60 % of the occupied West Bank – Area C,
Quds Press reported.Israel’s Public Broadcaster reported the document saying:
“Israel is a national home for Jews, guarantees individual rights and equality
among all citizens, opposes the creation of a Palestinian state and imposes
sovereignty over Judea and Samaria [West Bank].”Area C covers 60 % of the
occupied West Bank and was designated as such by the Oslo Accords. It is under
full Israeli military and administrative control. There are a number of illegal
Jewish only settlements located in the area and Israel has been working to
increase the number of settlers in the West Bank.Israeli authorities are set to
advance more than 2,400 settlement housing units this week, in parallel to
granting retroactive approval to four unauthorised settlement outposts,
according to settlement watchdog Peace Now.MEMO
Senior Hamas founder Hamdan dies at age 80
Hamas has announced the death of one of its
founders Ahmed Nimer Hamdan from the southern Gaza city of Khan
Yunis.80-year-old Hamdan died after a long battle with cancer, Hamas said,
noting that he remained committed to the principles of the movement until the
last day of his life.“Hamdan was a symbol of courage and a responsible leader
all of his life,” the movement’s head Ismail Haniyeh said during the
funeral.“He faced all the difficulties with high responsibility and spent many
years in prison and was expelled to south Lebanon in 1992 along with over 400
Hamas leaders and members and about 15 Islamic Jihad officials,” Hamas said in
a statement..MEMO
Church says evidence proves corruption in settler
takeover of Jerusalem properties
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem filed a
suit in an Israeli court “seeking to overturn a court ruling that three
strategically placed properties in Old City of Jerusalem had been legally sold
by the church to Ateret Cohanim”, Haaretz said.The suit claims “new evidence
shows that the sale of the properties was tainted by corruption on part of
representatives of Ateret Cohanim” – which works to boost the settler presence
in occupied East Jerusalem – and that its “conduct was tantamount to that of a
criminal organisation”. The new legal action seeks to have a district court
verdict reopened in light of the new evidence, following a June decision by the
Israeli Supreme Court which confirmed the earlier ruling.MEMO
Flash:
NEWS, views, Articles
Ending special status to Kashmir has
costs:experts
'Not democracy but authoritarianism': Historian
Ramachandra Guha on Article 370
Article 370: Always on the cards, but Donald
Trump supplied a quick trigger
Muslims Left to Fend for Themselves in Modi
Era:Mohammad Sajjad
Scrapping Article 370 Is Nothing But Road To
Self-Destruction For India:PREM SHANKAR JHA
BJP thinks it is going to Indianise Kashmir.
Instead, we will see, potentially, the Kashmirisation of India: Pratap Bhanu
Mehta
Centre has failed Kashmiris who believed in the
Constitution, stood by India: Imad-ul Riyaz
Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A is a
much-needed step for people of J&K: Ram Madhav
Has Central Govt Taken Custody of Kashmir
Mosques?thequint
Sheikh Abdullah, Ayyangar, Sardar Patel: How
Article 370 was negotiated, debated:Seema Chishti
UNSC
Resolution 47 on Kashmir:Neha Banka
J&K bifurcation: All laws will now apply —
from property purchase to IPC
Ultimate Goal Is a Hindu Rashtra and It Is Now
Within Sight:Sidharth Bhatia
Constitution Torn to Shreds as RSS Indulges
Article 370 Fantasy in Kashmir:Siddharth Varadarajan
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq,(Released at: 5:01 PM)
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