NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
21 March 2020:
25 Rajjab 1441: Vol: 12, No: 161
*Coronavirus - INDIA*
Centre all set to put off Census, NPR exercise amid Coronavirus outbreak
Centre looks all set to postpone the house-listing Census
and updating of the National Population Register (NPR), which was scheduled to
kick off in certain States on April 1, owing to COVID-19 pandemic.Two
government sources confirmed to The Hindu that Census and NPR exercises will
not go ahead, given the Union Health Ministry’s own guidelines limiting mass
contact on account of the coronavirus. A formal announcement from the Centre
is, however, awaited.In line with Odisha, Delhi Government has also written to
the Centre asking that the Census-NPR operations may be deferred by “at least
one month” and the rescheduling of this exercise may be “reviewed in the last
week of the deferment”. President Ram Nath Kovind was supposed to be the first
Indian to be enumerated in the census and NPR exercise, but the President’s
schedule has been cleared and he is not meeting members of the public due to
the growing threat of coronavirus.In a letter to Vivek Joshi, Census
Commissioner of India, the Delhi Government on March 18 pointed out that a
“high state” of alert had been declared in the capital territory and the Epidemic
Diseases Act, 1897, invoked. The letter to Joshi also pointed out that since
enumerators will have to go house-to-house to collect details for Census-NPR,
the “spread of COVID-19 may be exacerbated”. Earlier in the week, Odisha Chief
Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that mobilisation
for Census-NPR would pose a great risk for field functionaries and a decision
to postpone 2 exercises be taken immediately. Lakhs of people had taken to the
streets across the country protesting the Centre’s decision to update NPR,
which is considered the basis for preparation of a national register of
citizens that could potentially exclude millions of people born in India. These
protests have happened across India and continue in many cities despite the
threat of the Coronavirus.As The Hindu reported recently, at least 13 States,
and Delhi, covering nearly 60 percent of the total population of India, are
opposed to the updating of NPR in the format being prepared by the Centre. Many
State Assemblies have passed resolutions against the NPR and NRC. Thehindu
India gears up for ‘Janta Curfew’: All you need to know
New Delhi:In an all-out effort to contain the spread of
coronavirus in the country, people across India will observe isolation in their
homes on Sunday in keeping with the clarion call of ‘Janta Curfew’ given by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a televised address on Thursday.Requesting
people to maintain maximum restraint, the Prime Minister said the world had
never witnessed a danger as grave as the current one and advised people to stay
indoors from 7.00 am to 9.00 pm to mitigate chances of transmission of the
disease.Janta Curfew is a self quarantine measure as advised by Prime Minister
Modi. It is a move aimed at stopping any possibility of community transmission
of the coronavirus. All citizens barring those working for essential services
will be required to stay indoors on March 22. Janta Curfew will be in place
from 7.00 am to 9.00 pm on Sunday, March 22.It literally means ‘public curfew’.
It is primarily a precautionary measure. It is an attempt to lessen the chances
of the coronavirus disease from spreading to more people. India, currently, is
at Stage 2 of transmission. The administration and health officials are working
round-the-clock to ensure that the country does not slip into Stage 3—that of
community transmission. Prime Minister in his televised address to the nation
has asked people to stay in the safety of their own homes as much as possible
during the duration of the Janta Curfew. However, people can step out for
absolutely essential services like an emergency situation or necessary
healthcare.Apart from pharmacies and medical outlets, most shops will remain
closed on March 22.In the national capital, Delhi Metro has suspended all
services for Sunday. Metro services in Noida and Gurgaon will also remain
suspended for the day. Buses, feeder buses, auto rickshaws and private taxis
will remain off the roads in most cities nationwide. According to the Indian
Railways, no passenger trains will originate from any junction in the country
from midnight on Saturday to 10.00 pm on Sunday as part of the Janta Curfew.HT
Coronavirus,: Experts Say Janata Curfew Won’t Stop Spread of Infections
Public health sector experts believe that the voluntary,
14-hour ‘Janata Curfew’ that Prime Minister Narendra Modi requested be observed
on Sunday, may work as a public drill for a longer shutdown, but will not stop
the spread of the coronavirus infection.Anant Bhan, a researcher of public
health and bioethics, told The Printthat the ‘janata curfew’ is a symbolic
move. Staying home for half a day is not expected to bring down the
transmission of the disease, he said.“A curfew of 14 hours is not going to make
much of an impact, the move is to prepare people for staying at home, maintaining
distance, which may be needed in the future,” Bhan said. “In case, we do need
more mandatory lockdowns in the future, India being a liberal democracy would
have to figure out how to implement them.”The objective for India is to now
‘flatten the curve’ or ensure that precautions such as social distancing are
followed to keep the daily number of new cases at a manageable level for
medical workers. While the Janata curfew will not ensure the curve is
flattened, it may help people mentally prepare for a longer curfew.The
single-day curfew does not also necessarily mean that no new cases of the
disease will be reported on Sunday. Infected people, who have yet not been
identified, could infect other members of the household.THE WIRE
No. of people allowed to assemble in Delhi down to 5, govt announces free, increased rations for poor affected by COVID-19 restrictions
New Delhi: In his first ‘digital’ press conference held in
the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on
Saturday reduced the number of people allowed to assemble in the national
capital to five, down from 20.Noting that the problems being faced by the poor
due to the COVID-19 are immense, he also increased the amount of ration from
the earlier 4 kg to 7.5 kg, as well as waived off the nominal rate of ₹2 per
kg. “There are 72 lakh people who get ration... this will be free now,” he
said.Kejriwal was flanked by Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Health Minister
Satyendar Jain at about a 1 metre distance from each other.He said the
government has also decided to double the pension benefits of widows and the
economically backward to help alleviate some effect of the coronavirus
epidemic. For the poor who sleep on the streets, lunch and dinner will be
provided at the night shelters. “We have also decided to do away with GST
charge that those seeking to quarantine themselves at hotels need to pay,” he
said.Kejriwal reiterated his appeal to senior citizens and those aged above 60
years to not step out of their homes. “I request you please suspend your morning
walks; it’s just a matter of a few days. Do yoga at home and try to isolate
yourself at home also,” he added.About the Janata Curfew on Sunday, he said the
option to suspend public transport was discussed, “but realised that may affect
people needing to travel for emergencies. So, half the number of public buses
will be on the roads tomorrow.”thehindu
State govts close borders, restaurants, call for lockdowns
A number of states and union territories announced measures
aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus. Delhi: Concerned for the
poor, CM Kejriwal announced that those receiving ration from fair-price shops
would get 50 per cent extra for next month. Pension for elderly, widows and
differently-abled will be doubled.Goa: Section 144 has been imposed
across the state. An order has been issued banning inter-state transport,
except for the supply of essential commodities, from Saturday night.Bihar:
Bus services, restaurants and banquet halls have been shut till March 31.Odisha:
"Near-total lockdown" in five districts and eight towns for a week,
starting Sunday.West Bengal: All restaurants, bars, pubs, nightclubs,
amusement parks, museums and zoos to remain shut till March 31.Chhattisgarh:
All offices, except those providing essential and emergency services, have been
closed till March 31. Puducherry: Section 144 have been imposed till
March 31. indianexpress
Coronavirus updates : India number reaches 300
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday said
a total of 298 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the country so far.
Of the total number, four people have died and 22 others have recovered. The
numbers indicate 98 new cases over 24 hours, with the growth rate almost
doubling since over the same period on the last instance when 50 new cases were
reported on Friday. Taking lead in the number of cases is Maharashtra totalling
to 64, followed by Kerala where 12 new cases were confirmed positive taking the
number up to 52. New COVID-19 cases were witnessed in Puducherry and
Chhattisgarh. news18/ the hindu
Coronavirus: Maharashtra – worst-hit state – reports 11 new cases, total count now at 63
The number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra – the state
worst hit by the outbreak in India – rose to 63 on Saturday after 11 new
infections were reported, according to ANI. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope
said eight out of the 11 patients had travel history and 3 were infected after
coming into contact with them. The state has also reported one
coronavirus-linked death.The state has ordered the closure of public places as
it scrambles to contain a worsening health crisis. On Friday, Mumbai Municipal
Commissioner Pravin Pardeshi had ordered schools and other non-essential
establishments to remain closed and announced measures to regulate overcrowding
in hospitals. scroll
CAA Protests Will Continue On Janata Curfew Day: Shaheen Bagh Protesters
New Delhi: The protest against CAA, NRC and NPR will
continue even on Sunday, Shaheen Bagh protesters said today. Prime Minister
Narenra Modi has given a call for a 'janata curfew' on Sunday to tackle the
outbreak of novel coronavirus."If PM Modi wants us to be safe from
coronavirus, then he should have withdrawn CAA, NPR and NRC. We will hold our
protest tomorrow too," Salima, one of the protesters at Shaheen Bagh,
said.She also said that the protesters are following all precautionary measures
at the protest site."Here, the women are maintaining the social distance
of more than 1 metre and using hand sanitisers and phenyl to maintain
cleanliness at the protest site," said one woman, who is a member of the
Indian Federation of Trade Union.She said: "In Delhi, there are one-room
quarters where about 8 people live together. Also, in the RainBasera outside
AIIMS, there are 70 beds with almost zero space between them. In such situations,
the concept of social distancing is not possible for these
people.""Having Janata curfew for one day will not stop the spread of
coronavirus as the government failed to take necessary precautions like closing
airports much before," she added.Echoing the same sentiments, Ritu
Kaushik, another protester, said: "If the government was serious enough to
stop the spread of coronavirus, then it should have intensified its checking at
the airports.""While announcing that people should refrain from going
outside so as to avoid the spread of coronavirus, the government should also
have said that ration would be sent to the daily wage labourers as they are
completely dependent on their daily earnings."The Supreme Court will hear
on Monday petitions seeking the removal of anti-CAA protesters from Shaheen
Bagh to prevent the spread of coronavirus, along with other pleas pending
before it in the matter.ANI
Shaheen Bagh Protest to Continue on 'Janata Curfew'; PIL Filed in SC
Protesters Say They Will Protest From Balconies Against NRC, NPR, CAA During Janta Curfew
As government advises citizens to stay home to prevent
coronavirus spread, people ask what would happen to those who lost homes during
Delhi riots On Sunday, when people will thank health care providers and
emergency responders, many in the national capital will clap, ring bells, and
raise slogans from their homes demanding the government to rescind its decision
to update NPR in view of the new coronavirus pandemic.Civil society group
United Against Hate has urged people to protest against NRC, NPR and CAA at 5pm
on Sunday from their balconies, windows and gates."First we will thank our
sisters and brothers who are at ground zero taking care of the infected,
supplying essentials...and then we will hold anti-NRC, anti-CAA placards in our
balconies and windows and demand the govt to roll back its decision to start
the NPR exercise from April 1," Nadeem Khan from United Against Hate
said.Khan said the government's priority should be countering the virus threat
and "we are all in this together".He said while the prime minister
has urged people to remain inside their homes from 7 am to 9 pm on Sunday,
"we urge him to rehabilitate people who have lost their homes in the riots
in northeast Delhi and are putting up in relief camps".Irkan Chaudhary,
who will also be a part of the protest, complained that around 1,200 people who
lost their homes in the riots have been living in unhygienic conditions at a
shelter in Mustafabad. "The prime minister has asked people to remain
inside their homes. What about those whose houses have been burnt and looted?
They have no option but to live in cramped, unhygienic relief camps where
social distancing goes for a toss and the risk of infection is high," he
said.Parwez Alam, a social worker, said the entire world is battling a health
emergency and the government should focus on it first. "I welcome the
prime minister's initiative and will follow the 'Janta Curfew'. But we will
also protest against NPR and CAA by beating utensils," he said.PTI
Jamia temporarily calls off anti-CAA protest amid Covid-19 outbreak
Jamia Coordination Committee and Alumnus Association has
temporarily called off their anti-CAA protest, which entered its 100th day on
Saturday, in view of coronavirus outbreak. The announcement was made by the
Jamia Coordination Committee, a group comprising JMI students and alumni. The
group was formed after alleged police brutality on the campus on December
15."We temporarily suspend the ongoing 24-hour sit-in protest at Gate no.
7, JMI and appeal to all protesters to kindly take the situation with utmost
seriousness and save themselves and others from this fatal illness," the
Jamia Coordination Committee said in a statement.The protest by students of
Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia University entered its 100th day on Saturday.The
Jamia Coordination Committee on Saturday distributed face masks and sanitisers
to all the protesters followed by a briefing on the Covid-19 pandemic. "On
100th day of Jamia Protest, distribution of Face mask and sanitizers to all the
protesters was done with a briefing of COVID19. We appeal to all protestors to
kindly take the situation with utmost seriousness and save themselves and
others from this fatal illness," a tweet by the Jamia Coordination
Committee said.indiatoday
English paper editorials raise questions about lack of details in PM’s COVID address
New Delhi: Most English newspapers commended Prime Minister
Narendra Modi for exhorting the Indian public to take coronavirus pandemic
seriously, but also noted that his address was lacking in specifics on the
govt’s role in combating its spread in the country.Nearly all the major English
newspapers ran editorials on the Modi’s speech in their Saturday editions.In
its edit titled ‘What Janata can do, but don’t neglect what government must do
for it”, TOI appreciated the Indian PM’s ability to distil complex information
into effective mass communication.But, the editorial also noted that the
coronavirus pandemic will have a serious economic fallout, which has led to
other countries and states like Kerala to announce expansive economic packages.
This was the missing note in the PM’s speech. Their Delhi rival, Hindustan
Times, also prefaced their mild criticism with praise for speech as being
“correct in its tone and messaging” and hoped that Modi will continue
communicating with citizens, transparently.Titled “The Missing Notes”, The
Hindu wrote that PM Modi’s speech was timely and communicated a sense of
urgency, “but beyond that it did not achieve much”.“The States are at the
forefront of the fight against the virus, and their capacity is frustratingly
uneven across the country. Marshalling all resources available, and launching a
complete spectrum defence against the virus is the need of the hour. There are
measures that the governments, at the Centre and the State levels, have been
taking. For those who expected to hear some reassuring words from the Prime
Minister on this, the address was a tad disappointing,” stated paper’s
editorial.The Indian Express said that PM's
message “could be said to lack specifics” on the economic aspect. “He
did not talk of waivers and relief proposals and programmes, safety nets and
transfers, interventions that could soften the virus’s disruptive blow to the
most vulnerable, who make up a vast section of the economy, and who are already
affected by its slowdown”.The Deccan Herald’s editorial pointed out that while
Modi’s words are welcome, his silence on India‘s strategy, which has come under
fire from WHO as well as public health experts in the country, is
worrying”.Kolkata-based The Telegraph said, “The prime minister told the people
what to do, how to look after the old and the poor, how not to overburden
hospitals, but was rather reticent about the steps the government is
taking”.thewire
Delhi:Coronavirus threat looms over Idgah relief camp
The looming threat of
a coronavirus outbreak at northeast Delhi’s Idgah relief camp has officials in
a bind.The camp, an initiative of the Delhi Wakf Board aimed at helping those
displaced during last month’s violence in the city, would be badly hit if the
pandemic reached the community transmission stage.Earlier this week, the camp
management restricted visitor access and began a sensitisation drive. On
Thursday evening, health volunteers could be seen working in the camp even as
announcements were made reminding people to wash their hands regularly.In the
cramped spaces under the tents, people could be seen huddled together and
children playing around. In one corner, doctors and medical staff could be seen
wearing masks and giving medicines to people.But the relief camp with temporary
tents houses more than 800 people living in close quarters.Most of the families
at the camp have come from Shiv Vihar, one of the areas worst affected by
violence. While only a few families have moved back, most people are still
afraid to return to their homes.In Shiv Vihar’s Phase 7, people regularly
gather outside their gutted homes and shops and spend the entire day there
before leaving for the camp as it turns dark. telegraphindia
Jamaat Islami Hind appeals people to take precautions against Covid-19
New Delhi: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has appealed people to take
necessary precautions and follow the government’s guidelines against
Coronavirus pandemic.JIH President Syed Sadatullah Hussaini in a statement
said: “The global Coronavirus pandemic is a challenge and a test for the entire
world. The increasing number of those infected with the virus in our country
and the expected spread of the pandemic in the future is a matter of great
concern. All the citizens of the country should remain alert in these
conditions. The communique and instructions published by the government,
various departments and concerned health-experts should be strictly followed
–The biggest reason for the spread of the pandemic is the gathering of people.
Hence, big ijtemas, meetings and functions should be avoided in the present
conditions. If it is indispensable to conduct a small meeting then all the
necessary precautions should be exercised while conducting the same.Try to
avoid travelling as far as possible. People should remain in their own places.
This is the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad in these conditions.The Friday
prayer and sermon should be brief; people should disperse after the prayer and
offer the “Sunnat” prayers at home. The protest movement that is going on
against the CAA-NRC-NPR should continue but keeping in mind the local
conditions, it should be organized in such a way that people’s lives are not
endangered and the instructions issued by the Department of Health are not
violated.theindianawaaz
In Kerala, Friday prayers cut short; mosque panel booked for allowing 500 odd crowd
There was lesser attendance than usual at mosques for Friday
congregational prayers following sermons by top clerics urging people to offer
only obligatory prayers in mosques and rest in their homes.In Kerala, police
registered a case against a mosque committee in Kannur for allowing mass
prayers attended by over 500 people. Mass prayer was also held in Pilathara
Juma masjid flouting the directive of the district administration, police said.
Elsewhere in the state, most mosques were deserted as people offered prayers
from their homes following the Kerala government holding a meeting with many
religious bodies requesting them not to hold gatherings in the wake of the
Covid-19 virus.HT
Two months on, Ranchi’s ‘Saheen Bagh’ stir suspended till April 5
Ranchi: 2-month long Ranchi’s Saheen Bagh like protest at
Kadru area was suspended on Saturday till April 5 in view of the spreading
Corona Virus scare across the country. The women protesters took the decision
following a meeting with 3 Jharkhand ministers on Friday evening. Parliamentary
affairs minister Alamgir Alam, finance minister Ramehswar Oraon and agriculture
minister Badal Patralekh had called a delegation of protesting women on Friday
evening at Alam’s office.Saheen Parween, a member of the delegation, said, “We
have decided to suspend ongoing dharna at Kadru till April 5 on request of the
ministers.”HT
Prayers shortened in Karnataka mosques, faithful exempt from Sunday mass in Mangaluru
Bengaluru: In the face of Covid-19 threat, Karnataka State
Board of Wakf has issued instructions to mosques and dargah to impose
restrictions on prayer gatherings. Similarly the bishop of Mangaluru has
exempted the laity in his diocese from obligation to attend Sunday Mass till
March 31.In a circular, Wakf Board advised all masjids and dargahs in Karnataka
to maintain cleanliness around prayer halls and keep sanitizers available to
the faithful. At a meeting of religious leaders two days ago, the Board advised
shorter sermons at mosques. The usual timing of Friday prayer was of one and a
half hour was shortened to ten minutes, as has been done in several Middle East
countries. Even Jamath Salah will be conducted in minimum time and the
gathering dispersed at the earliest.The duration of the Salah prayer has also
been minimized to not more than ten minutes. The Ijtema and Urus may be
celebrated with minimum attendance, the Wakf Board religious leaders.Churches
too have adopted social distancing as a precaution to arrest the spread of the
coronavirus. Gatherings for Sunday prayers are likely to be minimal on account
of this.deccanchronicle
Meerut's iconic Nauchandi fair may not be held this year, a first in 1,000 years
Meerut: Iconic Nauchandi fair of Meerut may not be held this
time in a bid to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, a first such
departure in its 1,000 years old history which withstood several events,
including 1857 mutiny and post-Independence communal riots. Known to have
started in 11th century, this annual fair never took a break.“Even major events
like 1857 mutiny and communal riots at the time of partition in 1947 could not
stop this month-long fair that starts a fortnight after Holi every year. But
this year, circumstances might lead to its cancellation,” says Mufti Mohammad
Ashraf, trustee of Hazrat Bale Mian dargah and 23rd generation descendant of Hazrat
Bale Mian’s brother. Hazrat Bale Mian was a Sufi saint who was killed at a
young age of 19 years. A shrine, Bale Miya Dargah, was built in his memory.The
saint was killed on new moon night, which means ‘naya chand' in Urdu. After
that,a congregation began attending his death anniversary at the shrine which
is adjacent to Meerut’s Nauchandi Ground. Later, it transformed into an annual
fair.The administration too is not keen on holding the fair this year. TOI
COVID-19: Some mosques in Delhi skip Friday prayers as preventive measure
New Delhi: "There would be no Friday prayers on two
consecutive Fridays as a precautionary measure due to the outbreak of
Coronavirus," reads the notice at Babul Ilm Mosque at Okhla Vihar in Jamia
Nagar popularly known as 'Shia Masjid'. The three-storey mosque which has never
skipped a Friday prayer untill March 20, finally decided to take a break from
religious obligation due to the spread of the deadly disease."We have
taken into consideration, the outbreak of Corona and decided that we would not
be holding Friday prayers for two consecutive weeks. In the third week we will
analyse the situation and if the situation is favourable we can go ahead with
the Friday prayer but if things worsen we might extend the date," said Maulana
Iqbal Haider, Imam e Juma, Babul Ilm Mosque in Okhla Vihar. Some mosques of
Jafrabad also skipped the Friday prayers while some went ahead with it.
Coronavirus scare: In Odisha, mosques cancel Friday prayers, Jagannath temple wears deserted look
People in Bhubaneswar refrained from visiting religious
places on Friday following a state government advisory asking temples, mosques
and other places of worship to shut doors for devotes in the wake of the
coronavirus outbreak in India.The advisory was issued as a precautionary
measure to contain the spread of the viral infection after Odisha reported its
first Covid-19 case earlier this week.12th century Jagannath temple in Puri too
wore a deserted look on Friday. Normally, thousands visit the temple of a daily
basis, with the footfall increasing in the run-up to the famous Rath
Yatra.However, taking note of the coronavirus outbreak, the temple
administration has decided to suspend darshan of deities at the shrine. The
closure started today and will continue till March 31. Meanwhile, mosques in
state capital Bhubaneswar too saw a thin attendance for the Friday prayers as
people preferred to stay indoors. The few who weren't aware of the advisory reached
the mosque but returned seeing the gates closed. indiatoday
Nagpur: Masjids adopt Covid-19 measures with Friday prayer
NAGPUR: Masjids across the city curtailed the Friday prayer
‘Jumma’ and Khudba (sermon) duration from 45 minutes to just 10-15 besides
shutting waduhkhana (abulation taps), removing carpets and towels in their bid
to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus .Though many turned up in large
numbers for the Jumma, many reached masjids only at the start of prayers and
left soon after. As per Islamic tenets, offering prayers 5 times a day is must
for Muslims with mouzen giving calls (Azaan) as many times in the day. While
rest of the prayers can be offered at home or as per convenience, Jumma
congregation is a must mainly because of sermon and weekly advisory (bayaan)
which takes over 45 minutes.At some places, volunteers requested Namaazis to
maintain social distancing guidelines and not to crowd the premises.
Mominpura-based Hafiz Sohel Athar said Muslims were already cooperating the
government and administration in keeping hotels and shops closed. “ The khudba
and bayaan were cut short and it took just 15 minutes to complete the Jumma
prayers,” he said.
Friday prayers go on as usual in Hyderabad despite coronavirus advisories, some Imams cut short sermons
Hyderabad: Friday congregations at mosques in Hyderabad and
other parts of Telangana were held as usual but at some places imams cut short
their Urdu speeches.There was no impact on the turnout of the worshippers at
historic Mecca Masjid or other major mosques across Hyderabad. At some mosques,
the managing committees did not make arrangements for prayers on abutting road
or open places to avoid large gatherings.The in-charge for Mecca Masjid had
appealed to people to offer prayers at the mosques in their neighbourhoods but
there was no apparent fall in the number of worshippers at Mecca Masjid located
near Charminar.The turnout was normal at Shahi Masjid at Public Gardens, Azizia
Masjid in Mehdipatnam, Jamia Masjid Secunderabad and other mosques in the city.
IANS
No protests until COVID-19 is under control: Madras High Court
Chennai:Hearing a batch of petitions that sought to stall
protests and anti-CAA agitations, a division bench of Justice MM Sundresh and
Justice Krishnan Ramaswamy at the Madras High Court in Chennai passed an
interim order stating that mass gatherings, protests, anti-CAA agitations can’t
be permitted across Tamil Nadu until the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under
control. The court also adjourned the hearing of the pleas to prevent a larger
crowd of lawyers from gathering in the court hall, given the precautionary
measures that are in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus.Besides the
pending pleas, an advocate had filed a petition seeking action against a
non-political Islamic organization, Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamath, for staging an
anti-CAA ‘jail -bharo’ protest in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu on
Wednesday. dnaindia
A Shia Mosque in UP cancels Friday prayers, others witness thin attendance
Bijnor: A Shia mosque in Amroha cancelled the Friday prayers
while most other mosques in western UP witnessed a thin attendance of believers
as the fear of novel coronavirus loomed large. It comes against the backdrop of
similar moves by mosques in Kerala and Odisha. Churches have already cancelled
Sunday prayers in UP and Uttarakhand.TOI
Lucknow: Avoid burying Muslims dying of coronavirus, says Shia Board chief Waseem Rizvi
LUCKNOW: UP Shia Central Waqf Board chief Waseem Rizvi said
that Muslims who die of coronavirus should not be buried, but cremated in
electronic crematoriums as this would burn the virus and help contain its
spread. “If a Muslim patient dies of coronavirus, the patient’s family should
not bury the deceased but perform last rites in an electric crematorium. This
way not just the deceased but the virus in such a body will burn and get
eradicated fully,” Rizvi said in a video appeal.TOI
Farooq Abdullah Releases Rs 1 Crore To Combat Coronavirus In J&K
Srinagar: NC president Farooq Abdullah and party leader
Hasnain Masoodi released an amount of Rs one crore each from their MPLAD funds
on Saturday to combat the spread of the coronavirus in Jammu and
Kashmir."The party president and Srinagar MP released an amount of Rs one
crore from his MPLAD funds today to combat the COVID-19 threat in Jammu and
Kashmir," a National Conference (NC) spokesperson said.He added that of
the said amount, Rs 50 lakh have been earmarked for SKIMS, Srinagar while Rs 25
lakh each for Budgam and Ganderbal districts in central Kashmir. ndtv
Coronavirus fears spark riots in Kolkata jail, prisoners demand release on bail
In an unusual turn of
events, clashes broke out in the Dum Dum Central Jail in the northern fringes
of Kolkata on Saturday afternoon possibly over the outbreak of the contagious
Novel Coronavirus.A jail official on condition of anonymity told The Wire that
prisoners “suddenly attacked” jail officials with bricks, ransacked furniture
and set fire in some places. “We then called the higher authority for
deployment of extra force,” the official said.thewire
*Coronavirus - WORLD*
More countries impose lockdowns as global death toll surges past 11,000, Europe surpasses 5000
The death toll from the new coronavirus has surpassed 5,000
in Europe, with Italy, Spain and Germany reporting a steep rise in infections.
Worldwide fatalities surged past 11,000 on Saturday, according to data
collected by the Johns Hopkins University in US. More than 277,000 people have
been infected, while some 88,000 have recovered.Italy announced another 627
deaths on Friday, the biggest day-to-day increase in the country's 4-week
epidemic, a day after surpassing China's death toll. The total number of deaths
in Italy has now reached 4,032. Spain's death toll has also increased to more
than 1,300, while in Iran, the number on fatalities hit another grim milestone
of more than 1,500, as the country marks the beginning of the Persian New Year.
aljazeera
Death toll rises to 1556 in Iran: Rouhani says COVID-19 measures may be eased within weeks
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has said he expects measures
taken to combat the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus, including
social distancing, to be eased within the next 2 to 3 weeks. Accusing
"counter-revolutionaries" of attempting to shut down economic
production, Rouhani said in a televised address on Saturday his country
"has to do everything" to return economic activity back to normal.
Iran is one of the hardest-hit countries worldwide by the virus, with an
official death toll only behind Italy and China. On Saturday, the health
ministry's latest tally said the death toll had risen by more than 100 to
1,556, while the number of infected people stood at 20,610. A total of 7,635
people have recovered in Iran. Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi, reporting from the
capital, Tehran, said Rouhani tried to "strike a balance" between
addressing the public health crisis and maintaining the country's economic and
sociopolitical stability going forward.aljazeera
New York City Now Epicentre of Coronavirus Crisis in US as Infections Cross 5,000
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has said that the
metropolitan city is the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis in the United
States, as government officials announced some of the most stringent measures
to slow the spread of the pandemic that has claimed over 200 lives in the
country.The Mayor on Friday said that there were 5,151 confirmed cases of
coronavirus in the city. And to give you perspective that is now about
one-third of all the coronavirus cases in the United States of America. It is
about two-thirds of the cases in the state of New York. I hate to say this, but
it's true we are now the epicenter of this crisis right here in the nation's
largest city, the Mayor said.However, the number of cases and deaths continue
to rise at an alarming rate in the city and across the nation.news18
No New Local Coronavirus Cases for Third Day Straight in China, But Sharp Rise in Imported Ones
China has not reported any local coronavirus cases for the
third consecutive day but the country is facing a sharp increase of COVID-19
cases from abroad, a health official said on Saturday.Seven more fatalities
reported from the virus' epicentre of Hubei province, taking the death toll in
the country to 3,255, China's National Health Commission (NHC) said on
Saturday.The coronavirus death toll has gone up to 11,397 with more than
275,427 cases reported in over 160 countries and territories, according to data
from Johns Hopkins University.Italy has overtaken China as the worst-hit with
over over 4,000 deaths reported so far.news18
Saudi bans prayers at mosques over coronavirus fears: aljazeera
Saudi Arabia has suspended the holding of daily prayers and
the weekly Friday prayers inside and outside the walls of the two mosques in
Mecca and Medina to limit the spread of coronavirus.Earlier, Saudi had
suspended congregational prayers in other mosques in the country except Masjid
al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi, in Mecca and Medina respectively.
Egypt shuts mosques and churches over coronavirus fears
Egypt on Saturday ordered its mosques and churches to shut
their doors to worshippers in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus,
after calls for the government to follow other neighbouring Muslim
countries.Egypt has so far registered 285 confirmed coronavirus cases including
eight deaths. Many on social media had criticised the government for not
cancelling weekly Friday prayers and masses for which hundreds gather inside
mosques and churches. Ministry of Islamic Endowments said it will shut all
mosques for two weeks “for the necessity of preserving souls”, but will allow
them to broadcast prayer calls through loudspeakers.Egypt has more than a
hundred thousand mosques across country.MEMO
Israel's coronavirus cases climb to 883
Israel reported 178 new cases of the novel coronavirus on
Saturday, taking the country’s total infections to 883, according to the
country’s health ministry.A ministry statement said 15 patients are in critical
condition, while 36 have recovered from the virus.On Friday, Israel confirmed
its first death from the disease.middleeastmonitor
*DELHI VIOLENCE*
Delhi Riots: Amid Reports of 'Haphazard' Detentions, Minorities Panel Seeks Police Report
Delhi Minorities
Commission has intervened in the process of detentions, arrests and grant of
compensation in matters related to the violence that took place in North East
Delhi over 3 days beginning Feb.24. The panel has directed DCP(North East
District) to provide the details of those detained or arrested and the district
magistrate to furnish the complete SDM area-wise list of compensation forms
filed.In a series of letters to DCP (NE) on March 18, the panel’s chairperson
Zafarul Islam Khan mentioned “haphazard arrests” in which people have been
picked up and later forced to admit to crimes they did not commit and
individual cases of violence against Muslims, for which the perpetrators were
not proceeded against.In one of these letters, he wrote: “We are getting
reports of haphazard arrests of youth in the age group of 20-30 years. They are
arrested in your area in dozens every single day without any charges or
warrants.”Khan also insisted that the Commission was “getting information that
arrested youth are being pressurised to own up or to implicate others in crimes
they apparently did not commit”. Also, he charged that there was “information
that in some cases such arrested youth are forced to pay huge bribes and if
they do, they are let off.”Terming this “a serious violation of human and civil
rights”, he directed DCP to issue clear instructions to all the SHOs under his
jurisdiction to desist from such illegal practices. He also urged the DCP,
through a separate letter, to provide a police station-wise list of all
detainees, copies of all the FIRs lodged, and copies of all complaints not
converted into FIRs. Exercising his powers under Section 10(h) of Delhi
Minorities Commission Act, 1999, the panel chairperson, Zafarul Islam Khan
wrote to the DM(North East) on March 18 seeking “complete SDM area-wise lists
of compensation forms filed by victims of violence”.The notice directed that
“these lists should clearly indicate cases which the paid amounts where part or
full compensation has been paid”. It also said that the information should be
furnished by March 23 and warned that in case of failure to comply action would
be initiated by the Commission which is a statutory body with quasi-judicial
powers and which functions as a civil court.thewire
Delhi HC directs Centre, state to set up 3 additional relief camps for riot victims
Delhi high court on Friday directed the Centre, Delhi
government and municipal corporations of Delhi to set up three additional
relief camps for those affected in February’s riots. The additional camps would
provide relief to the victims, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and
social distancing being advised to avoid the spread of the virus. The court
ordered those concerned to provide medical and humanitarian aid to those affected
in the February riots, in which 50 died and 200 were injured. Hundreds of
families were also displaced due to the riots. The court was hearing a plea by
Shaikh Mujtaba Farooq, who had sought rehabilitation and compensation for the
victims. The next hearing has been fixed for March 24. Petitioner Mujtaba Farooq requested that the
permission granted by DCP North East for four additional relief camps to be
established in the riot-affected area be restored and the authority running the
relief camps be given all assistance by the government and Corporation in
setting up and running the additional relief camps as the Waqf Board may deem
necessary. He also requested a fire engine, ambulance, upgraded sanitation
facility and beds at the relief camps.Central and Delhi governments’ standing
counsels, Amit Mahajan and Rahul Mehra (criminal counsel), respectively,
assured the bench that they will take steps to secure the health of riot
victims and ensure provisions of a fire engine, ambulance, mobile toilets and
counsellors at the camps.They also told the court that upkeep of cleanliness,
hygiene and sanitation, as well as providing beds and linen in the camps, would
be taken care of. This assurance gains importance in the wake of the global
coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed 10,544 lives worldwide, including four
Indians.At present, there are two operational relief camps in the city — one at
Mustafabad Idgah and the other, at Sriram Colony — in which around 1,000
persons are staying. The bench asked the authorities to take care of the
physical and mental health of the victims, while building three additional
camps at Bapu Nagar, Santosh Marriage Home in Mustafabad and Madrasa Babul
Ulloom in Jaffarabad.HT/ANI
Delhi riots: Court sends suspended Tahir Hussain to 1-day police custody
A Delhi court Friday sent suspended AAP councillor, Tahir
Hussain, to one-day police custody in connection with the recent communal
violence in northeast Delhi.Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Pawan Singh Rajawat
sent Hussain to police remand for custodial interrogation after he was arrested
by the police in a separate case, said his counsel Javed Ali.This is the third
case for which he has been arrested related to the violence.The police had
sought his custody for one day on the ground that it was to confront him with
co-accused in the case and unearth the entire conspiracy related to rioting and
communal violence. Earlier, Hussain was sent to police custody for 5 days in
connection with the alleged killing of IB official Ankit Sharma during the
communal violence in Delhi.PTI
*OTHERS*
Gandhi's Vision Threatened by Violence, Divisive Rhetoric in India: Ban Ki Moon
Former Secretary-General of UN Ban Ki Moon, in an essay, has
expressed concern over the violence that erupted in north east Delhi in the
month of Feb.and has said “that Gandhi’s vision is now threatened by sectarian
violence and divisive political rhetoric”.In an article for the Indian Express,
Moon who is the deputy chair of The Elders – a group founded by Nelson Mandela
to work for peace and justice across the world – said that he was “profoundly
disappointed and alarmed by the communal violence that disfigured Delhi in
recent weeks.”Referring to India’s credentials as a democracy that had made its
mark in global business, academia, IT, entertainment and sport, Moon said that
India could teach the world “its traditions of democracy and ahimsa
(non-violence)” Moon held that the attacks on poor and working people, mainly
Muslims, could not be seen in isolation from Prime Minister Modi’s attempts to
redefine Indian CAA, NPR and NRC. all of which were incompatible with Article
14 of the Indian Constitution. These developments, Moon said, raised questions
about India’s democratic future. Noting that the denial of citizenship based on
religion “prompts memories of some of the darkest periods in recent human
history,” Moon said that India could not overcome its developmental challenges
by pitting religious groups against one other and turning some Indians into
second-class citizens.thewire
22 MLAs, Whose Exit Sank Congress In Madhya Pradesh, Join BJP
22 former Congress MLAs who had resigned from the party
following Jyotiraditya Scindia's resignation, have now formally joined the
Bharatiya Janata Party.The resignation of these MLAs played a critical role in
the eventual fall of Kamal Nath-led Congress govt in Madhya Pradesh."With
a pledge of Madhya Pradesh's development and progress, 22 ex-legislators and my
former colleagues from Congress, who are a part of my family, met BJP President
JP Nadda today, and joined the party," Mr Scindia said in a tweet in
Hindi.22 MLAs, all loyalists to former Congress leader and Madhya Pradesh royal
Jyotiraditya Scindia, resigned from the party on March 9, bringing the Kamal
Nath government on brink of collapse.The resignations, however, were not
immediately accepted by Assembly Speaker NP Prajapati.MLAs were later taken to
a resort in Bengaluru by BJP to avoid any horse-trading attempts. After weeks
of political drama, the resignations of all MLAs were accepted on Thursday
following a Supreme Court judgment. CM Kamal Nath resigned the next day.ndtv
Amanatullah Khan No Longer Delhi Waqf Board Chairman: Delhi Govt
New Delhi: The revenue department of the Delhi government
has said AAP leader Amanatullah Khan ceased to be the chairman of the Waqf
Board after the legislative assembly was dissolved in Feb.Mr Khan was an MLA
from Okhla in the sixth Delhi Assembly, which was dissolved on Feb.11. He was
re-elected from the same seat in the election for the seventh Assembly.The
office of the Principle Secretary (revenue) stated in a letter on Friday that
Mr Khan ceased to be a member and chairman of the board with the dissolution of
the Assembly on Feb.11, according to section 14(1) of the Waqf Act,
1995."I enjoyed my journey as the Waqf Board chairman from Sept, 2018 to
March 20, 2020. I am happy that I could help the needy and poor," Khan
said in a tweet in Hindi.As an MLA, AAP leader was nominated to 7-member Waqf
Board and subsequently, unanimously elected as its chairman in Sept. 2018. A
senior Delhi government officer denied Khan was removed from his post, saying
the panel was to be reconstituted by the new government. Khan was actively
leading the Waqf Board in welfare activities, including for the relief and
rehabilitation of the victims of last month''s communal violence in northeast
Delhi.PTI
Delay in punishing convicted rapists affects justice:Jamaat Vice President
New Delhi;Vice-President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Muhammad
Salim Engineer has expressed concern over the delay made in punishment awarded
to those convicted in the Nirbhaya rape case.“It is a matter of relief that the
government and the judiciary were finally able to award the highest punishment
to those convicted in the Nirbhaya rape case. Justice was delivered after more
than 7 years with the hanging of the four convicted of gang-raping Nirbhaya in
Dec.2012. We are concerned about such a long delay to punish convicted
rapists,” said Salim Engineer in a media statement on Saturday.He said that
delay in executing punishment in such cases affects justice.He demanded fast
execution of justice in the Kathua and Unnao cases also, saying that “those who
have political connections (in these cases) can influence and delay their
imminent punishment.”indiatomorrow
Gujarat: 3 held in 1992 riots case in Surat get bail
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-3-held-in-1992-riots-case-in-surat-get-bail-6324531/
The Surat district court Friday gave conditional bail to
three accused in a post-Babri Masjid demolition riots case, noting that no
summons had been issued to them, just directly a warrant, and that the case had
been pending for long. Ikbal Belim, 65, Rahim Rana alias Pratapsinh Rana, 72,
and Shakil Ansari, 55, had been arrested separately by the Udhna police, Surat,
almost a week ago. All are charged under TADA, apart from sections of the IPC.
The other 23 accused in the 28-year-old case remain untraceable.Giving them bail,
Surat District Principal Court also noted that most of the accused remain
missing. The three have been told to submit their house documents, with
photographs, to the trial court and Udhna police station, and to be present
during hearings. They can’t leave Gujarat without court permission.Ansari’s
wife Salima, 50, said she had begged police not to arrest him. “I told them our
son had just had an accident. I told them my husband is the only breadwinner of
the family. I offered them Rs 2,000 as bribe, the only money I could afford,
told them to wait a few days. But they took my husband away.”indianexpress
RBI extends regulatory restrictions on PMC Bank by 3 months
RBI today extended regulatory restrictions on Punjab and
Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank for three more months. The regulatory
restrictions have been imposed till June 22, 2020. RBI is also directly and
through the administrator, discussing with various authorities on expeditious
sale of securities and the recoveries of loans.Earlier, RBI had put a six-month
regulatory restriction on PMC Bank. The restrictions were put on PMC Bank after
finding out certain financial irregularities, hiding and misreporting of loans
given to real estate developer HDIL."It is hereby notified for the information
of the public that the validity of the directive dated Sept.23, 2019, as
modified from time to time, has been extended for a further period of three
months from March 23, 2020 to June 22, 2020, subject to review," the RBI
said in a release.indiatoday
Hate up, happiness down; India way behind Pak, Nepal in happiness index
Ranked 144, India is way behind Pakistan, Nepal,
Bangladesh.India has dropped down four spots in the happiness rankings as
compared to its 2019 ranking. In 2019, India was placed on 140 position while
in in 2018, India was placed on 133 position. The position went up to 122 in
2017 but again it saw a steep fall.According to the report, Nepal is ranked 15,
Pakistan is at the 29, Bangladesh at 107 and Sri Lanka at 130.Finland is the
happiest country, according to the report that was released by the United
Nations.nationalheraldindia
*WORLD*
Clashes erupt between Saudi and UAE in Aden
Violent clashes have erupted between allies of Saudi Arabia
and UAE in the temporary Yemeni capital of Aden in the south of the country. Eyewitnesses
informed Anadolu Agency that different weapons were used in the clashes which
erupted after an attempt by the Storm Brigades, affiliate with the Southern
Transitional Council which is backed by the UAE, to break into Camp 20 which is
backed by Saudi Arabia.According to eyewitnesses, the troops of Camp 20
defended their base and damaged the military equipment used by the Storm
Brigades.The clashes stopped for several hours, but the eyewitnesses notified
Anadolu Agency that they were renewed and continued until the time the report
was written.Camp 20 forces are stationed in the city of Crater in the middle of
Aden and led by Imam Al-Nobi, who was once one of the prominent allies of UAE.
Taliban Kill 24 Afghan Troops, With Inside Help: NYT
Kabul: A Taliban ambush that appears to have had inside help
killed up to 24 Afghan security forces in southern Afghanistan early Friday,
officials said.It was the latest Taliban assault on govt forces since the
militant group signed a peace deal with US. Taliban have so far ceased attacks
against American and coalition troops, but they have continued to target Afghan
govt forces.A group of Taliban fighters attacked a joint police and army
outpost on Friday on the main highway to Kabul in Zabul Province, parts of
which are under the militants’ control. Rahmatullah Yarmal, governor of Zabul
Province, said the attackers were aided by at least 5 police officers who then
escaped with the Taliban fighters. nytimes
UN: Israel is legally responsible for safety of Palestinians
Israel is legally responsible for providing health services
to ensure the safety of Palestinians in the occupied territories during the
fight against the coronavirus, a senior UN official said. “Legal duty, anchored
in Article 56 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, requires that Israel, the
occupying power, must ensure that all the necessary preventive means available
to it are utilised to ‘combat the spread of contagious diseases and
epidemics,’” according to UN special rapporteur for the situation of human
rights in the Palestinian Territory, Michael Lynk.Lynk added: “At the heart of
the efforts to contain and roll back this pandemic by Israel, the Palestinian
Authority and Hamas must apply an approach centred on human rights.”He
continued: “The right to dignity requires that all persons under their
authority should enjoy equality of access to health services and equality of
treatment.”MEMO
Israel closes most gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque
On Friday Israeli occupation forces closed most of the gates
of Al-Aqsa Mosque and restricted the entry of Palestinian worshippers over
claims of fighting the spread of coronavirus, Arabi21.com reported.As part of
their restrictions, the Israeli occupation forces allowed the entry of the
Palestinian worshippers to their holy site, only through three gates.The three
gates were closed and reopened in light of the Palestinian warning of Israeli
plans to exploit coronavirus crisis to promote a Judaisation agenda.Reports by
Palestinian activists and NGOs revealed that closure of the gates of Al-Aqsa
Mosque coincided with the detention and deportation of Palestinian officials
working at Al-Aqsa Mosque, including the director and deputy director of the
holy site.middleeastmonitor
Nasrallah: Hezbollah not involved in Amer Fakhoury's release
Beirut:leader of Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group on
Friday denied involvement in the recent release of a Lebanese-American man
accused of overseeing the torture of thousands of Lebanese during the Israeli
occupation of Lebanon.Hezbollah Secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah said that
his organisation had no prior knowledge of the military court's decision
earlier this week to release Amer Fahkhoury, the commander of the notorious Khiam
Prison from the 1980s until the 1990s, when he was a member of the South
Lebanon Army (SLA), an Israeli proxy.Instead, the leader of the most powerful
force in Lebanon said he had learned of the decision "on television, and
then made calls to inquire about it".aljazeera
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