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Evening NEWS DIGEST
21 March. 2017: 21 JamadiulAkhir 1438:Vol:8, No:147
INDIA: Babri Masjid issue
Babri Majisd Ram Mandir conflict: SC suggests out-of-court settlement, says it’s a sensitive issue
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-says-ayodhya-land-dispute-a-sentimental-matter-suggests-mediation-route-ram-temple-bjp-subramanian-swamy-4578519/
New Delhi:Describing the Ram Mandir as a “sensitive” and “sentimental” issue, the Supreme Court on Tuesday suggested that it would be best if the contentious issue is settled amicably. The suggestion from the top court comes after BJP leader Subramanian Swamy sought urgent hearing on the Ayodhya dispute.The court called upon parties concerned to sit together to arrive at a consensus and asked Swamy to consult the parties and inform it about the decision on March 31. “These are issues of religion and sentiments. These are issues where all the parties can sit together and arrive at a consensual decision to end the dispute. All of you may sit together and hold a cordial meeting,” said the bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar.CJI Khehar even went on to say he was ready to mediate on the controversial issue if the parties concerned want him to. The top court further said all parties should choose mediators to make a fresh attempt to settle the issue and that a principal mediator can be chosen by the court, if required, for settling the issue. indianexpress
SC suggests negotiated settlement to end Babri issue
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-suggests-negotiated-settlement-for-ramjanambhoomi-babri-masjid-dispute/articleshow/57747306.cms
Babri Masjid issue: Muslim organisations sceptical about out-of-court settlement
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/muslim-outfits-sceptical-about-out-of-court-settlement/1/909226.html
New Delhi/:Muslim organisations, including Babri Masjid Action Committee were today sceptical about the Supreme Courts suggestion for talks to resolve the Ayodhya dispute, saying attempts at out-of-court settlement in the past have been unsuccessful. "We are ready with Chief Justice(of India) mediating... we trust him. We are also ready we if he nominates a team for hearing the matter. But out of court settlement is not possible. If SC passes an order in this regard, we will look into it," said Zafaryab Jilani, Convenor of the Committee which is a party to the case. Jilani said that going by his experience of last 3 decades, he feels that the matter cannot be settled outside the court and referred to unsuccessful negotiation attempts made during the tenures of ex- PMs Chandrashekhar and PV Narasimha Rao."Let them hear us, we are prepared. But we are not ready for out of court settlement," Jilani said. "In 1986, talks started between the then Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti and President Muslim Personal Law Board Ali Miyan Nadvi but it failed."Later in 1990, PM Chandrashekhar, UP CM Mulayam Singh Yadav and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat talked but no results came. Narasimha Rao also constituted a committee and attempts of talks were made through Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahai but in 1992 the mosque was demolished," he said.He said after the demolition, the then AIMPLB President Rabe Hasan Nadvi had sought a written proposal from Shankaracharya of Kanchi in which he said Muslims should leave claim on 3 mosques, which was not acceptable. The Secretary General of AIMPLB, Maulana Wali Rahmani, said, "We have trust in the Chief Justice and if he is there we are ready for talks." "Talks were held earlier also but it can be initiated again. But talks should not be long," he added.Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB alleged that the attempts in the past to resolve the issue were foiled by political parties."Negotiation have been made in the past a number of times between the two parties. But each time, political parties foiled our attempts...(So), we are of the view that let the Supreme Court decide once and for all," Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB said. PTI
RSS welcomes Supreme Court on Ayodhya dispute
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rss-welcomes-supreme-court-order-on-ayodhya-dispute/articleshow/57756110.cms
Coimbatore: RSS welcomed the Supreme Court suggestion to mediate to resolve the land issues in the Ram Temple-Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya. RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said that it will accept the decision taken by the Dharma Sabha- the umbrella body of religious outfits in matter."We are in support of the Supreme Court order asking the 2 parties to resolve the matter. The RSS will support the decision that will be taken by the saints and sages who will hold talks with the opposite party," said Hosabale.TOI
Babri Masjid: Rival camps welcome SC advice on amicable settlement, but remain wary of outcome
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ayodhya-dispute-rival-camps-welcome-sc-advice-on-amicable-settlement-but-remain-wary-of-outcome/story-jPxdvnfX14n5JZyrJ0tvFJ.html
New Delhi: Lawyers of the 2 warring sides in the Ram temple dispute welcomed the Supreme Court’s advice on Tuesday for an amicable settlement but any progress appeared unlikely with both camps sticking to their known positions.Ministers of the NDA govt too welcomed the top court’s decision, calling it the best way to resolve a long-pending dispute.“This is a very good step. Even the BJP has been encouraging solving the issue through negotiations,” said PP Chaudhary, minister of state for law and justice and a senior BJP leader.Union culture minister Mahesh Sharma hoped it would pave the way for the construction of the Ram temple. “It’s superb advice. There can’t be a better advice to solve the problem,” he told reporters outside Parliament. Iqbal Ansari, son of late Hashim Ansari, the oldest litigant in the dispute, said it was a move in the right direction.“The court case has been dragging on for very long now. Negotiations can help resolve the dispute. Even in the past, panchayats used to solve disputes. It can be done even now,” he said.Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the president of the Ram Janmbhoomi Nyas, said he was confident that a solution would be found as “there is Modi govt at Centre and Yogi govt in the state”.Madan Mohan Pandey, representing Ram Lalla Virajman in the Supreme Court, appreciated the chief justice’s offer, but said they will not negotiate over the land where they believe Lord Ram was born.HT
Owaisi rejects out-of-court settlement of Ayodhya dispute, says Babri Masjid case is about title
http://www.india.com/news/india/asaduddin-owaisi-rejects-out-of-court-settlement-of-ayodhya-dispute-says-babri-masjid-case-is-about-title-1947105/
New Delhi:AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi virtually rejected an out-of-court settlement of the Ayodhya dispute as suggested by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Owaisi urged the Supreme Court to start daily hearing in Babri site case and hoped that the SC would also decide the other cases pending since the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992. In a series of tweets, Owaisi said Babri Masjid-Ramjanmbhoomi disputed site case was about title. “Please remember Babri Masjid case is about title which the Allahabad High Court wrongly decided as a Partnership case. Hence the appeal in apex court,” Owaisi said. “I hope SC decides the contempt petition pending since 1992,” Owaisi tweeted. “Waiting to hear about whether conspiracy charges will be held against Advani, Joshi, Uma Bharti in Babri demolition case,” he wrote further.india.com
Ayodhya dispute: Surrendering not an option for us says Babri Action Committee
http://www.oneindia.com/india/ayodhya-dispute-surrendering-not-an-option-for-us-says-babri-action-committee-2380576.html
Here are all who oppose SC’s ‘outside court’ settlement suggestion
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/ram-temple-issue-here-are-all-who-oppose-scs-outside-the-court-settlement-suggestion/596725/
Temple Building Can Start Anytime:Uma Bharti
http://www.news18.com/news/india/ram-janmbhoomi-babri-masjid-live-bjp-welcomes-cjis-offer-1362276.html
Reacting after Chief Justice of India suggested for an amicable settlement of Babri Masjid-Ramjanmbhoomi disputed, union minister Uma Bharti, said, "the Question of whether Ram was born there or not was settled by 3 judge bench of Allahabad court. Now it is a question of who owns the land. When SC is asking for an out of court settlement, there will be a way. There was a way out for Somnath temple." She added, "Can't say when it will be completed, but building can start anytime." Dr SQR Ilyas, Joint Convenor the Babri Masjid Committee told CNN-News18, " Prior to this several talks have been conducted but no results. Dialogue between VHP and Babri Masjid Committee did not reach any conclusion. The matter of arbitration and negotiation has already been completed. Issue has to be settled on the basis of legal position not sentiments. We don't agree to that CJI can act as a mediator in this case. Allahabad HC has already given a judgment. Muslim Personal Law Board feels time of negotiation is over." news 18
Supreme Court's advice on Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute hailed by BJP, rejected by Muslims
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/supreme-court-ram-janmabhoomi-temple-babri-masjid-bjp-muslims/1/909281.html
SC advisory on Babri dispute raises apprehension among Muslims
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/supreme-court-advisory-babri-masjid-ram-temple-muslims/1/909401.html
Babri Masjid: Yogi Adityanath wants both sides must do to find solution
http://www.abplive.in/india-news/babri-masjid-heres-what-yogi-adityanath-wants-both-sides-must-do-to-find-solution-507831
New Delhi: After giving his maiden speech in Lok Sabha after becoming CM of UP , on Tuesday, Yogi Adityanath "welcomed SC observation" on Ayodhya matter related with Babri Masjid. Yogi also expressed desire that "both sides must sit down and find a solution"."We welcome SC observation; both sides must sit down and find a solution", said UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Supreme Court observation on Ayodhya matter. abplive
Advani welcomes Supreme Court’s observation
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/ram-mandir-babari-masjid-dispute-lk-advani-welcomes-supreme-courts-observation/597099/
New Delhi:Veteran BJP leader LK Advani has today welcomed the Supreme Court’s observation that all parties should try to settle Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid case out of the court and come out with a proper solution. Praising the top court’s observation while interacting with media persons, he said that all parties involved in the matter should try to come to a consensus.
Adityanath clears 20 acres of land for Ramayana Museum in Ayodhya: Reports
http://www.india.com/news/india/yogi-adityanath-clears-20-acres-of-land-for-ramayana-museum-in-ayodhya-1946833/
UP CM Yogi Adityanath has approved the construction of Ramayana museum in Ayodhya. According to media reports, Yogi Adityanath led BJP govt in UP has decided to provide 20 acres of land for setting up a Ramayana museum in Ayodhya. Ramayana museum will cost Rs 154 crore to the exchequer. Ramanya museum is a part of the Ramayana Circuit for which the Modi govt has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit. india
VHP to start new Ayodhya movement 'Ram Mahotsav'
http://www.news18.com/news/india/vhp-to-start-new-ayodhya-temple-movement-ram-mahotsav-1362377.html
New Delhi: VHP, which has been at the forefront of the Ram Temple movement since it began, has decided to re-launch the movement. The announcement comes at a time when Hindutva hardliner Yogi Adityanath has been elevated to the post of UP CM and the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked litigants to find an “amicable solution” to the dispute. VHP has said it will launch a movement called ‘Ram Mahotsav’ from March 26 to April 16.News18.com
Togadia bats for law to build Ram temple in Ayodhya
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/togadia-bats-for-law-to-build-ram-temple-in-ayodhya/1/909359.html
New Delhi:With the Supreme Court stating that the Ayodhya temple dispute be settled through negotiations, Vishwa Hindu Parishad chief Pravin Togadia said the Central govt must bring out a legislation to build the Ram temple."The Union govt must bring and pass the law to build Ram Temple in Ayodhya at the birth place of Shreeram (Lord Ram)," he said.PTI
CPI(M) for SC adjudication on Ayodhya land dispute
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/cpim-for-sc-adjudication-on-ayodhya-land-dispute/
UP Politics
New UP CM must retract previous statements against Muslims:Amnesty International
https://www.amnesty.org.in/show/news/uttar-pradesh-new-chief-minister-must-retract-previous-statements-against-m/
The new CM of UP , Yogi Adityanath, must publicly withdraw his previous inflammatory statements against Muslims and other religious minorities, Amnesty International India said today. “Adityanath has been one of UP ’s most polarizing politicians, given to hateful rhetoric that incites discrimination and hostility against minority groups, particularly Muslims,” said Aakar Patel, Executive Director, Amnesty International India. “As CM of India’s most populous state, he and his party have an obligation to ensure that his positions do not become govt policy. It is therefore imperative that he retracts any statements which may provide a license for others to abuse human rights.”Adityanath has called for India to become a Hindu state. He has also made polarizing statements claiming ‘love jihad’ – an alleged conspiracy by Muslim men to seduce Hindu women and convert them to Islam. He faces criminal charges in multiple cases, including attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, rioting, promoting enmity betweendifferent groups, and defiling a place of worship. In 2007, he was detained for 15 days for allegedly inciting riots in Gorakhpur.“Adityanath’s toxic ideas must not become part of his governance. By demonizing Muslims, he has increased religious divisions and put ordinary people at risk of discrimination, hostility and violence. As the head of the UP govt, he must disown his poisonous statements, and ensure that his administration respects the rights of people of all faiths,” said Aakar Patel.
Dance and celebration in Dadri's Bisada village when Yogi took oath
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/yogi-adityanath-as-up-cm-in-bishahra-a-night-of-revelry/article17547660.ece
Meerut: On Sunday, when Yogi Adityanath took oath as CM of UP, Bishahra, a Thakur-dominated village, danced and celebrated with a DJ in attendance late into the night.The residents believed they had reasons for revelry, and the participants included members of the Gau Raksha Hindu Dal (Save cow Hindu protection force), a cow vigilante outfit active in Dadri. The family members of the youths arrested on charges of lynching Mohammad Akhlaq, accusing him of cow slaughter and storing beef, were happy as they saw Mr. Adityanath as someone who “would understand their plight”.“It is for the first time in the past year-and-a-half that we felt that our plight would be felt and understood by those in power. Yogiji [Mr. Adityanath] has supported Hindus, and he has been a constant source of support, always present in the background, when this incident happened,”Om Kumar, electrician in Bishahra, said.His sons, Saurav and Gaurav, were arrested on charges of killing Akhlaq. Gaurav, a minor, is out on bail. All the accused, except one, arrested on charges of killing Akhlaq, belong to the dominant Thakur community. Ved Nagar, the head of Gau Raksha Hindu Dal, told The Hindu on the phone that the “family members of Akhlaq’s murder accused, had met Adityanath twice in Delhi after the incident and he had promised to extend all possible support to them”.“It is a matter of pride that a cow protector like Yogiji has become the CM . Now we expect justice to be done,” Nagar said.He said Adityanath’s appointment “gives hope that the accused in the Akhlaq murder case would soon get bail”. The outfit established by Adityanath, Hindu Yuva Vahini, had offered guns to “harassed” Hindus of Bishahra. the hindu
Why Bisada Village Danced The Night Away After Yogi Adityanath Took Oath
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/03/21/why-bisada-village-danced-the-night-away-after-yogi-adityanath-t_a_21903847/?amp_validation_status=validated_successfully&ncid=fcbklnkinhpmg00000001
Adityanath a symbol of communal strife and intolerance: Kerala CM Vijayan
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/200317/adityanath-a-symbol-of-communal-strife-and-intolerance-kerala-cm-vijayan.html
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan termed UP CM Yogi Adityanath as the symbol of "communal violence and intolerance", and criticised the BJP for his elevation.PTI
In Yogi's Gorakhnath math, Muslims handle finances as well as its cows:TOI report
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/math-muslims-swear-by-aditya-nath/articleshow/57742896.cms
Gorakhpur: Contrary to the archetypal perception of Yogi Adityanath as a Hindutva rabble-rouser, the atmosphere inside his math is anything but communal.For the past 35 years, the man who has supervised all construction work inside the Gorakhnath temple is a Muslim, Yasin Ansari, who also keeps an account of the temple's expenditure.Ansari said, "I have very cordial relation with Chhote Maharaj (as Yogi is referred to in the monastery). Whenever he's here, he calls me and takes all information about work. I move freely in his living quarters, from the kitchen to his bedroom, and also take my meals with him." A number of shops in the temple precincts are run by Muslims. Said Ansari, "I have seen him help poor irrespective of their religion or caste. Maharaj always participates in my family marriage functions." "For the last 35 years, I've been running a shop at the temple. I've never felt any disrespect or discrimination on the part of Yogiji. He's a real saint," said Azizunnisa."There are any more Muslim families inside the temple who earn and live fearlessly," said Mohammad Mutaqim, who has been running a bangle shop in the temple for the last 20 years. Yasin said that his father's elder brother had come to the temple during the priesthood of Mahant Digvijaynath, and the temple kitchen was his responsibility. "My mother-inlaw, Hamida Begum, was supervisor of the kitchen and my father-in-law was a gardener. I was the temple cashier from 1977-83. Since 1984, I've been the temple's construction supervisor," said Ansari.The first engineer of Gorakhnath temple was Nisar Ahmad. He later became the principal of Maharana Pratap Polytechnic. He said, "I was the engineer at the temple. Sadhna Bhawan, Yatri Niwas, Hindu Sevashram, shops of the temple, new building of Gorakhnath hospital, Sanskriti Vidyalaya, Radha Krishna Mandir, Shankar Mandir, Vishnu Mandir, Hanuman Mandir and many other temples associated with Gorakhnath temple were constructed on my designs. Now, I have retired."Yogi loves cows and there are 400 bovines in the temple — and their chief caretaker is Maan Mohammad. "Earlier, my father took care of the cows. Now I'm doing the work. I wake up at 3am, milk the cows and give them fodder. Chhote Maharaj takes care of all us," said Mohammed.
Is Yogi anti-Muslim or victim of media bias? Financial Express report
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/is-yogi-adityanath-anti-muslim-or-victim-of-media-bias-this-fact-about-gorakhpur-math-shows-his-real-face/595295/
Yogi Adityanath as UP CM : What happens to the cases against him? Dhirendra K Jha
https://scroll.in/article/832327/with-adityanath-now-chief-minister-of-uttar-pradesh-what-happens-to-the-cases-against-him
NDA Majority in RS by 2020: Will it be the End of Idea of India?Amitabh Dubey
https://www.thequint.com/blogs/2017/03/20/nda-majority-in-rajya-sabha-by-2020-end-of-idea-of-india-up-election-yogi-adityanath
'The Appointment of the Dodgy Yogi As CM is Last Nail in Coffin of Constitutional Democracy':NEERA CHANDHOKE
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/NewsDetail/index/1/10211/The-Appointment-of-the-Dodgy-Yogi-As-CM-is-Last-Nail-in-Coffin-of-Constitutional-Democracy
Yogi Adityanath is as much a creation of the so-called secular parties as of the Sangh:Harsh Mander
https://scroll.in/article/832292/adityanath-is-as-much-a-creation-of-the-so-called-secular-parties-as-the-sangh-parivar
It's not just Muslims, this is how Adityanath views Christians and women:Swati Chaturvedi
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/yogi-adityanath-muslims-women-uttar-pradesh-christians/story/1/16282.html
Advani, Modi and...Yogi? Why Adityanath's appointment is a political masterstroke by Modi:Sriram Ramakrishnan
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/advani-modi-andyogi-why-adityanaths-appointment-is-a-political-masterstroke-by-modi/articleshow/57747099.cms
Adityanath as UP CM: Modi is performing the last rites of Nehruvian secularism:Sreemoy Talukdar
http://www.firstpost.com/politics/yogi-adityanath-as-uttar-pradesh-cm-modi-is-performing-the-last-rites-of-nehruvian-secularism-3343444.html
BSP leader Shami shot dead in Allahabad district
https://scroll.in/latest/832265/uttar-pradesh-bsp-leader-mohammad-shami-shot-dead-in-allahabad-district
BSP leader Mohammad Shami was shot dead in Allahabad district on Sunday night, hours after Hindutva hardliner Yogi Adityanath took his oath as CM of UP . Shami was set upon by bike-borne assailants in town of Mau Aima, Patrika reported, and died on the spot. The police arrived soon after and said five bullets had been fired at Shami.Shami had moved from the SP to BSP right before Assembly polls.scroll
'We aren't scared': A week after posters asked them to leave, Bareilly Muslims stand their ground
https://scroll.in/article/832235/we-arent-scared-a-week-after-posters-asked-them-to-leave-bareilly-muslims-stand-their-ground
OTHERS
Jaipur Hotel banned: Civil rights, political, Muslim organisations protest against cow vigilantism
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jaipur-beef-hotel-cow-vigilant-protest-sadhvi-kamal-didi/1/909469.html
Jaipur:Several civil rights, political and Muslim organisations in Jaipur today came together to protest against cow vigilantism and the sealing of a Jaipur hotel after complaints of beef being served there were made. The protesting organisations included PUCL, CPI(M),CPI, Jamaat-e-Islami-Hind, Rajasthan Samagra Seva Sangh and National Muslim Women Welfare Society.A joint memorandum addressed to Jaipur police commissioner and mayor alleged one-sided action was taken owing to a collusion between police, JMC officials and Sadhvi Kamal Didi. It also mentions that merely on the basis of suspicion, a mob entered inside the hotel making accusation regarding cow beef and attacked hotel employee Wasim. It also accused the Jaipur mayor of acting on mere rumour and that even before it was investigated what constituted food samples, he gave the verdict that it was beef.The protesting organisations sought suspension of those police officials who were involved in the action taken against hotel Hayat Rabbani. indiatoday
Beef row: Hoteliers contradict JMC’s claims of hotel violating rules, say greenline service not available in area
http://www.hindustantimes.com/jaipur/beef-row-hoteliers-contradict-jmc-s-claims-of-hotel-violating-rules-say-greenline-service-not-available-in-area/story-jJeVLvGdiTsc1t25YaHqpO.html
Jaipur;The hospitality industry in the city has come out strongly in support of the owners of hotel Hyat Rabbani which was sealed after a six-hour-long siege by cow vigilantes outside the hotel on Sunday evening over rumours that it had beef in its menu.Several people from the hoteliers association have contradicted the claims made by the administration of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation that the hotel was not abiding by the greenline service rules of the civic body.HT
Missing JNU student Najeeb wanted to ‘join’ IS:Police
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/missing-jnu-student-najeeb-ahmed-wanted-to-join-islamic-state-his-google-search-history-shows/596429/
New Delhi:According to the latest finding in the missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed case, officials of the Delhi Police have collected reports that show that he was searching for information on Islamic States (IS). Reports have revealed the browsing history of Najeeb, that shows that he was collecting information about the ideology, network and executions of the Islamic State from Google and Youtube before his disappearance. According to media reports, the search history of the missing JNU student also included ways in which one could join the IS and his most viewed videos on Youtube were all related to the IS.All the details have been submitted in the Delhi High Court. According to Delhi Police, on Oct.14, Najeeb before getting into a fight with the members of ABVP, he was watching a video speech of an IS leader. A day after his fight, he went missing before being caught boarding an auto rickshaw on CCTV. However, Chief Spox Delhi Police on the Najeeb Ahmed Case today said, “Any association with ISIS has not come up in Delhi Police’s investigation.” financialexpres
UP:2 Muslim youth fired from job for offering ‘Friday prayers in office’
http://twocircles.net/2017mar20/406522.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
In what appears to be a case of religious intolerance and discrimination, two Muslim students from Glocal University hired by a private company were fired within a month for allegedly offering Friday prayers in office premise.Mohammed Kashif and Shamsher, 2 students from B.Tech (Civil) were hired as trainees on Feb.15 by Spatial Geotech Private Limited (SGPL) at their Noida office. Speaking with Twocircles.net, Kashif, 22, said, “When we both joined, there were two more Muslims who were working in the company. We asked them where they offered Friday prayers, and they said no. So, all 4 of us went to our boss, Annu Gupta, and asked her if we could take some time off on Friday afternoons to offer the Jumma Prayers. She flatly refused the idea despite us saying that we would compensate for the time.”After they were denied permission to visit a Mosque, the four decided to offer Zuhr prayers within the office premises. In the first week of March, according to Kashif, the four were called by Gupta and warned to not ‘disrupt the office environment’. “At that time, I did not know she was talking about us offering prayers,” he said. Subsequently, when they did the same in the following week, the two were again called to Gupta’s office and were shown a video of them performing the prayers. “We were told to wait in the office, and by evening we came to know through our college placement cell that the 2 of us (Kashif and Shamsher) had been terminated from our jobs. I am pretty sure that this was due to our offering prayers in the office, as the same was told to us by Gupta when we were in her office,” says Kashif. 2 were not even given a termination letter and when they asked for a NOC from the company, even that was denied.A member of Glocal University placement office confirmed to TCN that these two had been terminated, but said that the reason was cited as performance and not the religious prayers. Twocircles
SC to Modi govt: Why not give March 31 extension to all to deposit old notes
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sc-to-modi-govt-why-not-give-march-31-extentsion-to-all-to-deposit-old-notes/articleshow/57749272.cms
The Supreme Court has said that the Modi govt's decision to close the March 31 RBI window to deposit old notes was smacked of arbitrariness and sought to know why categories other than those travelling abroad were not being allowed to do so. A bench led by chief justice of India JS Khehar said that the discretion vested in the govt by ordinance had been exercised arbitrarily to allow one category only when the law permits the govt to extend the relief to other categories too. Under the Dec.30 ordinance, only those who missed the Dec.30 deadline because they were travelling abroad could deposit old notes with RBI subject to verification. "PM in his address had said that people with genuine difficulties can deposit demonetised currency even after Dec 30, 2016, till March 31, 2017 with RBI branches. Give us the reasons why despite having powers under the law, you did not create a category for those people who couldn't deposit demonetised notes before Dec30, 2016" bench said. Though the govt can allow the benefit to other categories it hasn't. A slew of petitions in the court have challenged this as illegal. The bench led by CJI prima facie seemed to agree with this view."Ordinance withdrew the window without any notice," CJI observed. ET
Threat to cashless economy? After demonetisation push, digital transactions recede
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/digital-india-threatened-after-demonetisation-push-digital-transactions-recede/story-CpMaY0kcYoGLVreLhIYVHN.html?google_editors_picks=true
The value of digital transactions nationwide declined marginally (1.5%) to Rs 92.6 lakh crore in Feb.2017 from Rs 94 lakh crore in Nov.2016 according to representative data (provisional) on electronic payments released by RBI.The data do not cover all transactions across all banks. But, card payments data for four major banks, mobile banking figures for 5 banks and prepaid payment instruments (PPI, meaning mobile payment gateways such as PayTM and FreeCharge) data for 8 non-bank issuers have been considered as representative for analysing trends in payments.Digital transactions (volume) had increased 42% from 672 million in Nov.2016 to 958 million in Dec 2016 but have since declined 20% over two months to 763 million in Feb 2017.This puts in peril the govt ’s target to achieve 25 billion digital transactions in 2017-18, which translates to at least 2 billion transactions per month. HT
Cash transaction limit slashed to Rs 2 lakh
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cash-transaction-limit-slashed-to-rs-2-lakh/article17561911.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi : Rs 3 lakh ceiling on cash transactions from April 1, 2017, proposed in Union Budget 2017-18, has been revised to Rs 2 lakh, with govt introducing an amendment to this effect in the Finance Bill cleared by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.The tightening of the cap on cash transactions was one of 40 amendments to Finance Bill proposed by the Centre.thehindu
Aadhaar to be made mandatory for filing I-T return, applying for PAN card
http://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/aadhaar-card-income-tax-return-pan-card-4579403/
New Delhi:In a move that will have a deep-reaching impact, the govt on Tuesday proposed to make Aadhar card mandatory for filing income tax return and applying for PAN, which will come into effect from July 1. indianexpress
Karanataka HC sets aside MHA order for NIA probe in RSS leader’s murder case
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rss-leader-murder-bengaluru-karnataka-high-court-nia-probe-4579021/
Bengaluru:An order issued by MHA in Dec 2016 asking the NIA to take over the investigations into the Oct16, 2016 murder of a RSS leader in Bengaluru was set aside on Tuesday by the Karnataka High Court. A single-judge bench of the high court Justice John Michael Cunha set aside the order where the MHA – on its own and without the consent of the state of Karnataka – had ordered the NIA to take over investigations into the murder of the RSS leader R Rudresh. MHA’s order directing the NIA to take over the murder probe and the decision of the Bengaluru police to invoke provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 in the murder case had been challenged in the court by Asim Shariff, a leader of the socio-political outfit the Popular Front of India and four others arrested by Bengaluru police in the case.indianexpress
Kerala:Tension grips Kerala’s Kasaragod after Muslim cleric hacked to death
http://en.southlive.in/southly/2017/03/21/tension-grips-in-keralas-kasaragod-after-muslim-cleric-hacked-to-death
Communal tensions have been flared up in Kasaragod district of Kerala after a Muslim cleric was hacked to death by unknown assailants on Monday night. Following the incident, Muslim league called for a shutdown in the district. 30-year-old Riyas, who hails from Kodagu district of neighbouring Karnataka was hacked to death in a room where he was residing near the Mosque at Halechoori. Upon hearing noise at midnight, when the main cleric reached the spot, there was stone pelting. Subsequently, he alerted local residents through Mosque loudspeaker. When the residents gathered, Riyas was found dead with throat slit.The body has been moved to Pariyaram medical college for autopsy.Riyaz, who was teaching at the Madrassa located next to Muhayuddin Jumma Masjid, had been serving in there since the last nine years.Protesting the incident, Muslims organisation took to the street on Tuesday morning. southlive
Kerala: Madrassa teacher found murdered in Kasaragod
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/madrassa-teacher-found-murdered-in-kasaragod/articleshow/57746933.cms
Mumbai:17 held for rioting at police station over FB post
http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/crime/17-arrested-for-rioting-at-police-station-over-fb-post/articleshow/57725728.cms
Mumbai:Over 100 young men raided Trombay police station late on Saturday night, vandalised property, and set fire to a police van, demanding that the author of the `objectionable' post be handed over to them. A mob of more than hundred young men descended on Trombay police station on the mid night of Saturday-Sunday and ransacked the premises before setting fire to a police van over a confrontational social media post.The police prevented the violence from spiralling out of control and arrested 17 people. mumbaimirror
Naik didn’t force people to convert to Islam: Brother to ED
http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/zakir-naik-didn-t-force-people-to-convert-to-islam-brother-to-ed/story-WFVqgqFMyrNaYapN3bL01L.html
Mumbai: Zakir Naik did not force people to convert to Islam, his brother Mohammad Naik told the enforcement directorate (ED) in his statement in connection with a money-laundering case. “Brother said Zakir Naik’s statements have been taken out of context. Karim said his brother has knowledge of various religions and has been preaching for a long time. He said the conversions carried out by Zakir were with consent, and not by force,” said an ED officer.He said he was unaware of the allegations of money laundering against his brother, said the officer. Naik’s lawyers claimed he was a law-abiding citizen, who has not been accused of any offence. The prejudicial proceedings have created an extremely hostile atmosphere, making a fair probe impossible, alleged his counsels. HT
Is the Zakir Naik case falling apart?HT
http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/is-the-zakir-naik-case-falling-apart/story-NkOLaQ9QXLrClgvDhu2h5L.html
Farook’s atheism not reason for murder, says Coimbatore federation of Muslim rganisations:the hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/farooks-atheism-not-reason-for-murder/article17548409.ece
Coimbatore;Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam functionary Farook’s murder on March 16 had nothing to do with Islam and it was wrong to blame Muslim organisations, representatives of Coimbatore District United Jamaath and Federation of All Organisations said here on Monday. Addressing journalists, MA Inaiyathullah, district general secretary, Coimbatore District Sunnath Jamaath, K. Raja Hussain of Popular Front of India, and E. Ummar, State general secretary, Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam, said that Farook’s atheist ideology and his reported stand against Islam was not of concern of Islamic organisations, for they believed in divergence of opinion. They believed in each one following his or her path as that was what Islam preached.Even if that path was contrary to the tenets of the religion, they would not approve of murder. All Islamic organisations condemned the murder and wanted the police investigating the crime to find the perpetrators at the earliest. But even before the motive for the murder could be established it was quite unfortunate that in social and main stream media it was being alleged that organisations were behind the murder.
Coimbatore: Man murdered over ‘anti-Muslim’ Facebook post; link to Bengaluru bomb blast convict suspected
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/coimbatore-man-murdered-over-anti-muslim-facebook-post-link-to-bengaluru-bomb-blast-convict-suspected/595738/
Terror plot:Rajkot court sends brothers to judicial custody
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/terror-plot-rajkot-court-sends-two-brothers-to-judicial-custody-4577812/
Rajkot;A local court in the city sent Vaseem Ramodia and his younger brother Naeem—the duo arrested for allegedly planning terrorist attacks in the state inspired by terrorist group Islamic State—to judicial custody after Gujarat ATS did not seek their further remand on Monday.The ATS produced the twin brothers in the court of chief judicial magistrate (first class), RA Singh on Monday afternoon as their 10-day remand came to an end. As ATS did not seek further extension of the custody of the accused.Imtiyaz Koreja, advocate said that they would wait for some time before filing for bail. “As of now, we are waiting and watching. We shall wait till the ATS files charge-sheet and then move a bail plea,” said Koreja.indianexpress
Maharashtra: Professor attacked, arrested because he asked why Shivaji's birthday celebrated twice
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/03/19/a-professor-from-maharashtra-was-attacked-and-arrested-because-h_a_21902911/?amp_validation_status=validated_successfully&ncid=fcbklnkinhpmg00000001
A 38-year-old professor from Khopoli in Raigad district was attacked by students and colleagues before being taken into custody all because he asked why Shivaji's birthday is celebrated twice a year.Sunil Waghmare, a professor in the commerce department at KMC College has also been suspended for the same reason.
Conflict between Muslim personal law and POSCO, Delhi court rules in favour of former
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-conflict-between-muslim-personal-law-and-posco-delhi-court-rules-in-favour-of-former-2361726
An 18-year-old man had married a 15-year-old and was charged of rape, kidnapping and sexual assault.In a clear case of conflict between Muslim personal law and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO), a Special Delhi court ruled in the favour of former after weighing the case.In a case before the court last week, Sessions Judge Vinod Yadav acquitted an 18-year-old man, who had married a 15-year-old, and was charged of rape, kidnapping and sexual assault under the POCSO Girl's mother had filed a complaint saying that the boy had enticed her daughter and taken her away.While hearing the case, the court observed that as per the provisions of POCSO, minor girl was "child not capable of giving consent for her marriage and consummation thereof", but since the girl and the man are Muslim under their personal law the girl is "authorised to get married at that age."While analysing the case, the judge kept in mind that under their personal law, both the accused and his wife were permitted to contract a marriage provided the girl had attained the age of puberty. Court also stated that POSCO Act was enacted to ensure that children are not abused and protected against exploitation. dnaindia
Delhi Minorities Commission report: ‘Intervened in 6 cases to prevent communal flare-up’
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-minorities-commission-report-intervened-in-six-cases-to-prevent-communal-flare-up-4578260/
Delhi Minorities Commission (DMC) has, in its annual report, listed 6 cases that it had intervened in during the 2015-2016 fiscal year. While the commission had listed the Trilokpuri riots and attacks on churches in the capital in its annual report in 2014, in its latest report, it mentioned the alleged attacks on Muslims over suspected beef possession, obstruction of namaaz and placing of ‘idols’ in a Muslim place of worship.Of a total 109 complaints that the commission received in 2015-16, 76 came from Muslims, 18 from Sikhs, indianexpress
India ranks a low 122 among world’s happiest countries; Pakistan, Nepal fare better
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-ranks-a-low-122-among-worlds-happiest-countries-pakistan-nepal-fare-better-4578297/
Pakistan, India water talks conclude in Islamabad
http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/pakistan-india-water-talks-conclude-in-islamabad/776253
WORLD
Trump will resign 'soon':top Democrat Feinstein
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-will-resign-soon-dianne-feinstein-senator-senate-judiciary-committee-a7639341.html?cmpid=facebook-post
Donald Trump is going to “get himself out of office soon”, a leading Democratic senator has claimed. Dianne Feinstein suggested the President would quit before he was potentially forced out of office after anti-Trump protesters in Los Angeles demanded to know why more wasn’t being done by Congress to remove him from office.“We know he is breaking the law every day," a protester asked the political veteran. "He has obvious dealings with Russia. There’s so many things he’s doing that are unconstitutional. How are we going to get him out?”Hinting she might know more than she is able to let on, Ms Feinstein, who sits on the House Judiciary Committee, replied: “We have a lot of people looking into this. I think he’s going to get himself out.” independent
Iowa mosque gets threatening note calling Muslims 'vile'
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-iowa-mosque-gets-threatening-note-calling-muslims-vile-2361382
Trump faces up to hard truths after FBI director Comey labels his wiretapping claims false
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-james-comey-fbi-director-wiretapping-claims-false-barack-obama-gchq-trump-tower-a7641211.html
Laptops, tablets to be banned on Middle East-US flights
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/electronics-flights-middle-east-170320232426035.html
36% of non-religious Jews want to leave Israel
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170320-36-of-non-religious-jews-want-to-leave-israel/
Rights groups demand adoption of UN ESCWA report branding Israel apartheid state
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170321-rights-groups-demand-adoption-of-un-escwa-report-branding-israel-apartheid-state/
UN: Size of Mosul crisis exceeds our current capacity
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170321-un-size-of-mosul-crisis-exceeds-our-current-capacity/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:55 PM)
