Posts
Evening NEWS DIGEST
07 Jan.2017: 08 Rabius Sani 1438: Vol:8, No:83
INDIA
SC verdict banning use of religion to garner votes can be exploited: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-verdict-banning-use-of-religion-to-garner-votes-can-be-exploited-jamaat-e-islami-hind-4463594/
New Delhi(PTI):The recent Supreme Court verdict that outlawed appealing for votes in the name of religion, caste and other identities can be “exploited” by parties campaigning using the “Hindutva plank”, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Saturday said. Addressing a press conference, the top leadership of the organisation said parties like the BJP may use the 1995 ruling of the SC, that had held “Hindutva” to be a way of life, for the upcoming polls, especially in UP. “There is a strong possibility that the parties contesting elections on the Hindutava plank would use it as a shield for their communal appeal to voters and claim that they are not seeking votes on the basis of religion but on the basis of way of life,” Secretary General of Jamaat, Mohammad Salim Engineer,said.In a landmark verdict seeking to separate religion, caste and other issues from politics, the Supreme Court, by a majority verdict, on January 2 held as “corrupt” the practice of candidates appealing for votes on the basis of these identities included not only him but his agents and voters. President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maulana Syed Jalaluddin, who addressed the media as well, called for a public dialogue on the apprehensions and also underlined the three dissenting voices of the seven-judge bench that passed the verdict. In a statement, the Jamaat, headquartered in Jamia Nagar here, also said that if such logic is accepted by the courts then it will cause “great damage” to the country’s pluralistic polity and “pave the way for majoritarianism”.It also termed as “undemocratic” Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) ordinance, saying the amendments were “dangerous” and designed to “harass” the minority community. “Legislation via ordinance is adopted only under special circumstances and the government’s anxiety to push the Bill in such a hurried manner raises serious doubts over its real intentions,” it said. indian express
SC verdict banning use of religion to garner votes can be exploited, says Jamaat: TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-verdict-banning-use-of-religion-to-garner-votes-can-be-exploited-jamaat/articleshow/56390518.cms
SC verdict banning use of religion to garner votes can be exploited, says Jamaat: India Today
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sc-verdict-banning-use-of-religion-to-garner-votes-can-be/1/851739.html
SC verdict banning use of religion to garner votes can be exploited, says Jamaat-e-Islami Hind:out look
http://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/sc-verdict-banning-use-of-religion-to-garner-votes-can-be-exploited-says-jamaat-e-islami-hind/963965
SC verdict banning use of religion to garner votes can be exploited, says Jamaat: jantakareporter
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/jamaat-e-islami-hind/92099/
BJP may use 1995 ruling of SC for the upcoming polls, says Jamaat-e-Islami Hind: catchnews
http://www.catchnews.com/national-news/bjp-may-use-1995-ruling-of-sc-for-the-upcoming-polls-jamaat-e-islami-hind-1483784448.html
SC verdict banning use of religion to garner votes can be exploited, says Jamaat-e-Islami Hind: news18
http://www.news18.com/news/india/sc-verdict-banning-use-of-religion-to-garner-votes-can-be-exploited-jamaat-e-islami-hind-1332774.html
Jamaat-e-Islami seeks more clarity on SC judgment on use of religion for votes: theindianawaaz
http://theindianawaaz.com/jamaat-e-islami-seeks-more-clarity-on-sc-judgment-on-misuse-of-religion-for-votes/
Zakir Naik's sister, brother-in-law summoned by NIA in Delhi
http://www.dnaindia.com/delhi/report-zakir-naik-s-sister-brother-in-law-summoned-by-nia-in-delhi-2289973
New Delhi: NIA summoned Dr. Zakir Naik's sister Nailah Naushad Noorani and her husband to its Delhi HQRS on Friday. Sources in NIA said Nailah and her husband Naushad, who are residents of Mumbai, arrived in the National Capital on Friday afternoon and are likely to be examined further depending on the requirement of investigators. Examination, according to NIA, is in connection to the case lodged against the Naik by the probe agency last year. Agency officials said that the couple were being examined to ascertain whether suspicious transactions had taken place between private companies headed by Nailah and the now banned IRF, founded by Naik who is facing allegations of inciting communal violence and terrorism.Confirming the development a senior NIA official told DNA, "The examination was a routine one and related to our probe against IRF. We are currently investigating all aspects related to the probe and it is likely that more individuals will be called in for examination". According to NIA, 5 private companies,in which Naik's sister Nailah is designated as director and additional director, are under the scanner after the agency found "connections" between the companies and IRF. Sources privy to the probe also said that Nailah's husband Naushad had served as director in IRF, an aspect which the investigators were keen on "discussing " with him.DNA
Sinha-led Kashmir team recommends dialogue, asks Govt to improve human rights situation
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/yashwant-sinha-led-kashmir-team-recommends-dialogue-including-with-hurriyat-asks-govt-to-improve-human-rights-situation-4463705/
New Delhi: A team of “concerned citizens” led by ex- External Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha has on Saturday released its report on Kashmir. The group that visited the valley twice on a fact-finding mission has recommended “multi-dimensional dialogue” that includes talks with Hurriyat should be “initiated at the earliest” and has asked the government to improve human rights situation and resuscitate democratic linkages between with people and allow Kashmiris to assemble and meet to hold discussions.This Mission Kashmir of Sinha led team was facilitated by Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation, a Delhi based group that has been working in Kashmir for more than a decade. Basic findings of report are:"Kashmiris believe that there is a “crisis of acknowledgement” of the Kashmir problem with the Indian state. They feel that India refuses to recognize that Kashmir is a political problem and, therefore, requires a political solution. Almost every Kashmiri we met said that there was a need for a one time political settlement and that unless the basic political issue was resolved, death and destruction would continue to visit the Valley with increasing frequency.Kashmiris claim that they have lost faith in India because India has failed them. Now the trust-deficit is widening. Some Kashmiris believe that the Indian State looks at Kashmir only within the framework of national security.They all hark back to the Vajpayee proposal of resolving the Kashmir issue “within the ambit of humanity” as something that had offered a ray of hope. However, they do not believe that the present dispensation in Delhi is interested in that approach." The most important findings of visiting the militancy affected rural areas of the Kashmir Valley are the following:"The anger in the rural areas is palpably greater than in Srinagar and raw. A persistent sense of discrimination against the Kashmiris pervades the minds of the vocal sections of the population." indianexpress
RSS Muslim wing will host Kashmiri students to ‘bring them on right path’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rss-muslim-wing-will-host-kashmiri-students-to-bring-them-on-right-path-4462894/
New Delhi: Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an RSS affiliate, is organising a conference of Kashmiri students in the national capital Saturday to connect them “with national mainstream, involve them in nation building and bring them on the right path”.MRM claimed that they are expecting a turnout of 2,000 students from Delhi and its neighbouring states for the event to which they have invited several BJP ministers at the Centre, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and from J&K, such as Deputy CM Nirmal Singh. But the conference has triggered unease in the Valley with BJP’s alliance partner PDP saying they were not aware of “any such activity” and the separatists describing it as a “campaign to fragment our society”.For the moment, though, with many of the guests, including Rajnath Singh and Nirmal Singh, unlikely to be present, PDP is hesitant to come out publicly against the event. But PDP leaders privately acknowledged that they viewed the conference as “part of a pattern” where Sangh groups “unilaterally organise events or file petitions in various courts challenging the special status accorded to the state”.When contacted, PDP leader and J&K Education Minister Nayeem Akhtar said:“I am not aware of it. I am hearing about this conference for the first time. Nobody has contacted us.”Other PDP leaders said their party is also worried that the “fragile calm” in place after five months of protests “can easily be broken by another controversy”. More so, they said, given the ban on political activity by students in the Valley’s universities and colleges.“We don’t know how and why this organisation is collecting Kashmiri students. Recently, MRM organised a campaign in Jammu for the abrogation of Article 370.This activity by affiliates of our coalition partner is against our agenda of alliance,” said a senior PDP leader.MRM conference will be held at the Constitution Club and among those invited by organisers are Union ministers Jitendra Singh, Gen VK Singh, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Krishan Pal Gurjar; J&K BJP leader and Administrator (Lakshadweep) Farooq Khan; and, V-C of Jamia Millia Islamia Prof Talat Ahmad.While Khan and Ahmad confirmed their attendance, a Home Ministry official said that Rajnath Singh “may not be able to attend because of other engagements”.“I have got an intimation from the Home Ministry and I will attend. I have been the V-C of Kashmir University and that’s why they wanted me to attend,” said Prof Ahmad.One of the organisers said that MRM and BJP activists have been visiting various universities in Delhi, UP, Haryana and Punjab over the last 2 weeks to rope in Kashmiri students for the conference. Indian Express
J&K Jama’at rejects army chief’s statement about Jamaat
http://kashmirreader.com/2017/01/07/jamaat-rejects-indian-army-chiefs-statement/
Srinagar: Indian army chief Gen Bipin Rawat has revealed something about Jama’at-e-Islami J&K which is totally unfounded and the result of the lack of proper knowledge, Jama’at-e-Islami said in a statement on Saturday.Reacting to the statement of Gen Rawat, Jama’at statement said that the allegation of the Indian army chief that Jama’at-e-Islami is propagating the radicalization among the Muslim youth for motivating them to take up arms is totally baseless and a clear proof of the lack of the proper knowledge about Jama’at-e-Islami and its history.“Jama’at-e-Islami J and K is not backed by any country but formed by the local people and for the local people. It has no alliance with Jama’at-e-Islami Hind or Jama’at-e-Islami Pakistan but is an independent organization governed locally and guided by a written constitution. It has its own policy making body independent of any influence whatsoever from any outside quarter. It’s totally an indigenous organization having its policies and programs restricted for the areas covered by Jammu and Kashmir consisting of Srinagar and Jammu as its two main cities,” the statement said adding “so Indian army chief should correct himself vis-a-vis Jama’at-e-Islami J&K.”According to Jama’at statement Jama’at-e-Islami was formed in 1941 before the partition of India with the sole purpose of inculcating in Muslims the real knowledge of Islam and the positive results of following Islamic teachings in letter and spirit. And the goal of Jama’at is to establish a society governed by the Islamic principles and laws so far as the Muslim population is concerned. Kashmir Reader
Hundreds attend militant commander Muzaffar Ahmad's funeral in Kashmir
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-longest-surviving-militant-commander-gunned-down-in-kashmir-2289946
Srinagar: Security forces dealt a major blow to militants on Friday when they killed one of longest surviving commanders who was dreaded for his brutality in Kashmir. Muzaffar Ahmad Naikoo alias Muz Molvi,a resident of apple rich town of Sopore, was the prime accused in the cold-blooded murder of two young sisters in Sopore in 2011.Muz Molvi was among the four militants responsible for the killing of 2 sisters Akthara, 20, and Arifa, 17, on the night of Jan.31, 2011. Such was the brutality that the sisters were dragged out from their home at Muslim Peer Sopore and taken to nearby Moholla and were shot dead from point blank range. One of the girls was shot in her eye and the other on her chest. The killings had sparked a national outrage and even prompted the separatists to call for hartal against the brutality.Hundreds of people joined his funeral procession at his home town Sopore on Friday. dnaindia
Stop India from fuelling terror, Pak urges UN
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Stop-India-from-fuelling-terror-Pak-urges-U.N./article17001339.ece
Karachi:Pakistan’s Ambasador to UN Maleeha Lodhi on Friday submitted a dossier asking the world body to restrain India from interfering in and undertaking activities aimed at destabilising country.“Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi today delivered a dossier on India's interference and terrorism in Pakistan to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres along with a letter from Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz,”a Foreign Ministry statement stated. Ambassador claimed that the dossier contains proof of India and its agency, RAW’s interference in Pakistan and involvement in terrorism, particularly in Balochistan, FATA and Karachi. “This is a follow-up to the three dossiers, which were shared with the UN in Oct.2015,” Foreign Office said.In the covering letter sent with the dossier, Aziz said the arrest of Indian RAW agent Kulbhushan Yadav from Balochistan and his confessional statement, admitting involvement in activities aimed at destabilising Pakistan, and support to terrorist elements, vindicated Pakistan’s long-standing allegation on India’s involvement in such activities. the hindu
AMU students' Union protests for Najeeb in Lucknow
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/amu-students-union-protests-for-jnu-student-najeeb-in-lucknow/articleshow/56381304.cms
Lucknow: Demanding justice for missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed and mounting pressure on Delhi police to trace him, activists and students attached to the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Students' Union and Students for Democratic Rights, protested in Lucknow on Friday.The protest was a part of the series of the same being carried out by AMU students in different parts of the country, over forced disappearance of Najeeb crossing over 80 days. The protesters also demanded that a CBI probe be initiated in the disappearance of Najeeb, central government take immediate action against culprits, family of Najeeb not be harassed and students from minority communities be secured at universities.Faizul Hasan,president of the AMU Students' Union speaking to the protesters urged them, "to continue the protests and fight till justice is done."TOI
Waqf properties to be used to empower Muslim community: Govt
http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20170107/3028754.html
New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said the Central Government, National Waqf Development Corporation and Waqf Council have started a campaign on war footing to utilize the waqf properties for socio-economic-educational empowerment of Muslim community.While addressing All India Waqf Conference at SCOPE Complex in New Delhi, Naqvi said, "Minority Affairs Ministry has been working on different strategies for welfare of Muslim community which include protection and development of waqf properties.'' ''A one-man "Board of Adjudication" at Central level has been established to deal with complaints regarding waqf properties which will be headed by a retired Judge of the Supreme Court'', he said. Naqvi said efforts are being made to ensure that all the waqf boards and their records across the country are computerised. In this regard, Minority Affairs Ministry has been providing all possible help to the state waqf boards. The Computerisation of waqf boards and their properties will help in ensuring transparency in functioning of waqf boards.3-member tribunals are being established in the states and about 24 states have established these tribunals so far. There are about 4,49,314 registered and non-registered waqf properties across the country. The number of these properties will be increased after computerisation of waqf boards'', he said. UNI
Maharashtra: Muslim community takes out morcha demanding reservation in Aurangabad
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-muslim-community-takes-out-morcha-demanding-reservation-in-aurangabad-4463027/
Aurangabad: Muslim community from Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district yesterday took out a ‘Muslim Arakashan Muk Morcha’ to press for their demands, including a grant of 15 percent reservation to Muslim community under the Ragnath Mishra Commission, Sacchar Committee and Mehmood-Ur-Rehman committee reports.According to the organisers, more than two lakh participants from various Muslim organizations, including people from all walks of life, participated in the morcha, which started from Aam Khas Maidan to Divisional Commissioner office.The morcha later moved to their destination route and reached to the Divisional Commissioner office, where the student delegation submitted their demands in the form of a memorandum to the District Commissioner, Purshotam Bhapkar.ANI
Maharashtra: Muslims of Osmanabad march in large numbers demanding reservation
http://twocircles.net/2017jan06/1483724351.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29#.WHDc7_B97IU
The campaign for Muslim reservation in Maharashtra continues to gain strength, with Thursday witnessing yet another awareness campaign in Osmanabad district. As many as 1.5 lakh Muslims gathered in the district and conducted a 3-km silent march.Before proceeding, the crowd rallied at Gazi maidan at 12.30 pm where 8 students from different school delivered speeches on “Importance and need of Muslim reservation”.The crowd also sang the National anthem before the march. The turnout was impressive especially considering that the city has only 30,000 Muslims while the total number of Muslims in the district is about 3 lakh.TCN
Parliament Street mosque under govt scanner
http://www.dnaindia.com/delhi/report-parliament-street-mosque-under-govt-scanner-2289971
Parliament Street mosque frequented by Vice President Hamid Ansari and Muslim Member of the Parliament, is now under Delhi government’s radar, for alleged mismanagement of funds, inflammatory speeches and misuse of mosque premises. Sources said that while investigation in the matter has been ordered based on a complaint of a mosque member, SDM has sought the inquiry report in the matter. Meanwhile, the mosque management has refuted the allegations claiming that they’ve been falsely levied by certain anti-social elements to grab the mosque land. “The mosque is being eyed by certain anti-social elements to carry out possible misdeeds at the Parliament. We have in past complained to the Govt of India about the same and will once again bring the matter to the Home Ministry’s attention as it concerns the national security,” said Abid Umar Khan, Legal Advisor, Parliament Street Masjid. Khan added that while the order by SDM is in violation as it doesn’t have a jurisdiction over the mosque, the mosque administration is planning to file a contempt petition in the High Court next week in this regard.Meanwhile, the authorities confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered in the financial misconduct of the mosque and also illegal construction. DNA
Chhattisgarh HC issues notice to govt, police over ‘fake encounter’
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-hc-issues-notice-to-govt-police-over-fake-encounter-of-maoist/story-UKqqKq0aEKPWYDKcovN1qO.html
Raipur;Chhattisgarh high court on Friday issued notices to the state government and top police officials in connection with the alleged fake encounter of a person, claimed to be Maoist, in Kondagaon in November last year. Bilaspur bench of the court issued notices to state chief secretary, director general of police, inspector general of police(Bastar) and SP Kondagaon on a petition filed by the wife of the deceased, Bal Singh Sori, and local Congress MLA Mohan Markam. hindustantimes
Muslim boy shines in Sanskrit class, recites verses from the Gita: TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/muslim-boy-shines-in-sanskrit-class-recites-verses-from-the-gita/articleshow/56380978.cms
Vijayapura: He recites 52 shlokas of the Bhagwad Gita, fluently and with clear diction. Mohammed Unus Usmangani Makanadar, 13, a student of class 9 at PDJ High School 'A' here chose Sanskrit as his optional subject, when he joined class 8 in 2015.Unus' recitation has astonished his teachers. The boy has a simple goal: "I want to get more marks in Sanskrit and learn an additional language; my ambition is to complete a postgraduate degree in Sanskrit. Another aim is to recite all sections of the Bhagwad Gita."
Mangaluru: Muslims offer fruit juice to Hindu devotees during festival
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/muslims-offer-fruit-juice-to-hindu-devotees-during-festival/articleshow/56378488.cms
Mangaluru: Murders, attacks on innocent youths, communal tension and hate speeches might have made Ullal in Mangaluru a sensitive region. However, there are instances that make region famous for communal harmony too.On Friday, Muslim brethren in Ullal showed an exemplary gesture that herald the message of communal harmony. While members of the Hindu community were celebrating annual festival at Sri Ullalthi Dharma Arasara Temple, Uliya in Ullal, Muslims in the region welcomed devotees by offering fruit juice. Muslim brethren not only offered soft drinks to Hindu devotees, but also extended festival wishes.TOI
In Bengaluru, now, burqa-clad girl allegedly molested, injured in wee hours: indianexpress
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/girl-stalked-molested-in-bengaluru-4462942/
Bengaluru; A girl was allegedly stalked and sexually assaulted in KG Halli region of eastern Bengaluru in the early hours of Friday. Burqa-clad girl was allegedly attacked by a stranger while she was walking towards a bus stop around 6.45 am. The attack resulted in injuries, the girl has stated. CCTV footage of the street captured the movements of the girl and the suspect prior to the alleged incident.When the girl informed her family members about the incident, they rushed her to hospital. The family later filed a complaint at KG Halli police station. The police have registered a case of molestation and wrongful restraint against the unidentified person.The incident has come to light even as the police are investigating the incidents on the night of December 31 on M G Road and Brigade Road, where several women were allegedly molested and groped despite the presence of 1,500 police personnel to control the New Year revellers.
Aadhaar now mandatory for EPFO members & pensioners
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/aadhaar-now-mandatory-for-epfo-members-pensioners/articleshow/56384981.cms
New Delhi:Retirement fund body EPFO has made it mandatory for its about 50 lakh pensioners and around 4 crore subscribers to provide either Aadhaar or a proof that they have applied for it till month-end to remain the beneficiary of its social security schemes.The body's central provident fund commissioner V P Joy said, "We will review the situation by month-end and may give more time to subscribers as well as pensioners to provide the 12 digit Aadhaar number," Joy said further. timesofindia
'Modi has to go': Post-2002 Gujarat riots, Atal Bihari Vajpayee wanted then CM to step down: By Ullekh NP
http://www.firstpost.com/politics/modi-has-to-go-post-2002-gujarat-riots-atal-bihari-vajpayee-wanted-then-cm-to-step-down-3191210.html
5-STATE POLLS & POLITICS
States polls: EC seeks Centre’s response on petitions to defer Budget
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/EC-seeks-Centre%E2%80%99s-response-on-petitions-to-defer-Budget/article17003720.ece
New Delhi: Election Commission has sought a response from the Central government on the Opposition parties' petitions seeking that the Union Budget presentation be deferred.EC has written to Cabinet Secretary P.K. Sinha seeking the govt's reply by Jan.10.The Opposition parties had earlier this week petitioned the Commission asking that the Central government should defer the Budget presentation on account of the upcoming Assembly elections in 5 States. Representatives of the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, JDU, RKD and DMK had met CEC Nasim Zaidi. While the EC is examining the petitions, Commission sources said the date for Budget presentation was not likely to change in case the Centre chose not to defer it.owever, as per the Model Code of Conduct, the government cannot make any specific Budget announcement pertaining to the poll-bound States which may amount to influencing voters. thehindu
EC seeks Centre's response to Opposition parties' demand to present Budget after state elections
https://scroll.in/latest/826138/ec-seeks-centres-response-to-opposition-parties-demand-to-present-budget-after-state-elections
BJP’s Sakshi Maharaj: Population rise because of those supporting idea of 4 wives, 40 children
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/opposition-corners-bjp-over-sakshi-maharaj-s-muslim-comment/story-skvDbCtThyRp0VNuRlC7dO.html
Meerut; Controversial BJP parliamentarian Sakshi Maharaj has waded into another controversy by appearing to blame Muslims for the population boom and urging all political parties to come together for framing “population control” laws.“This population rise in not because of Hindus. The population has risen because of those who support the concept of four wives and 40 children. It is not acceptable,” the Unnao MP said at an election rally in UP’s Meerut.The state goes to the polls in about a month and the BJP is locked in a tough fight with regional rivals Samajwadi Party (SP) and BSP, and the Congress.The remark came days after the Supreme Court barred candidates from seeking votes in the name of religion. The Congress said the comment was “offensive” and violated the model code of conduct.“We will definitely move the election commission,” Congress leader KC Mittal told ANI.ANI
4 wives, 40 children, 3 divorces are unacceptable, says BJP leader Sakshi Maharaj
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/four-wives-40-children-3-divorces-are-unacceptable-says-bjp-leader-sakshi-maharaj/articleshow/56390416.cms
BJP distances itself from Maharaj’s comment on Muslim
http://www.siasat.com/news/bjp-distances-sakshi-maharajs-comment-muslim-1103849/
Maharaj booked for provocative 'population speech', election commission seeks report
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sakshi-maharaj-booked-for-provocative-population-speech-poll-panel-seeks-reply/1/851880.html
Meerut:A case has been registered against BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj over his controversial comment on population growth. Maharaj has been booked for hurting religious sentiments by blaming Muslims for exponential population growth in the country.UP Chief Election Officer has also sought response from Sakshi Maharaj on his controversial comment.IndiaToday
UP polls: 24 Muslim aspirants in BSP’s 3rd list
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/up-elections-bsp-announces-third-list-of-candidates/story-wHiflFKiyaPRwtld9NFtLL.html
Lucknow: BSP on Saturday announced its third list of candidates for 100 more Assembly seats, with 24 Muslim aspirants getting tickets.The party has declared nominees for 300 of the 403 assembly seats so far.While BSP’s first list of 100 candidates contained names of 36 Muslim candidates, the second and third list have 22 and 24 aspirants respectively from that community.Muslims account for nearly 20% of the state’s electorate and perhaps keeping this in mind, members of that community have been given the weightage.PTI
Muzaffarnagar riots rendered many roofless:newindianexpress
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/jan/06/muzaffarnagar-riots-rendered-many-roofless-1556924--1.html
Muzaffarnagar: Empty bags stitched to each other and a blanket — all tied to a few wooden sticks, erected in four corners — is what Muhammed Furqaan calls his home. Hardly five feet, it is just enough to cover the family. But then, there is no roof.Come a light breeze and the cover, which Furqaan calls a home, blows away. He would then wait for the wind to calm down, get the empty bags and blanket together and once again “build” his “house”. When it rains, he would request some of his neighbours to provide him temporary shelter.Not that Furqaan did not have a house in his village nearby. He did, but all of it is now in ruins and he cannot go back as he fears attacks.Post-Sept.2013, when thousands like him were caught in communal clashes across Muzaffarnagar and their properties damaged by violent mobs, all were forced to flee the village and live in temporary camps in other villages. With the ruling Akhilesh -led Samajwadi party government assuring all help and `5 lakh compensation for each family besides a plot, Furqaan, who lost his relative in the clashes, had hoped that he could re-build his life.Now, more than three years later, Furqaan and his family say they would have preferred death than leading this kind of life. Like Furqaan, there are hundreds of families who have either not got compensation they were promised while some received partial amounts. They continue to live like refugees in the most bizarre conditions as the State administration is all geared up for the upcoming elections.
Withdraw from govt if you are sincere, RSS mouthpiece tells Shiv Sena
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/withdraw-from-govt-if-you-are-sincere-rss-mouthpiece-tells-shiv-sena-4462821/
Mumbai: The war of words between Shiv Sena and BJP continued on Friday with right wing RSS associated newspaper “Tarun Bharat” daring Uddhav Thackeray to walk out of the government instead of hurling abuses daily against the Modi govt. It also cautioned Uddhav against borrowed bravado, arguing it would be detrimental to their party as people cannot be fooled with political rhetoric. indianexpress
WORLD
Ex-Pak General Raheel Sharif appointed chief of Saudi-led Islamic military coalition
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/pakistans-former-general-raheel-sharif-appointed-chief-of-saudi-led-islamic-anti-terror-alliance/
Islamabad:Pakistan’s recently retired army chief General Raheel Sharif will head a Saudi Arabia-led 39-nation Islamic military coalition formed to combat terrorism, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said. Asif admitted that an agreement in this regard was finalised a few days back. He, however, said he did not have much information about the details of the said agreement. Asif said the decision was taken after taking the incumbent government into confidence and “it was finalised here first”. The headquarters of the new Saudi-led coalition would be based in Riyadh.He said any such assignment or posting requires proper clearance from the government and General Headquarters (GHQ) both and confirmed that the due process was followed before finalising the agreement.“As you are aware that this thing was in the pipeline for quite some time and the Prime Minister was also part of the deliberations,” Asif was quoted as saying by Dawn News.He was of the opinion that formation of such an alliance is a good step, as the “Muslim Ummah is in a spot of bother right now and needs unity among its ranks”. Raheel retired as army chief in Nov. and has been succeeded by General Qamar Javed Bajwa.The coalition includes Turkey,UAE, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Tunisia, Sudan, Malaysia, Egypt, Yemen among others.PTI
Israel halts $6m to UN to protest UNSC settlements vote
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/israel-halts-6m-protest-unsc-settlements-vote-170106205417524.html
Israel says it is cutting a substantial amount in its annual dues to the United Nations this year in protest of last month's Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity on occupied Palestinian territories.The announcement made by Israel's UN Mission on Friday stipulated that $6 million out of more than a regular $40 million allocated to "anti-Israel bodies" will be halted.Among those who will no longer be receiving monetary assistance are the UN agency for Palestinian refugees or UNRWA, the Division for Palestinian Rights, the committee investigating Israeli practices affecting Palestinian human rights, and information programs on "the Question of Palestine", the mission said. aljazeera
Turkey orders fresh purge: Over 8,000 civil servants, 80 associations dismissed
http://www.firstpost.com/world/turkey-orders-fresh-purge-over-8000-civil-servants-80-associations-dismissed-3193174.html
Istanbul: Turkey on Saturday ordered the dismissal of almost 8,400 civil servants and the closure of over 80 associations, including sports clubs, in the latest round of purges after the failed coup six months ago.More than 100,000 people have already been suspended or sacked in a crackdown on those alleged to have links to coup-plotters in a relentless purge that shows no sign of slowing.According to 3 new decrees published within the state of emergency imposed after the coup, 8,390 more civil servants are to lose their jobs from 63 different state institutions. They include 2,687 police officers, 1,699 civil servants from the Justice Ministry, 838 health officials and hundreds of employees from other ministries. Another 631 academics and 8 members of the Council of State were also dismissed. AFP
Turkey report reveals Gullen outfit’s relations with PKK, IS
http://aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/turkey-report-reveals-feto-relations-with-pkk-daesh/721783
Ankara: Turkey's General Command of Gendarmerie has issued a report revealing the links between the Fetullah Terrorist Organization, PKK and Daesh prior to and following the July 15 coup attempt, which left at least 248 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured. 28-page report was submitted Friday to a Parliamentary committee investigating coup plot.“An assessment of events, intelligence, intercepted radio conversations, and seized materials suggest that FETO members involved in the coup attempt could travel to regions with the help of Daesh and PKK members in order to avoid security forces,” the report said. Anadolu Agency
Car bomb kills 60 in Syria’s Azaz
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/car-bomb-kills-60-in-syria-s-azaz/722221
Azaz; At least 60 people were killed Saturday by a car bomb attack in Aleppo’s opposition-held Azaz district in northwestern Syria, according to a pro-opposition Syrian civil defense official. An explosive-laden vehicle blew up in front of a local court in the center of Azaz, Iyad Sheikh Razuk said.The attack caused severe destruction in the area, Razuk added.Anadolu Agency
Syrian opposition says Reports of ceasefire near Damascus ‘a lie’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170107-syria-reports-of-ceasefire-near-damascus-a-lie/
A senior Syrian opposition official denied a report that a ceasefire had been reached between armed opposition factions and government forces in the Wadi Barada area near Damascus yesterday, where Assad regime bombardments have knocked out capital’s main water source.The govt and allied fighters from the Lebanese group Hezbollah launched an attack 2 weeks ago to take back Wadi Barada where a spring provides water supplies to four million people in the capital.A military news outlet run by Hezbollah reported that a ceasefire had been reached for “a number of hours” in the area.But Munir Sayal, head of the political wing of the Ahrar Al-Sham rebel group, told Reuters report was “a lie”. middleeastmonitor
US-backed Syrian forces seize Jabar citadel near Euphrates from IS
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-backed-syrian-forces-seize-jabar-citadel-near-euphrates-from-islamic-state/story-g86DwicCQjGv3fWcdezIHL.html
Beirut;US-backed militias in Syria have captured an ancient citadel from Islamic State (IS) in a strategically significant advance against the militant group in its stronghold of Raqqa province, a spokesperson said on Friday.Jabar citadel on the banks of Lake Assad was taken by SDF alliance on Thursday, militia spokesperson Talal Silo said. It is located near a dam on the Euphrates River that the US-backed alliance also aims to capture in the current phase of its campaign.Maamoun Abdulkarim, Syrian govt’s antiquities chief, told Reuters in Damascus the SDF’s capture of the castle represented a “victory for the Syrian people because liberating the citadel from IS is saving Syrian heritage”.SDF, which includes the powerful Kurdish YPG militia, is the main partner for the US in the campaign it is leading against IS in Syria. SDF forces are just a few kilometres from a major dam also held by IS.IS is also being fought in separate campaigns by the Russian-backed Syrian army in Deir al-Zor province and near the ancient town of Palmyra, which IS seized for a second time in Dec. and by Turkish-backed Syrian rebels in Aleppo province near Syrian-Turkish border.Reuters
Turkish military says 32 IS militants killed in Syria: Reuters
http://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/turkish-military-says-32-islamic-state-militants-killed-in-syrian-operations/498825/
Thousands more Iraqis flee Mosul battles
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/thousands-iraqis-flee-mosul-battles-170104144610333.html
More than 13,000 civilians have fled Iraq's Mosul over the past five days since govt troops began the second phase in a battle to retake the city from the ISIL last week, UN has said."The average daily displacement numbers have increased by nearly 50 percent since military operations intensified, some 1,600 to more than 2,300 displaced per day," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.Iraqi troops, backed by US-led coalition air strikes, resumed their push to retake the northern city after a two-week lull in the operation. aljazeera
IS militants kill 4 soldiers near Iraq's Tikrit: army, police sources: Reuters
https://in.news.yahoo.com/islamic-state-militants-kill-four-soldiers-near-iraqs-072855459.html
Muslim country Bahrain rejects proposal to ban pork
http://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/muslim-country-bahrain-rejects-proposal-to-ban-pork/297609
Bahrain’s government has rejected a proposal by a lawmaker to ban the import and sale of pork in the country, reported Gulf News.There has been multiple attempts by lawmakers to ban consumption of pork in the Bahrain, a Muslim country ruled by a Sunni king, whose family holds the main political and military posts.The government decided not to ban pork considering that large number of non-Muslims work and live in Bahrain. Almost half of the population is foreigners “The government said that all kinds of meat imported by Bahrain, including pork, were duly checked to ensure they met the sanitary requirements, Bahraini daily Al Ayam reported”.The government’s stance to allow the sale of pork has been firm despite attempts by lawmakers to reverse it. outlookindia
Report on US polls hacking says Russia plans to do more
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/russia-hacking-us-election-vladimir-putin-donald-trump-report-on-election-plans-to-do-more-4463595/
Washington:The new, declassified report on Russian efforts to influence the presidential election has a troublesome prediction: Russia isn’t done intruding in US politics and policymaking. Immediately after Election Day, Russia began a “spear-phishing” campaign to try to trick people into revealing their email passwords, targeting US government employees and think tanks that specialize in national security, defense and foreign policy, the report released on Friday said.AP
How US intel report on elections will affect Trump, Putin and the world:article
http://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/how-will-the-us-intel-report-on-us-elections-affect-trump-putin-and-the-world/story-STn6mrpipz4MLGG52cwtyJ.html
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:11 PM)
