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Evening NEWS DIGEST
15 May 2017: 18 Shaban 1438: Vol: 8, No:192
INDIA: Muslim Personal Law
All 3 forms - talaq-e-biddat, talaq hasan, talaq ahasan are unilateral, extrajudicial, should be struck down; will bring new law to regulate marriage, divorce among Muslims if SC bans, Centre tells SC: The Hindu/ Indian Express report
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/will-come-out-with-a-law-if-triple-talaq-struck-down-ag-to-sc/article18456619.ece
New Delhi: The Centre promised to enact a new divorce law for Muslim men if the Supreme Court, as the "guardian of the Constitution", strikes down all three forms of triple talaq unilaterally pronounced by a Muslim man to his wife.The moment came in the day-long hearing on Monday when one of the judges on the Constitution Bench, Justice U.U. Lalit asked Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi a question."So if we accept that giving unfettered rights to a husband is bad and we strike down triple talaq, then where will Muslim men go for divorce?" Justice Lalit asked."If Your Lordships strike down all three forms of talaq, I (the Centre) will bring a law," Rohatgi replied to that. “If the practice of instant divorce (triple talaq) is struck down by the court, then Centre will bring a law to regulate marriage and divorce among the Muslim community,” Rohatgi said as the Indian Expres reported.Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar, immediately cut in, observing that the Supreme Court is not only the "guardian of the Constitution but also the guardian of the Minority Act".Chief Justice observed that this matter involved "tinkering with religion itself", and was not about any social rights.Chief Justice Khehar insisted that the Govt should first address the issue whether triple talaq is "essential to religion or not". This triggered a tit-for-tat between the Bench and the Centre in court. Rohatgi objected to the court's line of thinking, and said the Bench, also comprising Justices Kurian Joseph, Rohinton Nariman and S. Abdul Nazeer, was approaching the problem of triple talaq from the wrong end. "Your job is not to interpret the Quran. You are not an ecclesiastical court to check whether a practice is essential to Islam or not," Rohatgi said."Let's say, tomorrow you declare that triple talaq is not an essential part of religion. So what? Nothing. The point is you have to go a step further and strike down triple talaq. Declare it illegal. You have to first decide whether this practice is against constitutional morality or not," Rohatgi submitted. AG said all three forms of triple talaq – talaq-e-biddat, talaq hasan and talaq ahasan – are "unilateral, extrajudicial, inequal" and has to be struck down by the court.Rohatgi said the issues of Muslim marriage and divorce was separated from religion in Shariat Act way back in 1937 itself.He said practices of marriage and divorce have been codified as "personal law" under Section 2 of the 1937 Act. The Bench has to test them on the touchstone of the fundamental rights of gender equality, gender justice, gender discrimination, human rights, dignity under Articles 14,15, 21 and 51A of the Constitution."What religious practices are essential to a particular religion or faith is difficult to define for this court. But once marriage and divorce is separated from religion, in this case under Section 2 of the 1937 Act, these practices of talaq no more enjoy the protection of Article 25 (freedom of religion) of the Constitution. So talaq is out of Article 25.Talaq has become 'law' under Article 13 and should be constitutionally moral,"Rohatgi explained.He said the term "constitutional morality" includes secularism, dignity and non-discrimination."What may be permissible for society may not be constitutionally moral. Nothing, no advocacy by man, will help you cover something that is wrong by the Constitution. And here, one half of a community suffers inequality from the male counterpart of the same community," Rohatgi submitted.AG went one step further. He submitted that even if talaq was an essential part of religion and protected under Article 25, the practice still had to be constitutionally moral."Article 25 is not without reasonable restrictions. Article had to be subject to the fundamental rights. So no matter whether a practice is essential to religion or not, talaq has to abide by the principles of gender equality and Justice," Rohatgi submitted.To this, Chief Justice Khehar reacted that "tenets of religion can neither be tested on scientific grounds or on other grounds"."Then tell us why are we here before a Constitution Bench if we cannot open the Constitution book? Matters are referred to the Constitution Bench because they have something to do with the Constitution," Rohatgi replied.Rohatgi asked what the court would do if someone came to it saying Sati was an essential part of Hindu religion."Women lived in fear of Sati until the law declared it illegal. Muslim women want their dignity, freedom to live without fear of triple talaq. They want to have a life equal to that of another woman, say a Christian or a Hindu wife," Rohatgi submitted."Women should be equal, but within the particular religion," Chief Justice Khehar reacted to Rohatgi's comparison of Muslim women to those of other faiths."How can you shut your eyes to it (right of the Muslim women)? Women in India are marching shoulder-to-shoulder with men in every field. We are before a Constitution Bench here and you cannot shut your eyes to her constitutional rights of equality and gender justice," Rohatgi stressed. the hindu / indian express
SC open to address polygamy, nikah halala in future as Centre insists deliberations on them
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-question-on-validity-of-triple-talaq/article18455774.ece
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said it was keeping open for adjudication in the future the issues of polygamy and ‘nikah halala’ among Muslims as the Centre insisted deliberations on these aspects as well. “It may not be possible to deal with all the three issues in the limited time we have. It will be dealt in future,” the Bench clarified.The observation was made when Attorney General (AG) Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Centre, said that the issues of polygamy and ‘nikah halala’ were also part of the order of a two-judge Bench which had referred to the Constitutional bench the three issues, including the practice of triple talaq among Muslims.“The scope of referring had all the three issues that was divorce, nikah halala, polygamy. All these three issues are before this court by virtue of the reference order of the two- judge bench,” Rohatgi said.The Centre’s assertion assumes significance in the backdrop of the remarks of the SC that it will only deal with the issue of triple talaq that too if it was fundamental to Islam.AG asked the bench also comprising Justices Kurian Joseph, RF Nariman, UU Lalit and Abdul Nazeer to make it clear that the issues of polygamy and ‘nikah halala’ are still open and would be dealt by other bench in future.“It will be dealt with in future,” the Bench clarified.PTI
Will bring new law to regulate marriage, divorce among Muslim community if SC bans tripple talaq: Centre to SC
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/triple-talaq-sc-says-cant-hear-nikah-halala-polygamy-have-limited-time/
Law on Muslim marriage, divorce if triple Talaq scrapped: Centre to Supreme Court
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/law-on-muslim-marriage-and-divorce-if-triple-talaq-scrapped-centre-to-supreme-court-1693649
Muslim Personal Law board must take back 'women are emotional' comment: Centre to Supreme Court
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/video/triple-talaq-all-india-muslim-personal-law-board-supreme-court/1/954387.html
We will frame law on Muslim marriage if triple talaq declared illegal: Centre to SC
http://www.tehelka.com/2017/05/we-will-frame-law-on-muslim-marriage-if-triple-talaq-declared-illegal-centre-to-sc/
Govt to SC: Will come up with law for Muslims if you strike down triple talaq
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/will-deal-with-only-triple-talaq-due-to-paucity-of-time-says-supreme-court/story-dbyIBOt5DypAx7YO0EgtDJ.html
Treat triple talaq as one revocable talaq: Khurshid to SC
http://www.livelaw.in/treat-triple-talaq-one-revocable-talaq-salman-khurshid-sc-read-written-submissions/
In his Written Submissions to the 5 Judge Constitution Bench hearing petitions challenging triple talaq, Senior Counsel Salman Khurshid has proposed that Triple talaq be treated as one, revocable Talaq. “It is clear that the practice in most Muslim countries is to treat Triple Talaq not as three pronouncements in one sitting counting as a valid irrevocable divorce, but rather as one pronouncement. The view that triple talaq cannot be an effective divorce if made as three irrevocable pronouncements in one sitting is supported by many judicial rulings over many decades, and as recently as 2008,” Khurshid asserted, thereby submitting that this is the correct view, and is consonant with the letter and spirit of the Quran. He went on to submit that the real problem is neither triple talaq nor talaq per se but rather the fact that the “institutional arrangement has been by-passed”, as even unilateral talaq by the husband has to be for a reasonable cause, and preceded by attempts by mediators from either side who report to a qazi, thereby signifying an element of adjudication. Furthermore, Khurshid pointed out the lack of reliable data to show that triple talaq amongst Muslims exceeds divorce amongst other communities. He therefore submitted, “Unless talaq (which is only one part of a comprehensive scheme of marriage and divorce) itself is found unacceptable, the anxiety expressed about triple talaq seems misplaced given that there is more than adequate judicial and legislative material to establish that irrespective of the number to times talaq is expressed at one sitting it will count only as one. It is humbly submitted that once that is taken as the accepted position there is no further issue about Halala since talaq Ahsan allows a fresh nikah in case the same couple wants to get back together.” In his submissions, Khurshid also contended that the mere repetition of divorce thrice in one sitting does not amount to a Mughallaza or final divorce. He cited Hadith to submit that the Prophet considered three divorces in one sitting as one. He made reference to an incident when once news was brought to him that one of his disciples had divorced his wife, pronouncing the three talaqs at one and the same time, the Prophet stood up in anger on his carpet, and declared that the man was making a plaything of the words of God. The Prophet had then made him take back his wife. Khurshid further submitted that the Quran has nowhere ordained that the three divorces pronounced in a single breath will have the effect of three separate divorces. “Therefore, according to the Holy Quran divorce is permissible only twice during the lifetime of the husband. The possibility of being with the wife is still open after two pronouncements of divorce. It is only after the third divorce is pronounced that the divorce becomes irrevocable. The essence of the provision is to give some time to the husband to make a conscious decision as to whether he wants to irrevocably break the marriage tie and also to stop the earlier practice of divorcing the wife as many times as one may wish for during their lifetime,” he averred. With regard to the scope of Court’s interference, Khurshid submitted that it is not the role of the Courts to interpret Muslim Personal Law, but it can hold which interpretation is correct. He therefore contended, “The role of the Court, not being a body necessarily well versed in the intricacies of the faith or vested with the trust and authority of its followers, is not to interpret the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Hadis. The role of the Court is to look at the interpretations offered by scholars and imams and decide which is the correct one to apply to a given case.”
Triple talaq LIVE hearing: Issue isn’t the practice but is patriarchy, says Kapil Sibal
http://www.india.com/news/india/triple-talaq-live-news-and-updates-supreme-court-continues-hearing-today-2132666/
Marriage of Muslim woman during ‘iddat’ not void: Delhi Court
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/triple-talaq-marriage-of-muslim-woman-during-iddat-not-void-court-4656862/
New Delhi: As the issue of triple talaq is being debated in the Supreme Court, a city court has ruled that the marriage performed by a Muslim woman during the ‘iddat’ (waiting) period is not void. The Delhi court dismissed the claim of a man, accused of domestic violence by his wife, that their wedding was invalid as the per Islamic law, as she had not completed ‘iddat’ after getting a divorce from her first husband.In Islamic law, a divorced woman has to wait during the ‘iddat’ period for about three months before she can remarry. “Any marriage performed by a Muslim woman during the iddat period is an irregular marriage and not a void (batil) marriage. Hence, the contention of the man on this aspect is found to be without any merits,” Special Judge Bhupesh Kumar said while relying on a Supreme Court observation.The court said there was “sufficient evidence” to issue notice to the Muslim man, who worked with the Coal India Ltd in Chhattisgarh, under the domestic violence act, saying “even depriving aggrieved person economically or financially amounts to domestic violence.”In her complaint seeking Rs 10 lakh compensation and monthly maintenance from the accused man, her second husband, the woman had said that he had concealed his first wedlock from her and when she found out about it, he started avoiding her and stopped sending her money. She said she had married the accused after obtaining divorce from her first husband. The man, on the other hand, denied that he had married the complainant, saying she was in the ‘iddat’ period and any wedding during this period is invalid.“As per Islamic law, the female cannot remarry during ‘iddat’ period and any marriage taking place during ‘Iddat’ period cannot be termed as valid marriage,” he said, adding that the woman got divorced from her first husband on Oct.4, 2012 and the second nikah was performed 2 days later.The court also rejected the man’s contention that the provisions of Protection of Women from Domestic Violence (PWDV) Act are not attracted as there are no allegations of physical, sexual or verbal abuse in the application.PTI
‘Triple talaq’ a social evil, not integral to worship:Law Minister Prasad
http://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national-india-tv-samvaad-triple-talaq-a-social-evil-not-integral-to-worship-says-law-minister-rs-prasad-381630
PM Narendra Modi’s Govt stands with Muslim women on the triple talaq issue as it is a matter of “gender justice, gender equality, gender dignity,” Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said today. Holding that the issue of triple talaq was a constitutional matter, the minister said the practice is not integral to worship in Islam. “Triple talaq is not a part of Islamic worship and we will oppose the practice. Many Muslim-majority countries have abolished the practice,” Prasad said.“It is an issue of gender justice, gender equality, gender dignity and our Govt will stand by Muslim women no matter what,” he added.
Triple talaq should be declared invalid: Haryana Minister
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/triple-talaq-should-be-declared-invalid-haryana-min/1/954358.html
Ambala: Haryana minister Anil Vij today said triple talaq should be declared invalid as most of the Muslim countries have done it and also women from minority community in the country have been raising their voices against it.The state Health Minister said that BJP Govt supports the rights of Muslim women."Personally, I am of the view that triple talaq should be declared as invalid," Vij said."Most of the Muslim countries have declared it invalid and Muslim women have been raising their voice in India too against triple talaq," he said.PTI
Talaq case: Muslim clerics defy Allahabad HCt's observations on fatwas, say it has no jurisdiction
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/islamic-clerics-allahabad-high-court-muslim-personal-law-fatwa-triple-talaq/1/954374.html
Agra: Islamic clerics in Agra have defied the Allahabad High Court's observations on fatwas, asserting that the court had no jurisdiction over Islamic religious matters under Article 25 of the Constitution of India - which governs freedom of religion. Notably, the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad had observed during the hearing of a case of a Muslim couple, that fatwas had no legal standing, and couldn't be imposed forcibly on anyone.Opposing these observations, Agra Mufti Abdul Khubaib Rumi said nobody has a legal right to turn down the orders of the Islamic Court.Article 25 of the Constitution of India specifically allows everyone the freedom to observe one's religion, and similarly, Article 26-B gives everyone the right to have their own personal religious beliefs, he said.If a Muslim gets married as per Sharia law, he should also be allowed to seek talaq as per Sharia if the need arises, and the Court shouldn't interfere in this matter, Rumi said.Qari Mudassar Ali Qadri said this matter was connected to personal law, and that the Court couldn't hold a hearing on this.He advised Muslims to contact only clerics in cases related to personal law, and not take them to the Court - which he said had no jurisdiction in these matters.Jamit-ul-Quresh district President Mohammed Sharif Kale said that the High Court's observations on Islamic fatwas were unacceptable, and went against the spirit of the Constitution.The Imam of a local mosque said on the condition of anonymity that while Muslims may go to the Supreme Court against the High Court's observations, it's a fact that whatever the High Court at Allahabad has said will become the law unless it's challenged in a higher court. indiatoday
OTHERS
Kulbhushan case: Pak objects India’s plea against death sentence, tells ICJ it’s unnecessary and misconceived
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-pakistan-india-death-sentence-icj-international-counrt-of-justice-consular-access-muslim-passport-4657162/
New Delhi: Opposing India’s plea demanding suspension of Kulbhushan Jadhav’s death sentence, Pakistan on Monday told the International Court of Justice that India’s application is “unnecessary and misconceived”. Pakistan’s counsel Khawar Qureshi told the ICJ that India is using the court as “the scene of political theatre”.Raising the issue of Jadhav’s passport, Qureshi said India has been unable to provide an explanation for Jadhav’s passport which bears a Muslim name. Reacting to India’s allegations of Pakistan denying consular access to Jadhav, Qureshi said the former naval officer has no right to consular access. He also asserted that India did not respond to Pakistan’s letters regarding Jadhav.Earlier in the day, India demanded immediate suspension of Kulbhushan Jadhav’s death sentence, expressing fears that Pakistan could execute him even before the hearing at ICJ was over. India’s forceful submission was made as ICJ began hearing the case of the 46-year-old former Navy officer who was arrested on March 3 last year and sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and subversive activities.Battling Pakistan in the UN’s highest judicial body, India said the situation was grave and urgent, prompting it to approach the court “at such short notice”. indianexpress
At ICJ, Pakistan says India's application on Kulbhushan Jadhav is unnecessary, misconceived
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/at-icj-pakistan-says-indias-application-on-kulbhushan-jadhav-is-unnecessary-misconceived/articleshow/58684867.cms
ICJ reserves verdict on India's appeal to stay execution of Kulbhushan Jadhav
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1410155/icj-hear-kulbhushan-jadhav-case-hague-today/
Not one jot of evidence provided by India;Pakistan at ICJ
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/live-kulbushan-jadhav-hague-icj-hearing/article18456024.ece
Kashmir not relevant to China-Pakistan corridor, Beijing says as Belt and Road summit ends
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kashmir-not-relevant-to-china-pakistan-corridor-beijing-says-as-belt-and-road-summit-ends/story-UszzB16OLfaGIsPdUaGLcN.html
Beijing: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) , which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), is not aimed at “third parties” and doesn’t affect Beijing’s position on the Kashmir issue, foreign ministry said on Monday.President Xi Jinping initiated the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a roadmap for peace and he has said countries should respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the foreign ministry added.Referring to India’s decision to skip the two-day Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in Beijing, the ministry said in a statement: “Regarding the issue of Kashmir which the Indian side is concerned about, we have been stressing that the issue was left over from history between India and Pakistan, and should be properly addressed by the two sides through consultation and negotiation.“CPEC is an initiative on economic cooperation. It is not directed at any third parties, not relevant to disputes over territorial sovereignty and does not affect China’s position on the Kashmir issue.”China hosted at least 29 heads of state, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistan PM Nawaz, Sharif, for the conference.HT
Boycott China-made prayer mats: cleric
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/boycott-china-made-prayer-mats-muslim-forum-cleric/articleshow/58677672.cms
Charminar: A city-based religious leader has urged Muslims to exercise caution before buying prayer rugs, mats or carpets that have been manufactured in China.Maulana Mohammed Husamuddin Sani, who is a member of the United Muslim Forum, a body of Muslim religious leaders, said given the restrictions on practising Islam in China, which have been reported in sections of the media, it is better to 'think twice before buying' Chinese prayer carpets. Timesofindia
No action to be taken against Indian Army Major who was 'congratulated for his acumen' after tying Kashmiri 'human shield' to escape stone-pelting mobs
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-4505558/No-action-against-Indian-Army-Major-tied-man-Jeep.html#ixzz4h9mPsO00
The Court of Inquiry (CoI) convened by the Army in J&K has given a clean chit to a Major who tied a civilian to an Army jeep's bonnet.Following furore, Army had convened a CoI on April 15, two days after an FIR was filed by J&K Police into the incident,allegedly involving a major from 53 Rashtriya Rifles.No action has been recommended against the Major. A source confirmed, 'Court martial is out of the question. Not even disciplinary action was recommended against the officer.' Sources say the 5-vehicle convoy led by Major had soldiers, 12 poll officials, 9 ITBP men and two policemen.DailyMail
Govt responsible for current crisis in Kashmir: J&K Jamaat Chief
http://www.kashmirmonitor.in/Details/123868/Govt -responsible-for-current-crisis-in-kashmir-jei-chief
Srinagar: Jamaat-e-Islami J&K Chief Ghulam Mohammad Bhat has sought release of political prisoners particularly Hurriyat leaders for restoration of peace in the State.In an exclusive interview with “The Kashmir Magazine” the Jamaat Chief said that Govt by imposing restrictions on the political activities of the Hurriyat leaders has given an opportunity to the angered youth to take decisions on their own.Explaining his argument on the lead role taken by youth Bhat said “When leadership has been jailed and restrictions are imposed on the political activities of the dissenting voices, the youth take decisions on their own. The political detentions have largely contributed to the current crisis in Kashmir,” said Bhat, who was re-elected as Jamaat-e-Islami Chief in August 2015 this year after the completion of the term of Jamaat presidency by Mohammad Abdullah Wani. In reply to a question Bhat said “the Kashmir dispute should be resolved to respect the wishes and aspirations of the people and avoid a major confrontation between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan”.All parties, India, Pakistan and Kashmir, to the dispute must be involved to find a solution which is acceptable to all of us” Bhat said.kashmirmonitor
Palestinian leader Abbas kicks off India visit with tech tour
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2017/05/15/Palestinian-president-kicks-off-India-visit-with-tech-tour.html
New Delhi:Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas began a three-day visit to India on Monday with a tour of an IT facility that is helping Ramallah build a high-end tech hub.Abbas, who arrived late Sunday, will hold talks on the Middle East peace process, among other issues, with PM Narendra Modi in coming days.But his first stop was to a technology institute outside Delhi where India is lending its IT know-how to help Palestine spur job creation in the tech sector.India agreed in October to spend $12 million financing a new IT hub in Ramallah in a sign of India’s “strong commitment to support (the) Palestinian cause”, the foreign ministry said at the time.Abbas and his delegation spent nearly two hours touring the Centre for Development of Advance Computing. The Palestinian leader will this evening attend a function at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi.Abbas will on Tuesday be formally welcomed at the presidential palace before meeting Modi, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.New Delhi is hosting Abbas ahead of Modi’s visit to Israel in July -- the first by an Indian PM .India has traditionally voiced its support for Palestinian statehood, initially shunning diplomatic relations with the Jewish state.The frost has thawed, however, with India -- the world’s biggest arms importer -- increasingly seeking closer defense ties with Israel, a top weapons exporter.AFP
Palestinian leader Abbas visit signals a shift: The hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/abbas-visit-signals-a-shift/article18453558.ece
Yogi Adityanath agrees with VHP’s demand to rebuild temple at Ghazi Baba's mazaar site
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/yogi-adityanath-agrees-with-vhps-demand-to-rebuild-temple-at-ghazi-babas-mazaar-site/articleshow/58669637.cms
Lucknow: CM Yogi Adityanath statement at a VHP programme might kick up another storm as he expressed his agreement over the VHP's demand to rebuild a Surya Temple at Balaar in Bahraich, rename Lucknow's Sainik School on Raja Suheldev and construct a memorial in name of Raja Suheldev. Interestingly, after raking up contentious issues at Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi, RSS might add construction Surya Temple at Bahraich in its agenda. What is certain to stir up hornet's nest is CM Aditya Nath Yogi's nod to VHP's demand.CM was speaking at VHP's 'Hindu Vijay Utsav' programme at Scientific Convention Centre being held to mark the victory of Raja Suheldev over Muslim invader Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud, who also was the nephew of army general of Mahmud Ghazni. In this country, name anyone who will not have respect for Ashfaaque Ullah Khan, Abdul Hameed and APJ Abdul Kalam, but it has also to be decided whether those who claim a connect with Ghazni, Ghauri, Khilji, Babar and Aurangzeb, should be given any space or not, Yogi said.Clarifying that a new education policy was on the anvil, the CM said that the UP Govt would include great personalities of the country like Raja Suheldev, Lakhan Pasi, Jhalkari Bai in the course textbooks of the students. The new education policy would be implemented by the next academic session, the saffron-clad CM said. Mahmud Ghazni and his nephew had plundered the country and had even demolished maths and temple and then used to divide the country, the CM said and added that but Raja Suheldev had understood their gameplan. After foreign invasion, the country forgot about the Indian heroes, Raja Suheldev had united many smaller kingdoms but the honour he should have got, eluded him, Yogi further said. timesofindia
Adityanath defends ‘selfless’ RSS, wants debate on nationalism
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/up-cm-yogi-adityanath-defends-selfless-rss-wants-debate-on-nationalism-4655993/
Lucknow: CM Yogi Adityanath at an event on Sunday defended the RSS from charges of spreading communalism in the country. He called it an organisation that worked selflessly and called for a debate on who is communal and who is a nationalist. Claiming that RSS worked with the cooperation of society, the CM said, “But when it works in any slum or backward area, wanting to generate nationalist sentiments and respect for the motherland in every citizen, then finger is raised against it and it is said that it spreads communalism. Is it not the best time to hold a debate on nationalism?…who is communal and who is nationalist in the country… Should a difference between nationalism and communalism not be there?”He was speaking at the “Hindu Vijyotsav”, organised by VHP, where he was the chief guest. indianexpress
Assam: New Tea Board chief Bezbaruah says only RSS can unite hindus, wants migrants de-franchised
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/new-tea-board-chief-bezbaruah-praises-rss-wants-migrants-de-franchised-4655618/
Hojai: Many quarters, including a section of the media, might dislike the RSS, but it is the RSS that can bring about Hindu unity in order to help take the country forward, Prabhat Kamal Bezbaruah, the newly appointed chairman of Tea Board, said here on Sunday. He also called for disenfranchising Bangladeshi infiltrators to “resist the demographic invasion” in Assam. Bezbaruah, a tea planter, was named Tea Board chairman on May 5. He was attending a training camp here for RSS volunteers from Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya. Hojai in central Assam, about 140 km from Guwahati, is where the RSS has its most important training centre in the Northeastern region. Speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the 20-day camp, Bezbaruah said, “We did not have Hindu unity. That is why we were ruled by Muslim nawabs and kings for about 1,000 years and for about 200 years by the British.” indian express
Police ask mosques to make announcements on Najeeb
http://www.news18.com/news/india/delhi-police-now-ask-mosques-to-make-announcements-on-najeeb-ahmed-1400891.html
New Delhi: With JNU student Najeeb Ahmed missing for over 200 days now, the Delhi Police has approached mosques in the national capital and neighbouring UP to make regular announcements on him in the hope of making some headway in the case.Najeeb went missing after a scuffle at his hostel allegedly with ABVP members on the night of Oct.14. A reward of Rs 10 lakh was announced by police for any information about him.The probe into his disappearance has turned up no clue so far with police continuing to grope in the dark.A senior police officer summed it up succinctly: "Despite so many teams working on the case, we have failed to make any headway." Now, they have turned to mosques for help.The investigating officers met the imam of Fatehpuri Masjid in Chandni Chowk and requested him to make announcements about Najeeb during prayers. "We asked them to request people to share any clues or information about Najeeb. We have even requested imams of other mosques in Delhi, neighbouring areas and some cities in UP like Badaun, Bareilly where Najeeb has stayed to make regular announcements," said a senior police officer.Police have also requested them to share information about the disappearance with "jamaats" who travel between mosques. Meanwhile, Najeeb's family members say they have lost faith in the police."We are as clueless about Najeeb now, as we were on the first day," said Najeeb's brother Mujeeb.He said the police has done "little" in tracing his brother and has only "harassed" them.PTI
Muslim scholars for guard against ‘insiders disintegrating community’: Indian express
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/mulism-scholars-for-guard-against-insiders-disintegrating-community-4655965/
Ahmedabad:Muslim scholars from different schools of thoughts on Sunday appealed to people to be on guard against efforts of insiders unwittingly disintegrating the community by playing into hands of anti-Islam forces. Following a brainstorming session at Bhagat Singh Hall in Saraspur, the Muslim leaders also concern over Waqf funds of crores of rupees lying idle. The meet was organised by Noor E Mohammadi Education and Social Welfare Trust, a local welfare body. Mufti Rizwan Tarapuri, head of All India Milli Council, explaining the modus operandi of anti-Islam forces, said in the guise of scholars they spread controversial thoughts on orders from those wanting to disintegrate the community over differences in belief. “We must ignore these elements. The anti-Islam forces are eyeing Asian countries now to break Muslim unity. Let us spread message of love from all platforms. The unity lies in reviving our past glory,” he said.Iqbal Shaikh, ex- member of the Central Waqf Council, said:“They (anti-Islam forces) conduct daily drills, but Muslim youths are in slumber.” He claimed Waqf funds of around Rs 4.90 lakh crore in the country were lying idle. “Even if 10% of the idle is used properly for welfare of the community, it will a great service to the community”, he said. Shaikh also criticised the “criminal” attitude of several tenants of Waqf properties and said they pay rent as per market rates that existed 2 to 3 decades ago. He said at many places trusts and Waqf boards were hands in gloves in selling its properties even after Nov.2013 when sales of these properties was banned.
AMU VC ends tenure on sour note, skips farewell party after protests
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/amu-vc-ends-tenure-on-sour-note-skips-farewell-party-after-protests/articleshow/58672946.cms
The tenure of AMU V-C Lt General Zameer Uddin Shah did not end without a controversy. Following an uproar in the varsity after the announcement of his grand farewell plans, the VC himself skipped the event on Saturday.Soon after the announcement of a big farewell event for the VC, the university's students' union (AMUSU) launched large-scale protests, bringing down posters and hoardings of the event which was to be held at polytechnic department auditorium. After Shah did not turn up for the Saturday's event, 2 other farewell programmes scheduled for Sunday were also cancelled. The members of AMUSU and ex-president of the union said that the VC, who has been accused of several irregularities, should answer their questions instead of attending a party.However, a member of the farewell organising committee, Dr Rahat Abrar, claimed that to avoid a confrontation, the panel requested the VC and pro vice chancellor Brig Syed Ahmad Ali not to come for the function. He added that a farewell was given to Lt Gen Shah at the VC's lodge on Sunday. Timesofindia
Muslims caught between hostile atmosphere and appeasement: Karnataka CM's adviser Mattu
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/muslims-caught-between-hostile-atmosphere-and-appeasement/article18454566.ece
Mangaluru: Muslims in the country are at a crossroads now as they are caught between appeasement and a hostile atmosphere, Dinesh Amin Mattu, media adviser to the CM , said here on Sunday. Speaking at the Muslim Youth Conference, organised by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), he said that an accused became a convict only if charges were proved. But in the case of Muslims in the country they were being projected as convicts even before proving charges.He said that those who tried to appease the community have not given much benefits to them. The community should think about why they have not been able to emerge as a force with powerful leadership. The community should recognise and give patronage to leaders within, he said.Mattu said that Muslims have contributed to the freedom struggle and have sacrificed their lives in battlefields.Muslim rulers had faced the British in the early stages of freedom struggle. But this fact has been sidelined in the projection that the country got Independence mainly through non-violence movement, he said. thehindu
WORLD
Top court upholds life sentence for prominent Bangladesh Jamaat preacher Sayeedi
http://nation.com.pk/international/15-May-2017/bangladesh-upholds-life-sentence-for-prominent-ji-member
Dhaka: Bangladesh’s top court, on Monday, upheld a life sentence for an Islamist preacher convicted of war crimes, rejecting calls for him to be hanged.The Supreme Court stood by its 2014 decision to jail Delwar Hossain Sayeedi for life over atrocities committed during Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence against Pakistan.Sayeedi’s lawyers wanted the prominent member of Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party, acquitted while Govt attorneys sought capital punishment for 77-year-old cleric.“ Court rejected the review appeals by both sides,” Sayeedi’s lawyer Tanvir Al Amin told AFP. 5 Jamaat leaders, including Motiur Rahman Nizami, have been executed for their alleged part in bloody crimes during the war of independence.Sayeedi was sentenced to death in 2013 by a war crimes tribunal, despite criticism by human rights groups that the proceedings failed to meet international norms.The verdict triggered some of the worst political violence in years in the Muslim-majority nation, with scores left dead as tens of thousands clashed with police.AFP
Largest Islamist movement in Algeria refuses to join Govt
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170515-largest-islamist-movement-in-algeria-refuses-to-join-the-Govt /
The leader of Algeria’s largest Islamic movement stressed on Sunday that it would not be joining the Govt , Quds Press has reported. Abdul Razzaq Al-Maqri of the Movement of Society for Peace said that the executive bureau of the group has decided to remain in opposition.“We must keep up with the democratic logic,” he explained. “The party which wins should be in the Govt and the one which does not win remains in opposition.”Al-Maqri revealed last week that the group had received an offer from President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to join the upcoming Govt . Although there could be coalitions formed, he continued, the movement does not see it happening in Algeria.The senior politician reiterated his movement’s commitment to strive for a democratic political project in the country. “We are optimistic about the future although we are not going to be part of the Govt ,” he repeated. Furthermore, Al-Maqri denied that his movement is a branch of Muslim Brotherhood, Tunisia’s Ennahda or Morocco’s Justice and Development Party. Such comparisons between the three parties is illogical, he insisted, as the circumstances differ in countries across the region. He suggested that the experience of Ennahda in Tunis is similar to his own movement’s experience in Govt 15 years ago. middleeastmonitor
Tehran mayor Qalibaf quits presidential race, backs hardliner Ebrahim Raisi:Reuters
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-tehran-mayor-qalibaf-quits-presidential-race-backs-hardliner-raisi-2439003
Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf quit the Iranian presidential race on Monday, backing instead hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi in Friday's vote.Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guards commander and police chief, was one of the main challengers to President Hassan Rouhani who is seeking a second term.In the last election four years ago, Qalibaf finished second but with just 16.5 % of the vote. Rouhani, who pledged to reduce Iran's international isolation and grant more freedoms at home, averted a second round by winning just over 50 percent.This time around, establishment conservative hardliners who want to unseat Rouhani are mainly placing their trust in Ebrahim Raisi, a jurist and Shi'ite cleric who studied at the feet of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.They were not happy that the maverick Tehran mayor was standing again and thereby raising the risk of splitting the anti-Rouhani vote."I should take an important decision to keep the unity of revolutionary forces," Qalibaf said in a statement published in state media. "I ask all my supporters around the country to use all their capacity to help my brother, Ebrahim Raisi, win the election."Raisi and Qalibaf were following the same campaign tactics, criticising Rouhani's economic record and his policy of detente with the West. Both presidential hopefuls jumped on the Islamic Republic's unemployment rate, which rose to 12.4% last year, up 1.4% from the previous year.
Conservative Ghalibaf withdraws from Iran Prez race
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-4507042/Conservative-Ghalibaf-withdraws-Iran-presidential-race.html
Rouhani’s deputy promises to defend rights of Sunnis
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170515-rouhanis-deputy-promises-to-defend-the-rights-of-irans-sunnis/
The first vice president of Iran has promised his country’s Sunni Muslims that he will defend their rights if he is elected. Presidential candidate Eshaq Jahangiri made his promise during a conference about “Ahl Al-Sunnah in Tehran” organised by the Advocacy and Reform Group and Sunni MPs in the Iranian Parliament on Sunday.“I met last week with Shaikh Abdolhamid Ismaeelzahi, Imam of the Sunnis in Iran, and some Sunni scholars,” explained Jahangiri, “and promised to defend the rights of Sunni citizens.” He added that the development movement in Iran started with the reformist Govt of former President Mohammad Khatami and continued with the current Govt of President Hassan Rouhani. “Iran,” he claimed, “is an ethnically and religiously diverse society, where Shia, Sunnis, Turks and Kurds live and the state is not monopolised by one community.” According to Rouhani’s deputy, compared to past, Sunnis now have some advantages. “We have opened up the field of diplomacy and appointed a Sunni ambassador.They must be present in all official positions.”Indicating that he had met with many Sunni representatives in Iran during his campaign, and listened to their problems and demands, Jahangiri assured them that the current Govt seeks to fulfil their constitutional rights. middleeastmonitor
Iranian-backed militia warned to keep away from Yezidi areas
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170515-iranian-backed-militia-warned-to-keep-away-from-yezidi-areas/
A Kurdish leader has warned an Iranian-backed militia to keep away from Yezidi areas in Sinjar. Masoud Barzani accused the group of breaching an agreement which rejects any Shia presence in the Kurdish region.Barzani’s warning was aimed at the Popular Mobilisation Forces militia (Hashd Al-Shaabi) during a meeting with security and military officials from Sinjar following a campaign by the PMF to control villages around the Yezidi town over the weekend. Kurdish sources reported that the militia laid siege to the Yezidi areas of Tal Qasab and Tal Banat on Saturday and Sunday. A Kurdish Peshmerga military official who attended the meeting between Barzani and Sinjar officials told Rudaw TV that the Shia group had changed its plans by attacking Yezidi-populated areas and breaching the agreement between Erbil and Baghdad. Middleeastmonitor
US plan to arm Kurdish militia casts shadow over Trump-Erdogan talks
http://in.reuters.com/article/usa-turkey-idINKCN18B1O5
Ankara: Angered by a US decision to arm Kurdish YPG fighters in Syria, Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan heads to Washington this week for talks with Donald Trump seeking either to change the president's mind or to "sort things out ourselves".Trump's approval of plans to supply the YPG as it advances towards the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, just days before his first meeting with Erdogan, has cast a shadow over Tuesday's planned talks between the two NATO allies. Ankara, a crucial partner in the US-led coalition against Islamic State, considers YPG an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast for three decades and is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and United States.Washington sees the YPG as distinct from the PKK and as a valuable partner in the fight against Islamic State. Reuters
Syria army 'moves into area' where rebels evicted ISIL
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/syria-army-moves-area-rebels-evicted-isil-170515043533965.html
The Syrian army and allied armed groups have started moving large numbers of troops to a desert region on the country's border with Iraq and Jordan as US-backed rebels make advances nearby, according to rebel sources. Speaking to the Reuters news agency on Monday, rebel sources and commanders said that hundreds of Syrian soldiers and fighters from Iranian-backed militias have in recent days poured into the town of Sabaa Biyar, located in a sparsely-populated desert territory that stretches to the Jordanian and Iraqi border known as the Syrian Badia.In recent weeks, US-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters had been advancing in the area, from which the ISIL recently pulled out. Sabaa Biyar, a remote town near the strategic Damascus-Baghdad highway, was captured by the army and its allies last week as they seek to prevent areas left by ISIL from falling into the hands of Western-backed rebels such as the FSA. "They have sent big reinforcements from artillery, to tanks and armoured vehicles," Major Issam Al Reis, the spokesperson for FSA's Southern Front group, told Reuters.
Palestinians mark 69th 'Nakba' anniversary with rallies
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/palestinians-mark-69th-nakba-anniversary-rallies-170515082323701.html
Palestinians are commemorating the 69th anniversary of the "Nakba", the "day of catastrophe" in which Israel was officially declared a state following the forced removal of more than 750,000 Palestinians from their homes and the destruction of over 500 villages and towns.People across historic Palestine - including Israel, the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip - are holding rallies, marches and candlelight vigils on Monday, as well as sounding sirens.Israel has made publicly commemorating Nakba increasingly difficult for Palestinians, with a "Nakba Law" that authorises Israel's finance minister to revoke funding from institutions that reject Israel's character as a "Jewish state" or mark the country's "Independence Day" as a day of mourning. aljazeera
Palestinian prisoners defiant despite Israeli pressures
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/palestinian-prisoners-defiant-despite-israeli-pressures/818584
Ramallah:Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners on Monday entered their 29th day of an open-ended hunger strike in Israeli jails to demand better conditions. Spearheaded by long-term prisoner Marwan Barghouti, the mass strike is considered one of the largest by Palestinian prisoners in recent years. “The strike aims to retain many of the prisoners’ rights taken away by the Israeli prison administration,” Issa Qaraqe, head of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)’s committee on detainees, told Anadolu Agency. He said jailed Palestinians demand the resumption of bi-monthly family visits, which were halted last year, and allowing visits by second-degree relatives.
Afghan Taliban reject Hezb-e-Islami talks claim
http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/afghan-taliban-reject-hezb-e-islami-talks-claim/818846
Kabul: Taliban in Afghanistan on Monday rejected reports that they are in contact with leaders of the party led by Gulbuden Hekmatyar.On Sunday, a section of local media reported that the Hezb-e-Islami and the Taliban are in contact for a peaceful resolution of the years-long conflict in the country.“Inside the country and abroad, we are in touch with some Taliban leaders that are willing to join the peace process”, local media quoted Qareebur Rehman Saeed, spokesman for the Hezb-e-Islami, as saying.Swiftly rejecting the claim, the Taliban issued a statement on Monday saying no such contacts were made.“We strongly reject the claim... the Hezb-e-Islami members should not propagate such things which are far from reality”, Zabehullah Mujahed, spokesman for the Taliban said in a statement.It added: “Islamic Emirate’s [Taliban] stance is [clear] that laying arms in front of enemy, and supporting enemy in its evil designs is against Sharia”.When contacted, Nadir Afghan, spokesman for the Hezb-e-Islami, told Anadolu Agency that there is a minor confusion on what his colleague told local media, and what it was reported and conceived by the Taliban.“We have not said that official contact with the Taliban’s political office in Qatar has been made for peace talks, he said, adding: "There are some Taliban commanders and leaders, with whom we are in contact, are willing to shun violence and join the peace process.” Anadolua agency
Christian militias kill up to 30 Muslim civilians in CAR
http://religionnews.com/2017/05/14/christian-militias-kill-up-to-30-muslim-civilians-in-central-african-republican/
Bangui, Central African Republic:Hundreds of civilians are seeking refuge inside a mosque in the Central African Republic’s border town of Bangassou amid ongoing attacks by Christian militias that have killed up to 30 civilians, U.N. officials and aid workers said on Sunday.The attacks throughout the weekend on the town of Bangassou on the Congolese border have involved hundreds of fighters with heavy weaponry and appeared to be aimed at Muslims, they said, in the latest sign that the multi-year conflict is worsening. UN base there has also been targeted, prompting the deployment of extra troops to the remote town on Sunday in anticipation of further attacks. They had succeeded in partly securing the town by dusk, said Herve Verhoosel, spokesman for the U.N. mission (MINUSCA).“The situation is extremely deplorable and we are doing everything to rapidly retake control of Bangassou,” MINUSCA chief Parfait Onanga-Anyanga told Reuters in an interview. Asked about the civilian death toll, he added: “It is clear that we are looking at numbers that could easily reach 20 to 30.” Many of the fighters are child soldiers who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, he added.Local Red Cross President Pastor Antoine Mbao Bogo said gunfire continued to ring out from the town on Sunday, blocking attempts by his organization and others to reach the wounded and recover the dead.Reuters
Massacre in CAR forces hundreds to seek refuge in mosque
http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/massacre-in-car-forces-hundreds-to-seek-refuge-in-mosque-9138414
Myanmar: EU urges humanitarian access to Rakhine state
http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/myanmar-eu-urges-humanitarian-access-to-rakhine-state/818825
Yangon:A top EU official on Monday called on Myanmar’s Govt to grant full humanitarian access to the western Rakhine state, decrying the worsening situation since the military locked down the area last year.“During my visit I saw that malnutrition rates have deteriorated after the recent crisis,” said European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides after a 2-day visit to Rakhine’s northern Maungdaw area to assess the humanitarian situation there.AA
State of emergency in Yemen's Sanaa over cholera crisis
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/state-emergency-yemen-sanaa-cholera-crisis-170515075723016.html
A state of emergency has been declared in Yemen's rebel-held capital, Sanaa, according to the local Saba news agency, after a cholera outbreak killed scores of people over the past two weeks. The health ministry of the Houthi Govt announced the measure late on Sunday, saying that "the number of casualties surpassed the normal rates, exceeding the capacity of the health system, which has become unable to contain this unprecedented health and environmental disaster".The ministry's statement came after the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Sunday that a cholera outbreak has killed 115 people between April 27 and May 13. aljazeera
FLASH: NEWS & VIEWS
Adityanath's Govt wants ghar wapsi, but it first needs to curb violence against Dalits:Somak Ghoshal Editor, HuffPost India
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/05/15/adityanaths-govt-wants-ghar-wapsi-but-it-first-needs-to-curb-v_a_22086895/
‘For elections, we are Hindu. After that we are Dalits’: Bhim Army founder explains his ideology
https://video.scroll.in/837675/for-elections-we-are-hindu-after-that-we-are-dalits-bhim-army-founder-explains-his-ideology
Minority report for BJP-Recognising Muslim communities as religious-cultural minorities, cannot be called appeasement: Hilal Ahmed , associate professor, CSDS
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/minority-report-for-the-bjp-up-gujarat-muslim-4655830/
For those who look for Gujarati martyrs: Aakar Patel, Executive Director, Amnesty International India
http://www.rediff.com/news/column/for-those-who-look-for-gujarati-martyrs/20170515.htm
Ball in SC: Triple divorce is neither fundamental to Islam, nor is it sacramental. It can’t be an enforceable civil right: Tahir Mahmood
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ball-in-the-supreme-court-triple-talaq-4655854/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:44 PM)
