06 February 2018

06 Feb.ND: Sibal, Dhawan to represent AIMPLB in Ayodhya case: SC to hear the matter from Feb 8/Kasganj: Investigation so far biased, says fact-finding report




Evening NEWS DIGEST  
06 Feb.2018:19 Jamadiul-1 1439:Vol:9, No:114
INDIA
Sibal, Dhawan to represent AIMPLB in Ayodhya case: SC to hear the matter from Feb 8
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/muslim-side-ready-for-ayodhya-dispute-in-supreme-court/articleshow/62794262.cms
Lucnkow: Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Rajeev Dhawan and Raju Ramchandran will be advocates-on-record representing the Muslim side in the Ramjanmbhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case on behalf of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). The SC is set to start court proceedings from Feb. 8 on the case in Delhi.Sunni Waqf Board, the primary litigant in title dispute, will be represented by senior advocate Shakeel Ahmed Syed. AIMPLB and UP  Sunni Central Waqf Board, representing the Muslim side in the dispute, are both preparing to present their side in the Supreme Court.Senior members of AIMPLB, members of All-India BaBabri Masjid Action Committee, and the senior advocates have been holding continuous meetings that ran all day on Monday and will continue on Feb. 6 and Feb.7.Waqf Board chairperson, Zufar Ahmad Farooqui, told TOI, "All the documentation for the case has been complete and senior SC advocate Shakeel Ahmed Syed will be the board's advocate-onrecord." Convener of the Babri Masjid Action Committee, Zafaryab Jilani, said, "Most of the documents pertaining to the case have been submitted and meetings are being held with all senior advocates. We are ready for all deliberations inside the courtroom, even for a day to day hearing situation if it arises." A senior lawyer, Jilani will also represent the Muslim side in the SC.TOI
Babri masjid case: SC to hear the matter from Feb 8
https://www.siasat.com/news/babri-masjid-case-sc-hear-matter-february-8-1313245/
'I Will Not Give Instant Triple Talaq': AIMPLB's New Clause in 'Model Nikahnama'
http://www.news18.com/news/india/i-will-not-give-instant-triple-talaq-aimplb-plans-to-add-new-clause-in-model-nikahnama-1652581.html
Hyderabad: In a major move, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is all set to introduce a new clause in its Model Nikahnama or marriage contract, where the groom will have to pledge in writing that he will not give instant divorce to his wife.  AIMPLB is scheduled to engage in a detailed discussion on Triple Talaq in a three-day long plenary starting February 9 till Feb.11 in Hyderabad.The board is expected finalize its roadmap on the protection of Muslim personal laws.  AIMPLB convener and general secretary, Rahimuddin Ansari said, "Board has already said that anyone who practices instant triple talaq will face social boycott. Further, to put an end to this practice, we propose to add another clause in the ‘Model Nikahnama’ where the man will pledge not to give instant triple talaq. This amendment will reduce the number of triple talaq cases.” Asari added, “Also, the community will be more aware of the issue and understand that instant triple talaq is against Islam and the law of the country. The final decision on this will however be taken in the meeting.”On February 9, executive members of AIMPLB will attend a meeting to decide on its agenda and on Feb.10 and 11, full day sessions with over 600 Muslim scholars from across the country will be held to deliberate on the issue. “The two main agenda of the meetings are to discuss the Triple Talaq Bill and Babri Masjid case, which is scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court starting Fe.8. It’s a very crucial meeting in view of the issues concerning the Muslim community,” Ansari added. News18
AIMPLB to hold plenary meeting on Babri, talaq issue
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/aimplb-to-hold-plenary-meeting-on-babri-masjid-triple-talaq-issue-118020600025_1.html
Muslim Board to ask grooms for oath against instant talaq
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/muslim-law-board-to-ask-grooms-for-oath-against-instant-talaq/articleshow/62796406.cms
Kasganj: UP police cracks down on 'admins' of social media
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/657970/kasganj-riot-up-police-cracks.html
10 days after communal violence rocked the Kasganj town, claiming one life and leaving several others injured, the UP  police turned its attention to the ''admins'' of the social media, who ''incited'' communal hatred through provocative posts. According to the sources here, police on Tuesday nabbed one Ram Singh, who was ''admin'' of a WhatsApp group, and had posted pictures of a burning place of worship at Kasganj during the communal violence.Singh had posted a video containing provocative content on the social media, the police said.Police were looking for another person, identified as Ajai Gupta, who had shared the posts and the video with his friends and members of his group on the social media.Gupta has been absconding, police said adding that a hunt had been launched to nab him.Police officials said that they were scouring the social media to find out about more such groups and if they had also posted provocative videos and posts regarding the violence. Police on Tuesday nabbed Salman, who was allegedly involved in firing on the day the violence had broken out at Kasganj, sources said. So far over 125 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.The family of Chandan Gupta, who was killed in the Kasganj violence, on Tuesday met chief minister Yogi Adityanath and sought martyr status for him.Later speaking to reporters, the family members said that Adityanath had assured all help to them but remained mum on declaring him a martyr.deccanherald
Kasganj: Police arrest second accused in death case
https://scroll.in/latest/867761/kasganj-violence-uttar-pradesh-police-arrest-second-accused-in-death-of-chandan-gupta
Meet the Man Who Organised ‘Unauthorised Tiranga Yatra’ in Kasganj:Tarique Anwar
https://newsclick.in/meet-man-who-organised-unauthorised-tiranga-yatra-kasganj
Kasganj: Muslims protected temples, police investigation so far biased, says fact-finding report
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/kasganj-violence-muslims-protected-temples-hindu-properties-finds-new-report
A new fact-finding report into the sectarian violence in Kasganj has accused the local police of being biased against members of the Muslim community during the ongoing investigation into the sectarian clashes which ended up in the death of Chandan Gupta on January 26.“The way the police investigation is going on also reflects clear bias and prejudice and that is acting as a deterrent for people to come forward and lodge individual cases of assault and damage,”report, Trail of Engineered Hate and Violence: Findings from a visit to Kasganj, released on Monday, says.The probe further notes that first FIR (in the wake of the clashes on Jan 26 names all Muslims—Nasiruddin, Akram, Akshat Khan and Taufiq. “But not a single Hindu was named in the FIR, although the report mentions both communities were involved in the clash,” it adds. The team, under the banner of United Against Hate, from Lucknow and Delhi visited Kasganj on Feb.2. Ex-UP  Police IG SR Darapuri, social activist Rakhi Sehgal, ex JNUSU President Mohit Pandey and United Against Hate members were part of the team among others.Besides two mosques, the report highlighted that all 27 business establishments that were set on fire belonged to Muslims. “No temple or Hindu property has been damaged,” it says.“In fact, Chamunda Temple, located in a Muslim-dominated area, was protected by Muslims of the area.There is an HP gas agency located behind the Chamunda Temple, and the Muslims protected that too,” 9-page document adds.“Despite Muslim-owned establishments being in the line of fire of rampaging mobs, there was no police presence in predominantly Hindu localities. On the other hand, cops are manning Muslim neighbourhoods day in, day out,” the report says.The finding alleges the police had filed just one complaint for all the cases of fire and attack on Muslim shops and properties. “They are refusing to file individual reports about each incident and trying to club everything into one case.”The report further raises questions on police’s claim that Chandan Gupta was shot dead by a local trader Salim, who has been arrested in connection with Chandan’s murder.Muhammad Salim Engineer, general secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said that it was targeted attack, not communal riots.  “I don’t call it as communal riots. For many years there is a specific pattern of violence which is planned and targeted,” while addressing the press, Engineer said.“This is an attack not only on few persons, a community or area but it is an attack on the very idea of India, its root, brotherhood and secularism,” he explained.Nadeem Khan said that despite the police recovering nearly 50 bikes from Badoo Nagar locality, they were refusing to identify the owners of the vehicles, which were left behind by the group of which Chandan was a part.“The fact that 87 of the 123 arrested over the violence so far belong to the minority community speaks in itself about the way the police are going about the investigation. Also, the bond for bail has been set at Rs 2 lakh, which is unaffordable for a working-class person,” Khan said.Retired IG of UP Police SR Darapuri, Adv. Asad Hayat, journalists Amit Sengupta, Hasanul Banna, Aleemullah khan, social activists Rakhi Sehgal, Mohit Pandey, Nadeem Khan, Khalid Saifi and Shariq Hussain were part of the fact-finding team.nationalheraldindia, indiatomorrow
Kasganj clashes orchestrated, U.P. police role partisan: fact-finding team
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kasganj-clashes-orchestrated-up-police-role-partisan-panel/article22663122.ece
Fact-finding team blames RSS for Kasganj riots
https://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/fact-finding-team-blames-rss-for-kasganj-riots/story-2WZntHAJML3mcc6CVWBkeN.html
Activists release fact-finding report on Kasganj violence
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/activists-release-fact-finding-report-on-kasganj-violence?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
‘My husband was arrested just because he married Hindu girl’: Rahat’s wife alleges police misbehaviour
 https://www.siasat.com/news/husband-arrested-just-married-hindu-girl-rahats-wife-alleges-police-misbehaviour-1313235/
Lucknow: Amidst Kasganj communal tension, the marriage of a Hindu girl and a Muslim man is the subject of discussion. On March 2017, Surbhi Chauhan (20) got married to Rahat (27); both had a love marriage. Following Chandan Gupta’s killing on January 26, during Tiranga yatra, the love marriage of the couple is on the target.  Surbhi says that Rahat’s only mistake was that he had married a Hindu girl and claimed that whatever happened during tiranga yatra has nothing to do with her husband. Surbhi who was shattered on the arrest of her husband, says, on January 26 she was watching the news with her husband. They saw that communal clash occurred at Balram gate crossroad. Meanwhile, Rahat got a call informing him that clashes are going on. ‘People called Rahat, but I stopped him from going. The next day we were going to Aligarh when police caught us, I pleaded to spare my husband, but police said, had all the Thakurs died that you went away with a Muslim? Didn’t you find anyone?’ Saying this Surbhi burst into tears. She said ‘police misbehaved with my husband, I kept on pleading but to no avail. Police could not arrest the culprit, and are arresting the innocent.’‘I want that my husband is exonerated. He has been arrested just because he married a Hindu girl.’ On the question of whether Surbhi’s family is being the arrest of Rahat, she says ‘my family didn’t accept my marriage but they cannot do like this. They don’t talk to me but they also don’t involve in our relationship.siasat
Over 100 killed in 822 communal incidents in 2017: Govt
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-100-killed-in-822-communal-incidents-in-2017-govt-5053622/
New Delhi :As many as 111 people were killed and 2,384 others were injured in 822 communal incidents in the country in 2017, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said that the highest number of communal incidents in 2017 were reported in UP  where 44 people were killed and 542 others were injured in 195 communal incidents.Karnataka has seen 100 communal incidents last year in which nine people were killed and 229 injured while there were 91 incidents of riots in Rajasthan in which 12 people were killed and 175 injured, he said. The minister said there were 85 communal incidents in Bihar in 2017 in which three people were killed and 321 injured and there were 60 incidents of riots in Madhya Pradesh in which nine people were killed and 191 injured.PTI
Israel to give 750,000 euros to Air India for launching Delhi-Tel Aviv flight
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/israel-to-give-750000-euros-to-ai-for-launching-delhi-tel-aviv-flight/article22669132.ece?homepage=true
Jerusalem:Air India will get a one-time grant of 750,000 euros from Israel for launching direct flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, which is likely to be launched next month, a senior Israeli official said on Tuesday.“Ministry of Tourism will approve a grant to Air India in response to their request and according to the conditions of the directive, which includes a grant of 250,000 Euro per weekly flight, up to a total of three weekly flights,” Lydia Weitzman, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism, told PTI here.“It is a one-time grant for an airline opening a new direct route into Tel Aviv (TLV) from a destination that has potential for incoming tourism,” she said. Informed sources here said that the Indian flag carrier could start its direct flights into Israel from New Delhi on March 20, flying thrice a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Dubbed a “game changer” in Israel’s efforts to promote inbound tourism from India, Air India’s direct flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv would be operating on the shortest route and is expected to bring down significantly the cost of travel between the two countries.“Hopefully Air India would soon start direct flights between India and Tel Aviv which is going to be a game changer increasing manifold the number of tourists coming from India to Israel. The number of tourists from China to Israel doubled in one year after the start of direct flight by Hainan Airlines. We expect something similar with India,” Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, Amir Halevi, had said earlier in an interview.PTI
Israeli and Indian officials to meet to discuss terrorism
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/israeli-and-indian-officials-to-meet-to-discuss-terrorism/story-C2R0DbbNn45pnjHxJBfy9K.html
New Delhi;Senior officials from Israel’s foreign office in India will hold a meeting with officials from the ministry of home affairs to discuss the possibilities of working closely on security related matters, a senior Govt official said.The meeting, likely in March, will the first among many and a part of the “follow-up action” taken by the two Govts after Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited India last month.A senior ministry official did not disclose the details of the meeting’s core agenda but said that issues related to terrorism, internal security, and foreign affairs, affecting both Israel and India, will be discussed.“The meeting is the first one between Govt officials from both sides after the visit of Mr Netanyahu. We are hoping that both countries work closely and cooperate with each other on matters of security,” the official said.hindustantimes
In a daring attack in Srinagar hospital, militants kill 2 policemen; detainee ultra flees
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/policeman-killed-as-militant-escapes-from-srinagar-hospital/article22666671.ece?homepage=true
Srinagar:A policeman was killed and two others were injured on Tuesday afternoon as militants staged a daring attack in the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital in Srinagar to free an ultra from police custody, police said.Militant Naveed, who was brought to the hospital for treatment, managed to escape amid the shootout, a police official said.Initial reports suggest he belonged to LeT and was arrested in south Kashmir.thehindu
Kashmir saw 44% increase in local youths joining militancy, says Mehbooba
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kashmir-saw-44-increase-in-local-youths-joining-militancy-says-mehbooba-mufti-5053439/
New Delhi;Kashmir last year saw a 44 %  jump in local youths joining militancy from 2016, J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti informed the state assembly on Tuesday. Mufti said 126 youths joined extremist groups in 2017, 38 more than the previous year. Her version, however, contradicts the statement of J&K police chief S P Vaid, who last month downplayed Home Ministry reports that there had been a sharp spike in the number of young Kashmiris joining militant groups in 2017. indianexpress
Lashkar’s Hindu militant charged with killing of 6 Kashmir policemen
https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/lashkars-hindu-militant-charged-with-killing-of-6-kashmir-policemen/articleshow/62794122.cms
Anantnag: J&K filed a charge sheet against four accused including Sandeep Kumar, a resident of Muzaffarnagar UP , in connection with the killing of six-member police party headed by a station house officer of Achabal in south Kashmir Anantnag district last year."Police had registered as case about the attack which took place on 15 June 2017. Besides SHO, his five Escort Personnel were killed on the spot," SSP Anantnag Altaf Khan told Mirror.He said Special Investigation Team established that LeT headed by Bashir Lashkari were involved in the attack. "Further, on the basis of evidences collected during the course of investigation complicity of eight people was established," he said.Mumbai Mirror
Talk to Hurriyat, they represent anger of Kashmiris:Soz
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/talk-to-hurriyat-they-represent-anger-of-kashmiris-saifuddin-soz-5052874/
New Delhi ;A day after an Army captain and three jawans were killed in Pakistani shelling, former J&K  CM Farooq Abdullah and senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz Monday asked the Govt to open talks with Pakistan. Soz said the Govt should also talk to Hurriyat Conference “because they have represented the anger of Kashmiris in the recent times”.Speaking to The Indian Express, former Union minister Soz said “India and Pakistan cannot live in perpetual animosity (and) there have to be more cordial relations which are abiding in nature.” He said, “Kashmir is a political dispute which can be resolved only through political means…by dialogue. Why are guns used from both the sides…open the dialogue in Kashmir and you will produce peace,” he said.indianexpress
Rajiv, Benazir were ready to resolve Kashmir dispute: Zardari
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rajiv-gandhi-benazir-bhutto-were-ready-to-resolve-kashmir-dispute-zardari/articleshow/62805272.cms
Lahore: Rajiv Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto were ready to resolve the Kashmir issue amicably but the Indian leader was assassinated during the election campaign, Pakistan's former president Asif Ali Zardari has claimed.Zardari also revealed that former dictator Gen (retd.) Pervez Musharraf had come up with a plan on Kashmir issue but other generals could not agree to it."BB (Benazir Bhutto) sahiba had spoken to Rajiv Gandhi in 1990 who agreed to resolve the Kashmir issue amicably. Rajiv told Benazir that during the last 10 years no one including Gen Zia from Pakistan spoke with us on this issue," Zardari said at a Kashmir rally here last evening."He (Rajiv) admitted that Kashmir was an important issue and should be resolved. Rajiv said he would take up this issue with Pakistan after coming to power but he was assassinated (in 1991)," the former president added.PTI
426 incidents of transgression by Chinese soldiers in 2017
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/426-incidents-of-transgression-by-chinese-soldiers-in-2017?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi:  There were 426 incidents of transgression by Chinese soldiers in Indian territory in 2017, which also saw a one of its kind 73-day-long stand-off between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Sikkim sector, than the number of such incidents in the previous year, Parliament was told on Monday. "In the year 2017, the number of transgressions were 426 as against 273 in the year 2016," Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply, adding that the transgressions took place due to different interpretations of the border. "As India-China border has not been formally demarcated, there are areas where both sides have different perception of LAC and both sides patrol up to their respective perceptions. Due to this, temporary transgressions have occurred.IANS
RSS chief begins 10-day Bihar tour; RJD, Congress accuse Nitish of helping communal agenda
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/feb/05/rss-chief-begins-10-day-bihar-tour-rjd-congress-accuse-nitish-kumar-of-helping-communal-agenda-1768817.html
Patna: As RSS chief Mohan Bhagawat began his ten-day tour of Bihar on Monday, the Opposition RJD and Congress saw in it an effort to inject communalism into the state and accused CM Nitish Kumar of helping the Sangh Parivar turn Bihar into “another Nagpur”.Bhagawat, who had earlier come on a two-day tour of Bihar on January 23, plans to visit various places in Muzaffarpur district during the present extended tour. He will also hold 2 meetings with RSS and BJP functionaries in Muzaffarpur and Patna on Feb. 11 and 12, said sources. His visit has injected fresh enthusiasm among BJP leaders and workers in the state.“It is no secret that RSS is an organisation that seeks to implement Manuvaad (the principles of Manu). These frequent visits by Mohan Bhagwat are a part of Sangh Parivar’s well-thought conspiracy,” said RJD national vice-president Shivanand Tiwari.newindianexpress
2002 Naroda Gam riots case: Court issues notice to ex-IPS officer
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/feb/06/2002-naroda-gam-riots-case-court-issues-notice-to-ex-ips-officer-1768882.html
Ahmedabad: An SIT court, hearing the 2002 Naroda Gam riot case here, today issued a notice to former IPS officer Rahul Sharma for allegedly misplacing the CDs containing the crucial call details related to the riots.The court of Special Judge M K Dave also issued notice to former investigating officer in the case P L Mal on an application moved in April 2015 by a group of accused in the case.They had sought that Sharma and Mal be also made accused under CrPC section 319 (for trial of a person along with the accused of the case).The court has posted the next hearing for February 9.PTI 
Muzaffarnagar riots: Drop cases against Hindus, BJP MP Sanjiv Balyan, khaps tell CM
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/muzaffarnagar-riots-drop-cases-against-hindus-bjp-mp-sanjiv-balyan-khaps-tell-cm-yogi-adityanath-5052862/
Lucknow;A delegation of Khap Chaudharis from Muzaffarnagar and Shamli, led by BJP MP Sanjiv Balyan, Monday urged CM Yogi Adityanath to withdraw “402 fake cases of arson lodged against Hindus” in connection to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.At a meeting here, the delegation said there is “growing resentment among people” about reports that cases were only being withdrawn against BJP leaders. Alleged fake cases, lodged against the public during the riots, should also be withdrawn, the khap leaders told the CM.The state had recently sought a report from Muzaffarnagar administration regarding withdrawal of nine cases pending against Umesh Malik — BJP MLA from Budhana in Muzaffarnagar. These included two Muzaffarnagar riot cases. Malik also attended the meeting on Monday. While cases of arson were registered against members of both Hindu and Muslim communities during riots, Muzaffarnagar MP Sanjiv Balyan said they only sought withdrawal of 402 cases against Hindus, who included Jats and members of the other backward classes.After the meeting, Balyan said: “There should not be any confusion… we did not talk about any murder cases. The concern of Khap Chaudharis from Muzaffarnagar and Shamli was 402 fake cases of arson against Hindus, including Jats and people from other backward classes, just to get from Govt at that time. While compensation has been given and nothing can be done in that regard, at least the fake cases should be withdrawn… that is why our small delegation met CM today.”He added that the delegation also demanded withdrawal of nine cases lodged in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli, largely against women, for allegedly creating obstacles in arrests.“CM assured Khap Chaudharis that legal opinion will be taken,” Balyan said.IndianExpress
To get masses to yagna, RSS arm to argue cow milk can arrest crime graph
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/to-get-masses-to-yagna-rss-arm-to-argue-cow-milk-can-arrest-crime-graph-5052887/
New Delhi;RSS affiliate Gauseva is set to launch a countrywide 15-day “Gau Jap Mahayagna” at temples across the country from March 31 to associate people with organisation and spread awareness on cows and ensure their well-being. To attract people to the campaign, RSS wing plans to popularise claims of eight major benefits of cow dung and other cow products.Among the claims outfit will make is that consumption of cow milk could reduce crime rate and consumption of the liquid extract of cow dung with leaves of basil (tulsi)during labour pain can help in normal delivery.indianexpress
Cow urine to be promoted as health drink in UP
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/cow-urine-to-be-promoted-as-health-drink-in-up/articleshow/62795498.cms?from=mdr
Bareilly: UP Govt's ayurvedic pharmacy at Pilibhit, which is one of the two in the state, has prepared a proposal to collect, process and sell packaged bottles of cow urine as a health drink. The pharmacy presently supplies ayurvedic medicines prepared here to Govt centres in 16 districts of UP.Dr Prakash Chandra Saxena, principal and superintendent of Govt Ayurveda College and Hospital in Pilibhit, said, “Not just for medicinal purposes, we will promote cow urine as a health-giving drink. We have prepared a plan and will discuss it with the ayurveda department in Lucknow for approval. Drinking 10 ml to 20 ml cow urine daily will act as a preventive against seasonal diseases like fever, cough and stomach-related ailments. Daily consumptionof cow urine will also help increase people’s immunity. Our aim is to make cow urine easily available to the common public.”Asked how the pharmacy plans to collect cow urine on such a large scale, Saxena said, “We are considering contacting dairies and gaushalas (cow shelters) run by the Govt and NGOs. We will soon discuss with experts and director of the ayurveda department to chalk out details of the project.”Apart from supplying packaged bottles of cow urine, the pharmacy has decided to prepare herbal medicines using cow urine from this month. TOI
UP  madrasa students from Nepal at risk of missing exam for lack of Aadhaar: Report
https://scroll.in/latest/867756/uttar-pradesh-madrassa-students-from-nepal-at-risk-of-missing-exam-for-lack-of-aadhaar-report
Nearly a thousand students from Nepal who study in madrasas in UP  might not be able to appear for the state Madrasa Education Board Examination as they do not have Aadhaar cards, PTI reported. Students have till Feb.10 to fill the exam form.“Forms of madrasa examinations are being filled,” said Diwan Sahab Jaman Khan, the general secretary of Teachers’ Association Madaris-e-Arabia.“If the mandatory provision of providing the Aadhaar number is not withdrawn, then nearly a thousand students hailing from Nepal will not be able to take the exam for ‘munshi’, ‘maulvi’, ‘aalim’, ‘kaamil’ and ‘faazil.’”Students from Nepal need to furnish their birth and citizenship certificates for admission at these Islamic seminaries.scroll
UP: Unlicensed doctor 'infects 40 people' with HIV
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/india-unlicensed-doctor-infects-40-people-hiv-180206063942731.html
At least 40 people have been tested HIV positive in UP , where an unqualified doctor had allegedly used a single syringe to treat all of his patients in the area, according to local media reports. The news broke on Tuesday, months after the victims, including children, were diagnosed at a health camp organised by an NGO in November last year in Bangarmau city of Unnao district, reported Times Now news channel."40 [HIV] positive cases have been found [among 400 tested people]. If proper tests are done, at least 500 cases would come up," Sunil Bangarmau, an area councillor, told ANI."It is being told that the people here used to go to a quack for treatment of diseases. He used a single syringe on all of them."Siddharth Nath Singh, UP  health minister, promised a crackdown on unqualified medics across the state.Rajendra Yadav, the accused in the particular case, is believed to be in hiding since the launch of the police investigation.aljazeera
Pune teenager, labelled IS suicide bomber, says misleading media reports have ruined her academic career
http://www.firstpost.com/india/pune-teenager-labelled-islamic-state-suicide-bomber-says-misleading-media-reports-have-ruined-her-academic-career-4337469.html
Pune: Pune teenager who was labelled as an "IS suicide bomber" by J&K Police in Jan. but exonerated after extensive questioning by police and intelligence agencies, on Monday lamented that her academic career had been ruined by the misleading media reports.Sadiya Anwar Shaikh, 18, who came before the media after her return from Srinagar early Sunday, said she had gone there with her mother Sumiyya for admission to a local nursing college.After securing her admission to SET Paramedical & Nursing Institute in J&K's Pulwama in mid-Jan, Sadiya was busy completing other requirements while her mother returned to Pune. "On 25 January, I was shocked to see local paper and TV reports purportedly referring to me as some kind of ISIS human-bomb. Immediately I approached the nearest police station and informed them of the reality of my visit to Jammu & Kashmir," Sadiya, flanked by her mother, told media persons. Thereafter, entire J&K Police top brass, IB, NIA and other agencies subjected her to sustained interrogation but finally cleared her. "J&K Police have sent an email to Pune police clearing me of all the falsehoods. Unfortunately, because of the wrong and biased media reports and campaign against me, on 27 January, the college abruptly cancelled my admission for the nursing course," Sadiya said.Undeterred, the convent-school educated girl, who has been a topper all through her academic career, said now she will complete her graduation from a Maharashtra college and later appear for civil services examinations,with a dream to become IAS or IPS officer.IANS
‘They call me Pakistani’: Poet narrates his life as a Muslim living in India; watch video
http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/viral-videos-trending/video-wo-kehte-hai-mujhe-pakistani-poet-living-in-india-as-a-muslim-5052330/
New Delhi:What is it like to be a Muslim in India? For many, one would imagine it should ideally mean living in no different a way than any other Indian citizen. But ours is not an ideal world, as a poet named Syed Zafeer narrated his struggle of living in India, but still being described as someone from another country in a soul-stirring poem.Titled Woh Kehte Hain Mujhe Pakistani (They Call Me Pakistani), it puts the spotlight on Zafeer’s ordeal of living as a Muslim in India. He also adds how people take a sarcastic dig at him by wishing Happy Independence Day on Aug.14 instead of Aug.15. 2.32-minute clip has hit a nerve, and many have been sharing the video online, sparking a debate on whether there is a larger truth to his narrative or whether it’s just a small section.indianexpress
Dalit-Muslim clash leaves Haryana village tense
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/dalit-muslim-clash-leaves-haryana-village-tense-5052890/
A day after a clash between Dalits and Muslims in Haryana’s Bhilpura village, Raqib Khan is not as tense about the incident, which he describes as a “minor dispute” between two families. The dispute began over Monu’s suspicion that his neighbour Pahal Singh had informed the UP Police that Monu was engaged in illegal sand mining. Monu has two dumper trucks that transport sand for construction purposes. “The information given was false. Even my son had been named in this false information. Because of this there was tension between the families of Monu and Pahal Singh,” said Raqib.At noon on Sunday, a hut and a pile of fodder belonging to Pahal Singh was set on fire. Pahal Singh’s family blamed Monu. When Pahal Singh’s mother, went to throw out garbage, Monu and his family members allegedly assaulted her.Monu’s brother alleged that it was Monu and their mother who were assaulted by the Dalit family. As news of the spat spread, youth from neighbouring villages arrived at the village.Indianexpress
Dalit man threatens to convert to Islam in Muzaffarnagar
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/up-dalit-man-threatens-to-convert-to-islam-in-muzaffarnagar-5053650/
Muzaffarnagar;A Dalit man staged a sit-in at the district magistrate’s office here and threatened to convert to Islam if authorities failed to free his land from unauthorised possession, police said on Tuesday. Suresh Kumar, a resident of Kakda village, on Monday alleged that his land had been illegally occupied by some influential people, they said.He also handed over to officials a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in which he threatened to convert to Islam if authorities failed to deal with the matter, police said.PTI
Muslim invaders forced Hindus to accept Islam by sword: Rizvi: newsnation
http://www.newsnation.in/india-news/muslim-rulers-forced-hindus-to-accept-islam-by-sword-says-rizvi-article-191547.html
UP Shia Waqf Board chairman Wasim Rizvi has yet again issued a statement which in all probabilities might land him in a thick soup.Rizvi has said that Lord Rama is also the ancestor of Indian Muslims because the ancestors of Indian Muslims were also Hindus first.Muslim rulers forced the Hindus to accept Islam by force and sword, hence Muslims must not oppose the construction of Ram Temple at Ayodhya, said he.
Any Hindu who is not part of the RSS does not belong to religion, says BJP MLA
https://scroll.in/latest/867727/any-hindu-who-is-not-part-of-the-rss-does-not-belong-to-the-religion-says-bjp-mla
BJP MLA from Goshamahal in Hyderabad, T Raja Singh has said that people who do not attend daily meetings of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh shakhas are not true Hindus.“I request all of you to enroll yourself in nearest branch of RSS,” Singh said at an event organised by the Hindu Utsav Samiti in Neemuch district on Sunday. “Any Hindu who does not join RSS is not a true Hindu and is thus incapable of serving our nation.” BJP MLA said that every citizen must say “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” no matter what their religion is. Else, they are “free to leave this country”, he added.
Judge Loya death case: Plea in SC to examine 11 persons
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/cbi-judge-loya-death-case-plea-in-sc-to-examine-11-persons-5052656/
New Delhi ;The counsel for the Bombay Lawyers Association moved an application Monday before the Supreme Court to cross-examine 11 persons, including two judges, in connection with the death of CBI special judge B H Loya in 2014.Senior advocate Dushyant Dave filed the application under Order XI of the Supreme Court Rules 2013 for Cross-Examination of: Sanjeev Barve, DG/Commissioner, State Intelligence Dept, Maharashtra; Dr Prashant Bajrang Rathi, Resident of Sai Regency, Ravi Nagar, Nagpur; Niranjan Takle, Reporter of Caravan; Srikant D Kulkarni, Member Secretary, Maharashtra State Legal Service Authority; SM Modak, Principal District Judge, Pune; Vijay C Barde, Additional Sessions Judge, City Civil and Sessions Court, Greater Bombay; Dr Pinak Gangadhar Rao, Dande, Ram Nagar, Nagpur; Anuj Brij Gopal Loya s/o Late B H Loya; Sharmila Brij Gopal Loya w/o Late B H Loya; Hari Kishan Ramchandra Loya, f/o Late B H Loya; and, Dr Anuradha Balaprasad Biyani, sister of Late B H Loya Arguments in the case will continue Friday..indianexpress
7,000 Super Rich Indians Moved Out of India in 2017, 16% More Than Previous Year: Global Report
http://www.news18.com/news/india/7000-super-rich-indians-moved-out-of-india-in-2017-second-highest-outflow-global-report-1650171.html
New Delhi: India witnessed the second largest number of millionaire outflow globally after China with 7,000 high net worth individuals changing their domicile during 2017, 16 % more than last year, according to a report.According to the report by New World Wealth, 7,000 ultra-rich Indians shifted overseas in 2017. In 2016, the figure stood at 6,000, while in 2015 as many as 4,000 millionaires shifted base.Globally, as many as 10,000 super-rich Chinese changed their domicile in 2017. Other countries that witnessed large high net worth individual (HNWIs) outflows include Turkey (6,000), United Kingdom (4,000), France (4,000) and Russian Federation (3,000).As per the migration trends, Indian HNWIs moved to the US, UAE, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, while Chinese HNWIs moved to the US, Canada and Australia.The report, however, noted that the outflows of HNWIs from India and China are not "concerning" as these countries are producing far more new HNWIs than they are losing."Also, once the standard of living in these countries improves, we expect several wealthy people to move back," it added.news18
Govt’s refusal to disclose details of the Rafale deal shows it is a scam, says Rahul Gandhi
https://scroll.in/latest/867770/Govts-refusal-to-disclose-details-of-the-rafale-deal-shows-it-is-a-scam-says-rahul-gandhi
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s refusal to disclose the details of the Rafale deal with France showed that it was a scam. Earlier in the day, she told the Rajya Sabha that details of the deal – signed in September 2016 for the supply of 36 Rafale aircraft – was “classified information” under an inter-Govtal agreement between India and France. Sitharaman also denied that any private or public sector firm was included in the deal.“The defence minister says they will not reveal the amount paid to buy the Rafale aircraft. What does that mean?” Gandhi asked reporters in New Delhi. “This only means there is a scam. [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi personally went to Paris, and he changed the deal. The whole country knows it.”In a sarcastic tweet, He said that informing Parliament about the price of the Rafale jets was a “national security threat”. “Brand all who ask [about the price], anti national!” he said on Twitter.
Assam chief secretary being controlled by RSS: Gogoi
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/assam-chief-secretary-being-controlled-by-rss-says-former-cm-tarun-gogoi/article22666755.ece
Guwahati:Former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi on Tuesday said RSS is controlling the chief secretary, director general of police and a few other top officials of the State.He was particularly harsh on chief secretary VK Pipersenia, accusing him of aiding RSS and imposing its Hindutva agenda in a religiously, linguistically, culturally and ethnically diverse State.thehindu
Our phones are tapped, fear is all around, says Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/ghulam-nabi-azad-parliament-opposition-phone-tap-congress-amit-shah-modi-5052639/
New Delhi;There is an atmosphere of “fear” in the country, phones of Opposition leaders are being tapped and they have all been “reduced to terrorists” by the BJP-led Govt at the Centre, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said in the Rajya Sabha.“You have divided political parties by using the ED, Income Tax, NIA. You have gone after people who are aligned with us. Businessmen are fearful of speaking to us on the phone because our phones are being tapped and they fear being targeted for having sided with the Opposition. When I was the chief minister of J&K , we used to do that to terrorists. You have reduced all of us to terrorists, you have made us international terrorists. Fear is not a good thing, especially in a democracy,” said Azad, as he called for “freedom of speech, freedom to socialise, freedom to do business”. indianexpress

At Muslim League veteran E Ahamed death anniversary, Opposition leaders tear into BJP govt
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/at-muslim-league-veteran-e-ahamed-death-anniversary-opposition-leaders-tear-into-bjp-govt-5052881/
New Delhi:At a function to mark first death anniversary of Muslim League veteran E Ahamed, opposition leaders from various parties came together and almost all of them tore into the BJP government, stating that India’s secular character and Constitution is under grave danger under its watch. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi refrained from making political remarks. He said Ahamed was an “institution” who transcended the word politician and became a guide to younger politicians.“In politics you generally meet two types of people — those for whom politics is all about themselves, about improving their image, about the perception about them…and then are there are those whom everything is about other people…I think Ahamed was one of those people,” he said.Others made scathing attacks on the government. While National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said the Constitution is under threat, CPM Politburo member Mohd Salim said the basic pillars of India’s constitutional scheme of things is under attack. “India cannot remain democratic if it does not remain a secular state and vice versa. The basic question of choice, freedom of choice that is being attacked…,”Salim said. indianexpress
WORLD
Maldives's President declares emergency: Nasheed urges India to intervene to end crisis
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/nasheed-seeks-india-intervention-maldives-crisis-180206082645227.html
An opposition leader in the Maldives has called on India to intervene after President Abdulla Yameen declared a 15-day state of emergency amid a deepening political crisis in the island nation.Mohamed Nasheed, the country's exiled former president, urged neighbouring India on Tuesday to send "an envoy, backed by its military" to free two Supreme Court judges and a former president who were arrested in the capital Male after the emergency declaration."We are asking for a physical presence," Nasheed said in his appeal.He also urged the US to impose targeted sanctions on Yameen and his associates. In a televised address on Tuesday, the president said he declared a state of emergency to investigate a "coup" against him.Accusing Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Judge Ali Hameed of corruption and judicial overreach, Yameen said the bench had deliberated on removing him and his attorney general, and discussed reinstating two police chiefs he had sacked over the weekend."I had to declare a state of emergency because I had no way to hold a judge of the SC accountable," he said. "I had to suspend [their immunity] to find out how thick this plot, this coup was."The emergency decree gave security forces sweeping powers to make arrests and curtailed the authority of the judiciary. Shortly after the emergency was announced on Monday, security forces stormed the Supreme Court building and arrested Saeed and Hameed. The remaining 3 judges on the top court bench were not detained. Yameen's estranged half-brother, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who has sided with the opposition, was also detained in the early hours of Tuesday.Police also took Mohamed Nazim, a former defence minister who was under house imprisonment, into custody on Tuesday. Nazim was sentenced to 11-years in jail on weapons smuggling charges in 2015, and was among the nine whose release the top court had ordered last week. Meanwhile, parliament, where the opposition have a majority, remained suspended.aljazeera
Maldives president declares emergency, arrests judges
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/maldives-declares-state-emergency-crisis-deepens-180205153207323.html
China confident Maldives will find own solution, as Nasheed reaches out to India
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-rejects-foreign-meddling-in-maldives-amid-nasheeds-outreach-to-india/article22669721.ece?homepage=true
China on Tuesday expressed confidence that the escalating political crisis in Maldives will find a home-grown solution."We believe the Maldives Govt and political parties have the wisdom and the capability to deal with the current situation on their own," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said during his regular media briefing."We hope relevant parties can properly resolve the differences through dialogue and consultation and restore normal order as soon as possible and maintain national and social stability," he added.China’s emphasis on seeking a domestically driven breakthrough follows a call by the former Maldivian President, Mohammed Nasheed, for India’s support in the release of political prisoners, who remain behind bars, in defiance of a ruling by the apex court in Male.thehindu
New York court considers Cold War secrecy over Muslim surveillance
http://www.mypanhandle.com/news/ny-court-considers-cold-war-secrecy-over-muslim-surveillance/953379039
New York's highest court will consider on Tuesday whether the New York Police Department can use a Cold War-era legal tactic to conceal information about whether it put Muslims under surveillance.The Court of Appeals will hear arguments in the cases of two Muslims who say the NYPD overstepped its reach by responding to a 2012 public records request related to the surveillance by saying it could "neither confirm nor deny" the records even existed.The lawsuits over that so-called Glomar response were prompted by a series of Pulitzer Prize-winning stories by AP that detailed how the NYPD searched for possible terrorists after 9/11, in part by infiltrating Muslim student groups and putting informants in mosques.The cases of former Rutgers University student Samir Hashmi and Manhattan imam Talib Abdur-Rashid were initially heard separately, with two lower court judges issuing conflicting rulings. In Hashmi's case, a court denied a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. In Abdur-Rashid's case, the court ruled the Glomar doctrine was allowable in response to state Freedom of Information Law requests.The cases have since been combined, with Manhattan attorney Omar Mohammedi representing the two men."It would be a detriment to all New Yorkers if the decision goes the NYPD's way," Mohammedi told AP. "We might as well not have FOIL."AP


Muslim Men In America Should Be Continuously Monitored, Says Department Of Homeland Security
http://www.newsweek.com/department-homeland-security-recommends-continuous-monitoring-muslims-800199
PA: Japan to recognise Palestine state, increase aid
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180205-pa-japan-to-recognise-palestine-state-increase-aid/
Japan is to recognise the State of Palestinian and increase aid to UNRWA, Quds Press reported a senior Palestinian official saying yesterday.Speaking to media, senior aide to Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, Nabil Shaath, said Japan had pledged to support the Palestinian right to create an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital during the latest talks between the two countries.Japan, according to Shaath, rejected US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.He also noted that Japan would start collecting signatures from MPs who would call for the Govt to recognise the State of Palestine, then raise its diplomatic representation in Ramallah and conclude with full recognition.Shaath reported that the Japanese officials, including the Foreign Minister Taro Kono and other MPs had announced their support for an international peace conference to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on international resolutions. Middleeastmonitor
Boycott Israel movement BDS nominated for 2018 Nobel Peace Prize
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180205-bds-nominated-for-2018-nobel-peace-prize/
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement for Palestinian rights has been nominated for the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. Formal nomination for the prestigious award was made last week by the Norwegian MP and leader of the Red Party, Bjørnar Moxness.In a statement announcing the nomination, the Parliamentary Group, which includes a number of left-wing parties, said that the selection of BDS for a Nobel Peace Prize reflected “the growing international solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for justice, dignity and freedom from the Israeli occupation”.Explaining their nomination, the Parliamentary Group said that the BDS campaign is a non-violent movement for freedom, equality and a just peace for the Palestinian people and was therefore being nominated for the prestigious prize.Moxness, who is leading the campaign for BDS to be honoured in Oslo at the end of the year, said:"Awarding this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to BDS movement would be a powerful signal, emphasising the international community’s commitment to support a just peace for the Palestinian people and by that – for the Israeli people and all people in the Middle East – and the world at large."middleeastmonitor
Israel seeks Egypt mediation for prisoner swap with Hamas
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180206-israel-seeks-egypt-mediation-for-prisoner-swap-with-hamas/
A prisoner swap between Tel Aviv and Hamas could not take place without Egyptian mediation, Quds Press reported a senior Israeli official saying yesterday.Speaking to Israeli radio, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s advisor on prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action, David Meidan said: “The issue of the Israeli soldiers would be resolved when there is an active mediator. Currently, Egypt is the sole choice. When they feel they are the choice, they will find the way to speak to Hamas.”“We have experience about the price to be paid by Israel for a potential swap,” pointing out that his Govt is not ready to pay the same price as it had paid in the deal to release Gilad Shalit in 2011.He noted that pressure from the Israeli public forced Israel to pay a high price for Shalit.middleeastmonitor
NGO: Israeli forces killed teen with shot to the head
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180206-ngo-israeli-forces-killed-teen-with-shot-to-the-head/
A Palestinian child killed by Israeli occupation forces last week was shot in the head with a rubber-coated metal bullet from a distance of 25 metres, according to a leading children’s rights NGO.On 30 January, 16-year-old Layth Abu Naim was killed during a raid by Israeli occupation forces of his West Bank village of Al-Mughayyir.A report by Defence for Children International-Palestine (DCI-Palestine) describes how village youngsters were throwing stones at Israeli forces.“Laith threw a stone at a military jeep, according to the witness, and was about to throw another stone when forces shot him from a distance of approximately 25 metres (82 feet),” stated DCI-Palestine.“[Laith] was shot from inside the smaller jeep,” the eyewitness added. “The soldier opened the window and opened fire.”middleeastmonitor
Air raids kill at least 23 in Syria's Ghouta: Monitor
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/air-strikes-kill-23-syria-ghouta-monitor-180205144157441.html
Nearly two dozen civilians have been killed just outside of Damascus in a Syrian Govt-led offensive targeting rebel-held areas, a war-monitor group said.Air strikes on Eastern Ghouta, a suburb of the Syrian capital, killed at least 23 people on Monday, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.The Observatory said at least 70 people were also wounded in the attacks, which the group said were carried out by Syrian forces and their Russian allies.Of those killed, at least nine civilians, including two children, were killed in an air raid on a market in the town of Beit Sawa, while another six civilians, including one child, were killed in the town of Hazzeh, AFP reported.Syrian state media also said shelling on the Old City of Damascus, which is held by the Govt, killed one woman and wounded three other civilians.The aerial bombardment of Eastern Ghouta came amid reports that at least 18 civilians were killed and dozens more were injured in a Syrian Govt bombardment on northern Idlib province, which is also held by rebel groups.The International Committee of the Red Cross in Syria reported medical facilities were targeted in Idlib and the town of Hama.  "With the majority of hospitals no longer operating in these areas, these latest attacks will deprive tens of thousands of life-saving care," the ICRC said.Both Eastern Ghouta and Idlib are among four so-called de-escalation zones in Syria, which were delineated last year as part of a ceasefire proposal meant to end hostilities between rebel and Govt forces.aljazeera
Iran calls on Turkey to stop its military operation in Afrin, Syria
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180206-iran-calls-on-turkey-to-stop-its-military-operation-in-afrin-syria/
Turkey must stop its military offensive in Syria, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Qassemi, said yesterday, warning that the operation in the northern Afrin region breached Syrian sovereignty and would increase tension in the war-damaged country.“Turkey should stop its operation and respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Qassemi was quoted as saying by state IRNA.“Turkey’s actions can bring back insecurity, instability and terrorism to Syria,” he added.middleeastmonitor
US, Russia clash at UN over Syria chlorine attacks
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/us-russia-clash-syria-chlorine-attacks-180206063305927.html
A UN Security Council meeting that was supposed to condemn the reported use of chlorine gas by the Assad Govt in Syria has failed to agree on a statement.The US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, has accused Russia of shielding the Syrian Govt for its alleged use of chemical weapons. But her Russian counterpart, Vassily Nebenzia, accused Haley of "artificially heating up" the chemical weapons issue.aljazeera
UN rights chief, Indonesian prez discuss Rohingya plight as ASEAN calls for speedy return of displaced people
https://www.dailysabah.com/asia/2018/02/06/un-rights-chief-indonesian-president-discuss-rohingya-plight
The U.N. human rights chief on Tuesday discussed the plight of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim minority with Indonesia's president.During his conversation with President Joko Widodo in the capital Jakarta, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein praised Indonesia's role in providing assistance to the Rohingya refugees, an Indonesian official said after their closed-door meeting. According to the Indonesian Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly, Zeid also said he believes Indonesia could lead and mediate resolution attempts between the Rohingya and Myanmar."Indonesia is one of the countries Myanmar welcomes with open arms," Laoly said.Widodo and Zeid also discussed at length the situation at the Cox's Bazaar refugee camp in Bangladesh.Widodo last month visited Cox's Bazaar to deliver 10.5 tons of aid from Indonesia. He said Indonesia has been "consistent" in helping the Rohingya since last September, when it sent out 34 tons of aid in the form of food, blankets and medicines.In addition, the Indonesian Humanitarian Alliance as well as several other humanitarian agencies have also set up camp at the settlement.Meanwhile, Southeast Asian foreign ministers renewed calls Tuesday for a durable solution of the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar.Ministers from 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations also called for the speedy and safe return of displaced people to Myanmar following an agreement signed between Yangon and Bangladesh in Nov.They also stressed the need to find a "comprehensive and durable solution" to address the root causes of the conflict but acknowledged there is no quick fix, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said after the informal talks, the ministers' first meeting under Singapore's chairmanship."ASEAN is fully committed to assist the Myanmar Govt in humanitarian response but ultimately, what we need is a long-term political solution," he said.dailysabah
Switzerland pledges more than $12m for Rohingya refugees
 https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/switzerland-pledges-12m-rohingya-refugees/
Indian workers to be hit as Saudi bans foreigners from 12 occupations
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/indian-workers-to-be-hit-as-saudi-arabia-bans-foreigners-from-12-occupations/story-FmdU05zWNfG1PZ8mIEV5pK.html
New Delhi:Saudi Arabia will ban foreigners from 12 activities and occupations in order to provide more jobs to its citizens, a move that is likely to affect a large number of workers from India and other South Asian countries.Labour and social development minister Ali Al-Ghafees issued a directive last month barring expatriates from certain jobs from the next Hijri year under the Islamic calendar that begins on September 11, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported.Expatriates will be banned from outlets selling watches, eyeglasses, medical equipment, electrical appliances and electronics, car spare parts, building materials, carpets, automobiles and motorcycles, furniture and ready-made office materials, ready-made garments, children’s clothes and men’s wear, household utensils and pastries.The ban will be rolled out in three phases between September this year and January 2019, reports said.The order will “enable (Saudi) citizens to work and raise their participation rates in the private sector”, SPA reported.HT
UN: 47,000 displaced in Yemen since Dec
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180206-un-47000-displaced-in-yemen-since-december/
Up to 47,000 Yemenis have been displaced to Aden as a result of rising military tensions in Taiz and the Red Sea port governorate Hudaydah, the Anadolu Agency reported .“Escalating conflict in Taiz and Hudaydah since December 2017 has displaced nearly 47,000 people to Aden and other governorates in the south,” UN Secretary-General spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.middleeastmonitor
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Israel's 'air strikes' in Sinai show its growing Arab ties:Jonathan Marcus, BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42950490
Secret Alliance: Israel Carries Out Airstrikes in Egypt, With Cairo’s O.K.:NYT
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/03/world/middleeast/israel-airstrikes-sinai-egypt.html
Bigotry And Islamophobia In Bhansali's "Padmaavat":Rana Ayyub
https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/bigotry-and-islamophobia-in-bhansalis-padmaavat-by-rana-ayyub-1808938
Opinion: Modicare is more an election gimmick than a real solution to India’s health needs:T Sundararaman
https://scroll.in/pulse/867524/modicare-is-more-an-election-gimmick-than-a-real-solution-to-indias-health-needs
For Religious Minorities, Budget 2018 Fails to Live up to Promise of ‘Achhe Din’:JAWED ALAM KHAN
https://thewire.in/221116/religious-minorities-budget-2018-fails-live-promise-achhe-din/


Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:08 PM)

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