31 March 2020

31 MARCH NEWS: Tablighi Jamaat: Delhi Police registers FIR against Maulana Saad, others under Epidemic Diseases Act. Over 1500 evacuated, 441 hospitalised: Kejriwal seeks action against Markaz organisers. Govt bans issuing tourist visa to foreign Tablighi activists. Never violated law, sought help from authorities for vacating premises, didn't Get Response: Delhi’s Nizamuddin Markaz


NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
 31 March 2020: 5 Shahban 1441: Vol:12, No:169
*Coronavirus india*
Tablighi Jamaat: Delhi Police registers FIR against Maulana Saad, others under Epidemic Diseases Act
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/tabligh-jamaat-attendees-mainly-hailed-from-central-south-s-e-asia-says-mha-6340611/
Delhi Police Tuesday registered an FIR against Tablighi Jamaat preacher Maulana Saad and others of members of the  outfit under Section 3 of The  Epidemic Diseases Act (1897) for organising a congregation at Nizamuddin West Markaz amid the coronavirus outbreak. Delhi CM on Tuesday said 1,548 people were evacuated from Markaz Tablighi Jamaat over the past 3 days. Of these, 441 were symptomatic of COVID-19 and have been sent to hospital for testing, while the others have been quarantined, he added. Meanwhile, Union Ministry of Home Affairs also informed that the attendees of the Tabligh Jamaat at Nizamuddin Markaz in New Delhi on March 21 mainly hailed from Central and South-East Asian countries. Markaz at Banglewali Mosque in Hazrat Nizamuddin in New Delhi. From here, they are detailed for Chilla activities to different parts of the country,” Ministry statement said. An estimated 1,746 persons had assembled for Tabligh Jamaat at Nizamuddin markaz in New Delhi on March 21, out of which 1,530 hailed from states across India while 216 were foreign nationals. Nationwide contact-tracing is being undertaken by the authorities to locate the COVID-19 infected cases of the contacts of the people who assembled for the Jamaat at Nizamuddin West in New Delhi. “Chilla activities in all States are coordinated by District Coordinators in different Districts, who, in turn, in some States are supervised by State Amirs. As on March 21, there were about 1,746 persons staying in Hazrat Nizamuddin Markaz. Of these, 216 were foreigners and 1,530 were Indians,” it added.Ministry also informed that in addition to the above-mentioned figures, about 824 foreigners had been, as on March 21, doing Chilla activities in various parts of the country. Home Ministry had previously dispatched the details of these 824 foreigners with the state police for identifying them, getting them medically screened and quarantining them.“So far, about 2,137 such persons have been identified in different States…all Tabligh Jamaat workers staying at Hazrat Nizamuddin Marka are being medically screened since March 26. So far 1,203 Tablig Jamaat workers have been medically screened. 303 of them have symptoms of COVID-19 and were referred to different hospitals in Delhi. Rest of them have been moved to different quarantine centre at Narela, Bakkarwala and Sultanpuri. This process will continue throughout today to move every Tabligh Jamaat worker out of Nizamuddin Markaz,” Home Ministry informed. Indian express
As on March 21, there were 1746 people including 216 foreigners at Markaz: MHA
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/delhi-markaz-nizamuddin-coronavirus-6339806/
 Over 1500 evacuated, 441 hospitalised: Kejriwal seeks action against Markaz organisers
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/over-1-500-evacuated-441-hosptalised-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-seeks-action-against-nizamuddin-event-organisers-1661852-2020-03-31
Govt bans issuing tourist visa to foreign Tablighi activists
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/govt-bans-issuing-tourist-visa-to-foreign-tablighi-activists/1786908
New Delhi: The govt today decided not to issue tourist visa to any foreigner who wishes to visit India and take part in Tablighi Jamaat activities after the organisation''s headquarters at Nizamuddin area turned out to be a hotspot for spread of coronavirus, officials said. The decision was taken after it was found that about 2,100 foreigners have come to India since January 1 and indulged in Tablighi Jamaat activities in different parts of the country. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been advised that missions may be requested to refrain from granting tourist visa to such foreigner who is likely to use it for Tablighi Jamaat activities, a home ministry official said.The home ministry told the MEA that it should ensure that details regarding place of stay and return ticket as well as financial means to defray expenses in India by such visa applicants must be examined carefully before granting them tourist visas.While the e-visas are granted by Ministry of Home Affairs, normal tourist visas are issued by Indian missions following clearance from MHA, said a government official.In addition, the home ministry told Delhi Police Commissioner to caution the organisation''s headquarters about the decision and also ensure that those who are promoting missionary activities and having tourist visa are treated as visa violators.They must not be allowed to conduct Tablighi Jamaat activities on tourist visa, the ministry said.PTI
Never violated law, sought help from authorities for vacating premises, didn't Get Response: Delhi’s Nizamuddin Markaz
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/delhi-markaz-nizamuddin-coronavirus-6339806/
New Delhi: Dismissing reports that quarantine protocols were not practiced at New Delhi’s Nizamuddin Markaz, mosque administration has clarified that it had tried to comply with them but a large group of visitors were stuck at the markaz (centre)  as the govt suspended all passenger train operations across the country till March 31.It also said that organisation had requested the concerned SDM to issue vehicle passes so that the stranded guests can go back home, but permission is yet to be granted.In a press note, Nizamuddin Markaz — Delhi HQRS of Tablighi Jamaat — said after PM Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Janata curfew’ on March 22, ongoing program was discontinued. However, as Indian Railways suspended its operations, it had to accommodate the stranded guests. “Before Janta Curfew could be lifted at 9 PM, Hon’ble CM of Delhi announced lockdown of Delhi beginning at 6 AM on 23rd March till 31st March, thereby further diminishing any chances of these visitors availing road transport for their journey back home. Despite this challenging situation, with help of Markaz administration, around 1500 visitors left Markaz Nizamuddin by availing whatever meager transport was available.” The lockdown was further extended to 3-weeks on March 23. Parts of southeast Nizamuddin West in Delhi have been put under a strict lockdown after 18 people tested positive for COVID-19.“On 24th March, suddenly a notice was issued by SHO, P.S. Hazrat Nizamuddin, seeking closure of Markaz premises. The same was responded on 24th March, stating that the compliance of directions regarding closure of Markaz is already underway and around 1500 people had departed the previous day, thus leaving around 1000 visitors belonging to different states and nationalities in Markaz. It was also informed that Ld. SDM concerned had been requested to issue vehicle passes so that the remaining people could be sent back to their native places outside of Delhi. It is relevant to indicate here that lists of 17 vehicles with registration numbers along with the names of the drivers plus their license details were submitted to Ld. SDM so that the stranded visitors/ guests could be ferried towards their destination. The requisite permission is still awaited,” it further added.It also added that a Tehsildaar along with a medical team visited Markaz on March 25 to examine the visitors. “It is also being circulated that certain deaths have occurred due to the same. It is humbly stated that if the above fact-check could have been done by CMO, authorities would have apprised him about their visits, deliberations and cooperation extended by Markaz in order to disperse remaining visitors. During this entire episode, Markaz Nizamuddin never violated any provision of law, and always tried to act with compassion and reason towards visitors who came to Delhi from different states. It did not let them violate the medical guidelines by thronging ISBTs or roaming on streets,” it said, further offering its premises as a quarantine facility. indianexpress
Tableeghi Jamat Markaz Had Sought Vehicle Pass from SDM 1 Week Ago to Send out Stranded Persons, Didn't Get Response
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/tableeghi-jamat-markaz-had-sought-vehicle-pass-from-sdm-one-week-ago-to-send-out-stranded-persons-didnt-get-response
Nizamuddin markaz had sought help from authorities for vacating premises:letter reveals
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nizamuddin-markaz-had-sought-help-from-authorities-for-vacating-premises/article31214305.ece
Coronavirus India: After Delhi Mosque Event, 7 Deaths, Nationwide Hunt: NNNDTV
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-delhi-markaz-nizamuddin-mosque-sealed-after-7-covid-19-deaths-850-moved-out-for-qu-2203336
Home Ministry to blacklist 800 Tablighi preachers from Indonesia for violation of visa rules
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/home-ministry-to-blacklist-800-tablighi-preachers-from-indonesia-for-violation-of-visa-rules/article31214048.ece
Union Home Ministry will blacklist around 800 preachers from Indonesia who came on a tourist visa and participated in a 3-day religious conference in Delhi this month.A senior govt official told The Hindu that around 8,000 people from across the country attended a gathering earlier this month at Alami Markaz Banglewali Masjid, the headquarters of the Tablighi Jamaat in Nizamuddin area of south Delhi.Many people from across the country who tested positive for COVID-19 had attended the conference or were close contacts of the participants, an official said.India and Indonesia have a liberal visa arrangement and allow tourist visa on arrival for the citizens.“They came here on a tourist visa but were participating in religious conferences, this is violation of visa rules. We are going to blacklist around 800 Indonesian preachers so that in future they are not able to enter the country,” said the official.The official added that the preachers then moved in batches to Telangana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and conducted group meetings in mosques and held several meetings.“Around 50% of positive cases in Telangana are linked to the meetings organised by the preachers. Around 350 people from Telangana had also attended the conference in Delhi,” said the official. Last week, a 65-year-old man in Srinagar who attended the conference in Delhi died after contracting the virus.the hindu
Muslims should not be blamed for spread of coronavirus: Omar Abdullah
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/muslims-should-not-be-blamed-for-spread-of-coronavirus-omar-abdullah/article31218043.ece
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said Muslims should not be blamed for the spread of coronavirus in the country. He was reacting to netizens’ response to reports that several people who tested positive for COVID-19 had attended a congregation of Tabligh-e-Jamaat, at Nizamuddin in Delhi.“Now #TablighiJamat will become a convenient excuse for some to vilify Muslims everywhere as if we created & spread #COVID around the world,” Abdullah said in a series of tweets.“At first glance it would appear the #TablighiJamat were nothing if not irresponsible in the way they went about things but that’s not unique to them. The majority of Muslims in India have heeded government guidelines and advice the same as anyone else,” he added. Abdullah said those people who were associating the COVID-19 with the Tabligh-e-Jamaat were more dangerous than any virus.“People tweeting stuff with hashtags like Tablighi virus are more dangerous than any virus nature could ever conjure up because their minds are sick while their bodies may very well be healthy,” he said.PTI
Northeast states urgently call Tablighi Jamaat conference attendees to report to hospitals
https://thenewsmill.com/northeast-states-urgently-call-tablighi-jamaat-conference-attendees-to-report-to-hospitals/
The state govts in Assam, Manipur and other Northeast states have ‘urgently’ called upon those people from the region who recently attended a religious congregation at Nizamuddin in Delhi, to report to nearby govt hospitals immediately, after reports came in that many people attending the congregation showed COVID-19 positive symptoms. thenewsmill
35 More Test Covid-Positive in Delhi & Andhra After Nizamuddin Event, Over 1,000 from Telangana Attended
https://www.news18.com/news/india/35-more-test-positive-for-coronavirus-in-delhi-and-andhra-after-nizamuddin-mosque-event-9-deaths-linked-2558219.html
New Delhi: The headquarters of a religious sect in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area, which has developed into one of the biggest coronavirus disease (Covid-19) hot spots in India, was on Tuesday sealed and 800 people moved out in buses were quarantined in different parts of the city as several more positive cases with links to the gathering held here in mid-March emerged. Telangana administration is estimating over 1,000 people from the state might have attended the congregation, a senior official said, adding search is on to identify people who came in contact with them.Of 6 people in Telangana, 2 died in Gandhi Hospital, one each in Apollo Hospital, Global Hospital, in Nizamabad and in Gadwal. A cleric at the event had died in Srinagar last week. He had also visited the Deoband seminary in Uttar Pradesh and on his return to Kashmir, held multiple gatherings.The links to the deaths in Mumbai and Karnataka emerged on Tuesday as the full scale of the cluster outbreak of coronavirus became a little clearer.
Coronavirus in UP: 10 foreign Tablighi Jamat members found in Meerut mosque amid lockdown; 3 locals booked
https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/coronavirus-in-up-10-foreign-tablighi-jamat-members-found-in-meerut-mosque-amid-lockdown-three-locals-booked/571275
Meerut: With coronavirus pandemic gripping India and the world, a tense situation arose when 10 foreign nationals were found at a mosque in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday night.10 African nationals, who were in India for missionary work as part of Tablighi Jamat, include five from Sudan, four from Djibouti and one from Kenya. They were found in a mosque in Mawana town of Meerut district. Panic gripped local administration after reports emerged that 10 foreign nationals were residing in Bilal Mosque of Mohalla Hiralal in Mawana. A team of senior police and health department officials immediately rushed to the mosque to take stock of the situation."We have checked all 10 foreign nationals for any symptoms of coronavirus. So far there is nothing to worry as all of them are normal," said Health Inspector Dr Satish Bhaskar. Meanwhile, Mawana police have lodged a case against 3 locals including city cleric Moulana Nafees, a local doctor Naimuddin Saifi. African nationals were residing in the city since March 17 and did not register themselves with the local police. Police have now seized the passports of all 10 foreigners.Currently, all 10 Tablighi Jamat members are under quarantine in the mosque. The mosque has been locked from outside so as to prevent local Muslims from gathering for prayers and prevent any possible infection.A local told Times Now that the foreigners could not inform the local police due to 'Janata curfew' and then subsequent lockdown. Others claimed that LIU was informed about their stay.On the other hand, City cleric, Moulana Nafees, said he has nothing to do with this case as he is not involved in the day-to-day running of Tablighi Jamat.timesnownews
19 foreigners found illegally staying at 2 mosques quarantined; 4 facilitators booked
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/19-foreigners-found-illegally-staying-at-2-mosques-quarantined-4-facilitators-booked/articleshow/74901001.cms
Coronavirus in India: 22 including 17 foreign nationals arrested in Jharkhand
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-in-india-22-including-17-foreign-nationals-arrested-in-jharkhand-1661475-2020-03-30
Ranchi:Exactly in a week's gap again, 22 people including 17 foreign nationals from different countries were arrested in Ranchi's Badi Masjid under Hindpidi police station limits.In a similar raid, police had detained 11 maulvis from China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan hiding in a mosque in Tamad police station area in Jharkhand's Ranchi. All of them were put under quarantine to contain the spread of Covid-19.The back to back arrests of foreign nationals has raised many questions. Police seized the passport and visa of all foreigners and are investigating into all dimensions. The arrested foreign nationals have been kept in isolation ward at Khel Gawn stadium under heightened security.Their swab samples have been collected and sent for testing. Doctors said none of them have any symptoms of Covid-19. However, one of them is diabetic.Among the 22 detained, 8 are from Malaysia, three from England, two from West Indies, one each from Holland and Bangladesh, two from Africa, three from Delhi and one each from Gujarat and Mumbai.Police carried out the recent raid after receiving input. They had a lead that many foreign citizens are hiding in Badi Masjid.indiatoday
Mahmood Madani offers premises for isolation centers of 10 thousands COVID-19 patients
http://twocircles.net/2020mar30/435656.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
New Delhi: In the face of growing effects of COVID-19 in country, Jamiat Ulama General Secretary Maulana Mahmood Madani has written letter to the Prime Minister of India Narendre Modi in which he offered the premises for isolation and quarantine centers accommodating upto 10 thousand people. “On a rough estimate we can voluntarily accommodate up to 10 thousand people. You are requested to please direct the concerned authorities to let us know of their requirements wherever and whenever the need might arise,” Madani wrote. Madani in the letter said “The hope is the key to our victory over the worst and gravest circumstances. The whole country stands together ready to support and sacrifice.”He wrote that the organization has activated all its state and district units to offer relief to the people in need through thousands of locally organized disaster management and relief committees of civilian volunteers.
Coronavirus in India: First case in Jharkhand takes tally to 1,429, death toll climbs to 41
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-india-covid19-tally-cases-total-infection-death-toll-news-update-health-ministry-1661610-2020-03-31
New Delhi: Following the sharpest single-day spike in India, the total number of the novel coronavirus cases has climbed to 1,429 after over 30 fresh cases were recorded on Tuesday. The death toll due to Covid-19, meanwhile, has climbed to 41.India has seen an increase of over 200 cases in a single day while the number of active cases is around 1,280 with 147 people either been cured or discharged. Maharashtra has reported the most deaths (10), followed by Gujarat (6), Punjab (4), Madhya Pradesh (4), Karnataka (3), West Bengal (3), Delhi (2), Kerala (2), Telangana (2) and Jammu and Kashmir (2). Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh have reported a death each.So far, the highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases have been reported from Kerala with 234 infections, followed by Maharashtra at 230 which recorded 10 fresh cases on Tuesday. The number of cases in Delhi, meanwhile, has gone up to 98.The cases in Karnataka have gone up to 98 till now, it has increased to 101 in Uttar Pradesh. The number of cases has risen to 77 in Telangana, 73 in Gujarat, 74 in Tamil Nadu while the number of cases in Rajasthan has climbed to 93. It has risen to 55 in J&K. MP has 66 positive patients. Punjab has reported 41 cases, while 40 Covid-19 cases have been detected in Haryana. There are 40 patients in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal (27), Bihar (16) and Ladakh (13).Ten cases have been reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.Chandigarh and Chhattisgarh have recorded 13 cases and 8 cases respectively, while Uttarakhand has reported seven cases. Goa has reported five coronavirus cases, while Himachal Pradesh and Odisha have reported three cases each. Puducherry, Mizoram and Manipur have reported a case each. On Tuesday, Jharkhand reported its first coronavirus patient -- a Malaysian woman who was among 24 persons found staying in a mosque in Ranchi. indiatoday
SC’s suggestion to Modi govt: Arrange bhajan, namaz to prevent panic among migrants
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/supreme-courts-suggestion-to-modi-govt-arrange-bhajan-namaz-to-prevent-panic-among-migrants
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to rope in community leaders of various faiths to conduct 'bhajan-kirtan' and 'namaz' to check panic among migrant workers in shelter homes amid the coronavirus outbreak.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, cited the Home Secretary and told the court: "As of 11 a.m. today, no migrant worker is on the road."A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and Justice L. Nageswara Rao held the hearing through video conferencing on a plea by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava seeking directions to provide food and shelter to migrant workers left helpless after the imposition of the nationwide lockdown to control the outbreak of coronavirus.Mehta insisted people have been taken to the nearest available shelter.The Chief Justice also asked the government to set up an expert committee within 24 hours.The Centre contended that the menace of fake news was a biggest challenge. "The country has taken preemptive and proactive steps. The government will shortly implement a system where panic among migrant workers is addressed. We have trained counselors at the district mental programme, we can send them," Mehta said. Chief Justice replied, "We want to impress upon you that the panic will destroy more lives than the virus. You need counselors. You can have bhajan, kirtan, namaz or whatever, but you have to give strength to the people."Mehta replied, "We will mobilize religious leaders -- maulvis, sadhus -- to counsel the people in the shelter homes."The bench, emphasizing efforts to control panic, told Centre, "Ensure trained counselors and community leaders belonging to faiths visit relief camps and prevent panic." CJI also asked Centre to make arrangements to provide adequate provisions for drinking water, food, beds and medicines in shelter homes. "Summer is approaching. There has to be water otherwise it creates a big problem", he added.The matter has been posted for further hearing next week.
‘Panic will destroy more lives than virus’: SC tells Centre to counsel migrants
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/supreme-court-coronavirus-migrants-6340178/
FIR to be registered against those spreading rumours: MHA
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/coronavirus-live-updates-india-covid-19-lockdown-migrants-6339648/
 With over 1,200 COVID-19 cases reported in the country so far, number of hotspots of the disease have increased, the Health Ministry said Tuesday, while underlining that it is implementing rigorous contact tracing and cluster containment strategies. Addressing the daily press conference to provide updates on the COVID-19 situation, Joint Secretary in Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said 227 cases have been reported in the last 24 hours and he attributed the increase to “lack of people’s support and delay in timely detection” of the cases.

6 lakh migrants in relief camps
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/coronavirus-live-updates-india-covid-19-lockdown-migrants-6339648/
As the national coronavirus lockdown entered its seventh day, the Home Ministry, in a press briefing, said over 6 lakh migrant workers have been housed in 61000 relief camps.
Lockdown: Closure of Karnataka-Kerala Border Creates Humanitarian Crisis, Causes Death of Patients, Passengers Stranded
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/lockdown-closure-of-karnataka-kerala-border-creates-humanitarian-crisis-causes-death-of-patients-passengers-stranded
NEW DELHI: A grave humanitarian crisis has developed in Kerala after the closure of Kerala-Karnataka border by the Karnataka government with a view to contain the spread of Coronavirus. Karnataka has closed its borders with Kerala on March 22 as also with five other neighbouring states including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Goa. A large number of people are also stranded on the Kerala-Karnataka border as blockade as blockade has affected inter-state traffic movement.Two persons died and a woman delivered a baby girl on Karnataka-Kerala border after it was closed denying entry of all vehicles, including ambulances following lockdown. A 70-year old woman, Pathumi, who was denied entry into Karnataka even for urgent medical treatment available at the medical hub of Mangaluru in Karnataka, died on the border near Thapapady on March 29 . She was staying with her granddaughter at Udyavar village in Manjeswar Block near Kerala-Karnataka border, as she was unable to go back to her village due to lockdown.On March 26, Abdul Hameed, an asthama patient from Thaminadu near Thalapady in Kerala, lost his life after the Karnataka police refused entry to the ambulance to go to a Mangaluru hospital. On March 27, wife of a labourer from Bihar delivered her baby in an ambulance after Karnataka police denied her entry into a Karnataka hospital.
Migrating labourers disrupt production; retailers fear shortage of essential items
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/migrating-labourers-disrupt-production-retailers-fear-shortage-of-essential-items
As grocery stores, across the country, are grappling with panic buying and dwindling supplies of fresh stocks, the exodus of labourers have added more fuel to the fire by affecting the entire supply chain of essential commodities, ranging from wheat flour to pulses and biscuits to edible oils.Majority of grain markets are shut, oil and rice mills are operating with minimum workforce, and truck operators are finding it difficult to move fast moving consumer products (FMCG) across the cities, mostly sealed during the nationwide 21-day lockdown. If the situation aggravates, the country might witness hoarding of goods and price rise of several items. Despite the efforts of Central as well as state governments to ensure proper supply of FMCG and other essential goods, te fear of COVID-19 pandemic is keeping away the labourers and workers from working in the mills and factories."The coronavirus fear has affected the production. Nearly 80 per cent of dal mills are inoperative due to unavailability of labour and supply of raw material. Though the government has now allowed plying of trucks, still issues with transportation remains," says Suresh Agarwal, of All India Dal Mills Association adding, "even as authorities have allowed truckers to operate, the police of different states, particularly on the borders creates hindrance in transporting goods."IANS
COVID-19: With No Food or Govt Aid, Loom Workers in Bhiwandi Fear the Worst
https://thewire.in/rights/covid-19-lockdown-bhiwandi-loom-workers
Bhiwandi: Each time someone new walks into the arterial lanes of Kondachiwadi basti at Bhiwandi, a large number of people immediately swarm around the person. Amid the commotion, desperate voices can be heard making myriad inquiries, all seeking the same answer. “Kaha se aaye ho, ration laaye ho kya? Kuch khaane ka intezaam kar sakte ho kya?” (Where have you come from? Have you got some ration for us? Can you arrange for some food here?)The concept of “social distancing” is impractical when food stocks are running low and people are worried about their future.It has been eight days since Maharashtra govt imposed a complete lockdown in the state as a precautionary measure to control the spread of the coronavirus. But this sudden announcement has had the worst impact on migrant labourers and daily wagers, virtually pushing the over 6 lakh migrant power loom workers in Bhiwandi towards starvation.“We first listened to the chief minister and a day later to Prime Minister  and decided to stay back. But now, we are left here with no food or aid from the government. We will all die of hunger even before the virus catches us,” says 50-year-old Mohammad Sajjad Ansari, despondently.
'Hunger will kill us before coronavirus', say Rohingya in India
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/kill-coronavirus-rohingya-india-200331035538875.html
Din Mohammad is doing everything possible in his power to keep his family and fellow Rohingya refugees healthy during a 3-week lockdown enforced by the Indian government to fight the coronavirus.For past week, Mohammad, 59, who lives with his wife and 5 children in Madanpur Khadar refugee camp in the capital, New Delhi, makes rounds of shanties to ensure people are maintaining social distancing and keeping their huts made from wood and plastic sheets clean.But he knows these measures are hard to implement in crowded refugee camps like theirs, where people live in cramped conditions lacking basic facilities like toilets and clean water."We are literally sitting on a powder keg," Mohammad said. "It won't take long before it explodes."Nearly 40,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees living in various refugee camps across the country fear that a humanitarian catastrophe looms large over them, as they have been left to fight the coronavirus pandemic alone. aljazeera
136 million likely to lose job in India, post coronavirus lockdown
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/136-million-likely-to-lose-job-in-india-post-coronavirus-lockdown
One of the sectors which is going to face severe problems resulting from the 21 day lockdown, will be the employment sector.According to a report in Livemint, a human development economist and professor at the Centre for Informal Sector and Labour Studies in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Santosh Mehrotra has stated that in his analysis. In a paper co-authored with Jajati K Parida of the department of economic studies, Central University Punjab (India’s Employment Crisis: Rising Education Levels And Falling Non-agricultural Job Growth), Mehrotra pegs the job-share of the informal sector at 90.7% overall and 83.5% in the non-farm sectors. Most estimates in the paper are based on NSS and PLFS data.According to this paper, India’s labour force is about 495 million. In the year 2017-18, around 30 million were unemployed, which implies that 465 million are currently employed.nationalheraldindia
Sitamarhi man beaten to death for alert on migrants returning to village without medical test
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/sitamarhi-man-beaten-to-death-for-alert-on-migrants-returning-to-village-without-medical-test-6340132/
Patna :A 20-year-old man in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district was allegedly beaten to death for alerting the authorities about the return of 2 migrants from Maharashtra without undergoing any medical test. Police have arrested 2 persons in connection to the case. The incident took place on Monday evening when Bablu Kumar, a resident of Madhaul village of Runi Saidpur under Sitamarhi district, called up a helpline number, saying two villagers – Munna Mahto and Sudhir Kumar – had returned from Maharashtra without getting any medical test done. A medical team arrived and conducted tests of the two youths ruling out any symptoms of Covid-19.His father lodged a case against Munna Mahto, Sudhir Kumar and 5 others and arrested Munna and Sudhir.indianexpress
Domestic abuse cases rise as lockdown turns into captivity for many women
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/domestic-abuse-cases-rise-as-lockdown-turns-into-captivity-for-many-women-1661783-2020-03-31
New Delhi:Domestic violence cases in India have increased since the March 24 lockdown with husbands venting their frustration on wives, who have no escape from their abusers, say experts. India has been under a three-week lockdown since March 24 with its 1.3 billion people instructed to stay home in view of the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed 32 lives and infected over 1,200 people in the country.The National Commission for Women (NCW), for instance, received 58 complaints from March 23 to March 30, according to data accessed by PTI.Many of these complaints have come from north India, particularly Punjab, said NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma."The number has increased. Men are frustrated sitting at home and are taking out that frustration on women. This trend is especially seen in Punjab from where we have received many such complaints," Sharma told PTI.
Coronavirus: Validity of expired driving licences, vehicle registration extended till June 30
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-in-india-validity-of-expired-driving-licences-vehicle-registration-extended-till-june-30-ivalidity-of-expired-driving-licence-vehicle-registration-e-1661700-2020-03-31
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has extended the validity of documents like driving licenses, permits and registration that expired since February 1.The ministry has said the validity of all permits, driving licences and registrations or other documents which have expired since Feb.1 or will expire by June 30, will be treated valid until June 30.The ministry informed about the decision in an advisory to all states and union territories.indiatoday
*Coronavirus World*
Coronavirus Updates: Global Infections Cross 8 Lakh-mark, Death Toll Inches towards 38,000
https://www.news18.com/news/india/coronavirus-live-updates-delhi-nizammudin-telangana-markaz-tabligh-e-jamaat-mumbai-kerala-death-us-2557841.html
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/trumps-flags-tougher-coronavirus-curbs-live-updates-200330231121941.html
The number of coronavirus infections around the world today crossed 8 lakh-mark, with 8,00,049 people infected by the deadly virus. According to John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, 37,878 deaths have so far been reported globally.
Spain has reported 849 new deaths from the coronavirus, the highest overnight jump since the start of the pandemic, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 8,189. In United States, further restrictions on movement are being considered to curb the spread of the virus, with the country now reporting twice the number of cases as China where the outbreak began late last year.US has nearly 163,500 confirmed cases, the highest number in the world, and more than 3,000 deaths.More than a third of the world's population is now under lockdown as an increasing number of countries implement sweeping measures to fight the coronavirus pandemic.Before and after satellite images show the impact of the measures on cities worldwide.The death toll in England from the coronavirus outbreak rose 29% to 1,651, National Health Service said."Patients were aged between 19 and 98 years old and all but 28 patients (aged between 19 and 91 years old) had underlying health conditions," it added.Scotland said 60 people had died as of Tuesday. Wales said 69 people had died.
Iran Reports 141 New Deaths and 3,111 Fresh Cases
Iran has reported 141 new death and 3,111 new cases of coronavirus, reports The Guardian. The health ministry of Iran has announced 141 new Coronavirus death in last 24 taking the total number of Coronavirus deaths to 2,898, as many as 3,111 new cases reported positive in the same period pushing the total number of infections to 44,606.
China coronavirus toll 170, WHO declares health emergency
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/china-coronavirus-toll-170-who-declares-health-emergency
WHO has declared the new coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency after the death toll in China rose to 170, with more than 7,800 cases confirmed in almost 20 countries."The main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China, but because of what is happening in other countries," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom posted on Twitter, Efe news reported."Let me be clear: this declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China. On the contrary, WHO continues to have confidence in China's capacity to control outbreak."IANS
COVID-19: World economy will go into recession with likely exception of India, China: UN
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/un-on-world-recession-covid-19-global-updates-6339841/
The world economy will go into recession this year with a predicted loss of trillions of dollars of global income due to the coronavirus pandemic, spelling serious trouble for developing countries with the likely exception of India and China, according to a latest UN trade report.With two-thirds of the world’s population living in developing countries facing unprecedented economic damage from COVID-19 crisis, UN is calling for a USD 2.5 trillion rescue package for these nations.According to the new analysis from UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD),UN trade and development body titled ‘COVID-19 Shock to Developing Countries:Towards a ‘whatever it takes’ programme for two-thirds of the world’s population being left behind’, commodity-rich exporting countries will face a USD 2 trillion to USD 3 trillion drop in investments from overseas in the next two years. UNCTAD said that in recent days, advanced economies and China have put together massive government packages which, according to the Group of 20 leading economies (G20), will extend a USD 5 trillion lifeline to their economies.PTI

*OTHERS*
Muslim leaders express solidarity with Sikhs over gurdwara attack in Kabul
https://frontline.thehindu.com/dispatches/article31219439.ece
Upset with the dastardly attack on the Sikh place of worship in Kabul, Muslim clerics, bureaucrats, academics and editors have joined hands to condemn the incident and express solidarity with the besieged minority. The joint statement was signed by, among others, Zafarul Islam Khan, Chairman, Delhi Minorities Commission; Prof Tahir Mahmood, former Chairman, National Minorities Commission; Sadatullah Husaini, president, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; and Maulana Mahmood Madani, general secretary, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. It calls the attack on the gurdwara “murderous”, leading to the “martyrdom of 25 innocent and blameless Sikh brothers”.Addressed to Sikh brothers and sisters, “specially Giani Dr Harpreet Singh, Jathedar Akal Takht, Amritsar”, the letter offers condolences to the bereaved. “We unconditionally condemn this criminal act. On behalf of the Muslims of India, we offer our condolences to our Sikh brothers and sisters and to the Sikh leadership and people everywhere. And since the criminal killers call themselves Muslims, we wish to inform our Sikh brothers and sisters that these criminals have nothing to do with Islam or Muslims. The criminals of the ISIS (Daesh), who criminally attacked the Sikh gurdwara in Kabul, have nothing to do with Islam or Muslims. They, in fact, follow the ideas of the Khawarij rebels who were never accepted by Muslims and who are considered by Muslims as rebels and outlaws working against Islam. They, in terms of their character, plans, words and deeds, serve the enemies of Islam and humanity and commit everything which is against Islamic teachings and Muslims.”The signatories, who had earlier, condemned the act in their personal capacity, assured the Sikhs of solidarity. “If conditions were conducive we would ourselves have come to Amritsar to convey our sentiments but since the whole country is going through a lockdown at present, we are conveying our sentiments to you in writing. We remain your brothers and well-wishers.”The letter was also signed by Mufti Mukarram, Shahi imam, Fatehpuri Masjid, Delhi; and Kamal Faruqui, member, All India Muslim Personal Board.frontline
Muslim Leaders Write Joint Condolence Letter to Jathedar Akal Takht, Condemn Kabul Gurudwara Attack
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/muslim-leaders-write-joint-condolence-letter-to-jathedar-akal-takht-condemn-kabul-gurudwara-attack
*WORLD*
Iran says 'terrorist' attack inside Turkey halts natural gas flow
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/iran-terrorist-attack-turkey-halts-natural-gas-flow-200331090319599.html
Iran's natural gas exports to Turkey have stopped after a "terrorist" attack on a pipeline inside Turkey, an Iranian official told state television."This morning, terrorists attacked a natural gas pipeline inside Turkey near Iran's Bazargan border with Turkey ... flow of gas has been halted," said Mehdi Jamshidi-Dana, director of National Iranian Gas Co on Tuesday."The pipeline has exploded several times in the past. It is also likely that the PKK group has carried out the blast," he told Iran's state news agency IRNA, referring to the outlawed armed group, the Kurdistan Workers Party.Jamshidi-Dana said "the Turkish border guards have left" because of the coronavirus outbreak before adding that "we have informed them of the explosion and are waiting for their response", IRNA reported.
Oil price war: Analysts expect prices to drop further
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/oil-price-war-analysts-expect-prices-drop-200331110100351.html
Top energy officials in the US and Russia will meet to tackle an historic collapse in global oil markets.The meeting comes after a dispute over output levels earlier this month sparked a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.Prices have plunged even further due to the coronavirus pandemic and analysts say there is little prospect of a recovery any time soon.aljazeera
US extends Iran nuclear cooperation sanctions waivers
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/extends-iran-nuclear-cooperation-sanctions-waivers-200331004911303.html
United States has allowed companies from Russia, China and Europe to continue their work at Iranian nuclear facilities without being subject to American sanctions, the US State Department announced on Monday.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed off on the waiver extensions but couched the decision as one that continues restrictions on Iran's atomic work.Current and former officials familiar with the matter said Pompeo had opposed extending the waivers, which are among the few remaining components of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that the administration had not cancelled.However, the officials told AP that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had prevailed in an internal debate on the subject last week.aljazeera
*views, Articles, FEATURES*
Migrant workers distrust a state that does not take them into account:Partha Mukhopadhyay
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coronavirus-lockdown-covid-19-deaths-cases-mass-exodus-migrant-workers-6339152/
Why selective testing is more suitable for India than WHO’s ‘test, test, test’ doctrine
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/why-selective-testing-and-lockdown-are-more-suitable-for-india-than-whos-test-test-test-doctrine/
How Delhi police continue to torment Muslim survivors of the communal carnage: Seemi Pasha
https://www.newslaundry.com/2020/03/30/how-delhi-police-continue-to-tormet-muslim-survivors-of-the-communal-carnage
Among informal sector workers, Dalits and Adivasis affected worst due to lockdown [Interview]
http://twocircles.net/2020mar30/435647.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Ground Report: Borders Sealed, Migrant Workers Evade Police for Long Walk Home
https://thewire.in/rights/ground-report-up-delhi-police-lockdown

 Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:22 PM).




30 March 2020

30 MARCH NEWS: ‘Bigger problem than coronavirus’: SC seeks Centre’s response on migrants’ exodus as 22 Migrant Workers, Kin Have Died Trying to Return Home Since Lockdown Started. Bodies of Those Who Died of COVID-19 Will be Cremated Irrespective of Deceased's Religion: Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Parts of Delhi’s Nizamuddin West cordoned off after Covid-19 cases traced to area



NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
 30 March 2020: 4 Shahban 1441: Vol:12, No:168
*
*Coronavirus india*
 ‘Bigger problem than coronavirus’: SC seeks Centre’s response on migrants’ exodus
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/india-lockdown-migrants-supreme-court-coronavirus-6338648/
New Delhi :Taking note of the exodus of migrant workers from the national capital and other cities, the Supreme Court on Monday said that the panic and fear among citizens is becoming a “bigger problem than coronavirus”, and sought a response from the Centre by Tuesday on the measures taken to prevent travel during the lockdown period.Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justice L Nageswara Rao, who were listening to 2 separate pleas via video-conferencing, said it would wait for the Centre’s status report before passing any direction.In their pleas, advocates Alakh Alok Srivastava and Rashmi Bansal sought relief, including food, water, medicines and proper medical facilities, for thousands of migrant workers who have been leaving for their native places after being rendered homeless and jobless due to the 21-day lockdown over coronavirus pandemic.Appearing for Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the mass exodus needs to come to a halt to prevent the spread of the virus which has infected over 1,000 across the country so far. He added that both the central and state governments have taken requisite steps to deal with it.The bench said, “We would not deal with the things, which govt is already doing. We would like to wait for the report of Centre”.In his petition, Bansal suggested that sanitisers can be sprinkled on groups of migrant labourers to disinfect them, and mid-day meal providers should be roped in to provide food.To Bansal’s remarks, the bench said, “You are assuming that government is not doing anything. It is advising us on what steps to be taken. Let us see what they are doing. Let them file a common reply on both these petitions?. Bansal also said that counsellors could be deployed for these migrant workers, who are trying to leave cities due to fear and panic.“This fear and panic is a bigger problem than this virus”, bench observed, adding, “we are not going to add to the confusion by issuing directions which are already being taken care of by govt.” Indianexpress
22 Migrant Workers, Kin Have Died Trying to Return Home Since Lockdown Started
https://thewire.in/rights/coronavirus-national-lockdown-migrant-workers-dead
New Delhi: The total number of lockdown-related deaths stands at 22.Aside from these deaths, and those of 2 others who were not migrant workers, an 11-year-old boy also reportedly died of hunger on March 27 in Bhojpur area of Bihar as the family could not arrange for food due to the strict implementation of the lockdown. The total number of deaths due to the lockdown is now 20.On March 23, Modi announced 3-week national lockdown at 8 pm. Since stores and vendors selling essentials typically bring their shutters down in many parts of the country by that hour, particularly in small towns and villages, Modi’s sudden announcement triggered considerable panic among public countrywide, forcing people to stepout of their homes to procure food and other necessary items that night itself – thus overturning the very principle of social distancing PM had advocated. thewire
Bodies of Those Who Died of COVID-19 Will be Cremated Irrespective of Deceased's Religion: Mumbai Municipal Corporation
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bmc-says-all-bodies-of-coronavirus-patients-to-be-cremated/story-DYaqUspccZaQhxE7zEXQwK.html
https://www.news18.com/news/india/bodies-of-those-who-died-of-covid-19-will-be-cremated-irrespective-of-the-deceaseds-religion-bmc-2557651.html
As Mumbai battles the coronavirus pandemic, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday said all Covid-19 casualties will have to be cremated to minimise possibilities of spreading the virus.“All bodies of #COVID19 patients should be cremated irrespective of religion. Burial will not be allowed. The funeral should not involve more than 5 people,” Praveen Pardeshi, Commissioner of BMC said in statement.According to the circular, the bodies of persons who have died of COVID-19 will be cremated irrespective of their religion.Rituals of touching the body should be avoided, the statement said.Under Epidemic Diseases Act, local authorities are empowered to decide on the steps, including disposal of bodies to curb the spread of disease. BMC also said that 47 more people tested positive for coronavirus in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) on Monday. 38 of them are residents of Mumbai, while 9 are from outside Mumbai but got tested and are being treated in the city. The death toll in Mumbai rose to 8.HT/PTI
Parts of Delhi’s Nizamuddin West cordoned off after Covid-19 cases traced to area
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/parts-of-delhis-nizamuddin-west-cordoned-off-after-covid-19-cases-traced-to-area-6338798/
Early Monday morning, Delhi Police sealed portions of Nizamuddin West area — a day after six of the 23 fresh COVID-19 cases in the Capital were traced to the area. They had attended an event held at a mosque in the area last month.DCP (Southeast) RP Meena said, “All of Nizamuddin West has not been sealed. We have cordoned off an area, starting from the mosque, to the Dargah, right up till the police station.”He said apart from barricading, at least 80-100 police personnel have been deployed to ensure that no one steps out at all. “We are also using one drone to keep track the movement of people in this area,” Meena said.A police officer said that apart from police personnel and health department officials, no one in the area is allowed to move around.On Sunday, it came to the fore that six of the 23 people, admitted to AIIMS, Jhajjar, are part of the Tablighi Jamaat outfit, and had attended an event at mosque in Nizamuddin West last month. The authorities are tracing around 1,000 people that these six people, who are not Delhi residents, have been in touch with. Nizamuddin West was zeroed in after an 80-year-old resident was tested positive Saturday. A resident of the area said, “Since last night, there has been heavy police presence, and we haven’t stepped out of the house at all. We are scared since there are several people still inside the mosque… None of us are stepping out to even buy ration. There is also a drone here.”An official from the Nizamuddin Dargah — which is a few metres away — said that the premises are being sanitised at least thrice a day and announcements are being made to ensure that no one visits the Dargah.
Coronavirus | 200 people from Nizamuddin develop symptoms; area cordoned off
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/coronavirus-200-people-from-nizamuddin-develop-symptoms-area-cordoned-off/article31204617.ece
Coronavirus in India: With over 80 new cases, tally crosses 1200-mark
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-india-cases-covid19-positive-india-news-update-death-toll-1661216-2020-03-30
New Delhi:The number of novel coronavirus cases in India has climbed to 1,190 after over 50 fresh cases were recorded on Monday morning. The death toll due to Covid-19, meanwhile, has crossed the 30-mark.The total number of Covid-19 cases stands at 1,190 at 3 pm on Monday, while 110 people have been either cured or discharged and deaths in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, taking the death toll to 35. Maharashtra, the worst hit, has reported the most deaths (seven) so far, followed by Gujarat (six), Karnataka (three), and Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir (two each). Kerala, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have reported a death each.Maharashtra and Kerala remain the states with the highest number of coronavirus cases in the country.The highest number of confirmed cases of the pandemic has been reported from Maharashtra with 216 infections so far, followed by Kerala at 213. Karnataka has reported 83 cases till now, while the number of cases has gone up to 70 in Telangana. UP and Delhi have reported 76 and 72 cases respectively, Gujarat 69, while the number of cases in Rajasthan has climbed to 60.Tamil Nadu on Monday saw 17 new cases. The state tally which was at 50 on Sunday now stands at 67.Punjab has reported 39 cases, while 35 Covid-19 cases have been detected in Haryana. There are 46 cases of coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir, followed by Madhya Pradesh (47), AP (23), West Bengal (22) and Ladakh (13).Bihar has 15 cases, while 10 cases have been reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Chandigarh has eight cases, while Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand have reported seven cases so far.Goa has reported 5 coronavirus cases, while Himachal and Odisha have reported three cases each. Puducherry, Mizoram and Manipur have reported a case each.India Today
Tamil Nadu frets over coronavirus risk from 1,500 who attended religious event in Delhi
https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/30/tn-frets-over-coronavirus-risk-from-1-5-who-attended-religious-event-in-delhi.html
Tamil Nadu on Sunday saw a sudden surge in the number of novel coronavirus cases. The number jumped up to 50 cases on Sunday, as four members from one family were infected. 4 were indirect contacts of 2 Thai nationals admitted at the IRT Medical College in Perundurai near Erode.Thai nationals had reportedly come to India to attend a conference organised by the Thowheed Jamaath, an Islamic organisation, in Delhi. The event was held in the first week of March. Thowheed Jamaath conference in Delhi saw participation by Islamic preachers from across Asia, including countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan and China. At least 1,500 people from Tamil Nadu attended the conference, out of which the state government has finally arrived at a list of 819 persons to trace.“The names have been given out to the police officials and we are tracking these 819 people as we suspect that they could be infected,” tells a senior official in the health department.The number of attendees has, literally, become a cause of concern for the authorities as these people, along with at least 50 Islamic preachers from Thailand, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan, had fanned out to various places in Tamil Nadu such as Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpet and Adirampattinam in Thanjavur.The preachers are reportedly staying in local mosques in these districts to visit the homes of the Muslims there and preach Islam. According to authorities in Thanjavur, at least 32 Muslim pilgrims—12 from Indonesia and 10 each from Bengaluru and West Bengal—have been quarantined and are being monitored closely.Another group of 10 Malaysian pilgrims, who arrived in Chennai, left for Malaysia on March 20 after staying in the Mamood Masjid at Mannady in Chennai. theweek
No plan to extend 21-day lockdown: Govt
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-plan-to-extend-21-day-lockdown-government/article31203543.ece
Govt today said there was no plan to extend 21-day lockdown which came introforce on Tuesday. PIB of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting tweeted, saying Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has denied media reports claiming that government will extend the lockdown. “There are rumours & media reports, claiming that Govt will extend #Lockdown21 when it expires.Cabinet Secretary has denied these reports, and stated that they are baseless,” it said. 21-day lockdown is aimed at checking the spread of the coronavirus.Following the lockdown, there has been a massive exodus of migrant workers from big cities to their villages after being rendered jobless. PTI
'We can still fail, if even one person fails to cooperate:Govt
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-coronavirus-lockdown-march-30-2020-live-updates/article31203151.ece
India has reported 39 deaths and cases count has crossed 1000 so far, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary- Health & Family Welfare tells in a virtual media conference.It has taken 12 days for India to reach 1000 cases, while in several nations has seen even up to 8000 cases in this time period, he adds.We have been able to achieve this because of cooperation of public, our collective preemptive action, social distancing and lockdown, he says. However we are dealing with an infectious disease. We can still fail, if even one person fails to cooperate, he warns.We have given guidelines on how public places ought to be disinfected, he says. 38,442 tests have been conducted so far. 3,501 of were done yesterday.Below 30% of testing capacity,says ICMR Chief Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar. thehindu
23 more COVID-19 cases in Delhi: ‘Likelihood of a surge in the coming days’
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/23-more-covid-19-cases-in-delhi-likelihood-of-a-surge-in-the-coming-days-6337801/
Delhi recorded a 47% spike in coronavirus cases as 23 more people tested positive for the disease Sunday, taking the total number of cases in the capital to 72.This is the highest single-day jump in the city so far.Of the 23, six people, who have been admitted to AIIMS Jhajjar, are part of Tablighi Jamaat outfit and attended an event held at a Nizamuddin West mosque last month, a Delhi health dept official said, adding that more people who were part of the gathering or may have been in touch with the group are being identified and quarantined. 6 are not residents of Delhi.IndianExpress
Mosques must create awareness about coronavirus 4 times a day using loudspeakers: K'taka Waqf Board
http://www.uniindia.com/mosques-must-create-awareness-about-coronavirus-4-times-a-day-using-loudspeakers-k-taka-waqf-board/south/news/1934513.html
Karnataka State Waqf Board Chief Executive Officer has instructed Mosques administration committees across state to use loudspeakers and announce precautionary measures to be taken to contain the spread of coronavirus.It has been instructed that the Mosques administration must playv trilingual audio clip given to them every day.UNI
K'taka: 19 booked for violating lockdown
Bagalkot: The district police have registered criminal cases against 19 people who had allegedly participated in a community prayer at a mosque in the town last night, police said on Sunday.According to police, the accused had assembled in a Patteshawali Darga on Saturday night to offer 'Namaj' (prayers) and were disbursed. The police have also registered cases and filed FIR for violating the nationwide lockdown announced by Union Government to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease.UNI
Gujarat: 34 booked for gathering to offer namaz in Rajpipla
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/34-booked-for-gathering-to-offer-namaz-in-rajpipla/articleshow/74878011.cms
 34 men were booked in Rajpipla town of Narmada district on Sunday for assembling to offer namaaz at a local madrassa.All of them had gathered in a small room near the market area at about 2pm and were spotted in the drone being used by police to catch those violating prohibitory orders in the ditrict, said the cops.Police said they will also start the process to arrest them in groups of three.According to the police, prohibitory orders are in place and people have been asked not to gather at one spot due to lockdown.“We began using the drone from Sunday in town areas. When the drone captured the images of so many men gathering near madrassa, our team reached the spot and booked them for violating prohibitory orders,” said A M Gamit, PSI, Rajpipla police station.“Inside the madrassa, 34 persons led by the maulvi, were offering namaz. All of them were detained and a complaint of flouting police notification was registered against them. We haven’t arrested them in groups yet due to health department advisory,” Gamit told TOI.TOI
After 277 km in 6 days, group of 16 labourers starts 600 km trudge to reach hometown
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/migrant-worker-coronavirus-outbreak-india-lockdown-6338001/
The walked 277 km from Amritsar to Sadul Shahar in Rajasthan, from where they set off for Gangapur city, their native place, another 600 km away. A group of 16 including two women and two toddlers reached Sadul Shahar around 11 am on Sunday – their sixth day on foot. As the borders were sealed, they entered through the forest area. One of them, a man who had covered his face with a towel, said, “villagers (in Sadul Shahar) provided us food and a place to rest. We had reached Amritsar on March 20 for labour work. We were supposed to work there throughout the summer season. But then lockdown was announced and we got stuck there itself. Hence we started walking from Amritsar on March 24. In between, we took lifts on some tempo or truck to get some rest. We slept on the roadside wherever we stopped. On the way, some people were nice enough to offer us langar. Whatever little money we had is finished, so we had to come back.” As they walked, the group took turns to carry the two children. Another man said, “We didn’t know that the borders had been sealed so we walked through the forest area. If Rajasthan govt can help us reach our village, it would be a great help. Past few days have been an ordeal for us.”indianexpress
Surat: Police fire tear gas shells as textile workers turn violent after being barred from going home
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/surat-lockdown-police-migrant-labourers-violence-coronavirus-6338852/
Surat city police lobbed 30 tear gas shells to disperse an angry mob of textile factory workers who attacked the cops when stopped from leaving for their homes in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states late Sunday.A mob of around 500 came on to the streets confronting the police, which charged at them with lathis to drive them back to Pandesara, where they live in colonies. This led to stone-pelting, where three police vehicles were damaged by the angry crowd. The police later arrested 96 people on charges of rioting.All the arrested are textile labourers who wanted to walk back to their native places in UP, Bihar, and so on. Due to the lockdown and shortage of food in the textile labour colonies in Surat city, thousands of workers left their rented rooms and started walking to the reach national highway around 20 km away.Near Sachin, these labourers walking in groups were stopped by the police and told that there were no other transport services running on the highways. However, the workers, mostly working in the powerloom factories and dyeing and printing units in Surat city, insisted on continuing their journey.indianexpress
COVID-19 impact: Rising financial crunch hampers Haj plan for many Chhattisgarh Muslim families
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/mar/29/covid-19-impact-rising-financial-crunch-hampers-haj-plan-for-many-chhattisgarh-muslim-families-2123060.html
RAIPUR: First it was the economic downturn and now the lockdown, several Muslim families in Chhattisgarh, jubilant finding their names in the selected list through the draw of lots (known as Haj Qurrah) in January this year, are apparently disillusioned struggling with financial crunch.Their sound financial planning required ahead of the Haj pilgrimage virtually collapsed. With the ongoing recession having impacted the sources of earning and the expenses of many, over 40 out of 469 Muslims selected through transparent online process are not responding to Chhattisgarh State Haj Committee's repeated reminders to pay their instalments.The apprehension is many more might call off their plan for Haj, which is fifth pillar of Islam. “Such situation never arose before. Surprisingly there is already low response for Haj compared to previous three years, with only 908 applications received. 469 finally selected through Qurrah in January this year. But so far 40 not deposited their first instalment and the passports with the Haj Committee. We fear the number of persons opting for cancellation of their Haj pilgrimage might be the highest ever by June when the departure for Makkah and Madina begins”, said Sajid Memon, chief executive officer of Chhattisgarh state Haj Committee. Those who couldn’t pay their instalments to the Haj committee, admitted the poor decisions on their financial planning is now forcing them to prioritise saving of their income for the coming months as they are badly hit both by economic slowdown and coronavirus concerns.
Lack of coordination with Centre, Bihar govt wakes up to migrant crisis
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-lockdown-lack-of-coordination-with-centre-bihar-govt-wakes-up-to-migrant-crisis-6337985/
Patna :With more than 30,000 migrants reaching border towns of Bihar via Uttar Pradesh and another one lakh likely to arrive by Monday evening, the Bihar government now seems to have woken up to the challenge of the return of migrants.When the Prime Minister announced the 21-day lockdown, the Bihar government neither anticipated this crisis nor prepared for this challenge. While it was trying to prepare its district and sub-division towns to gradually screen migrants reaching villages and small towns, it seemed to be in denial about the scale of the crisis.Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, who was upset at UP and Delhi govts for allowing migrants to violate lockdown and expressed apprehensions about the spread of COVID-19, has spoken to his counterparts from at least five states, including Maharashtra, requesting them to hold people where they are by setting up camps to provide them food, shelter and medical aid.Bihar disaster department principal secretary Pratyaya Amrit said, “We are setting up six transit camps along Bihar and UP borders. By Monday, we are expecting 1.30 lakh people to reach the borders of the state. We would provide food and stay and would take them to schools in their villages and panchayat bhavans where there are arrangements for their food, stay and self-quarantine.” indianexpress
Organisations Write To Rajasthan CM, Urge to Provide Food and Shelter to Migrant Labourers
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/civil-society-organisations-write-to-rajasthan-cm-urge-to-provide-food-and-shelter-to-migrant-labourers
 Several civil society organisations have the state govt to provide food, shelter and medical facilities to migrant labourers during 21-day lockdown in view of coronavirus.They said that since most of the industries in the country stay shut due to lockdown announced by Central govt, workers from unorganized sector have been struggling to arrange food for themselves and their families.These demands have been made in a joint letter by PUCL, Centre for Equity Studies, Construction and General Labour Union, Majdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, Indian Knowledge and Science Committee, Helping Hands Jaipur and AUMA Foundation. The letter has been addressed to CM Ashok Gehlot and state chief secretary.India Tomorrow
Coronavirus: In Bareilly, migrants returning home sprayed with 'disinfectant'
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-in-bareilly-migrants-forced-to-take-bath-in-the-open-with-sanitiser/article31204430.ece
Migrant labourers returning to their homes from cities were forced by the administration in Bareilly to take an open bath in groups with disinfectant before they were allowed entry into the district.As per a footage of the incident, a group of migrants, including women, were seen squatting on the road near a checkpoint in Bareilly as officials in full protection gear spray a solution through a hose pipe on them. The migrants are not only clothed but also have their luggage strapped onto their bodies even as they get drenched. While at least 2 officials film the incident, one of them can be heard asking the migrants to keep their eyes closed. thehindu
Last call of man who died walking: Lene aa sakte ho toh aa jao
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-lockdown-migrant-movement-labour-death-delhi-agra-morena-6337959/
Morena (mp) : The audio file is 42 seconds long. On one end is a loud, animated voice. Screaming, beseeching. “Ask someone to give you a lift till Morena. Hello? Hello?” Silence.Then more urgently: “Call 100. Is there no ambulance? Can they not drop you? Hello?” Still silence.Then, a heavy breath crackles through. Defeated by the lockdown that made him walk over a hundred kilometres from Delhi in a desperate bid to reach home in MP. And, perhaps, the knowledge that these were the last words to his family. “Lene aa sakte ho toh aa jao (Come get me if you can).”This was the last time they heard the voice of 38-year-old Ranveer Singh, before he collapsed due to exhaustion and died of a heart attack Saturday in Agra, well over 100 km still to go.Ranveer was one among countless migrant workers walking home from big cities to their villages, where new rules of isolation and quarantine await.indianexpress
No more essential and non-essential: curbs on goods transport lifted
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-lockdown-non-essential-curbs-goods-transport-6337933/
New Delhi :In yet another change in guidelines for enforcing the lockdown, Centre on Sunday allowed transport of “all goods” and not just essential commodities. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla sent a letter to chief secretaries of all states and UTs clarifying what is allowed as per the latest order. This followed a video conference of trade and industry stakeholders with Railways and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday, where they said a protocol must be set in place so that factories can start production again, and that existing stocks would last only around three more weeks.The Home Secretary’s letter said, “transportation of all goods, without distinction of essential and non-essential, (has) been allowed”. “Groceries include hygiene products such as handwashes, soaps, disinfectants, body wash, shampoos, surface cleaners, detergents and tissue papers, toothpaste/oral care, sanitary pads and diapers, battery cells, chargers etc,” it said, adding that newspaper supply chain was also included in this.indianexpress
Jammu: Thousand miles away from home, without job, shelter
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/coronavirus-india-lockdown-jammu-thousand-miles-away-from-home-without-job-shelter-6337904/
Jammu : A labourer from Chhattisgarh, Rajan Singh, 25, has made the verandah outside a closed shop in faraway Jammu his temporary shelter for the last nine days.After celebrating Holi with his parents and children back at home, he arrived in Jammu by train on March 21. Instead of heading to his rented accommodation at Talab Tillo, nearly 10 km from Jammu railway station, he decided to wait on the platform for his wife, Sunita, who was to arrive on March 23.That was not to be.On march 22 came the public curfew, followed by the 21-day countrywide lockdown announced on March 24. After trains got suspended, the police started clearing the railway station area, and Rajan said he took refuge under the verandah of a closed shop nearby. Nine days on, he still waits for his wife, who is held up at Pathankot.indianexpress
Coronavirus | J&K decongests jails, after holding 700 lockdown ‘violators’ in lock-ups
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-jk-decongests-jails-after-holding-700-lockdown-violators-in-lock-ups/article31209492.ece?homepage=true
In a major step to decongest the territory’s prisons, the J&K administration revoked the Public Safety Act (PSA), a law dealing with preventive detention, of 31 prisoners in J&K. “Eleven [of those] to be released were lodged in the Kotbalwal Jail, 14 in the Srinagar Central Jail, four in a Rajouri jail and two in Kathua,” an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.However, at least 700 civilians, who were designated as ‘violators’ by the police and booked for their movements on the roads, were detained for hours together in police stations across the region, with many allegedly detained for days.Police sources said Block Development Council (BDC) Chairman Muhammad Yasin Sheikh from Handwara’s Dolipora was arrested and detained for at least three days for “his movement in Dolipora and arguing with the policemen”. He wad lodged at the Police Station Vilgam, Handwara, and booked under Sections 353 and 506. Vilgam police detained 15 “violators” on March 24 and held them together in the police station. A total of 35 civilians were arrested across the entire Handwara area on that day. thehindu
Part of religious group, man from Ivory Coast and NRI from France test positive in Ahmednagar
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/iran-france-islamic-jamaat-coronavirus-6337794/
2 foreign nationals— one from Ivory Coast and other an NRI from France— tested positive for novel coronavirus  in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar on Sunday. The duo, members of a Muslim Jamaat involved in Islamic preaching and education, had come to India with another group of nine persons on January 4 via Mauritius. The group, with members between 30 and 50 years of age, travelled in two different trains and reached Ahmednagar on March 16.The group of 14 people included three from East Africa, 6 from Ivory Coast (West Africa), NRI from France and one from Iran. Three others from Tamil Nadu and one from Mumbai joined them later.District Civil Surgeon Dr Pradeep Murambikar said as per their travel history, the group had travelled to Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai from January till March. On March 13, they were joined by 3 others, and the group travelled via Nizamuddin Express and another train to Ahmednagar. They stayed at a local mosque in Ahmednagar and then went to Jamkhed. indianexpress
Covid-19: India pulls out all staff from consulates in Herat, Jalalabad
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/covid-19-india-pulls-out-all-staff-from-consulates-in-herat-and-jalalabad/story-KiHkJxSE63fCWDnoUeJPBN.html
New Delhi: India has shifted all personnel at its consulates in Herat and Jalalabad to the Afghanistan capital of Kabul because of concerns related to Covid-19 pandemic, people familiar with developments said on Sunday. People cited above said on condition of anonymity the decision to move the diplomats and other staff was made because the consulate at Herat is located very close to the border with Iran and the region has seen a massive influx of Afghan refugees and workers from the neighbouring country that has been hit hard by Coronavirus. It was also felt that the medical facilities in both Herat and Jalalabad were not as good as those available in Kabul, the people said. This is probably the first step taken by the Indian government to relocate its diplomatic staff due to Covid-19-related concerns. It also came in the wake of attack on Sikhs worship place in Kabul due to the strong security measures at the Indian mission in the Afghan capital.HT
PM appreciates Omar Abdullah’s call for social distancing following his uncle’s death
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-appreciates-omar-abdullahs-call-for-social-distancing-following-his-uncles-death-6338497/
PM Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the death of Omar Abdullah’s uncle and appreciated ex Jammu and Kashmir chief minister’s call to supporters to respect guidelines and not gather at either his residence or the graveyard. Prayers from home will give peace to his uncle’s soul, Abdullah tweeted on Twitter on Sunday night while announcing the death of Dr Mohammed Ali Mattoo in Srinagar following a brief illness. PM offered his condolences and said, “In this hour of grief, your call to avoid any large gathering is appreciable and will strengthen India’s fight against COVID-19.” Replying to the prime minister, Abdullah said, “My family joins me in thanking you very much for your message of condolence jenab.Your prayers for the departed soul are much appreciated.”indianexpress
Coronavirus lockdown | Dairy, vegetable farmers count losses in Assam
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-lockdown-dairy-vegetable-farmers-count-losses-in-assam/article31209129.ece?homepage=true
The inability to transport their produce because of the coronavirus lockdown has forced small dairy farmers in Assam throw away hundreds of litres of milk while vegetable growers are letting their crop rot or dumping nearby for animals.Some 1,500 members of Sitajakhala Dugdha Utpadak Samabai Samiti Ltd in the Morigaon district dumped about 10,000 litres of milk in rivers and streams during the first two days of the lockdown. This was because the milk could not be consumed locally after efforts to transport them to the urban centres had failed. The milk processing plant of the 58-year-old cooperative society is situated about 65 km east of Guwahati. thehindu
*Coronavirus World*
Coronavirus Pandemic: Global Death Toll Crosses 35,000-mark as Infections Top 7 Lakh
https://www.news18.com/news/india/coronavirus-pandemic-live-updates-maharashtra-mumbai-pune-gujarat-indore-italy-karnataka-who-india-cases-world-2556385.html
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-coronavirus-lockdown-march-30-2020-live-updates/article31203151.ece?homepage=true
 The global death toll rising from the coronavirus pandemic has crossed 35,000-mark today, according to a report by John Hopkins University, with the number of positive cases crossing 7 lakh. The global death toll due to the coronavirus pandemic has crossed 35,000, according to US' John Hopkins University.Italy has 10,779 deaths and has recorded 97,689 cases, Spain 7,340 deaths out of 85,195 cases, mainland China 3,304 deaths and 81,470 cases, Iran 2,757 deaths and 41,495 cases and France 2,606 fatalities and 40,174 cases.A Greek woman aged in her 70s became the first person to die of COVID-19 on the Greek Aegean island of Lesbos, where the overcrowded Moria migrant camp is based. AFP
Coronavirus | Spain announces 812 virus deaths in 24 hours, death toll at 7,340
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/coronavirus-spain-announces-812-virus-deaths-in-24-hours-death-toll-at-7340/article31206989.ece
Spain confirmed another 812 deaths in 24 hours from COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the total number of deaths to 7,340, according to health ministry figures.It is the first decline in the number of deaths in a 24-hour period since Thursday in Spain, which has the world’s second most deadly outbreak after Italy. Spain recorded 838 virus deaths on Sunday. The number of confirmed cases in Spain has now reached 85,195 - after the one-day increase of 8%.However, officials have pointed to a slower growth rate for both deaths and confirmed cases and expressed hope that the peak of the outbreak was approaching.The percentage increase in the number of deaths on Monday over the previous day was of 12.4%, less than half increase of 27% recorded on Wednesday.AFP
Iran reports 117 new coronavirus deaths, toll at 2757
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/iran-reports-117-new-coronavirus-deaths-toll-at-2757/article31207609.ece
Iran had 117 new COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 2,757, a health ministry spokesman said on Monday, prompting the Middle East's worst-hit country to consider tougher curbs on movement.The total number of infections climbed to 41,495.“In the past 24 hours we had 117 new deaths and 3,186 new confirmed cases of people infected with the coronavirus,” Kianush Jahanpur told State TV, calling on Iranians to stay at home.To stem the spread of the virus in crowded jails, Iran's judiciary on Sunday extended furloughs for 100,000 prisoners. On March 17, Iran said it had freed about 85,000 people from jail temporarily, including political prisoners.REUTERS
Coronavirus | Israeli PM Netanyahu enters quarantine after aide tested positive
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/coronavirus-israeli-pm-netanyahu-enters-quarantine-after-aide-tested-positive/article31207436.ece
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Monday that he will enter quarantine after an aide on Knesset affairs tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). Neyanyahu’s office said the step was a precaution and is being taken even before the epidemiological investigation has been concluded, Haretz newspaper reported.Israel is under total lockdown with people not allowed to even walk beyond 100 metres from their homes and have been generally advised to go out only to stock up food.So far, 4,347 Israelis have tested positive for the coronavirus, with the vast majority of cases mild and 134 recoveries. 16 patients have died and 95 are in serious condition. One Israeli tourist died in Italy, the paper said.PTI
UK's Prince Charles 'out of self-isolation and in good health'
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/coronavirus-prince-charles-recovers-from-covid-19-out-of-self-isolation/article31207701.ece
British heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, 71, who had tested positive for coronavirus, is out of self-isolation and is in good health, his spokesman said.“Clarence House has confirmed today that, having consulted with his doctor, Prince of Wales is now out of self-isolation,” spokesman said.- Reuters
Tokyo Olympics rescheduled for July 23 to August 8 in 2021
https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/tokyo-olympics-rescheduled-to-july-23-august-8-in-2021/article31207838.ece
Tokyo Olympics will open next year in the same time slot scheduled for this year’s games.Tokyo organizers said the opening ceremony will take place on July 23, 2021 — almost exactly one year after the games were due to start this year.Last week, the IOC and Japanese organizers postponed the Olympics until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.This year’s games were scheduled to open on July 24 and close on Aug. 9. But the near exact one-year delay will see the rescheduled closing ceremony on Aug. 8. - PTI
Coronavirus a product of evolution, may have been in humans for years: Study
https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/coronavirus-origin-humans-animals-nature-medicine-study-6338604/
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, infecting millions worldwide, a team of scientists has discovered that Covid-19 could have spread among humans for years or even decades before now. According to findings published in the journal Nature Medicine, the virus could have possibly been transmitted from animals to humans much before it was first detected in Wuhan province of China. In fact, there are speculations that it could have been as long as a decade.The study, which was conducted by an international team of scientists from Australia, Britain and US, was released on March 17 in the scientific journal.“Then, as a result of gradual evolutionary changes over years or perhaps decades. The virus eventually gained the ability to spread from human to human and cause serious, often life-threatening disease,” Dr Francis Collins, director of US National Institute of Health, said in an article.indianexpress
 Origin, symptoms, causes, treatment, precautions and other details about COVID-19
https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/coronavirus-origin-symptoms-causes-treatment-precautions-vaccine-who-pandemic-quarantine-india-6338610/
*OTHERS*
Officers to get in touch with Delhi riot victims to ensure basic needs, Delhi govt informs HC
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/officers-to-get-in-touch-with-riot-victims-to-ensure-basic-needs-delhi-govt-informs-hc/1785326
Delhi govt Monday informed Delhi High Court that its officers were going to get in touch with the 275 families of the victims, who were displaced after the northeast Delhi riots, to ascertain whether they require food or medicines.A bench of justices Sanjeev Sachdeva and Navin Chawla was also informed by the AAP govt’s counsel that mohalla clinics of northeast district are functional and representatives of each of families will be provided with details of nodal officers who can be contacted in case of requirement of medical assistance.T he court, which conducted the proceeding through video conferencing in view of restrictions due to coronavirus, was hearing a plea by Shaikh Mujtaba Farooq seeking direction to the authorities to re-open the relief camp at Idgah in Mustafabad and provide proper food supplies, adequate water, sanitation and security to the victims.Delhi government standing counsel Rahul Mehra submitted that keeping in view the present situation and also the directions with regard to lockdown issued by the central govt, the officers shall get in touch with the representatives of each of the 275 families.He said their names and telephone numbers have been provided by the petitioner along with the additional affidavit, and ascertain the number of family members and whether they require assistance of food or medicines or curfew pass.He said that as per their needs, the families will be provided with food packets and medical kits containing over the counter medicines for basic ailments can also be provided to them as per their requirement.Mehra added that in case any of the families require accommodation, efforts shall be made to immediately place them in appropriate accommodation or relief camps.Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioner apprised the court about the issues faced by the riot victims. He submitted that they were initially staying at a camp set up at Idgah but the Delhi government has cleared the camp and the victims have been forced to relocate themselves.He added that while some of them had to go back to their houses, others have had to accommodate themselves with their relatives and due to the lockdown they are facing severe problems with regard to food and medical help.The court said, “Without getting into the controversy as to whether the families of the riot victims which were living at the camp at Idgah vacated the camp voluntarily or they were forced to vacate, the fact of the matter is that they are no longer there at the camp at Idgah.”The court listed the matter for April 3 for directions or reporting compliance of its order.PTI
Delhi riot refugees live on prayers as coronavirus lockdown forces them to leave relief camps
https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/mar/30/delhi-riot-refugees-live-on-prayers-as-coronavirus-lockdown-forces-them-to-leave-relief-camps-2123292.html
Suffering for the riot-hit victims of the communal violence that took place in Northeast Delhi is far from over. First the riots destroyed their houses and now the lockdown due to outbreak of novel coronavirus is forcing them to leave the refugee camps. One of these twice-displaced people is 56-year-old Shama Parween who shares a room with 13 other women and children.As of now, officials say that the relief camps were to be continued for some time more but with the outbreak of novel coronavirus, the removal of camps became inevitable. “We did try going back 4 days ago but people there threatened us of dire consequences. They say they won’t let Muslims return. What do we do? We have no money. No one can go to work,” Parween says. Parween’s younger sister Zarina has a similar story to tell. Zarina said, “We do not know how we will survive if we’re forced out of this small space too. My husband can’t earn anything during the lockdown.So we can’t afford a new place...”Another family of 5, which came here from the relief camp at Al-Hind hospital, has a similar story. They would rather die of corona than by the rioters. “How do they expect us to go back? Will the government and the police protect us if the rioters attack us again? No, they will save the rioters and let us die,” says 18-year-old Arshi (name changed), whose family has a house in Shiv Vihar, one of the worst affected areas in the recent riots. In another corner of the hall, men of the families sit in a huddle.newindianexpress
Divided Delhi under lockdown: 'If coronavirus doesn't kill me, hunger will':theguardian
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/mar/30/divided-delhi-under-lockdown-if-coronavirus-doesnt-kill-me-hunger-will
New Delhi:It wasn’t possible for Mohammed Idrish to watch Narendra Modi’s address to the nation last Tuesday exhorting 1.3 billion Indians to stay at home. His TV was looted along with everything else in his home in Delhi during the recent anti-Muslim riots in the Indian capital.When Idrish, a carpenter, heard about Modi urging Indians to stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading, he shook his head again and again. “I don’t understand … I don’t understand.Doesn’t he know we have no home?”On 25 February, his house in Shiv Vihar was among many reduced to a charred ruin by mobs. The ferocious violence that engulfed the north-east of the city for four days – mostly Hindu mobs killing Muslims and destroying property – left 53 dead and thousands injured.Families ran with only the clothes they were wearing and mobile phones in their pockets. Hundreds were housed in the Eidgah relief camp, a collection of tents set up in the courtyard of a mosque in Mustafabad.The camp was a temporary home for Idrish, his parents, wife and four children. It gave them shelter and safety while they waited for compensation to renovate their home. But on Monday the Delhi authorities ordered families to leave the crowded camp for fear it provided the ideal conditions for a perfect viral storm. The camp’s days were numbered even before Modi imposed an unprecedented nationwide lockdown last week, as Delhi had already banned any gathering of more than 30 people.theguardian
Dr Kafeel Khan Was Among Prisoners to Be Released on SC Order But His Name Was Dropped: Wife Claims in Video
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/dr-kafeel-khan-was-among-prisoners-to-be-released-on-sc-order-but-his-name-was-dropped-wife-claims-in-video
LUCKNOW: The wife of imprisoned Dr Kafeel Khan has issued a video wherein she has appealed to the Supreme Court for release of her husband. Dr Shabista Khan has alleged that even after the order for release of prisoners (in the wake of Coronavirus outbreak), her husband has not been released.In view of the spread of Coronavirus, the Supreme Court had on March 23 ordered all states and Union Territories to consider release of those prisoners who have been in jail up to 7 years on parole and this benefit could be extended also to those prisoners who are awaiting trial for offences entailing maximum sentence of seven years.In the video released on Sunday (March 29), she claimed that her husband’s name was in the list of prisoners that were to be released on Saturday (March 28) from Mathura jail in UP but his name was dropped after a call from an official from Lucknow. “My husband Dr Kafeel Khan, who is currently lodged in Mathura jail, was to be released along with other prisoners on March 23 order of the Supreme Court. My husband’s name was in the list yesterday (Saturday) and he was to be released along with others in the evening. But some official from Lucknow called to Mathura jail and stopped his release,” said Dr Shabista.She said that her husband himself shared this information with her by calling her from the jail PCO.“My husband called me from jail PCO at 3:16 PM today (Sunday) and told me that his name was in the list of to-be-released prisoners and he was to be released in the evening. But some official from Lucknow called the jail official and prevented my release,” she claimed in the video.In the end of one-minute long video, she said: “I want to appeal to the Honourable Supreme Court that my husband is released from jail the earliest and we are granted justice.”Dr Kafeel’s brother Adeel Ahmed Khan said: “Earlier also, Dr Kafeel Khan was kept in jail even after release order and later he was booked under NSA. The case is now pending in the court. In the wake of the Coronavirus, he was to be released on conditions but now Mathura jail officials have told us that he would not be released.”India Tomorrow
Fire at Furniture Market in Shaheen Bagh, Fire Tenders Rushed to Spot
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/fire-at-furniture-market-in-shaheen-bagh-fire-tenders-rushed-to-spot?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
NEW DELHI: A fire broke out at a furniture market in Shaheen Bagh in South Delhi on Sunday evening. The fire is being brought to control by units of the fire brigade.Fire broke out at a furniture shop near Zayed College on Abul Fazal Enclave-Kalindi Kunj Road in Shaheen Bagh. The place has a furniture market and it is one of these shops in the market that caught fire. The reasons for fire are still unknown. No casualties are reported.Hearing the news of fire, many people gathered at the spot. Police had to resort to mild force to disperse the crowd.indiatomorrow
*views, Articles, FEATURES*
Keeping poor and vulnerable safe in lockdown is state responsibility, not an act of charity: Christophe Jaffrelot
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coronavirus-india-lockdown-migrant-workers-labourers-exodus-modi-govt-6337630/
Disruption in economic activities in urban areas has pushed migrant labourers back to their villages: Manoj Mohanan
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coronavirus-india-lockdown-community-transmission-rural-areas-migrant-workers-exodus-6337664/
Even 20,000 COVID-19 Deaths Don't Justify Crippling Economy, Endangering Crores of Daily-Wagers':by Karan Thapar
https://thewire.in/video/karan-thapar-interview-deepak-natrajan
A Government Without Strategy, and Also Without Humanity:Sidharth Bhatia
https://thewire.in/government/covid-19-lockdown-planning-humanity
Lessons from China: What India can do to flatten the Covid-19 curve despite limited state capacity:Namit Choksi  & Akshay Shah
https://scroll.in/article/957476/lessons-from-china-what-india-can-do-to-flatten-the-covid-19-curve-despite-limited-state-capacity
 Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:22 PM). 


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