Hindu Population Decreased By 8%, Muslims Grew In India By 43% Between 1950-2015: PM’s Council

New Age Islam News Bureau

09 May 2024

 

India population Photograph:(Others)/ Photo: WION

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·         Hindu Population Decreased By 8%, Muslims Grew In India By 43% Between 1950-2015: PM’s Council

·         ‘Sharia Law Will Be Forced Upon The Americans’, Congressman's Speech On The US House Floor

·         Republicans Warn of 'Massive Muslim Takeover' In The U.K. Government

·         Gaza’s Resistance And Faith Source Of Pride For Islamic World: Envoy

·         Combating Terrorism Is A ‘Shared Interest’ With Pakistan: US

 

India

·         Islam Does Not Permit Live-In Relationship For A Married Muslim: Allahabad HC

·         Bengaluru Police Summon BJP's Nadda, Malviya & Vijayendra Over Animated Video On Muslims

·         Muslim On Temple Committee: BJP Deletes Post After Seeking To Rake Up Issue

·         Lok Sabha Poll Contest Between Vote For Development And 'Vote For Jihad': Amit Shah

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North America

·         Will Muslims 'Take a Walk' From Democrats?

·         Police clear anti-war stir on DC campus, 33 held

·         Houston police chief retires suddenly after questions raised about more than 260,000 suspended investigations

·         East County planning group wants to tap brakes on Muslim cemetery in remote Pine Valley

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Europe

·         Labour needs to 'rebuild trust' with Muslim voters, says Rachel Reeves, following West Yorkshire council losses

·         Roman Catholic School Visits Mosque To Learn About The Religion And Its Similarities To Other Faiths

·         Sweden's Eurovision brings kitsch in the shadow of Gaza

·         TV chef joins vicars and imams for cricket match

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Mideast

·         Muslim Group Hails Bahamas' Recognition Of Palestine

·         Syrian fighters belonging to Islamic Jihad killed in southern Lebanon

·         Islamic Resistance Targets Enemy’s Newly Established Western Brigade In Ya'ara

·         Children of Mosque Popular Theater Festival commences in Yazd

·         Prime Minister receives a delegation from the International Council for the Rapprochement of Islamic doctrines

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Pakistan

·         7 Killed In Pakistan's Gwadar As Terrorist Open Fire At Sleeping Workers

·         Pakistan’s First Moon Satellite Enters Its Orbit

·         Opposition leaders slam military involvement in politics

·         Six terrorists gunned down in separate KP operations

·         Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader calls May 9 riots 'conspiracy to target Imran Khan'

·         Imran refuses to tender apology over May 9 riots

·         Qatar’s MoS for Foreign Affairs arrives in Islamabad

·         Pakistan, WB to prepare partnership strategy

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South Asia

·         ISIS Uses Pakistan For Attacks In Afghanistan: Afghan Defense Ministry

·         Islamic Emirate Ensure Support for Peace Process and Drug Control Efforts

·         Justice in light of Sharia applies equally to everyone: Deputy PM

·         Uzbek foreign minister emphasizes acceleration of ‘Trans-Afghanistan’ project

·         Taliban military convoy targeted in explosion attack in Badakhshan’s Faizabad city

·         Unity can ease Palestinians’ woes: PM

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Arab World

·         Saudi Arabia Stresses its Support for Joint Islamic Work to Confront Challenges

·         Saudi Arabia leads condemnation of attack on UNRWA headquarters in occupied Jerusalem

·         Saudi Armed Forces participate in military exercise in Turkiye

·         European Chamber of Commerce opens in Riyadh

·         Saudi Arabia expands eVisa program to include Barbados, Bahamas and Grenada

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Southeast Asia

·         Malay Muslim Leaders And Political Parties Must Find Common Ground For The Benefit Of All

·         Kelantan development briefing receives positive feedback from Federal Govt - MB

·         Tabung Haji always reminds haj pilgrims to comply with new rules of Saudi Arabia govt

·         Kelantan gov’t to reintroduce 16 annulled provisions of Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment

·         Johor Regent: Don't ever use religion as a political tool

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Africa

·         Dbeibah: Choosing Benghazi As Capital Of Islamic Culture Is A Confirmation Of Its Great Status

·         Zamfara: EFCC arraigns ex-Sharia Court Registrar for allegedly forging late businessman’s signature

·         Ondo: APC Youths Advocate Muslim Deputy Governor

·         Sen. Na’Allah laments profiling of Nigerians as drugs barons, fraudsters in foreign countries

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:    https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/hindu-population-muslims-india-eac-pm/d/132289

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Hindu Population Decreased By 8%, Muslims Grew In India By 43% Between 1950-2015: PM’s Council

 

India population Photograph:(Others)/ Photo: WION

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May 09, 2024

The report of Economic Advisory Council to the PM (EAC-PM) stated that in India, the share of the majority Hindu population decreased by 7.82 per cent between 1950 and 2015 (from 84.68 per cent to 78.06 per cent), while the share of the Muslim population, which in 1950 was 9.84 per cent, grew to 14.09 per cent in 2015--a 43.15 per cent rise in their share.

Responding to it, Amit Malviya, Bhartiya Janta Party's in-charge of the National Information and Technology Department on Wednesday targeted the Congress party over the report and said that if the country is left to Congress, then there would be no country for Hindus.

Taking to his official X handle, Amit Malviya tweeted, "Share of Hindus shrunk 7.8% between 1950 and 2015. The Muslim population grew by 43%. This is what decades of Congress rule did to us. Left to them, there would be no country for Hindus."

The EAC report added that the share of the Christian population rose from 2.24 per cent to 2.36 per cent--an increase of 5.38 per cent between 1950 and 2015.

The share of Sikh population increased from 1.24 per cent in 1950 to 1.85 per cent in 2015--a 6.58 per cent rise in their share. Even the share of the Buddhist population witnessed a noticeable increase from 0.05 per cent in 1950 to 0.81 per cent.

On the other hand, the share of Jains in the population of India decreased from 0.45 per cent in 1950 to 0.36 per cent in 2015. The share of the Parsi population in India witnessed a stark 85 per cent decline, reducing from 0.03 per cent share in 1950 to 0.004 per cent in 2015.

Meanwhile, Keshav Prasad Maurya, Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister also held the Congress responsible for the decrease in the Hindu population and claimed that the Muslim population due to the party's Muslim appeasement politics.

Speaking with ANI, Keshav Prasad Maurya said, "This is a topic of concern and this imbalance in the population--rise in Muslim population and decline in Hindu population, has happened because of the Congress' Muslim appeasement."

Source: dnaindia.com

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https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-hindu-population-shrunk-by-8-muslims-grew-in-india-by-43-between-1950-2015-eac-pm-study-3088643

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‘Sharia Law Will Be Forced Upon The Americans’, Congressman's Speech On The US House Floor

 

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas)

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May 09, 2024

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) voiced his concerns about the potential imposition of Sharia law on American society during a speech on the US House floor. He highlighted broader worries about border security and foreign aid, linking them to his apprehensions about Sharia law.

"I've got some pretty strong concerns about Sharia law," Roy expressed, emphasizing his fears about its imposition on the American people. He drew parallels to what he described as a "massive Muslim takeover of the United Kingdom" and criticized individuals who celebrated Israel's adversaries, particularly referencing Mothin Ali, a newly elected council member in Leeds, England.

Roy's comments echoed his recent post on social media platform X, where he reacted to a video showing Ali celebrating his victory amid chants of "Allahu Akbar" and expressing solidarity with Gaza. Roy's response to the video was succinct: “Coming to America.”

Who is Rep. Chip Roy? An outspoken anti-Palestine critic

He has been an outspoken critic of recent campus protests, particularly those perceived to fuel antisemitism. He criticized a recent House bill for not adequately addressing the issue, advocating for measures to defund institutions fostering what he deemed "despicable behavior."

"It is not good enough to merely ask the Department of Education to consider a definition of anti-Semitism in discrimination investigations," Roy asserted. "We should cut off taxpayer funding to the supposedly 'elite' institutions that are poisoning the minds of our children."

In his Tuesday speech, Roy also turned his attention to immigration, advocating for stricter border controls. He raised concerns about the sizeable foreign-born population in the United States, suggesting it posed a threat to "Western values."

"We have 51.5 million people who are foreign-born in the United States," Roy noted. "They have about 20 to 25 million kids. That puts that well over 20-something percent of our population. People say, 'Well, isn't that great?' Is it?"

Roy's remarks have stirred debate, with some applauding his outspokenness on issues of national security and immigration, while others criticize what they perceive as xenophobia and Islamophobia.

As the conversation continues, Roy remains a polarizing figure in Congress, advocating for what he sees as vital safeguards for American values and security.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/sharia-law-will-be-forced-upon-the-americans-congressmans-chilling-speech-101715241221944.html

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Republicans Warn of 'Massive Muslim Takeover' In The U.K. Government

 

GOP Representative Chip Roy, left, is shown on September 19, 2023, in Washington, D.C., while fellow Republican Representative Lauren Boebert, right, is pictured on February 6, also in the nation's capital.  Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

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May 08, 2024

Republican lawmakers have warned of a "massive Muslim takeover" in the U.K. government, while claiming that it could also happen in the U.S., despite Muslims making up a small percentage of the population in both countries.

On Wednesday, Representative Lauren Boebert, a Colorado Republican, posted a clip posted on X, formerly Twitter, of Representative Chip Roy, a Texas Republican, giving a speech on the House floor, voicing fears of Muslims gaining membership in the U.K. government.

"You've got a massive Muslim takeover on the United Kingdom going on right before our eyes," Roy said without giving evidence to back up his claims. "I've got some pretty strong concerns about Sharia law and whether that will be forced upon the American people." Sharia law is the legal system followed by Muslims.

"I've got pretty strong concerns about people who want to see Israel's destruction. Who were happy about October 7th. Who are elected in the United Kingdom. Some might say that we've seen that here in the United States," Roy said.

Roy then questioned if immigrants in the U.S. are being taught about Western civilization.

"Are we teaching people about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the rule of law ... are we teaching them God exists?" Roy asked. "Or are we teaching an entire generation or two or three to run around complaining about what's wrong and why the entire world is against them because of their skin color, their sex, their supposed gender identity—whatever that hell category we create to make people have an excuse for not just stepping up and achieving the American dream?"

Alongside the video, Boebert claimed, also without any evidence, that "the United Kingdom has radical Islamists taking political office all over the country. We're looking at it from here in America horrified, not realizing that it will be us next."

She continued: "Councillors chanted 'Allahu Akbar' to celebrate their victories when they got elected. We're either going to get serious about our borders quickly or the issues the UK is seeing will be here faster than we can imagine."

The U.K. held local elections last week, in which Green Party candidate Mothin Ali was elected as councillor in Leeds. Following Ali's election victory, he said, "We will not be silent. We will raise the voice of Gaza. We will raise the voice of Palestine. Allahu Akbar," according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. "Allahu Akbar" roughly translates to "God is greater" and is used by Muslims in prayer or in a declaration of faith. Ali later apologized for his comments.

The safety of U.S. borders, particularly the U.S.-Mexico border, has been a top concern, especially among Republicans. Since the start of the 2024 fiscal year, which began in October, there have been 1,733,496 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encounters with migrants.

Roy and Boebert's comments come after Liberal Democrats gained 104 council seats while Conservatives lost 474 seats in the U.K.'s recent election. Liberal Democrats now have 522 council seats while Conservatives have 515. The Labour Party gained 186 seats, giving them a total of 1,158.

It is unclear how many of the newly elected U.K. officials are Muslim, but, according to England and Wales census data from 2021, 6.5 percent of the population identified as Muslim (3.9 million people). Pew Research Center estimated that Muslims made up about 1.1 percent of the U.S. population in 2017 (3.45 million).

Human rights lawyer Qasim Rashid touched on the size of the Muslim populations in the U.K. and U.S. in an X post on Wednesday.

"MAGA [Make America Great Again] Rep Chip Roy fear mongers over 'Muslims taking over UK & USA to enforce Shariah Law.' Muslims are 6.5% of UK population & 1.5% of US population. Also we have state/religion separation. What Roy actually means is his religion should be enforced & others should be banned," Rashid wrote.

British-American journalist Medhi Hasan, editor-in-chief and CEO of the new media company Zeteo, posted: "'You've got a massive Muslim takeover of the United Kingdom,' says this massively dishonest, massively ignorant, massively bigoted GOP Rep, Chip Roy. Will he be condemned? No. Will the Dems who voted to censure Rashida Tlaib insist Roy be censured? No. Islamophobia is fine."

Representative Tlaib, Michigan Democrat and lone Palestinian American in Congress, was censured, or strongly condemned, for her pro-Palestinian statements about the Israel-Hamas war.

Source: newsweek.com

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https://www.newsweek.com/republicans-warn-massive-muslim-takeover-1898552

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Gaza’s Resistance And Faith Source Of Pride For Islamic World: Envoy

 

Iran's Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadeq

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May 8, 2024

TEHRAN - Iran's Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadeq, has hailed the Palestinian people’s resolute faith and resistance against the Israeli regime as a source of pride and honor for the Islamic world.

The official made the remarks during a meeting with members of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Denominations Assembly in Baghdad. Al-Sadeq said the Zionist regime has reached total failure in the besieged Gaza Strip, where it has been trying to “eradicate Hamas” for almost 8 months.

The ambassador also expressed satisfaction with the holding of a religious conference in Iraq and emphasized its importance in promoting unity among Muslims. “We need to create a united front against our mutual enemy,” he stated.

Elsewhere in his comments, Al-Sadeq praised the current Iraqi government for its popularity among the people, attributing it to its efforts in addressing sectarian conflicts, political crises, and social issues. He also highlighted the strong relations between Iran and Iraq, which he said are based on three principles: Respect for Iraq's territorial integrity and Iran's support for its unity, defence cooperation, as exemplified by Iran's assistance in defeating ISIS and last but not least, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation.

The envoy emphasized the importance of developing these relations to secure the interests of both countries. He also expressed optimism about the future of Iraq, noting the government's efforts to address challenges and promote peace and prosperity.

Source: tehrantimes.com

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https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/498242/Gaza-s-resistance-and-faith-source-of-pride-for-Islamic-world

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Combating Terrorism Is A ‘Shared Interest’ With Pakistan: US

 

 

May 9, 2024

WASHINGTON: The United States on Wednesday emphasised its ‘shared interest’ with Pakistan in addressing the critical threat that terrorism poses to the entire region.

At the State Department’s daily news briefing, Spokesperson Matthew Miller also focused on the treatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and urged Islamabad not to repatriate them due to the dire situation in Afghanistan.

“We remain committed to working with Pakistan to address the shared threat posed by terrorist groups throughout the region,” said Miller, commenting on a recent ISPR statement about the involvement of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in a series of terrorist attacks in the country.

Pakistan has suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists, and “we regret the loss of life and injuries sustained and offer our heart-felt condolences to those affected by these attacks”, he added.

Underlining the need to protect Afghans forced to seek refuge in neighbouring states, he emphasised: “We will continue to encourage Afghanistan’s neighbours, including Pakistan, to respect the non-return advisory, given the dire situation in Afghanistan.”

Miller refrained from taking a stance on speculations that former prime minister Imran Khan would be released soon, stating: “We do not take position on those matters. Those matters are for the government of Pakistan to decide.”

In his briefing on Tuesday, the spokesperson welcomed diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, applauding Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s expected visit to Islamabad later this month.

Asked to comment on the Saudi prince’s visit, Matthew Miller said: “Certainly, we always support diplomatic engagement between our partners,” adding that he did not have further details about the visit.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1832330/combating-terrorism-is-a-shared-interest-with-pakistan-us

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India

 

Islam Does Not Permit Live-In Relationship For A Married Muslim: Allahabad HC

09 MAY 2024

The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court has said that a follower of Islam cannot be in a live-in relationship, particularly if the spouse is alive.

“The Islamic tenets do not permit live-in relationships during the subsisting marriage. The position may be different if the two persons are unmarried and the parties being adults choose to lead their lives in a way of their own,” said the bench on Wednesday.

With this observation, a bench of Justice A.R. Masoodi and Justice A.K. Srivastava refused to provide police protection to petitioners Sneha Devi and Mohd Shadab Khan, both natives of Bahraich district.

The petitioners claimed they were in a live-in relationship but the woman’s parents lodged an FIR against Khan for kidnapping and inducing their daughter to marry him.

The petitioners sought police protection saying they are adults and as per a Supreme Court order, they were free to stay in a live-in relationship.

On enquiry, the bench found that Khan was already married (to one Farida Khatoon in 2020) and even had a daughter. Considering this fact, the court declined to provide him police protection on the grounds of the SC verdict which permits a live-in relationship. The bench instead said that Islam does not permit such a relationship, especially under the circumstances of the present case.

Expressing that constitutional morality and social morality in the matter of marriage institution requires to be balanced, failing which social coherence for achieving the object of peace and tranquillity in the society would fade and disappear, the bench directed the police that the petitioner Sneha Devi be sent to her parents under security.

The bench observed: “The constitutional morality may come to the rescue of such a couple and the social morality settled through the customs and usages over ages may give way to the constitutional morality and protection under Article 21 of the Constitution of India may step in to protect the cause. The case before us is, however, different.”

Source: odishatv.in

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https://odishatv.in/news/national/islam-does-not-permit-live-in-relationship-for-a-married-muslim-allahabad-hc-234610

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Bengaluru police summon BJP's Nadda, Malviya & Vijayendra over animated video on Muslims

08 May 2024

The Bengaluru Police have summoned BJP national president J P Nadda, the party's IT Cell chief Amit Malviya and Karnataka unit president B Y Vijayendra over a controversial animated video about Muslims.

In the notices sent on May 6, the High Grounds Police asked the trio to appear for questioning within seven days.

"For the purpose of investigation of the said case, you are hereby directed to appear before the investigating officer at 11 am within seven days of the issuance date,” reads the notice issued under Section 41(a) of the CRPC.

The next day, Ramesh Babu, the Chairman of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Party's Media and Communication Wing, filed a complaint at the High Grounds police station.

The police have registered an FIR under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 505 (2) (Statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred, or ill-will between classes) and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act.

The FIR noted that the post shared by the BJP with the title “Yecchara, Yecchara, Yecchara,” which translates to “Beware, Beware, Beware”, violates the model code of conduct (MCC) currently in force because of the Lok Sabha polls.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has written to X (formerly Twitter) to take down the post.

Source: deccanherald.com

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https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/bengaluru-police-summon-bjps-nadda-malviya-vijayendra-over-animated-video-on-muslims-3013792

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Muslim On Temple Committee: BJP Deletes Post After Seeking To Rake Up Issue

May 08, 2024

A day after polls ended, a fresh ruckus has begun in Karnataka, with the state BJP unit objecting to the Congress regime appointing a member of the minority community to the committee for overseeing an event at a Hindu temple at a temple on Bengaluru's outskirts. The party later deleted post on social media platform X.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy, however, pounced on the BJP leaders with a strong rebuttal The CM pointed out that the temple had seen appointees of other faiths during the BJP regime as well.

Slamming the saffron party, the CM said it had “shamelessly lied” then retracted its post without so much as an apology to the people. "The state BJP had made a false allegation that the Congress government was trying to usurp the power of the Hindus  by appointing a member of the Muslim community to the Brahmarathotsava committee of the Avimukteswara Swamy temple in Hoskote...Not only did I present the fact that Muslim community members were made members of this Brahmarathotsava committee even ..

Muzrai minister Ramalinga Reddy said that the BJP was trying to sow dissent in the community and was destroying social health by sharing false information. “The BJP seems to have forgotten that Imtiaz Pasha was made a member in the 2020-21 committee of the same temple. It would be better if the BJP opened all the lists of the previous period and behaved a little prudently,” he said in a post on social media platform X.

The row began when the Karnataka BJP posted a list of appointees which would oversee the Brahmotsavam event at the Shri Avimukteshwara Swamy Temple in Hoskote on Bengaluru outskirts. The list included the name ‘Nawaz,’ which the saffron party highlighted, calling it proof that the “Hindu-hating” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, after trying to loot Hindu temples, was now trying to control the temples and their resources by appointing non-Hindus.

“The Siddaramaiah government is in a hurry to implement Rahul Gandhi's delusional ideas of favouring a particular community,” the deleted post said, referring to the BJP’s poll narrative of the Congress diverting resources from other communities to favour Muslims.

Asking Hindus to be wary, the party said, “If this happens to one temple in Karnataka's Hoskote today, the next it can control every temple in India.”

This isn’t the first time the Opposition BJP has raised the issue of non-Hindu appointees to temples in Karnataka. In February this year, the party had urged the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government to withdraw the provision in the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024 allowing persons of other religions to become members of temple management. The BJP had then accused Siddaramaiah of trying “to dry the coffers of temples with the help of persons  ..

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

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https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/karnataka/muslim-on-temple-committee-bjp-deletes-post-after-seeking-to-rake-up-issue/articleshow/109955446.cms

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Lok Sabha poll contest between vote for development and 'vote for jihad': Amit Shah

May 09, 2024

Hyderabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the 2024 election is Rahul Gandhi vs Narendra Modi and that it is a contest between vote for development and "vote for jihad".

Addressing an election rally in Bhongir Lok Sabha constituency of Telangana, he said the election is between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Bharatiya guarantee" against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "Chinese guarantee".

Describing the Congress, BRS and AIMIM as a triangle of appeasement, he said the parties don't let Ram Navami procession to take place and that they also oppose CAA.

"These people don't allow the celebration of 'Hyderabad Liberation Day' (September 17). These people oppose CAA. These people want to run Telangana on the basis of Sharia and Quran," he said.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

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https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/telangana/lok-sabha-poll-contest-between-vote-for-development-and-vote-for-jihad-amit-shah/articleshow/109975601.cms

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North America

 

Will Muslims 'Take a Walk' From Democrats?

08 May 2024

By John Gizzi

Local election results in Britain last week may contain an ominous warning for Democrats in November.  The opposition Labour Party scored huge gains in races for county councils and regional mayors on May 2, but it suffered a stunning 21% loss of support among Muslim voters.

Although Labour Leader Keir Starmer has in recent weeks tempered his support of Israel and its response to the Oct. 7 sneak attack from Hamas, his pro-Israel stance remains strong.  It has clearly upset many among Britain's 3.9 million Muslim population.

Experts on British politics agree that the narrow reelection of West Midlands' Conservative Mayor Andy Street, a top target of Labour, and the gain of 74 municipal seats by the Green Party were the result of Muslims "taking a walk" from their traditional friend Labour.

Despite this, Starmer is widely tipped to be Britain's next prime minister with polls showing Labour leading the ruling Conservative party by about 20%. A national election is expected later this year.

Now, some experts in the U.S. are wondering whether a similar exodus of Muslim support for Democrats could endanger President Joe Biden in key states where the race looks close — notably Michigan, where 2.4% of statewide voters (or 241,828 citizens) consider themselves Muslim.

"Yes, Biden could lose a chunk of the Muslim vote," said Bill Ballenger, editor of the online newsletter on Michigan politics "The Ballenger Report.," "But the question is whether that vote is big enough to make a difference. I've been saying it's not, but if the November outcome is as close as 2016, it might."

In 2016, Donald Trump eked out a win of Michigan's 16 electoral votes by 15,704 votes out of more than 2.5 million cast (or .23% of the total).

"There are parallels to the U.K., but also important differences," Henry Olsen of the Ethics and Public Policy Center told Newsmax. "Biden has been much more angling for a Gaza cease-fire than Starmer and is also running against Donald Trump, who has historically been staunchly pro-Israeli and friendly with [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Bibi Netanyahu."

Given the similarities between Biden and Trump on Israel, and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s strong pro-Israel stand, Muslim voters in Michigan may turn to another independent presidential hopeful: Cornel West, who has said, "There's got to be Palestinian dignity [and] equality" and that "both sides are enabling genocide."

Source: newsmax.com

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https://www.newsmax.com/john-gizzi/starmer-labour-uk/2024/05/08/id/1163986/

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Police clear anti-war stir on DC campus, 33 held

May 9, 2024

WASHINGTON: Police using pepper spray cleared a pro-Palestinian tent encampment at George Washington University and arrested demonstrators Wednesday, hours after dozens marched to the home of the school's prez as city officials prepared to appear before Congress on the protest's handling.

District of Columbia mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan police Chief Pamela Smith were called to testify Wednesday at the Republican-led House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, but the hearing was cancelled after the arrests. The mayor said she spoke with Representative James Comer, chairman of the House panel, on Wednesday and "he expressed his interest in making sure the city and the chief can focus on this ongoing operation" and pulled the hearing.

After the crackdown, Bowser told reporters that she and police made the decision to clear the camp based on shifting information about increased threats to public safety. Smith said there were signs "the protest was becoming more volatile." Among them were indications that protesters had "gathered improvised weapons" and were "casing" university buildings with the possible intention of occupying them.

DC police said 33 arrests were made, including for assault on a police officer and unlawful entry. George Washington had warned of possible suspensions for continuing the camp on University Yard.

Policeofficers in riot gear also cleared a pro-Palestinian tent encampment at the University of Chicago late Tuesday. Since April 18, more than 2,600 people have been arrested on 50 campuses across the US.

The anti-war movement has spread to other parts of the world too. Protesters built barricades at the University of Amsterdam Wednesday, using desks and railings to block off the canalside entrance in the heart of the city. Police used a bulldozer to knock down barricades at another UvA site on Tuesday and detained 169 people, but said the varsity had not yet asked for similar intervention on Wednesday.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/police-clear-anti-war-stir-on-dc-campus-33-held/articleshow/109963017.cms

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Houston police chief retires suddenly after questions raised about more than 260,000 suspended investigations

May 9, 2024

Houston’s police chief unexpectedly retired from the force Tuesday night amid questions about a department policy that allowed hundreds of thousands of cases to be suspended, including sexual abuse cases, according to the mayor’s office.

Troy Finner had served as the chief of the Houston Police Department since 2021, capping off a 34-year career with the department.

“I consider Troy Finner a friend. It was tough to accept his retirement, but it was in the best interest of Houstonians,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in an impromptu news conference Wednesday.

The retirement announcement came hours after an internal email obtained by CNN affiliate KHOU showed Finner referring to an investigation being suspended due to “lack of personnel,” in 2018, three years before he had said he was aware of the policy.

Finner was executive assistant chief over patrol operations at the time the email was written.

At a February news conference, Finner said he didn’t know about the practice until 2021, the year he became chief, when he ordered the department’s Special Victims Division to stop using the “lack of personnel” code to suspended investigations.

Finner said in April the police department had made progress reviewing about 264,000 investigations that were suspended since 2016 citing only lack of personnel. More than 4,000 of those cases involved allegations of adult sex crimes. An independent review committee is also investigating.

In a statement issued Tuesday night after the KHOU report aired, Finner said, “I have always been truthful and have never set out to mislead anyone about anything, including this investigation.”

The outgoing chief said he did not know about the “suspended lack of personnel” codes used by Houston police at the time, despite it being mentioned in the email.

Finner’s statement promised he would “address the media and the public” once the investigation was complete. The mayor informed the city council of Finner’s retirement later that night.

Larry Satterwhite was appointed acting police chief by Whitmire Wednesday. Satterwhite served as executive assistant chief under Finner. The mayor declined to say whether he had asked for Finner’s retirement.

“It was affecting operations at HPD. That’s the bottom line,” Whitmire told reporters Wednesday. “I dealt with it because it was a distraction to the mission of the men and women in HPD.”

Finner did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNN.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the police department had not officially announced the change of leadership.

Source: yahoo.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.yahoo.com/news/houston-police-chief-retires-suddenly-205950333.html

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East County planning group wants to tap brakes on Muslim cemetery in remote Pine Valley

09-05-24

It's a tale as old as the American West: folks fighting over water.

This time, however, the battle brewing in a remote California community is one you've likely never heard before.

The clash is centered in the normally sleepy community of Pine Valley, which, according to most recent U.S. Census Bureau figures, has a population of 1,645. Although you don't have to live in town to sign, that figure is close to how many people signed a petition boasting 1,800 signatures that was circulated to Stop SD Crescentwood Cemetery.

The proposed Muslim cemetery, which its nonprofit board had hoped to have operational by the end of 2024, would be nestled on 37 untouched acres between Interstate 8 and Old Highway 80.

It's a beautiful spot, with serene mountain vistas off to the southeast, and wild brush and red-shank chaparral speckled across the crusty, sandy soil. Critics argue, though, that it sits above the Campo-Cottonwood Sole Source Aquifer, which serves the groundwater needs of thousands of East County residents. Depending upon whom you talk with, the facility could host as few as four burials a year or as many as 350.

The problem with locating the cemetery there, though, argue some local residents and the voting members of the Campo/Lake Morena Community Planning Group, is that "effluvium" from decomposing human bodies could leach into the ground, eventually making its way down and contaminating the aquifer.

Some of the locals' concerns arise due to typical Muslim burial practices, in which the body is buried in a shroud, not a casket, and has not been embalmed. The board of the Crescentwood Cemetery Group, however, has reportedly said it has some flexibility in adhering to those typical customs.

THE PLAN FOR SD CRESCENTWOOD CEMETERY

Currently, there are no cemeteries in Pine Valley. An employee at East County Mortuary & Cremation Services said she believed the Alpine Cemetery on Victoria Drive would be the nearest place to bury a body.

The official beginning of the Pine Valley project was back in August 2021, when an application was filed by Crescentwood Cemetery and Mortuary (plans for an on-site mortuary have since been suspended; all funeral preparations would now take place off-site), and, the following February, the land purchase of the property in the 35200 block of Old Highway, out near the La Posta Indian Reservation and Golden Acorn Casino, was complete.

According to a timeline posted on the cemetery's website, the board was formed that same month, an engineering company was hired in July 2022, and, by March of the following year, the organization had filed for a Major Use Permit (MUP) with San Diego County in hopes of having it approved by September of this year and making grave sites available by year's end.

During that time, an access driveway was scraped on the site, clearing brush and chaparral from the lane, and a 1,000-foot deep well capable of discharging 15 gallons of groundwater a minute was drilled.

According to a statement on the proposed cemetery's "About" page, "SD Crescentwood Services (SDCWS) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization working to serve the burial needs of the Muslim community in the San Diego area. We are an independent organization and not associated to any mosque or any other religious institution. Our mission is to provide affordable and sustainable burial services to the Muslim communities of Southern California. Our goal is to have a large cost-friendly cemetery to satisfy the needs of our community for the years to come."

The website describes Pine Valley as "an ideal location" 57 miles from the Islamic Center of San Diego, in Clairemont Mesa East, and 62 miles from the Muslim Community Center of Greater San Diego, in central San Diego north of Torrey Highlands.

If the project is approved by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and built as envisioned by its creators, it would be surrounded by chain-link fence on three sides, with a tubular-steel fence along Old Highway 80, and would feature 40 parking spots, including two for buses; five separate burial areas; a gazebo; a walking path with a central roundabout; a monument sign; a water storage tank; a 500-square-foot storage building; and not much else, other than a large open-space easement on the cemetery's far side.

At one point, Crescentwood also had plans for Port-a-Potties on-site but the county, in a preliminary response to their MUP, which is called a scoping letter, said Crescentwood would need to have restrooms on-site as well as associated on-site sewage treatment.

It's not clear — despite the allegation that the local planning group makes that there would be 350 burials a year — how many bodies would be buried annually or ever at the site; the Crescentwood website says that 350 graves are needed a year. It does not say that is how many burials would be conducted. The MUP, though, says "it is anticipated that there will be approximately four burials per month."

SDCWS said grave sites would be offered free to people "as it is a service to the Muslim community," though there are costs connected to funerals, including $250 for administrative costs and another $250 for a county fee, as well as $1,000 for transportation and "approximately $3,500" to bury the body, and to provide a grave marker and concrete box and slab.

The MUP filed by Crescentwood states that 15 of the 37 acres that make up the site would be for the actual cemetery, with 15 acres set aside for open space and six or so other acres for stormwater basins and buffers. It also says that the grading will be "site balanced," with 21,000 cubic yards of cut and fill utilized. So, the developers would scrape the site where necessary, and use the leftover soil to fill in spots elsewhere, with the "removal of high and low points to create rolling topography suitable for burial." Brush clearing would take place an acre at a time or as needed for burial to minimize erosion.

THE CAMPO/LAKE MORENA PLANNING GROUP (CLMPG)

In April 2023, the planning group, which typically meets once a month in Campo at the Mountain Empire Community Center, first took up the topic of the Crescentwood Cemetery, mostly to discuss what was known about the project. The CLMPG's chair, Billie Jo Jannen, had reached out to "planners, proponents and neighbors" in anticipation of a meeting in May, with plans at that meeting to have applicants and a county planner in attendance to make a full presentation, followed by a discussion and vote, "if appropriate," as the agenda for the meeting phrased it.

From the minutes of the meeting, it appears that things kicked off with Jannen sharing her research regarding regulations about the siting of cemeteries, of which, she said, there were virtually none. Next, she mentioned that her online research had uncovered a Phase II was planned for the site, which was not part of the Crescentwood application and that Jensen thought should be. After she spoke, there was a mention of the fact that Muslim burial customs don't include embalming.

Soon, a woman named Amanda Sadler, who the minutes describe as a "neighbor to the project," spoke. From the minutes: "Her first degree was at UCSD in neuroscience. What is published today is very new regarding cemeteries. They are a huge source of pollution. Internal implants (such as joint replacement) and residues of medical treatments (such as chemo and prescriptions) can also cause problems in our watershed. The organisms inside the body leak out into the fine sand [and] into the claylike material, which is the best breeding ground for E. coli, streptococcus, tuberculosis."

Sadler was followed by Richard Blaisdell, who the minutes say has been a resident for 35 years. He stated that there was no alternative water source for the community.

And just that quickly, the objections to the Crescentwood cemetery came into focus. But the CLMPG doesn't have the last word.

As San Diego County's Land Use & Environment Group communications officer Donna Durckel pointed out to NBC 7 in an email on May 2, "local planning groups are advisory in nature, [but] most land-use decisions are made by the board of supervisors or planning commission. The decision on this Major Use Permit project is a decision of the county planning commission, which is appealable to the board of supervisors."

That said, in the county's reply to the MUP (the "scoping letter"), it repeatedly urged the Crescentwood organizers to work with the CLMPG on its project and that "a recommendation from the CPG is required prior to hearing."

The most significant concern the planning group has is that the cemetery would be, if not directly above the Campo/Cottonwood Creek Aquifer, close enough for any fluids from the decomposing bodies to leach into the so-called sole-source aquifer for a region providing groundwater for tens of thousands of East County residents.

Although the MUP states that "future facilities are planned for the site and are not part of this action and may be implemented under a separate permit as required by the county of San Diego," Crescentwood's project manager told the planning group and community back in May of last year that the “initial consultation did have other components and there are now no other phases. They had dreams of a big facility but they do not have the money or the wherewithal to do it. This is what they need, they are in dire need of burial space.”

The main objection, though, that neighbors and planning group members keep circling back to is groundwater contamination. In that petition with 1,800 signatures, a concern is raised that "leachate can contaminate drinking water by seeping into the ground and entering the aquifer. This can happen through cracks in the cemetery's liner, or through the natural breakdown of the liner over time. Byproducts including bacteria, viruses, parasites, lead, arsenic, and mercury." At one planning group meeting, officials did ask whether medical devices like pacemakers would be left in bodies interred at the cemetery, and a Crescentwood said there were no plans to remove such devices, according to the minutes.

WHAT DO THE EXPERTS SAY?

Elias Divino Saba, who holds a doctorate of chemistry in Brazil, published a paper last year evaluating the impacts of a cemetery on groundwater. On Friday, he told NBC 7 through his son, who was acting as an interpreter, that he studied a situation in Brasilia in which allegations were made that a cemetery had polluted the groundwater, sickening people. As part of his study, he took samples every three months for 11 years, from 2007-18, and determined that any biological pollutants had degraded by the time they leached 1.5 meters into the ground, with soil filtration and time eliminating the danger of groundwater contamination.

As part of his research, Saba has studied the impacts in both basaltic and lateritic soil, he said, not in sandy soil, which is present in Pine Valley, which he thought would require a greater depth of filtration to eliminate biohazardous contamination. He did not provide an estimate of how deep any leachate would have to go before it was rendered harmless.

A report in the Journal of Water and Health from 2015 reviewed "the results of investigations related to the impact of cemeteries on groundwater bacteriology and virology.

While every cemetery site would need to be assessed individually, the report's introduction begins by stating that cemeteries "are among the chief anthropogenic sources of pollution and contamination of water in urban areas and beyond them."

Pine Valley, of course, is far from any urban area but does draw its water from the aquifer running below it.

In the conclusions section of the report — which examined studies in Europe, South America, Africa and Australia, but not North America — it states that "in a moderate climate condition, a relatively low impact of cemeteries on groundwater pollution by bacteria and viruses was observed. Higher numbers of bacteria are primarily associated with long-lasting rainfall periods."

The report's authors also found that "Brazilian researchers are of the opinion that this negative impact could be contained through proper burial site management and the correct placement of cemeteries." Also, in seeming agreement with Saba, the report said that the research showed that many "reviewed studies revealed some kind of regularity, namely, the more shallow the groundwater table, the more bacteria occur in the water.

Among the report's recommendations,:

Cemeteries should be located on bedrocks where ... the clay mineral content ranges between 20 and 40%; the bottom of the grave is at least 1.5 m above the maximum groundwater level

Cemeteries should not be located in areas where ... the groundwater level is shallow … the substrate is very permeable (e.g., sands and gravels, fractured rocks, karst structures)

The groundwater in cemeteries should be monitored both in terms of biological contamination and the depth of its table level

People responsible for management processes in a cemetery should … establish recommendations for preparation of interments; those should focus on: construction of coffins, the manner of preparing corpses (including embalming), conservation of coffins, clothing items placed in coffins

CRESCENTWOOD COMMUNITY GROUP

How the bodies would be interred, of course, is a subject that all parties are interested in. According to the minutes from the CLMPG's meeting last June, Crescentwood project manager Steve Wragg said that "burial is in a concrete casting with an open bottom so the body can integrate with the ground." It has been reported elsewhere, though, that the bodies would be encased in cement. NBC 7 asked Naser "Nick" Alemaddin, a representative for Crescentwood, if the bodies would be enclosed in cement, but he declined to answer specific questions and, instead, provided the following statement:

"The Crescentwood Community Group has followed all county and state protocols for the cemetery project. They have contracted with professional engineers and land surveyors to ensure that all environmental and logistical requirements are being met. The proposed construction has been monitored closely to ensure the requirement for advanced hydrology studies has been complied with by Crescentwood. Any further requirements the county lays on will be met with due diligence and competence. Crescentwood has made an adequate attempt to mitigate all community concerns. At this time any member of Crescentwood are unable to make any further statements."

Back in May 2023, though, at the CLMPG meeting, Crescentwood's board members were still speaking about the project, as was CLMPG board member Wellman Sriamorn, who pointed out that when a horse or cattle dies, locals who don't pick up a phone and call a veterinarian to come out and retrieve the body are subject to fines, a distinction not lost on the planning group.

The ordinance Sriamorn seems to be citing is Sec. 62.803, which prohibits depositing or keeping dead animals on private property. While it appears that there are exceptions to that rule, specifically that "every part is covered by at least three feet of soil and the burial location is at least one hundred feet from any well, spring, stream or other surface water, not in a low-lying area subject to seasonal flooding," it's also required that any dead bodies "not likely to contaminate groundwater."

In the county's scoping letter response to Crescentwood's Major Use Permit, the county almost immediately "strongly recommends" coordinating with the CLMPG, since it will "consider comments … in its decision-making process," then shoots down the Port-a-Potty plan and requires the submission of a host of documents, including a Revised Plot Plan, a Revised Biological Resource Report and, perhaps most significantly, a Groundwater Investigation and a Hydrology & Water Quality Report. It also states as a goal that the project ensure "that proposed new developments conduct thorough tests to ensure that the groundwater will not be overdrafted or contaminated for present or future generations."

The following is also required of Crescentwood:

A technical Memorandum shall be prepared by a California Professional Geologist to evaluate the risk of necroleachate impacting groundwater resources

A water loading study that looks at the cumulative load at buildout of the cemetery, using a mass balance method, to determine whether the load from the project has the potential to cause the concentration of in-ground water to exceed applicable groundwater quality objectives/primary drinking water standards

Using soil type, lithology type, rock type (secondary porosity of fractures), depth to groundwater, flow mechanism, and distance to sensitive receptors (production wells, surface water bodies), evaluate the relative risk of necroleachate impacting groundwater resources. The risk of being sited atop of a fractured rock aquifer should be taken into consideration given the potential for fractures to transport contaminants

Crescentwood's project manager, Wragg, said at the June meeting that a study should be conducted at the project site to determine the possibility of groundwater contamination.

Another issue the Crescentwood board will have to address, according to the scoping letter, is how many burials per month are expected, since "the number of 4/month and 350/year are in conflict."

And, finally, the letter states "this property is located within the Campo/Lake Morena Community Planning Group (CPG) boundaries. A recommendation from the CPG is required prior to hearing." That said, Durckel, with the county's Land Use & Environment Group, said planning groups are "advisory in nature" and their approval is not necessarily required for a project to move forward.

In an attachment to the Scoping Letter, the Campo Lake Morena Planning Group laid out its concerns to the county, starting off with its belief that the MUP application was incomplete. The planning group also raised what it felt is inequal treatment between livestock and human remains: "County staff are being quite lenient with a project that involves many more tons of potential effluent than a single dead horse."

Officials then made their most comprehensive objection to the potential groundwater contamination:

"Cemeteries in general are risky over groundwater, and nothing we have seen indicates that the local groundwater would be immune to the effects of pollution from 350 decomposing bodies per year. No local studies have been carried out on the effects of cemetery effluent on local groundwater. In addition to testing the speed at which foreign materials move into groundwater and out to neighboring wells, the proponents should be required to provide full testing of groundwater quality under local cemeteries to learn what bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals can be expected to appear."

FOR NOW, A STALEMATE

The planning group sent the county a letter — approved by a unanimous 6-0 vote — on March 4, 2024, pleading for more regulations regarding siting cemeteries in groundwater-dependent communities. The CLMPG also said it was not singling out Crescentwood's cemetery: "Looking ahead, however, it seems likely that this is only the first such proposal that the rural planning areas will see. As cemetery space dwindles in the urban graveyards, and land in and around cities goes up in price, our rural lands will look far more attractive than sites near the point of need."

For their part, the Crescentwood group disagrees regarding groundwater concerns. At the May 2023 meeting, according to the planning group's minutes, a Crescentwood board member named Karem, presumably Karem Elhams, a self-identified engineer listed on the Crescentwood "About" Page who the minutes described as a civil engineer, explained how aquifers work and pointed out that wildlife dies all over the area and said that "no reliable studies … have been published regarding cemeteries and groundwater contamination." The minutes go on to say that "Karem respectfully disagrees that the cemetery will contaminate the groundwater, saying that it [would] take thousands of years for effluent to go through solid rock."

Speaking to NBC 7 in April, though, Jannen strongly disagreed with Elhams.

"We have what is called a fractured bedrock groundwater system," Jannen said. "We have rock. Lots and lots of it. But it's all broken up in cracks and crevices. When it rains, water flows into those cracks and crevices, and that's what we survive on most of the year. It doesn't take a thousand years. If it took a thousand years, there would be no groundwater in the backcountry."

In a follow-up email with Jannen, she wrote that encasing the buried bodies in cement would not satisfy her concerns regarding groundwater contamination, and added a new, seismic element: "First, cement is a porous material — more porous than most rock — and can even dissolve in water over time, especially if they use bagged cement. Second, cement is also more prone to cracking than rock is — even faster if they don't use rebar — so imagine how that would work on land that experiences geological upsets capable of cracking the local bedrock."

For his part, Saba, the Brazilian researcher, said that the effluvium from decomposing bodies tends to be acidic, which would corrode cement.

Jannen was not the only planning group member with concerns about Crescentwood. Cory Gautereaux told those in attendance, according to the minutes, that “I guess my concern for the community here, besides the water, is that this project was started by misleading the community … [by] not providing accurate information regarding the project … No one is any different in this room. We are all the same. Everyone wants the same thing. I would like to support you because of your religion and your burial processes, and I believe you have the same rights as everyone else. It is very important to your culture and you have explained that. Although your constituents have misled a lot of people in this community and they have felt misled. So, what are you going to do to change that?”

An unidentified member of the Crescentwood contingent was quoted as saying at the meeting, "Going forward we are going to have everything right out on the table, no hidden agenda or anything like that.”

Alemaddin of the Crescentwood board explained that he didn't want to conduct an interview with NBC 7 for this story after there was "a lot of pushback from the community and they don't want to escalate things," and that they were concerned about stoking controversy.

CRESCENTWOOD'S NEXT STEPS

At this point, the county is waiting on various studies, including the Groundwater Investigation and the Hydrology & Water Quality Report, from the Crescentwood Group and, upon their receipt, will evaluate the impacts of the project on the environment and decide whether any mitigation will be required.

A handful of children were on the playground during a recent visit to Pine Valley County Park, about 15 miles away from the cemetery, with the sun shining overhead and birds singing in the nearby trees. A few parents, including local Alan Klos, who's lived in Pine Valley for seven years, sat on a short retaining wall nearby keeping watch. NBC 7 spoke with a handful of Pine Valley residents that morning, about half of whom, Klos among them, were aware of the cemetery and the controversy surrounding it.

"I mean, it's not ideal but, unfortunately, those who have departed, they do need a place to be buried, and I really can't think of a whole lot of more beautiful areas than out here," Klos said. "As long as they're careful, I don't really see a problem with it."

Klos, a large bearded fellow with a friendly demeanor who has spent years working in the security industry, went on to explain what he meant by "careful": "Making sure that those who have been interred aren't polluting the groundwater. You know, it's not causing any sort of environmental issues or potentially affecting the safety of the families who live here in Pine Valley and in the area."

You'll get no argument from Jannen about the fact that the cemetery could be opened on the site under the current county permitting processes and that there are few in the way of the cemetery's creation.

"Other than common sense, no," Jannen said in the April email to NBC 7.

However, Jannen said, she was hopeful after the county required a deeper dive on the groundwater issue in its scoping letter.

"Right now, they are doing various studies that are required," Jannen said. "I will give the county credit. They did pay attention to our initial comments on the scoping [letter]."

Originally, Crescentwood's organizers had hopes for the cemetery to open by year's end, but it seems likely that another year or so will pass before the county will render a decision.

The county's Land Use & Environment Group communications officer, Donna Durckel, echoed that theory.

"A public hearing on the project is probably still a year from now, depending on when the applicant provides the required information requested," said Durckel in the statement sent to NBC 7 on May 1, also saying that the "project is fairly early in the county process and there will be more opportunities for the community and public to provide feedback on the project, including a public review period and public hearing."

The next meeting of the Campo Lake Morena Planning group is scheduled for May 27 at 7 p.m., according to Jannen.

Source: nbcsandiego.com

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https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/east-county-planning-group-wants-to-tap-brakes-on-muslim-cemetery-in-remote-pine-valley/3505899/

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Labour needs to 'rebuild trust' with Muslim voters, says Rachel Reeves, following West Yorkshire council losses

9th May 2024

Labour needs to “rebuild trust” with Muslim communities after the local elections saw voters turn on the party over its stance over Palestine, Rachel Reeves has said.

The party’s shadow chancellor this week admitted that areas with large Muslim populations had shifted away from the party over its position on the conflict in the Middle East.

“I regret whenever someone decides that they can’t bring themselves to vote for the Labour Party and we will seek to rebuild the trust of those communities in the weeks and months ahead,” she said.

She told LBC that Labour does “want to rebuild relations, which we know are frayed with the Muslim community,” adding that Keir Starmer and David Lammy will lead the work to do so.

On Monday several of Labour’s metro mayors began their new terms in office by posting statements directly addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict on social media following substantial protest votes in council elections in their areas, including Tracy Brabin, the West Yorkshire mayor.

Analysis by The Yorkshire Post found that in 10 local election wards in Yorkshire, Labour lost councillors following an organised vote by its large Muslim population.

These areas, each with populations that are at least 40 per cent Muslim according to the latest census data, saw Sir Keir Starmer’s party pushed to as low as fourth as independent councillors won.

The areas, covering the constituencies of Bradford East, Bradford West and Dewsbury and Batley, could see Labour MPs with a more difficult task come the next general election unless Muslim voters are convinced that the party can be trusted on Palestine.

The Bolton and Undercliffe ward in Bradford East, was won last week by David Ward, the former Liberal Democrat MP for the seat who ran as an independent as part of a slate of Bradford candidates who were critical of Labour and its position on Israel.

In the City ward of Bradford West, Labour was pushed into fourth place. The seat is currently held by Naz Shah who ousted George Galloway in 2015.

Campaigns on the social media platform TikTok by independent candidates in Bradford said that a vote for Labour was the equivalent of being complicit in the genocide of Palestinians.

Posts seen by The Yorkshire Post referenced both Labour’s refusal to back an SNP motion calling for a ceasefire, as well as Sir Keir Starmer’s suggestions last year that Israel has “the right” to withhold power and water from Gaza, as key attack-lines against the party locally.

In Kirklees, Labour lost its majority on the council as four independent candidates ousted the party’s councillors in areas covering the new Dewsbury and Batley constituency.

Two of these wards are part of the Batley and Spen constituency contested by George Galloway in the 2021 by-election won by Labour’s Kim Leadbeater.

Ali Milani, chair of Labour Muslim Network, said Labour's Gaza position "is going to have a serious electoral consequence" for the party.

"If I was a Labour MP in Bradford or Birmingham or Leicester or parts of London or Manchester I would be seriously concerned," he added.

It comes as Labour also sought to shore up support from the right of the electorate with the defection of Tory MP Natalie Elphicke.

The MP for Dover said the Prime Minister had failed to deliver on his promise to stop the boats and also accused him of deserting the political centre ground.

She crossed the floor in the Commons just moments before Prime Minister’s Questions and sat behind Sir Keir Starmer, who hailed her defection as another indication of how he had changed the Labour Party.

“From small boats to biosecurity, Rishi Sunak’s government is failing to keep our borders safe and secure,” she said.

“Lives are being lost in the English Channel while small boat arrivals are once again at record levels.

“It’s clear they have failed to keep our borders secure and cannot be trusted.”

Source: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/politics/labour-needs-to-rebuild-trust-with-muslim-voters-says-rachel-reeves-following-west-yorkshire-council-losses-4621246

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Roman Catholic School Visits Mosque To Learn About The Religion And Its Similarities To Other Faiths

By Ruby Qaimkhani

Year five pupils who attend Our Lady of the Angels Roman Catholic school in Cwmbran visited a Turkish mosque to learn about other faiths and explore the mosque and Islam.

Chris James, the teacher that supervised the visit, said: "The visit to the mosque was incredibly special and enjoyable. The pupils and I learned loads about Islam and Islamic culture.

"The Welsh Sisters Circle and the Imam were welcoming, friendly and incredibly kind. I'd urge every school, head and teacher to get in touch with them. You won't regret it."

Here, children were able to try on traditional Muslim clothing including hijabs (headscarf), abayas (modest ladies clothing similar to a maxi dress), topi (hats worn by men) and thobes (loose men’s clothing).

Jasmin Maruf, CEO of the Welsh Sisters Circle said: "We hosted a school from Cwmbran called Our Lady of the Angels Roman Catholic primary and nursery school at the Turkish Mosque called the Newport Diyanet Education Community Centre.

"The kids got to listen to the Athan (call to prayer) take part in Salah (Islamic prayer) took part in some Dikir (Remembrance of Allah) and listened to Quran and Imam sang a Nasheed (hymn) for them."

One of the pupils, Evyn, said: "It was very interesting learning about Islam and how it has lots of similarities with Christianity. I enjoyed wearing the Islamic clothes, especially the cap."

Another pupil, Sofia, said: "It was so much fun! My favourite part was doing some Islamic songs."

Activities for the children included writing their names in Arabic. Mrs Maruf said the children "even asked if they could get their siblings names and parents names written so they could take them home and show their family."

Mrs Maruf of the Welsh Sisters Circle group added: "We spoke about Islam, what makes us a Muslim and the 5 pillars of Islam, and the commonalities in the 3 Abrahamic religions, we named the prophets and all the holy books we believe in and that we all worship Allah the one God."

Our Lady's Cwmbran school shared a post on social media, which said: "Year 5 had a wonderful time visiting a mosque today. We cannot thank the Imam and volunteers enough for providing such a warm welcome.

"Understanding others enables diversity to flourish within our school community.

Source: southwalesargus.co.uk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/24303467.lady-angels-roman-catholic-school-visit-mosque/

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Sweden's Eurovision brings kitsch in the shadow of Gaza

May 9, 2024

After a run-up in the shadow of the war in Gaza, the Eurovision Song Contest final gets underway on Saturday in Sweden's Malmo, where representatives from 26 countries will compete.

Up to 30,000 demonstrators are expected to protest against Israel's participation in the competition over its offensive in Gaza on Thursday, when the country's representative Eden Golan takes part in the second semi-final.

In the big line-up of original acts, Croatia, Switzerland and Ukraine are favourites to win the affair distinguished by kitsch and rhinestones.

Inside the Malmo Arena, it's all neon lights, bright costumes and upbeat melodies.

Outside, despite the colourful decorations lining the streets, the mood is more sombre as heavily armed police patrol the city.

The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Militants also took about 250 hostages. Israel estimates 128 of them remain in Gaza, including 36 who officials say are dead.

Israel in response vowed to crush Hamas and launched a military offensive that has killed at least 34,844 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

Since October, pro-Palestinian rallies have been a regular occurrence in Malmo, which is home to the majority of Sweden's population of Palestinian origin.

Throughout the port city of more than 360,000 inhabitants, brightly coloured banners compete for attention with Palestinian flags hanging from windows and balconies.

Organisers have banned all flags other than those of the participating countries inside the arena, as well as all banners with a political message.

- 'Politics is everywhere' -

Last year, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the competition, banned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from speaking in the arena in order to protect the neutrality of the event.

This neutrality was challenged on Tuesday during the first semi-final by Swedish singer Eric Saade, who took part in the opening number of the competition wearing a keffiyeh around his arm.

Swedish broadcaster SVT and the EBU condemned his gesture, insisting on the apolitical nature of the popular music festival -- which is more often associated with flashy performances.

"It's just its complete own world. It's a very joyful, colourful world, a world where I feel safe," said Nemo, a Swiss artist who identifies as non-binary and is one of the favourites.

Malmo is expecting up to 100,000 visitors, and for fans of the contest "it's what's on stage that is important", Andreas Onnerfors, professor of the history of ideas and a Eurovision specialist, told AFP.

Nearly 70 years old, Eurovision is "a colourful mix of people, a demonstration of European tolerance that doesn't exist in any other form or place", he stressed.

However, for the artists representing Ukraine, "politics is everywhere".

"Culture is a part of politics, so every song is political," rapper Aliona Savranenko, known by her artist name alyona alyona, told AFP over the weekend.

"There should be demonstrations, people should voice their opinions, people should boycott," Magnus Bormark, who is competing for Norway with his group Gate, told AFP.

Gate, like eight other contestants, have publicly called for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

Representatives of some countries considered boycotting the competition to protest Israel's participation, but decided against it in the end.

- 'Intensification' -

Security is a major concern, especially as Sweden raised its terror alert level last year following a series of protests involving desecrations of the Koran.

Security checks have been stepped up, in particular for access to the various sites, where bags will mostly be prohibited.

The police presence has also been strengthened, with reinforcements coming from Norway and Denmark.

But police spokesman Jimmy Modin said the first days of Eurovision week were calm and that there was no threat directed at the competition.

Some members of the Jewish community are planning to leave the city for the weekend.

"With Eurovision, there's a kind of intensification. The feeling of insecurity increased after October 7, and many Jews are worried," said Fredrik Sieradzki, a spokesman for local group The Jewish Community of Malmo.

"I can't really be happy about Eurovision, even though as a congregation we think it's good that everyone is welcome here in Malmo, including Israel," he added.

Security around the synagogue has been stepped up, while on social networks, threats have been directed at Israel's singer Golan.

As the final starts at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) on Saturday, activists will be organising the first edition of Falastinvision in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Source: yahoo.com

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TV chef joins vicars and imams for cricket match

TV chef Andi Oliver has added a culinary twist to an inter-faith cricket match as part of a new BBC Two cookery series.

The annual match between the Church of England in Lancashire (Blackburn Diocese) and Lancashire Council of Mosques (LCM), took place at Calder Vale Sports Club in Burnley last year.

Ms Oliver, who is host of the BBC's Great British Menu, created a special tea for the event which was filmed for new show, Fabulous Feasts, due to air on BBC Two at 7pm.

Councillor Afrasiab Anwar, leader of Burnley Council and member of the LCM cricket team, said the match celebrated unity in Lancashire.

“It’s great to be able to compete against each other in this way," he said.

"But, more importantly, it’s about the conversations we have, the friendships we build and the way we come together to promote and celebrate the wonderful communities and wonderful people we have here in Lancashire."

Reverend Jordan McDermott, from the United Benefice of Accrington, said the inter-faith county cricket match began in 2018 and had gone on to become an example of good community relations.

"It is wonderful how this inter-faith, clergy versus imams cricket match has developed," Mr McDermott, who is also captain of the Church of England in Lancashire’s team, said.

"The relationships which we have fostered are having a real impact on the communities of which we are a part.

"The cricket is always closely contested, and very competitive - but above all, it is good fun."

Mozaquir Ali, trustee of Building Bridges in Burnley, said "I’m so glad this cricket match is now happening every year, demonstrating the unity we enjoy here in Lancashire."

Heavy rain stopped play on the day, however the tea still went ahead and the teams were filmed tucking into Ms Oliver's creations with food sourced from local producers.

“It’s been so beautiful to be here in Lancashire to see people celebrating difference, supporting each other and understanding each other's communities," Andi Oliver said.

“I’m a big fan of cricket teas, we used to make cricket teas all the time when I was a kid.

"Cricket, and sport generally, brings people together but it’s the intention that’s important and the intention of this match is community cohesion and genuine friendship.

"I am genuinely quite moved by the honest intention people have here.”

A rematch is scheduled to take place at Burnley Cricket Club on 28 July.

Source: bbc.com

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Mideast

 

Muslim group hails Bahamas' recognition of Palestine

08.05.2024

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday welcomed a decision by the Bahamas to recognize the state of Palestine.

"This important step is in line with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, contributes to affirming the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and supports their just cause," it said in a statement.

The OIC expressed appreciation for such positions in support of "international efforts aimed at ending Israeli colonial occupation of Palestinian land since 1967, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem), and push in the direction of achieving justice and freedom for the Palestinian people."

It reiterated its call to countries not recognizing Palestine to follow suit "in support of the international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region on the basis of the two-state solution and relevant international legitimacy resolutions."

Source: aa.com.tr/

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Syrian fighters belonging to Islamic Jihad killed in southern Lebanon

May 8, 2024

Islamic Jihad published a statement on its official Telegram channel on Wednesday, grieving the deaths of three fighters belonging to its Syria branch, Ali al-Aswad Brigade. Islamic Jihad said the fighters died in southern Lebanon as a part of the al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel.

“With the highest signs of pride, the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, deliver to our struggling Palestinian people and to the Arab and Islamic nations: The martyr mujahid Mahmoud Muhammad Balauni (29 years old), martyr mujahid Ahmed Muhammad Halawa (28 years old), and the martyr mujahid Muhammad Hussein Joud (27 years old). Those who rose on the borders of occupied Palestine in southern Lebanon as part of the al-Aqsa Flood battle while performing their combat duty,” said the statement.

The deaths of the Islamic Jihad fighters add to the growing evidence of foreign fighters aligned with the Iran-led Resistance Axis that are actively engaging Israel in the ongoing seven-month conflict.

On Mar. 2, the Israeli military said that it had targeted a vehicle in southern Lebanon carrying members of the Iran-backed Syrian militia Imam Hossein Brigade, who had launched rockets into northern Israel earlier that day.

Less than a week before the strike on members of the Imam Hossein Brigade, Israel killed two Syrian fighters belonging to Islamic Jihad operating in southern Lebanon.

Notably, on Nov. 22, 2023, Hamas announced that Israel killed a group of fighters in an airstrike as they traveled in a vehicle in southern Lebanon. The target of the attack was Khalil al-Kharaz, a missile commander belonging to the Lebanese branch of Hamas. Notably, the strike killed two Turkish nationals who were members of Hamas: Yakup Erdal and Seyfullah Bilal Öztürk.

Other Iran-led Resistance Axis groups may be discreetly conducting operations in Lebanon. One such example is the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which has taken credit for attacks on Israeli territory during the conflict. Some of these attacks have allegedly occurred against Israeli military installations in the Golan Heights. Still, other statements have claimed attacks on the port city of Ashdod and an unidentified target in the Mediterranean.

It’s impractical for the Islamic Resistance in Iraq to launch drones on targets in Ashdod and the Mediterranean Sea from areas such as Iraq or Syria because they would likely be shot down before they reached their destination. However, if they were launched from Lebanon, it would be a more feasible operation.

The IRGC, a key actor in supporting Hezbollah, is likely operating in Lebanon, and evidence suggests their involvement in aiding the group during the 2021 conflict in Gaza. Despite this, all confirmed Israeli actions against IRGC members in connection to the war have taken place in Syria.

Source: longwarjournal.org

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ISLAMIC RESISTANCE TARGETS ENEMY’S NEWLY ESTABLISHED WESTERN BRIGADE IN YA'ARA

NNA - The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon on Wednesday issued the following statement: "In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in solidarity with their brave and honorable resistance, the Islamic Resistance conducted an aerial attack with unmanned drones on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, targeting the headquarters of the newly established Western Brigade in Ya'ara, hitting its target accurately."

Source: nna-leb.gov.lb

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Children of Mosque Popular Theater Festival commences in Yazd

May 8, 2024

TEHRAN- The 15th edition of the Children of Mosque Popular Theater Festival kicked off with a grand ceremony in the historic town of Bafq in central Yazd province on Tuesday.

The event's opening ceremony took place at the Martyrs' Cemetery of Bafq county, attended by cultural officials, local authorities, and various participating theater groups, as announced by the Art Bureau's public relations office.

The governor of Bafq county welcomed guests at the start of the ceremony, expressing optimism for outstanding performances at the festival and highlighting the significance of hosting such an artistic celebration in Bafq, known as the birthplace of renowned Iranian artists.

Kourosh Zarei, director of the Art Bureau's Center for Dramatic Arts, credited the collaborative efforts of provincial officials for making the festival's inception in Bafq possible, underscoring the presence of esteemed artists like Nasrollah Qaderi, Hossein Fadai Hossein, and Mohammad Reza Azad, who will lead educational workshops and engaging discussions for the next generation of talent in attendance.

Zarei also mentioned the esteemed jury panel that will evaluate the performances of participating groups as the festival progresses.

In closing, he expressed hope that this edition of the festival would bring about inspiring artistic and cultural experiences for the town of Bafq and its residents, fostering a sense of cultural pride and excitement within the community.

During a press conference in Tehran on Sunday, Zarei mentioned that the festival had been suspended for three years to establish the necessary infrastructure and perspectives.

He also highlighted that throughout this hiatus, numerous mosque-based theater groups nationwide were actively staging plays and preparing for the upcoming edition of the festival.

Zarei added that this year's performing plays are the output of 800 theater groups, and efforts are being made to reach out to villages as well.

He emphasized that this theater festival should expand to all corners of Iran in order to discover and guide talents even in the remote areas of the country.

Highlighting the motto of the fifteenth festival as "My Mosque, My Artistic Home," Zarei stressed the intention to merge religious context with artistic themes and attract teenagers to mosques as cultural centers suitable for children to spend their time.

The 15th edition of the Children of Mosque Popular Theater Festival, with the participation of 14 groups of artists in the field of theater in mosques across the country, will run until May 10.

Source: tehrantimes.com

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Prime Minister receives a delegation from the International Council for the Rapprochement of Islamic doctrines

Baghdad-INA 

Today, Wednesday, Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani received a delegation from the International Council for the Rapprochement of Islamic doctrines.

The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): that "Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani received the delegation of the International Council for the Rapprochement of Islamic doctrines in the capital, Baghdad."

Source: ina.iq

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Pakistan

 

7 killed in Pakistan's Gwadar as terrorist open fire at sleeping workers

May 9, 2024

NEW DELHI: At least seven workers were killed and one was injured in a terrorist attack in Pakistan's Gwardar in Punjab province on Wednesday night.

The terrorist targeted workers sleeping at residential quarters near Fish Harbour Jetty in Gwadar's Sarband. According to police, the workers were from Sahiwal in Punjab.

The bodies of the deceased and the injured were taken to a hospital and cops have initiated a probe to arrest the perpetrators.

On May 1, at least seven policemen sustained injuries as terrorists launched an assault on a police checkpost in Punjab's Taunsa Sharif district, news agency ANI reported citing ARY News.

This incident hasmarked the second assault on the checkpoint within two months in the district.

According to police officials, terrorists attacked the Jhangi checkpost, situated in Wahova, Dera Ghazi Khan. Six officers sustained injuries, Samaa TV reported.

According to ARY News, seven injured policemen were transferred to Taunsa Sharif THQ hospital for medical assistance. The Punjab Police spokesperson confirmed an attempted terrorist attack on the Jhangi checkpoint.

He said that around 20 terrorists armed with grenades, rocket launchers, and laser-light guns attacked the checkpost. The spokesperson stated that the terrorists launched their assault from various directions under the cover of darkness, but retreated as they ran out of ammunition, as per ARY News report.

He further said that terrorists wanted to capture the police checkpost and take the policemen as captives. Upon receiving intelligence about the terrorist assault, law enforcement agencies arrived at the scene and secured the area.

After the attack, the vicinity was sealed off, and a thorough search operation was launched to capture the terrorists.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Pakistan’s first moon satellite enters its orbit

May 9, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakis­tan’s inaugural lunar satellite, ICUBE-Q, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully entering the moon’s orbit on Wednesday afternoon, as confirmed by Institute of Space Technology.

ICUBE-Qamar was successfully deployed in lunar orbit on May 8, at 1:14pm.

According to the Institute of Space Technology, the pivotal development highlights its importance in potentially unlocking larger-scale space missions for Pakistan in the future.

“Satellite after deployment is performing as per design specifications. All sub-systems’ health data is excellent. The imaging payload is fully functional,” IST said, adding, “The next two days will be spent conducting thorough in-orbit testing. Images will be shared after in-orbit testing.”

Last Friday, Pakistan became the sixth country to launch its first-ever moon satellite.

Riding on the Chinese rocket Chang’e 6 lunar probe, the ICUBE-Q satellite marked a historic collaboration between Pakistan and China in lunar exploration. The Chinese mission aimed to land on the moon’s far side, perpetually hidden from Earth, and subsequently collect and return samples.

The Chinese embassy expressed its enthusiasm for the milestone, highlighting that this marked the first-ever China-Pakistan cooperation on lunar exploration.

According to Dr Khurram Khursheed, head of the department of electrical and computer science at the institute, the satellite would play a critical role in deep space missions.

Operating in extreme temperatures as low as minus 100 degrees Celsius, the satellite features a 7kg one-megapixel camera tailored for missions with power constraints. “Its surface-level analysis capabilities, transmitting images at a modest 1-kbps, will provide crucial data on crater locations, water, and traces of ice on the moon’s surface. These findings, obtained through various techniques, hold promise for global utilisation,” he said.

As the Chinese lander collects rock and soil samples, ICUBE-Q will spend three to six months orbiting the moon, capturing and transmitting images of the moon back to Earth. By May 15, according to the institute, Pakistan anticipates sharing images captured by the satellite.

Source: dawn.com

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Opposition leaders slam military involvement in politics

May 9, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Prominent opposition leaders collectively called for the full implementation of the Constitution and criticised the military’s interference in political affairs.

The leaders were speaking at a seminar titled “Tahafuz-i-Aain-i-Pa­kistan: Kaise aur Kyun”, organised by the joint opposition on Wednes­day, on the eve of last year’s May 9 violent protests erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.

The seminar also came a day after the military said that those involved in the May 9 protests need to regret their acts with sincerity and shun the “politics of anarchy and hate” before any talks could be initiated with them.

However, speaking at Wednes­day’s event, PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, openly rejected the press conference of the director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), questioning the DG’s right to negotiate on political matters. He also alleged that the DG was confused and lacked narrative.

“DG ISPR, you are a protector, not the owner of the state,” Mr Ayub declared, emphasising that real power resides with the people and their elected representatives.

He also called for public access to several sensitive reports, including those on the Army Public School and the Abbottabad Commission, as well as the investigation into journalist Arshad Sharif’s death.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who presided over the seminar, said that people have started their struggle for “Haqiqi Azadi” (real freedom). He said Pakistan’s issues couldn’t be addressed unless each institution stayed within its prescribed limits.

He warned that the day anyone tried to enforce martial law or amend the Constitution, the workers of the joint opposition would be on the roads.

PTI leader Asad Qaiser, former speaker of the National Assembly, spoke about the severe disillusionment prevailing in the country and urged all institutions to adhere strictly to their roles to ensure peace in the country. He announced plans to conduct similar seminars in other cities to continue advocating for constitutional governance.

Another PTI leader, Advocate Hamid Khan, said the Constitution of 1956 was democratic and if it had not been suspended, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) would still be part of Pakistan. The country was divided because “we did not accept their (East Pakistan’s) mandate”, he said.

Advocate Khan noted that the DG ISPR said everything regarding the May 9 incident was clear. “It means that he has made a decision. Who has given him the power to make decisions?” he added.

Liaqat Baloch, the deputy head of Jamaat-i-Islami, suggested that there should be no role of the establishment in politics and democracy.

“No one will accept it even if someone holds a press conference in the Faisal Mosque (saying there is no role of establishment in politics). We will accept the result of the elections, which will be held without the establishment’s interference,” he said.

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jaffari, the head of Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, said that steps against the Constitu­tion should be stopped and those who won through “bogus” Forms-47 should not sit in the parliament.

Leader of the Opposition in Senate Shibli Faraz said the Constitution should be followed in letter and spirit.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said the Constitution was practically suspended and suggested making government with the vote and support of the people.

Advocate Sardar Latif Khosa said that the state consisted of only people and others were employees. “You are employees; you are not even an institution. Everyone must follow the Constitution, even if they are the chief justice or army chief,” he added.

Source: dawn.com

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Six terrorists gunned down in separate KP operations

May 08, 2024

Security forces gunned down six terrorists during separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday

The military’s media wing said that the security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation on May 8, 2024, on the reported presence of terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan District of KP.

“During the conduct of the operation, five terrorists were successfully neutralised by the security forces and sent to hell,” the ISPR said in a brief statement.

In another exchange of fire in North Waziristan District, troops effectively located the terrorists’ presence and gunned down a militant named, Inam Ullah.

The military’s media wing said that weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the slain terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as innocent civilians.

“Sanitisation operation is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area as the security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country,” the statement added.

As Pakistan witnesses a sharp rise in militancy, the military and armed forces have been actively engaged in actions to eliminate terrorists.

On Tuesday, Director General ISPR Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said there was "irrefutable evidence" of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) using Afghanistan's soil against the country.

Reaffirming the commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, he had said that Pakistan would leave no stone unturned to eliminate the terrorist network.

He had stressed that the security forces would go to any extent against terrorists. However, the spokesperson had also said that the first priority of the Pakistan Army was to maintain law and order in the country.

"The army chief has said that there's no place for terrorists in Pakistan," the chief military spokesperson had said while reassuring that "steps are being taken to bring the miscreants to justice".

Providing details about the army’s anti-terror efforts, he had said that as many as 13,133 operations were carried out in 2024 wherein 239 terrorists were naturalised, whereas two officers and 60 soldiers had embraced martyrdom.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader calls May 9 riots 'conspiracy to target Imran Khan'

May 9, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Responding to critics targeting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for planning and executing May 9 protests, the party's secretary general, Omar Ayub Khan, called the incident "a conspiracy to target party founder Imran Khan," Pakistan-based Geo News reported.

Speaking at a seminar related to the protection of the Pakistan Constitution on Wednesday, Ayub said that PTI has a one-point agenda, "which is the supremacy of the Constitution and law" in Pakistan.

Omar Ayub Khan said that the incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan asked the citizens of Pakistan not to make any compromise on the supremacy of the Constitution and law. He stated that the "Constitution also restricts the armed forces not to interfere in political affairs," Geo News reported.

He criticised the registration of a series of cases against the PTI's top leader. He said that Pakistan's former National Assembly speaker, Asad Qaiser, was booked in an X-ray machine theft case, while another party leader faced an old motorcycle theft case, along with several cases of murder, abduction and terrorism.

Ayub said that they crossed a sea of fire to take forward PTI's political struggle. He alleged that registering hundreds of cases against PTI's top leadership was part of the "London plan." Imran Khan had claimed that the "London plan" was executed to keep him away from national politics through sedition laws for at least 10 years.

Speaking at the same event, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that "public movements take pace at a time when martial laws are imposed and the Constitution is suspended." He claimed that the Constitution was practically eliminated in Pakistan, Geo News reported.

Gohar Ali Khan rejected claims that the PTI was involved in anti-state conspiracies, as per the Geo News report. He further said that such allegations against the Imran Khan-founded party would be paramount to misleading the nation. He also expressed his opposition to increasing the retirement age of the judges.

On Tuesday, PTI announced it will hold peaceful protests across the country on May 9, the day when protests erupted following the arrest of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan in 2023, Pakistan-based The News International reported.

Speaking to reporters after meeting PTI founder Imran Khan in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated his demand to conduct a judicial inquiry into the May 9 protests ahead of the anniversary of the protests.

He said, "Even today, we are demanding to form a judicial commission [to probe] the May 9 events."

Gohar Ali Khan announced that PTI will hold rallies across the country to mark the May 9 anniversary. He said, "We will hold peaceful protests on May 9 and the ticket holders will lead them," according to The News International report.

The May 9 events refer to violent protests that erupted after PTI founder Imran Khan was arrested from the premises of Islamabad high court in a corruption case in 2023.

During the protests, alleged PTI supporters caused damage to public and private properties and even targeted military installations in various parts of Pakistan.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Imran refuses to tender apology over May 9 riots

May 9, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan on Wednesday refused to apologise for the May 9 riots and said he is ready to face inquiry into the sit-in that his PTI staged in 2014.

He was speaking to the media after the court proceedings in the £190 million corruption case at Adiala jail. When asked whether he would apologise for the May 9 violent protest, Mr Khan replied in the negative, saying he was under detention at the time and was unaware of those protests.

The ex-premier mentioned that he became aware of the protests when he appeared before the then-chief justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial.

“I had already condemned those violent protests,” he added.

It may be mentioned that a day earlier, the director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) ruled out dialogue with PTI unless the party leadership tendered a public apology over the May 9 protests.

Mr Khan further said that if the establishment is not interested in dialogue, PTI will not pursue it either.

According to the former premier, he wanted dialogue for the sake of Pakistan, not to strike a deal for personal favours.

However, he clarified that he has no issue with the army as his close relatives are serving in the armed forces and bureaucracy.

Mr Khan expressed readiness to face inquiry into the 2014 sit-in and stated that he would gladly appear before the inquiry committee.

He further said that the allegations levelled against him in connection with the 2014 sit-in had proved to be wrong.

Mr Khan stated that the sit-in was staged to protest the 2013 elections, adding that the 2024 elections are also fraudulent, as the former caretaker prime minister has also disclosed information about Form-47.

He claimed that some PML-N leaders had privately conveyed to PTI that elections would not be held until Justice Qazi Faez Isa became the chief justice.

During the court proceedings, accountability judge Nasir Javed Rana recorded the statement of a witness, while the counsel for Mr Khan and Bushra Bibi cross-examined another witness.

The court accepted Mr Khan’s application for his medical check-up and adjourned the proceedings till May 13.

Impartial inquiry

In Lahore, former president Dr Arif Alvi while speaking to the media outside the Punjab Assembly emphasised the need for an impartial investigation into the events of May 9 and urged that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

He said, “The oppressor should seek forgiveness. Forgiveness is the only answer to all disputes.”

He said those who did not know the meaning of democracy were preaching democracy.

He said the evidence, if any, of the May 9 riots should be presented before courts.

“When I was president, [Imran] Khan sahib called for a dialogue,” he added.

He mentioned that Mr Khan always voiced for a peaceful protest and resolution of all disputes through dialogue.

In an obvious reference to the establishment, Dr Alvi said those having real power should initiate the dialogue process.

He said the present government was artificial and completion of its tenure was unlikely.

The former president said he visited the assembly to meet the opposition members. He said it was unfortunate how the parliament was filled with those who won the elections with the help of Form-47.

He said that judges should be appointed purely on merit and the freedom of media was critical for the democracy in the country.

“We are Pakistani and all institutions including the army belong to us,” he said.

Wajih Ahmad Sheikh in Lahore also contributed to this report

Source: dawn.com

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Qatar’s MoS for Foreign Affairs arrives in Islamabad

May 09, 2024

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar has arrived at the Foreign Office in Islamabad.

On arrival, he was warmly received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

The two sides will hold discussion on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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Pakistan, WB to prepare partnership strategy

May 09, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the World Bank (WB) have agreed to jointly prepare a Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) framework whereby both sides might explore options for establishing medium to long-term relations for a four to ten-year period.

Now the WB has proposed a ten-year CPS having powers with the Bank to review it after pause of four to five years period. However, the final decision will be made during the preparation of upcoming CPS for Pakistan which already got delayed mainly because of political transition occurred in the country in 2022 and 2023. Initially, the CPS was supposed to be finalized from FY2022 to FY2026.

The WB president has proposed ten years CPS for recipient countries but it is yet to be seen how Pakistan decides to chip in the new under-consideration policy of the WB. Pakistan wants increased share in concessionary lending under IDA resources.

For four years, Pakistan has proposed $8 billion portfolio for different programs and projects and if it increased up to ten years, then the size of CPS framework might go up to $20 billion. But nothing is so far finalized.

According to the WB’s statement issued on Wednesday, the World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, concluded his three-day visit to Pakistan today and reaffirmed the World Bank’s support to stabilize the economy and accelerate inclusive and resilient growth.

Raiser met with the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and members of his government as well as key counterparts to discuss Pakistan’s development priorities. The discussions focused on economic and fiscal reforms, human capital development, adaptation to climate change, energy sector reforms and digitalization as a foundational enabler and accelerator of development. “I am pleased to learn about the government’s reform plans to boost growth and attract more private investment, leverage digital transformation to improve governance, strengthen climate resilience and invest in human capital to tackle daunting challenges such as child stunting and learning poverty,” said Raiser.

During his visit to Islamabad, Raiser met with Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Economic Affairs, Economic Affairs Division; Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of Finance and Revenue; Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Laghari, Minister of Energy (Power Division); Musadik Masood Malik, Minister of Energy (Petroleum Division), and Water; and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State, Information Technology and Telecommunication. He also met with the development partners of Pakistan and members of civil society.

During his visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Raiser met with the members of the provincial government as well as Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur, a Member of the National Assembly. Discussions focused on the provincial developmental priorities and how can the World Bank step up its support in key sectors, like education, water and sanitation, health, rural roads, and livelihoods, in the face of climate change challenges, particularly in the Merged Districts.

Raiser also attended the National Education Conference on Out-of-School Children under the chairmanship of the prime minister. During this conference, he reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment for urgent action to tackle the large number of out-of-school children and improve access to and the quality of learning in schools. Raiser was joined in his meetings by Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, and Zeeshan Ahmed Sheikh, Country Manager for the International Finance Corporation.

Meanwhile, the Vice President of World Bank Martin Raiser visited Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) HQs on Wednesday and met Amjed Zubair Tiwana, Chairman FBR/Secretary Revenue Division. He was accompanied by Najy Benhassine, Country Director, Gailius J Draugelis, Operations Manager, Tobias Akhtar Haque, Lead Country Economist, Ms Irum Touqeer, Public Sector Specialist, Ardsher Saleem Tariq, Member (Reforms and Modernization) and Karamatullah Khan Chaudhry, Member (Digital Initiative) also attended the meeting. A detailed presentation on the FBR and its reforms agenda was made with special focus on initiatives under Pakistan Raises Revenue Project for Harmonization of Sales Tax, Track & Trace System, and improving ICT capacities of FBR.

Martin Raiser, Vice President of the World Bank, was appreciative of the FBR’s policy for digitalized tax administration and emphasized that these initiatives will bear even greater fruits if coupled with elimination of exemptions overtime through a combination of social assistance and introduction of sales tax based on consumption.

The chairman FBR added that the FBR is working closely with all the stakeholders on the digitalization initiative and making tax administration more broad-based.

He added that digitalization is not only important for revenue but for enabling FBR to make informed decisions for sustainable increase in the revenues. Martin Riser echoed the sentiments of chairman FBR and indicated that World Bank sees the current digitalization drive as an opportunity to strengthen its cooperation with the FBR.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1186951-pakistan-wb-to-prepare-partnership-strategy

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South Asia

 

ISIS uses Pakistan for attacks in Afghanistan: Afghan Defense Ministry

May 8, 2024

Rising insecurities in Pakistan have led to new verbal tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. The Pakistani army states that the TTP still uses Afghan soil for its attacks in Pakistan, while the Taliban officials deny this accusation, claiming that ISIS entered Afghanistan from Pakistan.

General Ahmad Sharif, spokesperson for the Pakistani army, accused the Taliban government during an “important” press conference on Tuesday, May 7th, of not fulfilling its commitments in the fight against terrorism. He added that the March attack in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, which resulted in the death of five Chinese engineers, was planned in Afghanistan.

Inayatullah Khwarazmi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense of the Taliban, responded to the Pakistani side’s statements early this morning, May 8th, and added that “pointing the finger at Afghanistan” is Pakistan’s “unsuccessful” attempt to escape its responsibilities.

Mr. Khwarazmi, in reaction to the March attack that targeted Chinese engineers and which the Pakistani side believes was planned in Afghanistan, also stated that “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is located in an area that is under intense security coverage by the Pakistani army” and concluded that targeting Chinese nationals indicates the “weakness of Pakistani security agencies.”

The Pakistani army has stated: “Concrete evidence” of the presence of the TTP in Afghanistan has been shared with the Taliban administration, but “no positive progress has been seen yet.”

The Taliban administration, rejecting this claim, has said: “We have cases where Daesh outlaws have entered Afghanistan from Pakistani territory and have used Pakistani soil against our land, and [terrorist] incidents are orchestrated from that country. Pakistan must answer for this.”

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/isis-uses-pakistan-for-attacks-in-afghanistan-afghan-defense-ministry/

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Islamic Emirate Ensure Support for Peace Process and Drug Control Efforts

2024-05-08

BADAKHSHAN (BNA) A meeting took place today in Fayzabad city, the capital of Badakhshan Province, between influential individuals, scholars, representatives, and elders of Darayim and Argu districts.

According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, a commitment from the people of Badakhshan to support the ongoing peace process and combat the cultivation, production, and trafficking of illicit drugs were during a gathering.

The participants pledged their support for the efforts of the Islamic Emirate in bringing stability and security to the region, ensuring the well-being of the local population.

Addressing the concerns raised by individuals harmed during recent protests, the Islamic Emirate assured that their grievances would be duly addressed.

The outcome of this meeting in Badakhshan Province signifies a positive step forward in the ongoing peace efforts led by the Islamic Emirate, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation between the local population and the governing authorities. With the support and collaboration of the people, it is hoped that these initiatives will lead to lasting peace and prosperity in the region and across Afghanistan.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-ensure-support-for-peace-process-and-drug-control-efforts/

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Justice in light of Sharia applies equally to everyone: Deputy PM

May 8, 2024

Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, the political deputy prime minister, said Wednesday in a meeting with a number of elders, scholars and youths of the Hazara ethnic group in Kabul that justice in light of Islamic Sharia is applied equally to everyone.

The deputy PM’s office said in a statement that Kabir stressed that discrimination and prejudice have no place in the Islamic system, but the main goal is to serve the people.

“There is no place for ethnic, sectarian and linguistic prejudices and hypocrisy in Afghanistan. All Afghans should work together for the construction, development and prosperity of Afghanistan,” the statement read.

At the gathering, elders and scholars of the Hazara community demanded resolutions regarding their legal cases and other problems and assured the IEA of comprehensive cooperation with the Islamic system, the statement added.

Source: ariananews.af

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https://www.ariananews.af/justice-in-light-of-sharia-applies-equally-to-everyone-deputy-pm/

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Uzbek foreign minister emphasizes acceleration of ‘Trans-Afghanistan’ project

May 8, 2024

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan has announced that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the country, in a meeting with Bakhtiyor Saeedov, the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, have requested an acceleration of the process for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project, known as “Trans-Afghanistan.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, May 8, the ministry stated that these meetings were to discuss the expansion of bilateral trade relations, investment, and communication projects.

The statement mentions that the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan emphasized in this meeting the need to expedite efforts for the early realization of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project or “Trans-Afghanistan.”

Previously, Uzbek authorities have emphasized that the “Trans-Afghanistan” railway project, connecting Central Asia through Afghanistan to Pakistan, will be completed by the end of 2027.

According to reports, the establishment of a railway line between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan would facilitate and expand trade and economic relations among the regional countries.

It is worth mentioning that the project to build the Trans-Afghanistan railway line connecting Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan was proposed in 2018 with a cost of over four and a half billion dollars, aiming to create an economic corridor.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/uzbek-foreign-minister-emphasizes-acceleration-of-trans-afghanistan-project/

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Taliban military convoy targeted in explosion attack in Badakhshan’s Faizabad city

May 8, 2024

According to a report, an explosion occurred in Faizabad City, the centre of Badakhshan province in northeastern Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 8th.

According to the Provincial Hospital, at least six bodies and 14 injured have been transferred to the hospital.

The attack took place on the government ranger vehicle, and the explosive material had been planted on a motorcycle and detonated among the Taliban military convoy, destroying at least one ranger vehicle.

This comes while there have been widespread anti-Taliban protests in recent days in several districts of the province, including Argo and Darayim.

Protesters claim that the Taliban have stationed non-native forces in Badakhshan who mistreat residents due to language barriers. They demand the removal of these forces.

The deployment of non-local Taliban troops exacerbates tensions, highlighting the ongoing struggle for stability and effective governance in a region marked by deep-seated ethnic divisions and widespread resistance to centralized authority.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for this explosion.

Taliban officials have also not yet commented on the incident.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/military-convoy-targeted-in-explosion-attack-in-badakhshans-faizabad-city/

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Unity can ease Palestinians’ woes: PM

May 9, 2024

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked all not to do anything that goes against religious sentiments.

The premier said this while opening the hajj programme 2024 (1445 hijri) in the capital's Ashkona area. The first hajj flight is scheduled to depart Dhaka airport for Saudi Arabia today.

She said Islam is a sacred religion that has ensured the rights of people of all classes.

Hasina called upon the Muslim countries to work together, saying unity among them can also help reduce misery of the Palestinians.

Today, if all the Muslim countries worked together, forming an alliance, they would have been in a much better position, she said.

The PM also said people of all religions would continue to enjoy equal rights to follow their respective religion in the country.

She asked the pilgrims to pray for Bangladesh and its people while performing the hajj.

This year, a total of 85,257 pilgrims from Bangladesh are going to perform hajj.

The PM also exchanged greetings with the pilgrims at the hajj camp.

Hajj is expected to be held on June 15, subject to sighting of the moon.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/unity-can-ease-palestinians-woes-pm-3605441

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Arab World

 

Saudi Arabia Stresses its Support for Joint Islamic Work to Confront Challenges

8 May 2024

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom’s support for bolstering joint Islamic work to unite ranks and act across all levels to confront all challenges, resolve conflicts and achieve regional and international peace and security.

The Kingdom had declared this position as it chaired the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference that was held in Gambia on May 4 – 5.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud chaired the government meeting that was held in Jeddah.

The cabinet commended the outcome of the meetings of Arab states concerned with the environment, hosted by Riyadh last week.

It stressed the Kingdom's keenness on working with regional and international organizations to boost joint action on agriculture, food, and water security to achieve sustainable development goals.

The cabinet discussed the separate agreements reached between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in the field of energy.

The agreements reflect a commitment to the sustainability and stability of petroleum markets, as well as advancements in cooperation in the clean energy sector.

Such efforts help in achieving a globally organized energy transition and building a more sustainable future for the three countries and the world.

The cabinet approved a cooperation agreement between the Saudi and Jordanian governments in the field of energy.

It approved a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Energy and the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy.

It also approved a memorandum of understanding for cultural cooperation between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Oman's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.

Source: english.aawsat.com

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https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5006026-saudi-arabia-stresses-its-support-joint-islamic-work-confront-challenges

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Saudi Arabia leads condemnation of attack on UNRWA headquarters in occupied Jerusalem

May 09, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Thursday condemned the Israeli settlers’ attack on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) headquarters in occupied Jerusalem.

The Kingdom said it holds the “Israeli occupation” responsible for the recurring crimes against innocent civilians and aid workers, according to a statement issued by the Saudi foreign ministry.

It urged the international community to take serious action in halting Israel’s human rights violations. “The occupation must be held accountable for its ongoing crimes that violate international law,” the statement read.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini earlier said a group of Israeli protesters attacked the agency’s headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem after calls for protests against UNRWA by an Israeli municipal official.

Jordan condemned the attack as “blatant defiance of international law, which aims to protect United Nations facilities.”

It called on the international community to enforce the implementation of the international humanitarian law “immediately and effectively” and oblige Israel to comply to prevent attacks on relief workers who “play a major humanitarian role in providing aid and services to Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories.”

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2507281/saudi-arabia

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Saudi Armed Forces participate in military exercise in Turkiye

May 09, 2024

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Armed Forces are taking part in a multinational military exercise in the Turkish city of Izmir, the Kingdom’s Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

Upon arrival in Turkiye ahead of the field-exercise phase of EFES 2024, the Saudi units were greeted by the military attache at the Saudi embassy in Ankara, Commodore Adel Al-Kalthami, the director of the exercise from the Kingdom, Brig. Gen. Nasser Al-Suhaimi, and officers from branches of the Armed Forces.

The exercise involves two main phases, the first of which was a command-center exercise at the Multinational War Center in Istanbul and the Joint Command Training Center in Izmir, which began on April 25 and concluded on Wednesday. The second phase, involving live-firing field exercises at Izmir’s Doganbey Firing and Exercise Area, begins on Friday and continues until May 30.

The head of the Saudi Armed Forces Education and Training Authority, Maj. Gen. Adel Al-Balawi, said participation of the nation’s forces in the exercise reflects the care and support of the Saudi leadership for the development of their capabilities and the enhancement their organizational, training and armaments skills.

The exercise provides an opportunity for forces from participating nations to exchange skills, train together in the planning and coordination of joint operations in various environments, raise their combat efficiency, and enhance military cooperation, he added.

During the exercise the Saudi units and their counterparts from other countries will carry out many field maneuvers on land and sea, including sea-landing operations, search and rescue missions, and responses to threats posed by drones, using light arms loaded with live ammunition and other weaponry, Al-Balawi said.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2507026/saudi-arabia

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European Chamber of Commerce opens in Riyadh

May 08, 2024

RIYADH: The European Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia was inaugurated in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The launch event was attended by distinguished guests, including Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, assistant minister of investment; Luigi Di Maio, EU special representative for the Gulf; and Christophe Farnaud, the EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain.

The chamber will serve as a platform to facilitate business cooperation, promote trade and investment, and support the alignment of regulatory frameworks, according to a press release from the EU.

In line with the strategic partnership between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council announced in May 2022, the establishment of the ECCKSA is a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the EU and the Kingdom.

Di Maio said that the establishment of the ECCKSA marks an important new chapter in the partnership between the EU and Saudi Arabia.

“I am convinced that this initiative will be key in bringing closer and in integrating our economies. The ECCKSA will certainly become a point of reference for European companies doing business in the Kingdom and Saudi companies looking for partners and markets in the EU.

"It will facilitate joint ventures and boost trade and investments. There is so much untapped potential and space to grow in our economic cooperation and I am confident that the next months and years will bring about more substantive and sustainable progress,” Di Maio added.

Al-Mubarak highlighted the integration of ECCKSA’s initiatives with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, creating the potential for new business opportunities in non-oil sectors.

“The launch of the European Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal milestone in the flourishing economic partnership between the Kingdom and the EU. With foreign direct investment stock from Europe nearly doubling to SR218.5 billion ($58.26 billion) over the past five years, the establishment of ECCKSA will unlock new horizons for cross-border trade, investment, and collaboration.

“The chamber will be a catalyst for fostering stronger ties between our business communities and supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification journey under Vision 2030,” he added.

The event also featured a panel discussion, titled “ECCKSA: Shaping the Future of EU-KSA Business Collaboration,” where experts discussed strategies for deepening economic ties and explored new opportunities for partnership.

The panel included Leon Delvaux, acting director at the EU; Lama Alghrair, director of investor intelligence at the Ministry of Investment; Thomas Juergensen, head of trade and economic affairs for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar; and Lorcan Tyrrell, ECCKSA chairman. They collectively outlined the anticipated impact of ECCKSA on the European and Saudi business communities.

Also at the launch, ECCKSA’s license was formally handed over by the Ministry of Investment in Saudi Arabia.

Kristijonas Gedvilas, CEO of ECCKSA, said that the chamber is dedicated not only to strengthening economic ties, but also to building a vibrant business ecosystem that supports the shared vision.

“Our immediate focus will be on expanding our membership, engaging businesses actively, and providing them with invaluable resources and opportunities that foster growth and innovation across both regions,” he added.

ECCKSA aims to advance initiatives that support its members while contributing to the economic prosperity of both regions.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2506956/saudi-arabia

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Saudi Arabia expands eVisa program to include Barbados, Bahamas and Grenada

May 08, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has expanded its electronic visa program to include citizens of three Caribbean countries: Barbados, the Bahamas and Grenada.

People from these countries can now apply, online or on arrival, for a visa to visit the Kingdom for the purposes of tourism, to perform Umrah, to attend events, exhibitions and conferences, or to visit friends and relatives, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66. It is part of the efforts by Ministry of Tourism to enhance the Kingdom’s global connectivity, stimulate economic diversification, and help achieve the tourism goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification. Those goals include an increase in the tourism industry’s contribution to gross domestic product of more than 10 percent of the total, and the creation of 1 million jobs in the sector.

The Ministry of Tourism introduced tourist visas in September 2019 as part of a broader initiative to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage, encourage visitors from around the world to visit the country and engage with the rich cultural experiences on offer in the country, and promote international interactions. It is expected that the eVisa program will be further expanded to include more countries.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2506926/saudi-arabia

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Southeast Asia

 

Malay Muslim Leaders And Political Parties Must Find Common Ground For The Benefit Of All

09-05- 2024

THE SPCAAM today urged Malay Muslim leaders and political parties in the country to find less divisive ways of proving their worth and value to the Malay Muslim population.

The Social Protection Contributors’ Advisory Association Malaysia in a statement said if Malays remain united the non-Malays will also work towards uniting communal political parties and everyone can benefit from a united Malaysia.

“Whoever has split the Malays are the ones benefiting by keeping them apart. It cannot be denied that all Malaysians need to ensure the unity of Malays so we can all live happily and peacefully in Malaysia.

“With the interest of the workers and country in mind, SPCAAM calls upon all Malay Muslim leaders and parties to heal the division in the Malay Muslim population, for the sake of the country and future of our children,” SPCAAM president J. Solomon said.

Solomon opined that the Malay Muslim component is the nation’s foundation and as long as they are united, the rest, including workers, will also enjoy a strong, peaceful and prosperous Malaysia.

“When Malay Muslims become weak and divided, the entire nation suffers the negative effects that have been prevalent of late.

“Recently, the value of our Ringgit has been depreciating, and in turn placing racial harmony to the test.

“Justice is also being blatantly infringed upon and the cries of the weak have been ignored and arrogance has crept into the current administration.”

Solomon said SPCAAM is aware of the deteriorating state of affairs in the country and the 16 million workers, who make up almost half the population, suffer the brunt.

“What we noticed is that the current Malay parties are constantly trying to outdo each other on issues like race and religion, to prove to the Malay Muslim population that they are most capable of defending and promoting Malay Muslim rights and interests.

“In view of this we urge all Malay Muslim leaders and political parties to put all differences aside and find a common ground for the benefit and wellbeing of everyone in the country,” he added.

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/spcaam-malay-muslim-leaders-and-political-parties-must-find-common-ground-for-the-benefit-of-all-HE12433370

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Kelantan development briefing receives positive feedback from Federal Govt - MB

09-05- 2024

KOTA BHARU: The meeting between Kelantan and federal government on May 2 on the state development received very positive feedback, said Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.

He said the meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim discussed several things to assist the people of Kelantan.

“Several matters announced by the Prime Minister (Anwar), among which, the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) will be upgraded to become an international airport, flood mitigation and resolving the problem of drainage system in the rice fields.

“Our patriotic spirit is high and the relationship between the Kelantan government and the federal government has been very good since the beginning. Therefore, I would like to thank the Prime Minister for assisting the state government,” he told reporters after the sending-off ceremony of the hajj pilgrims at the Kompleks Islam Jubli Perak Sultan Ismail Petra in Panji, last night.

Mohd Nassuruddin said the relationship between the state and federal governments is good.

“The issue of political differences (between Kelantan and federal) should only be discussed during elections, what is important now is the time to help the people and develop the state and the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on the upgrade of the new LTSIP terminal, Mohd Nassuruddin expressed hope that LTSIP will have direct hajj flights from Kota Bharu to Jeddah.

“We hope that by next year LTSIP can be categorised as an international airport and have direct flights from Kota Bharu to Jeddah once the 400-metre runway is completed,” he said.

On May 2, the federal government agreed with the Kelantan government’s proposal to extend the runway at the LTSIP by 400 metres to become an international airport.

Anwar reportedly said that he had asked Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook to expedite the ongoing construction of the LTSIP.

The Phase One terminal can accommodate 1.5 million passengers, while Phase Two, which will be constructed immediately, can accommodate four million passengers.

The new terminal has over 20 airline counters, multi-storey car parks, special lanes for taxis, a fire and rescue station, additional space for parking aircraft and an LTSIP cashless operating system for the benefit of passengers.

The LTSIP expansion and upgrading projects cost RM440 million.

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/kelantan-development-briefing-receives-positive-feedback-from-federal-govt-mb-KE12433449

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Tabung Haji always reminds haj pilgrims to comply with new rules of Saudi Arabia govt

09-05- 2024

SEPANG: Lembaga Haji (TH) always reminds pilgrims under its management to comply with every new rule imposed by the Saudi Arabia government to avoid any problems, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

He said these new regulations included the enforcement of a penalty of 10,000 Saudi Arabian Riyals (RM632,293) for violating the rules and instructions of the Haj season including entering seven areas -- Makkah, the Central Region, Masyair, the Haramain train station in Rusayfah, security control centre. isolation centre and temporary security control centre -- without a Haj permit in the country.

The penalty will be effective from June 2 to 20, 2024 and the ministry explained that the SAR10,000 penalty will be imposed on all individuals including citizens, residents, and visitors who are caught in the geographical area without a Haj permit.

In addition, non-citizens who are arrested will be deported to their country of origin and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for the period stipulated in the law.

Earlier, Mohd Na’im, together with the management of TH, spent time greeting the pilgrims who departed for the Holy Land at 12am.

The first group of 282 Malaysian pilgrims departed for the Holy Land at midnight tonight on a Malaysia Airlines flight.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH8050 from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 to Madinah departed at 12.05 am and is expected to arrive at Putera Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah at 3.50am local time.

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/tabung-haji-always-reminds-haj-pilgrims-to-comply-with-new-rules-of-saudi-arabia-govt-LE12433282

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Kelantan gov’t to reintroduce 16 annulled provisions of Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment

08-05- 2024

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan state government will reintroduce 16 of the 18 provisions of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment (I) Kelantan 2019 that were annulled by the Federal Court last February for approval in the state legislature.

Kelantan Islamic Development, Dakwah, Information and Regional Relations committee chairman Mohd Asri Mat Daud said the matter would be discussed through the Convention for Strengthening Syariah Legislation and Institutions to be held on May 21.

“Three presentations will be made during the convention regarding the annulled provisions, and as a result, we will discuss it more thoroughly through the Special Committee to Defend the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment.

“We will endeavor to consider how these invalidated sections can be reintroduced into state legislation for re-approval,“ he told reporters after the State Executive Council meeting at the Kota Darulnaim Complex here today.

According to him, the special committee chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister of Kelantan will re-examine the 16 provisions, including making certain amendments to ensure they have strong justification and do not conflict with Federal Court laws.

Mohd Asri said the state government has full confidence that the Syariah enactment will come back into force in Kelantan.

“We are 100 per cent confident that it will be approved and can be implemented again because we also have legal experts, and this matter was unanimously agreed by all members of the State Legislative Assembly including two opposition assemblymen in the last state assembly session,“ he said.

On March 6, the Kelantan State Assembly approved a motion to reintroduce the 16 provisions in the Kelantan State Syariah Criminal Code Enactment (1) 2019, which were declared null and void by the Federal Court on Feb 9.

A panel of nine judges chaired by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat in an 8-1 majority, decided to annul the provisions after allowing the petition of lawyer Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid and her daughter, Tengku Yasmin Nastasha Tengku Abdul Rahman.

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/kelantan-gov-t-to-reintroduce-16-annulled-provisions-of-syariah-criminal-offences-enactment-AE12432750

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Johor Regent: Don't ever use religion as a political tool

09 May 2024

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 9 — The Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail today warned all elected representatives against using religion as a political tool.

He said as assemblymen, they are duty-bound to maintain decorum and uphold the institutional credibility of the Johor legislative assembly.

“I don't want to hear of any politician in Johor who indiscriminately divides the people based on sentiment.

“Politics should be a tool to unite all parties, and not to divide Johoreans. Don't ever use religion as a political tool,” he said in his maiden address at the opening of the Johor state legislative assembly here.

Tunku Ismail also told them not to take issues of religious sensitivity lightly.

He said the law must be enforced strictly to prevent recurrences of incidents that cause disharmony.

“This is my first warning and I hope it will be my last.

“So, don’t repeat the same mistake that will only destroy the social harmony in Johor,” he said.

Malaysia’s much-touted racial and religious harmony has been repeatedly put to the test since the start of the year.

In March, the KK Super Mart convenience store chain faced a nationwide boycott after one of the outlets was found selling socks with the “Allah” word on them.

This was followed by a Johor-based footwear company under the Vern’s brand that also came under fire for shoe logos resembling the Arabic script for Allah.

But Tunku Ismail also praised the assemblymen for their maturity and professionalism in setting aside their different ideologies and political beliefs to improve Johor’s economy.

“I would like to remind every leader in Johor to prioritise the interests of the people in any decision that they make.

“It is your responsibility to ensure that all programmes and projects carried out must have a positive impact on the well-being of Johoreans,” he said.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/09/johor-regent-dont-ever-use-religion-as-a-political-tool/133390

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Africa

 

Dbeibah: Choosing Benghazi as capital of Islamic culture is a confirmation of its great status

09/05/2024

The Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, participated on Tuesday in the ceremony declaring the city of Benghazi as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for the year 2024.

In his speech during the ceremony, Dbeibah stressed that choosing Benghazi as the capital of Islamic culture is a confirmation of its great status and its great and distinguished cultural heritage, noting that Benghazi was and still is a beacon of knowledge, as it founded the first Libyan university that produced thinkers and scholars.

This represents an important message, which confirms that Benghazi will be a model for reconciliation, redressing grievances, and strengthening the social fabric.

Source: libyaobserver.ly

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https://libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/dbeibah-choosing-benghazi-capital-islamic-culture-confirmation-its-great-status

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Zamfara: EFCC arraigns ex-Sharia Court Registrar for allegedly forging late businessman’s signature

May 9, 2024

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned a former Registrar of Zamfara State Upper Sharia Court 1, Gusau, Abubakar Garba Dandare, before Justice Bello Shinkafi of Zamfara State High Court in Gusau.

The Commission docked Dandare on a two-count charge, accusing him of misappropriating the sum of N3.8 million belonging to a late businessman, Alhaji Ladan Mada, and the forgery of the signature of his next of kin, Aminu Mada.

In the suit number, ZMJ/GS/13C/2024, Dandare was charged for misappropriating N3,837,634.46, entrusted to him for the family of late Alhaji Ladan Mada by the Zamfara State Ministry of Finance in December 2012, when he was the Registrar of Upper Sharia Court 1, Samaru Gusau, Zamfara State.

Dandare was also alleged to have forged the signature of Aminu Mada, late Alhaji Mada’s next of kin, on the Court Cash Deposit Register of the Upper Shari’s Court 1, Samaru Gusau, Zamfara State, aiming to access the funds.

The EFCC said that the actions constituted the offense of Criminal Breach of Trust, as outlined in sections 311 and 312 of the Penal Code, CAP 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963.

Justice Bello Mohammed Shinkafi granted bail to the defendant, under the condition that he provides two sureties who are residents of the state, in the sum of N5 million.

They must also submit their passports and two GSM numbers to the court registrar.

Source: dailypost.ng

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://dailypost.ng/2024/05/09/zamfara-efcc-arraigns-ex-sharia-court-registrar-for-allegedly-forging-late-businessmans-signature/

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Ondo: APC Youths Advocate Muslim Deputy Governor

On May 8, 2024

A group of Muslim youths in Ondo State, under the aegis of Ondo Youthful Muslims (OYM) have advocated for a Muslim as the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election.

The group’s president, Alhaji Misjudeen Raji posited on Tuesday in Akure, that the demand of his group had become necessary to ensure religious balancing in the APC governorship ticket. He stressed that the group had seen the need for Ondo State to toe the line of religious balancing as being practiced in other sister states, in the south west geo-political zone.

Raji further stressed the need for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to emulate former Governor Olusegun Mimiko who thoughtfully gave a sense of belonging to the Muslim community in Ondo State, by choosing Chief Ali Olanusi and Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo as his deputies.

Raji also lamented the exclusion of Muslim from the strategic positions of authority and relevance in Ondo State throughout the almost seven years that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu presided over the affairs of the Sunshine State. He expressed utter disappointment with the exclusion of Muslims from the positions of governor, deputy governor, speaker of the state assembly, deputy speaker and the chief judge of Ondo State in the last seven years.

“It is on record that we Muslims were completely schemed out of all the strategic positions of relevance and authority throughout the almost seven years that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu ruled Ondo State. This was most unfair to us, despite the fact of our unflinching support for the APC. But, Ondo State is now in a new era that we Muslims expect Governor Aiyedatiwa to give serious consideration to the issue of religious balancing “.

When asked whether the group has any particular individual in mind to recommend as a running mate for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ; Alhaji Raji said Ondo State APC was blessed with a number of practising Muslims that are well known to be very dedicated,, loyal and committed to the ruling party.

He however, emphasized on a youthful Muslim with the right qualification to contest for the position of deputy governor. He also emphasized on a popular Muslim politician that has a strong connection with the grassroots as well as the acceptability that cut across both the youths and the elders.

“We cannot recommend a particular person at this time. But I am however, glad that Ondo State APC is blessed with a number of prapractising Muslims that are eminently qualified for the position of a deputy governor. While we don’t have anyone in mind, we nonetheless want a youthful Muslim that is very popular and has strong connection with the grassroots. We also want a Muslim whose political trajectory will complement the clearly unmatched popularity and acceptability of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa “, stressed Raji.

Source: independent.ng

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https://independent.ng/ondo-apc-youths-advocate-muslim-deputy-governor/

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Sen. Na’Allah laments profiling of Nigerians as drugs barons, fraudsters in foreign countries

May 8, 2024

A former senator who represented Kebbi South, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, has lamented the increasing profiling of Nigerians as fraudsters and drug pushers in foreign countries.

The four-time lawmaker and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, stated this on his X handle on Wednesday.

According to him, the condemnable profiling has made free movement difficult for many Nigerians when they travel outside the country.

While blaming the conduct of a few citizens for the ill-treatment of Nigerians, Mr Na’Allah claimed thsy citizens who are predominantly from a section of the country erroneously believe that doing drugs and scams are the only gateways to riches.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult for Nigerians to legitimately move around the world because of the conduct of few of it’s citizens, predominantly from a section of the country, who erroneously believe drugs and scams are the only gateways to riches,” he wrote.

But Mr Na’Allah’s tweet triggered mixed reactions from his followers who trooped to the comment section to express their views.

@NGeeNius wrote: “Have you looked at the people around your president. Have you checked their records? Don’t you know their reputation among the countries of the world. If the world does not respect your leader, how will they respect your citizens?

Another user @FakhuuHashim, said Nigerians are happy knowing that Mr Na’Allah didn’t return to the Senate.

“Nigerians sleep better at night knowing you lost your last elections. An individual like you only belongs at a local Mai Shayi’s Majalissa,” she wrote.

@ErnestNnabb66455 said the issues raised by Mr Na’Allah could be traced to the conscienceless attitude of colleagues in the national assembly.

“I think the sins of these set of people and many others can be tracked down to the way you and your conscienceless colleagues have been managing to commonwealth of this rich nation. Is regrettably embarrassing that you have the enffontry to point finger at misconducts,” he said.

But the ex-lawmaker responded, saying: “What would have been helpful to you is to say what I said is not the truth. Don’t defend a wrong doing.”

@Otiuvochukwu45, also said Mr Na’Allah should be more concerned about the banditry ravaging the northern region. “Banditry all over your region and yet,” he said.

But again, Mr Na’Allah responded, saying: “There are millions of Nigerians out there doing their legitimate businesses, and given Nigerians a course to be proud of their country. They need to be protected from humiliation ignited by these few misguided elements”.

Source: dailynigerian.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://dailynigerian.com/sen-allah-laments-profiling/

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