Interfaith Marriages: Allahabad HC Rejects Pleas Of 8 Hindu-Muslim Couples Seeking Protection Citing Anti-Conversion Law

New Age Islam News Bureau

30 January 2024

 

Allahabad High court, Couple

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·         Interfaith Marriages: Allahabad HC Rejects Pleas Of 8 Hindu-Muslim Couples Seeking Protection Citing Anti-Conversion Law

·         Pakistan, India Start Issuing Visas to Diplomats in Islamabad and Delhi

·         India, Other Nations Attend Conclave Hosted by Taliban in Kabul

·         France’s Biggest Muslim School Went from Accolades to Defunding – Showing A Key Paradox in How the Country Treats Islam

·         Egyptian Composer Jailed for Reciting Qur’an While Playing Oud

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India

·         All India Imam Organization Chief Faces Fatwa for Attending Ayodhya Pran Pratishtha, Asks His Critics “Go to Pakistan”

·         Haji Malang DargahA Sufi ShrineSituated Atop A Hill Near Mumbai ‘On Radar Of Hindutva Extremists’ After Ram Mandir’s Opening

·         Institutions For Islamic Studies Exist...Why Not Have a Centre for Hindu Studies, Says Lucknow University VC

·         Leh Health Centres Drop 'Mandir': Objections from Buddhists and Muslims Prompt Rebranding

·         Gyanvapi Mosque Committee Terms ASI Survey Report "An Attempt To Set A False Narrative"

·         Supreme Court Extends Interim Stay on Survey of Shahi Idgah Mosque’s Compoundtill The Second Week of April

·         3 Telugu Inscriptions on Gyanvapi Mosque Walls Shed Light on Mandir

·         Go to Pak if you don’t believe in Constitution: Karnataka minister to BJP

·         Centre extends ban imposed on Students Islamic Movement of India for another five years

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Pakistan

·         Pakistan court jails ex-PM Imran Khan for 10 years ahead of elections

·         Promotion Of Interfaith Harmony Govt’s Top Priority: Masood

·         Tehreek Nifaz Fiqah-i-Jafariya Extends Support to PPP In Feb 8 Polls

·         15 PTI workers remanded in police custody in terrorism case

·         PTI leaders booked in Quetta for violating Section 144

·         Terrorist killed in North Waziristan intelligence-based operation: ISPR

·         COAS stresses sustained engagement with Iran to address security concerns

·         Terror attacks ‘thwarted’ as multiple rocket explosions shake Mach

·         Cipher case trial moves toward conclusion

·         Pakistan concerned over suspension of funding for UNRWA

·         Cross-examination of witnesses: AC closes right of IK, Bushra

·         Pakistan concerned over suspension of funding to UN agency for Palestinian refugees

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South Asia

·         Afghan FM calls for ‘constructive engagement’ with international community

·         Canada transfers over 300 Afghan refugees from Pakistan

·         Muttaqi advocates engagement at the Regional Cooperation Initiative Meeting

·         17 Active Islamic Emirate Political Missions Abroad: Deputy PM

·         Slight Increase in Dollar Value Against Afghani

·         ACC approves charge sheet against Yunus, 13 others in embezzlement case

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Europe

·         UK lays out roadmap for permanent solution to Israel-Palestine conflict

·         Muslims and Jews in Bosnia observe Holocaust Remembrance Day and call for peace and dialogue

·         Scottish PM says world must stop war on Gaza immediately

·         UK’s Cameron to discuss Houthi attacks on international shipping on Oman visit

·         Sunak urges Iran to de-escalate tensions

·         Spain will not suspend UNRWA funding, FM says

·         Pope Francis says his greatest fear is military escalation in Gaza

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Mideast

·         Israeli intelligence accuses 190 UNRWA staff of Hamas, Islamic Jihad roles

·         Iranian Security Minister: Ansarullah in Yemen & resistance in region show will & jihadism of Muslims

·         Israel says it killed Hamas militants hiding in West Bank hospital

·         Hamas: Continuation of Israel’s crimes in Gaza, disgrace for its supporters

·         Al-Qassam Brigades strikes Tel Aviv with barrage of rockets

·         Half of all Hamas terrorists in Gaza are out of combat, Gallant says

·         Palestinian lives at stake, UN says as it acts quickly to address allegations about UNRWA staff

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Southeast Asia

·         Islamic Studies Conference to Involve SE Asian Religious Leaders

·         5PC remains ASEAN's main reference for addressing Myanmar issues: FM

·         China hopes for effective implementation of ICJ ruling: spox

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Africa

·         Nigeria Remains Open for Engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger – Tinubu Government Says

·         Military Bombs 30 Terrorists In Kaduna, Frees 35 Abductees In Katsina

·         ‘We refused to be part of it’ – Gov Sule disowns Miyetti Allah Vigilante Group

·         Tigray Regional Islamic Affairs re-establishes relationship with Federal Supreme Council

·         ECOWAS Court Dismisses Human Rights Violation Case Against Mali Government

·         2,423 killed, 1,872 abducted under Tinubu – CSOs

·         54 killed in clashes in area claimed by Sudan, South Sudan: UN

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North America

·         Liberal Hate Crime, Gaza Stance Leads Muslim Council To Cancel Trudeau Meeting

·         Canadians’ Mark 7th Anniversary of Quebec City Mosque Shootings Amid Spike in Hate Incidents

·         Harvard Faces More Claims of Discrimination — This Time from Palestinian andMuslim Students

·         Arrests announced amid probe into Newark imam’s shooting death

·         CAIR: Biden Admin Must Restore UNRWA Funding, End ‘Collective Punishment’

·         First voting in American phase of Khalistan referendum draws 127,000 Sikhs

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Arab World

·         Panel Discussion in Sana'a Discusses Role of Yemeni Communities in Supporting Palestinian Cause

·         The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques Exerts Great Efforts to Serve Visitors to the Grand Mosque

·         Riyadh to host international marine exhibition on Sunday

·         Saudi Arabia condemns terrorist attack targeting base on Jordan-Syria border

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:    https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/interfaith-marriages-conversion-hindu-muslim-/d/131619

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Interfaith Marriages: Allahabad HC Rejects Pleas Of 8 Hindu-Muslim Couples Seeking ProtectionCiting Anti-Conversion Law

 

Allahabad High court, Couple

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ByJItendra Sarin

Jan 30, 2024

PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad high court has dismissed petitions filed by eight interfaith couples seeking protection of their lives, noting that their marriages were not in compliance with the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, popularly known as the anti-conversion law.

The eight interfaith couples had approached the Allahabad HC seeking directions for their protection. (HT Archive)

The eight interfaith couples had approached the Allahabad HC seeking directions for their protection. (HT Archive)

In separate orders passed between January 10 and 16, the high court noted the religions of the petitioners. Of the eight interfaith couples that moved the court, five Muslim men had married Hindu women while three Hindu men had married Muslim women.

Through separate petitions, the interfaith couples had approached the high court seeking directions for their protection and non-interference in their matrimonial lives.

Declining the requests made by the petitioners, the bench of Justice Saral Srivastava, noted that these were cases of interfaith marriages, but the marriages themselves were not in accordance with law as the anti-conversion law had not been followed. “In such view of the fact, the relief prayed by the petitioners cannot be granted. Consequently, the writ petition is dismissed,” the court said in identical orders.

The orders, however, did not divulge specific reasons as to why the marriages were not in compliance with the UP anti-conversion law, which prohibits unlawful conversion to another religion by misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion and allurement.

Passed in 2021, the UP law makes forced religious conversion a non-bailable offence and provides for up to 10 years’ incarceration for using marriage to coerce someone into conversion.

The court, however, left it open to the petitioners to “prefer fresh writ petitions in case they solemnise marriage after following the due procedure of law”.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/allahabad-hc-rejects-8-interfaith-couples-pleas-citing-anti-conversion-law-101706553310358.html

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Pakistan, India Start Issuing Visas to Diplomats in Islamabad and Delhi

 

This image shows Pakistan (R) and Indian flags. — AFP/File

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January 30, 2024

Farooq Aqdas

ISLAMABAD: Positive developments have begun at the diplomatic level between Islamabad and Delhi, as a result of which new chargé d’affaires Saad Warraich has been issued an Indian visa.

Sources say that Warraich will leave for Delhi soon to take up his diplomatic duties. The caretaker government had appointed senior Foreign Office officer Saad Warraich as new chargé d’affaires in India in August last year. He was the director of the Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey desks at the Foreign Office.

According to sources, Pakistan and India have started issuing visas for each other’s diplomats in Islamabad and Delhi. They say visas have been issued on all applications received till December.

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued 30 visas for Indian staff, while India has also issued the same number of visas for Pakistani diplomatic staff.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1152817-pakistan-india-start-issuing-visas-to-diplomats

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India, Other Nations Attend Conclave Hosted By Taliban In Kabul

 

Afghanistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi (C) speaks during a conference of special envoys from different countries titled 'Afghanistan's Regional Cooperation Initiative' at the Foreign Ministry in Kabul (Photo by Wakil KOHSAR / AFP)

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30th January 2024

New Delhi: India on Monday was among around 10 countries that attended a conclave in Kabul organised by the Taliban with a broader aim for regional cooperation, according to the Afghan media.

The ‘Regional Cooperation Initiative’ meeting was addressed by the Taliban regime’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

India has not yet recognised the Taliban setup and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul.

The participating countries included India, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan’s Khaama Press news agency reported.

Russia was represented at the conclave by its special representative for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov.

A statement from the Taliban foreign ministry said Muttaqi emphasised that these nations should hold regional dialogues to increase and continue the positive interaction with Afghanistan.

There was no official word on the meeting by Indian officials.

India’s participation at the meeting came days after the Indian embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) invited the charge d’affaires of the Afghan mission in the Gulf nation, Badruddin Haqqani, to the Republic Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi.

A government source had said that the invite was sent to all accredited missions based in that country and it was part of a standard diplomatic procedure.

In his remarks, Muttaqi also urged the participants to take advantage of emerging opportunities in Afghanistan for the development of the region and “coordinate the management of potential threats”.

He said regional cooperation could be focused on exploring “region-centric” pathways based on common benefits.

Muttaqi said the regional cooperation should lead to calls for removal of “unilateral sanctions” on Afghanistan.

He said Kabul stands ready to engage and cooperate with the regional countries by working together based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

In June 2022, India re-established its diplomatic presence in Kabul by deploying a “technical team” in its embassy in the Afghan capital.

India had withdrawn its officials from the embassy after the Taliban seized power following concerns over their security.

Source: siasat.com

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https://www.siasat.com/india-other-nations-attend-conclave-hosted-by-taliban-in-kabul-2967156/

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France’s Biggest Muslim School Went from Accolades to Defunding – Showing A Key Paradox in How the Country Treats Islam

 

Some of the measures the French government has taken to fight radicalization can do the opposite, three social scientists argue. (Photo: Religion News)

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January 29, 2024

(The Conversation) — France is famously strict on enforcing what it calls “laïcité”: keeping religion out of the public sphere. Yet more than 7,500 private schools receive government funding, and most are Catholic. In a country where about 1 in 10 people are Muslim, just three Muslim high schools receive state support – or did.

In December 2023, local authorities of the French Ministry of the Interior confirmed a decision to revoke state funding from Lycée Averroès, France’s largest and most acclaimed private Muslim high school. Authorities cited “serious breaches of the fundamental principles of the Republic,” raised concerns over certain texts in religious education classes, and accused administrators of opaque financial management, among various alleged infractions.

None of these claims are supported by previous inspection reports, and many French scholars and activists have denounced the decision as politically motivated, setting off a political firestorm.

Lycée Averroès, located in the suburbs of Lille, opened in 2003 and was granted state funding in 2008. In 2013, it was named the best high school in France, according to the Parisien newspaper’s rankings, and has consistently ranked among the region’s best in recent years. Teachers and administrators pride themselves on being dedicated to both French Republican and Islamic values. As our research has shown, the school often goes above and beyond to teach civic values such as equality and laïcité.

In many French Muslim communities, the school is seen as a beacon – an example of a Muslim institution that succeeded despite discrimination, political tensions around Islam, and the French Republic’s strict secularism.

The defunding decision represents a common paradox in contemporary France: Many of the steps its government takes to supposedly protect “French Republican values,” better “integrate” Muslim minorities or prevent radicalization have the potential to do the opposite.

High scores, high scrutiny

Private schools in France can receive state funding for up to about three-quarters of their operating budgets if they agree to certain stipulations. Teachers can provide optional religious education, but otherwise must follow the national curriculum and admit students of any religious background, based on merit alone.

The first Muslim schools opened in 2001, and dozens more have been established since. But as the first one to be granted state funding, Averroès has been under particularly close scrutiny since its inception. The school has previously faced controversies related to funding it received from an organization in Qatar, and a former teacher’s claims, made a decade ago, that Averroès was teaching “Islamism.”

According to an official 2020 report, from 2015 through 2020 Averroès was inspected 13 times, making it “the most inspected school” in the region. Notably, it stated that “nothing in the observations … allows (us) to think teaching practices don’t respect republican values.”

Several public figures have argued that the decision to defund Averroès is representative of “inequitable and disproportionate” treatment that French Muslims often face compared to their non-Muslim peers. As our research has shown, many Muslim schools undergo more surveillance and criticism compared to their Catholic and Jewish counterparts.

These double standards largely stem from a political environment rife with fears over Islamic extremism after numerous high-profile attacks on French soil.

However, policies intended to save French Muslim youth from radicalization can have an adverse effect, making young Muslims feel that they are not seen as fully French, and further alienating them.

For some, this sense of unequal treatment manifests in frequent protests and other demands for justice. But it has sometimes fueled riots, vandalism and social unrest.

Security and separatism

Other policies that affect education and were made in the name of French secularism have also drawn controversy for potentially discriminating against Islam.

For example, a broad 2021 measure often referred to as the “separatism law” aimed to combat perceived nonallegiance to French values. Among many requirements, the law made independent schools harder to open and easier for the state to close.

Although the text of the law does not explicitly mention Muslims, the political discourse surrounding the law clearly targeted Islam. In an October 2020 speech defending the legislation, President Emmanuel Macron stated, “What we must tackle is Islamist separatism,” which he accused of “repeated deviations from the Republic’s values.”

Yet there is little evidence of such alleged “separatism.” Rather, studies have consistently shown that Muslim support for French institutions mirrors that of the larger population.

Other examples of policies that purport to rein in radicalization, but may further fuel Muslims’ isolation, include the 2023 ban on abayas in public schools and the 2004 “headscarf” law that banned “ostentatious” religious symbols from public schools.

One study argues the 2004 ban harmed Muslim girls’ graduation rates, subsequently affecting their employment opportunities. Similarly, the abaya ban has been criticized by human rights activists, the United Nations and the U.S. Commission for Religious Freedom for unduly restricting freedom of religious expression and potentially fueling discrimination.

The future of pluralism

Based on our fieldwork, we believe France’s Muslim schools may help reduce radicalization and one of its causes: young people’s sense that being both fully French and fully Muslim is incompatible.

As one young French Muslim told us, “I’ve always been made to feel as though I’m not ‘unevraie française’ (a real French person).” Such “everyday exclusion” can fuel alienation, resentment or even emmigration.

Institutions like Averroès, however, offer a haven from the discrimination students may experience in public schools, and create a space for pupils who want to wear a headscarf or abaya. In addition, they actively denounce terrorism and radicalization.

But recent actions suggest that the French government may have lost confidence in Muslim institutions as a way to foster French values. France shut down 672 Muslim establishments between 2018 and 2021, including mosques and independent Muslim schools.

Most immediately, the decision to defund Averroès will impact its students and staff. The school offers scholarships to approximately 62% of its student body, including its nonstate-funded middle school – a number which will likely prove untenable without funding.

More broadly, such steps may intensify challenges to French Muslims’ sense of value and belonging, obstructing the path toward peaceful pluralism and paradoxically increasing the risk of radicalization and separatism.

Yet we believe there is a third risk, as well. The French Republic considers secular neutrality and equality core pillars of French identity, but many critics view its policies on Islam as prime examples of inequality and bias. Such discord may undermine these values’ legitimacy, if not their very essence.

Carol Ferrara and Françoise Lorcerie do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Source: religionnews.com

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

https://religionnews.com/2024/01/29/frances-biggest-muslim-school-went-from-accolades-to-defunding-showing-a-key-paradox-in-how-the-country-treats-islam/

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Egyptian Composer Jailed for Reciting Qur’an While Playing Oud

 

(Shutterstock)

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January 29th, 2024

ALBAWBA - An Egyptian court sentenced composer Ahmed Hegazy to 6 months in jail, on a bail of 2,000 Egyptian pounds ($64.64) after he appeared in a video reciting the Qur’an to oud melodies.

According to the Misdemeanor Court, the Egyptian composer was tried on charges of contempt of religion, Erem news reported on Sunday.

Social media users heavily backlashed the Egyptian composer after he appeared in several clips reciting Quran verses while playing an oud instrument pushing the Readers' Union to submit a report to the Attorney General demanding that he be punished.

Following criticism, he shared an apology: "I, the musician Ahmed Hegazy, apologize to all those who are jealous of the Holy Qur’an, led by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Holy Qur’an Reciters Syndicate, the sheikhdom of all Egyptian reciters, and to the Muslims of the world for the mistake I did."

He further noted that he didn't mean what people understood from the videos online by saying "It is the word of God Almighty and our miraculous heavenly constitution, and I did not mean the meaning that appeared in the clip spread on social media."

Source: albawaba.com

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

https://www.albawaba.com/node/egyptian-composer-jailed-reciting-qur%E2%80%99-while-playing-oud-1550922

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India

 

All India Imam Organization Chief Faces Fatwa for Attending Ayodhya Pran Pratishtha, Asks His Critics “Go to Pakistan”

29 Jan 2024

Chief Imam of All India Imam Organization, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, faced a fatwa for attending the Pranpratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla at Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

After attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, Umer Ahmed Ilyasi has also received threat calls and messages demanding his resignation. However, many people also applauded his gesture of attending the ceremony, he told ANI.

“As a chief Imam, I received the invitation from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. I contemplated for two days and then decided to go to Ayodhya for harmony, for the country. The fatwa was issued yesterday but I had been receiving threat calls from the evening of January 22," he told ANI on Monday.

Umer Ahmed Ilyasi also said that he received a positive response from many people for attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. For those who continuously criticised him for his gesture, he asked them to “go to Pakistan". He also made it clear that he would not apologise to anyone for attending the Pran Pratishta ceremony and reiterated that whatever he did was for the country and humanity. His sole intention was to send the message of brotherhood by attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

“I have recorded a few calls wherein the callers gave me life threats. Those who love me, love the nation - will support me. Those who hate me for attending the ceremony should perhaps go to Pakistan. I have given a message of love, I did not do any crime. I will not apologise or resign, they can do whatever they want," said Ilyasi.

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol was held at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir on January 22 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who led the ceremony.

The ceremony was also attended by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, top business leaders, Bollywood celebrities and other eminent personalities.

Source: livemint.com

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

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/chief-of-all-india-imam-organization-faces-fatwa-attending-pran-pratishta-ceremony-dr-imam-umer-ahmed-ilyasi-11706542438912.html

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Haji Malang DargahASufi ShrineSituated Atop A Hill Near Mumbai‘On Radar Of Hindutva Extremists’ After Ram Mandir’s Opening

January 30, 2024

NEW DELHI: A prominent Indian political figure declared that he wished to “liberate” Haji Malang Dargah, a Sufi shrine that is visited by Indians of all religions, just for Hindus.

To learn more about the controversy, Cherylann Mollan of the BBC paid a visit to the shrine.

Reaching the coveted Sufi saint’s tomb, which is now a site of disputed history, tradition, and faith, requires climbing approximately 1,500 stairs carved out of rock. It is not an easy undertaking.

Situated atop a hill near Mumbai in the western state of Maharashtra, the Haji Malang Dargah (shrine) is believed to contain the burial of an Arab missionary who arrived in India over 700 years ago.

Despite being at the core of a theological conflict, the dargah, like many other Sufi shrines across India, is seen as a symbol of absorption and tolerance.

At the saint’s tomb when the BBC journalist visited, flowers and a chadar—a piece of fabric donated as a sign of respect in Sufi traditions—were being offered by Muslims and Hindus alike. It is believed that requests made with a “pure heart” will always come true.

This spirit of polite coexistence is reflected in the administrative board of the shrine, whose hereditary custodians are from a Hindu Brahmin family, although two of its trustees are Muslims.

However, at a political gathering earlier this month, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sparked controversy by bringing up a long-forgotten assertion. He stated his intention to “liberating” the building, which is usually regarded as a dargah, and claimed that it is a Hindu temple. In response to the BBC’s request for comment, Shinde remained silent.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1152854-haji-malang-dargah-on-radar-of-hindutva-extremists-after-ram-mandir-s-opening

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Institutions for Islamic studies exist...why not have a Centre for Hindu Studies, says Lucknow University VC

Jan 29, 2024

University is all set to establish the research chair from the new session, under which there will be an MA course in Hindu Studies

LUCKNOW Days after the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, Lucknow University (LU) on Monday announced to establish a Centre for Hindu Studies on the campus to promote higher education in Sanatan Vedic Culture.

“When there are institutions for Islamic studies, why not have a Centre for Hindu Studies,” said LU vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai, adding that the university is all set to establish the research chair from the new session, under which there will be an MA course in Hindu Studies.

A paper on Sanatan Vedic Culture will also be integrated with under-graduate and post-graduate courses, he said.

“A concrete proposal has been prepared for the MA course in Hindu Studies (two years) and research chair in Hindu Studies so as to expand research in this field. The course will be rolled out from the new session,” he said.

Rai said the proposed courses are within the framework of NEP-2020 and UGC NET has added Hindu Studies as the 82nd subject to the list. The university is yet to develop the syllabus and course curriculum and get it approved from different academic bodies.

However, university officials ruled out any ‘saffronisation of the syllabus’. They said according to the final report on the National Credit Framework (NCrf) released by the University Grants Commission (UGC), students will now be able to earn credits from their expertise in various aspects of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), including Vedas and Puranas.

Earlier, Varanasi’s Sampurnanand Sanskrit University (SSU) had also started a postgraduate course in Hindu Studies comprising topics like Vedanta, Indian Philosophy, Vedas, Shastrarth (debate on Hindu values), Gyan Mimansa (examination of knowledge), the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Hindu Arts and language.

Shyamlesh Tewari, a teacher of oriental Sanskrit department, who was one of the nine acharyas invited to perform rituals for Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla said, “Currently, LU is teaching ‘karmkand’ in the department of oriental studies in Sanskrit in BA second semester and in Archak Prashikshan (pujari) as per NEP 2020 in the fourth semester. We also teach ‘karmkand’ in one-year PG diploma course. Candidates must have this diploma to become dharmguru in the armed forces (as junior commanding officer). We also have Jyotir Vigyan at UG and PG levels. These proposed new courses are different from what is being taught and are well within the domain of NEP 2020.”

The V-C said he has discussed these courses with Acharya Abhishek Brahmachari Maharaj who authored several books wherein he tried to establish scientific basis of Vedas.

In his address, Abhishek Maharaj said just like studies related to other religions are conducted in universities, a Hindu Study Centre should also be established at LU for which efforts were being made for a long time.

He said Ram era has started in India and the deity has been seated in the temple. “I requested the LU V-C to try and establish a research chair, which should also be included in the curriculum,” he said.

LUACTA chief Manoj Pandey said, “If LU is gearing up to start these courses within the framework of NEP and Indian Constitution, then there is no harm.”

Acharya Abhishek Brahmachari Maharaj, disciple of Karpatri Maharaj, welcomed and congratulated Shyamlesh Kumar Tiwari, who was part of Pran Pratistha ceremony held in Ayodhya recently.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/institutions-for-islamic-studies-exist-why-not-have-a-centre-for-hindu-studies-says-lucknow-university-vc-101706547425235.html

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Leh health centres drop 'Mandir': Objections from Buddhists and Muslims prompt rebranding

30.01.24

Muzaffar Raina

The BJP-led Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council in Leh has recommended changing the name of the Union health ministry-run health and wellness centres in the region from Hindi to a local language and delete the suffix Mandir from it, bowing to outrage from local Buddhists and Muslims.

LAHDC, Leh, which is an elected body in Ladakh’s Leh district, said in a post on X that “health & wellness centres” — called Ayushman Arogya Mandir — are to be rebranded as “Tsey-Ring NadmedTsonas” in Leh.

LAHDC, Leh, chief executive councillor Tashi Gyalson has formed an expert committee headed by StanzinChosphel, executive councillor in the art and culture department, to oversee the rebranding process, advocating the adoption of names in the Bhoti language spoken in Leh.

Gyalson said they would approach the Ladakh administration for formal approval.

An official statement said the chief executive councillor chaired a meeting on Sunday in the presence of Ladakh MP Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, who is also from the BJP.

Opposition Congress leader Tsering Namgail, who was part of the protests against naming these centres as Ayushman Arogya Mandir (which means long-life, well-being temples), said the first two words had been translated into Tsey-Ring and Nadmed (meaning long life and well-being in Bhoti) while Mandir had been replaced by Tsonas, which means centre.

“They could have chosen a simple language instead of literally translating the words. But still, our main concern of calling such centres as Mandirs has been addressed,” he told The Telegraph.

“That name has not gone well with people of all communities here. The BJP did not come out openly initially because it was in power. But obviously, they had to relent.”

In November last year, the central health ministry had decided to rename the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

On January 24, the Ladakh Buddhist Association and major Muslim organisations in Kargil jointly opposed the decision. In a letter addressed to Gyalson, the acting president of the LBA, CheringDorjey, described the central ministry’s decision as unfortunate and tantamount to “playing with the sentiments of the Ladakhi people”. “India is a secular country and using religious names and symbols in government departments is unconstitutional and unacceptable,” Dorjay said.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/leh-health-centres-drop-mandir-objections-from-buddhists-and-muslims-prompt-rebranding/cid/1997013

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GyanvapiMosque Committee Terms ASI Survey Report "An Attempt To Set A False Narrative"

Jan 30, 2024

VARANASI: Gyanvapi mosque management committee, Anjuman Intezamia Masjid, has disapproved of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report on scientific study and survey of the mosque, terming it "an attempt to set a false narrative".

Based on history available with AIM, it claimed that the mosque was constructed in three phases starting in 15th century CE.

In the first detailed reaction to the ASI report after its opening on Jan 25, AIM joint secretary SM Yaseen said, "A detailed study of the report is being done by legal experts and historians. But, after an initial study, we have reached the conclusion that the facts and findings of the report are not very different from court commissioner survey conducted in May 2022."

"As per history available with us, a rich man of Jaunpur, Sheikh Sulemani Mohaddis, had built the mosque on open land in Gyanvapi between 804-42 Hijri (at the beginning of the 15th century). After that, Mughal emperor Akbar initiated expansion of the mosque as per the philosophy of Din-i-Ilahi and the ruins of the western wall are part of the same construction," he said, adding that Aurangzeb ensured further expansion in the 17th century.

"How can it be claimed that it was a grand Hindu temple only?" Varanasi had also been a major centre of Buddhists, and after the arrival of Shankaracharya, Buddhists were compelled to migrate," Yaseen said, adding that it should also be studied whether any Buddhist monastery or temple existed here to learn the real history. If the city is excavated, many facts of Buddhists and Jains could also be found, he added.

Despite SC order for a non-invasive scientific study, ASI dug up many areas, claimed Yaseen. He said GPR can help indicate possibility of any structure at any place, but based on outcomes of studies done through it claims of a grand Hindu temple are being made.

Yaseen said AIM will challenge the report and keep contesting cases, wherever they are filed, to protect the mosque. "We have full faith in the Constitution and judiciary," said Yaseen.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/asi-report-a-bid-to-set-false-narrative-says-muslim-side/articleshowprint/107241164.cms?val=3728

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Supreme Court Extends Interim Stay on Survey of Shahi Idgah Mosque’s Compoundtill The Second Week of April

 30.01.24

R. Balaji

The Supreme Court on Monday extended till the second week of April its interim stay on an Allahabad High Court order that appointed a court commissioner to survey the Shahi Idgah Mosque’s compound in Mathura in connection with the Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute.

Hindu groups, which claim the mosque stands on Lord Krishna’s birthplace, want it shifted and the site handed over for a temple to be built. They claim the mosque was built after partially demolishing a temple during Mughal rule, and have demanded a scientific survey of the site to substantiate the claim.

At the last hearing on January 16 — of an application filed by the mosque committee — the apex court had stayed the high court’s December 14 directive for the appointment of the court commissioner for such a survey.

On Monday, the bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta extended the stay on a joint request from both disputing parties, which requested more time to prepare their cases.

In the same order, the bench said the high court was free to continue hearing other, related issues arising from the batch of suits moved by various Hindu groups in the land title dispute.

A 1991 Act mandates status quo on every place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, with the sole exception of the now-demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

However, Sangh Parivar outfits have with tacit support from the BJP been campaigning for the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah in Mathura — which abut the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Krishna Janmasthan Temple, respectively — to be shifted and the sites handed over to Hindus. The demands — based on the claims that the mosques were built after partially destroying the original temples — have gained momentum following the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya this month, and in the run-up to the general election.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/supreme-court-extends-interim-stay-on-survey-of-shahi-idgah-mosques-compound/cid/1997009

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3 Telugu Inscriptions OnGyanvapi Mosque Walls Shed Light On Mandir

 Jan 30, 2024

HYDERABAD: The Archaeological Survey of India’s epigraphy wing in Mysuru found three Telugu inscriptions on the walls of Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.

A team of experts led by ASI director (epigraphy) K Muniratnam Reddy deciphered 34 inscriptions, including the three in Telugu, and submitted a report on the existence of Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Muniratnam told TOI that one of the inscriptions, dating back to the 17th century, clearly mentioned names of individuals like Mallana Bhatlu, son of Narayana Bhatlu.

“It is interesting to note that Narayana Bhatlu is a Telugu Brahmin who supervised the construction of Kashi Viswanatha temple in 1585. It is said that Hussain Sharqi Sultan of Jaunpur (1458-1505) ordered the demolition of Kashi Viswanatha temple in the 15th century. The temple was reconstructed in 1585. Raja Todarmal is said to have asked Narayana Bhatlu, an expert from south India, to supervise the temple’s construction. The present inscription supports the above fact,” Muniratnam explained.

Damaged & incomplete

“This inscription is engraved on a wall of Gyanvapi mosque and it written in Telugu language. Though it is damaged and incomplete, it mentions Mallana Bhatlu and Narayana Bhatlu,” the ASI director said.

The second Telugu inscription, which was found inside the mosque, made a mention of a ‘govi’. Govis are shepherds.

The third inscription, dating back to the 15th century, was found by the ASI experts at the main entrance on the northern side of the mosque. It has 14 lines, which are completely worn-out. “They are damaged. They seem to record some gift for burying perpetual lamps. Other details are lost,” said an expert.

Apart from Telugu, the inscriptions were in Kannada, Devanagari and Tamil languages. The ASI epigraphy wing had earlier found a Sanskrit inscription from Ayodhya.

“This fragmentary inscription is engraved on a slab and was found during levelling of the site in Ayodhya. It is written in Sanskrit language and Nagari characters of about 12th-13th century. It seems to record the obeisance to Lord Ram by a person named Napala Kama,” Muniratnam added.

We also published the following articles recently

Grand Hindu temple existed at the site of Gyanvapi mosque: ASI reportThe ASI survey report reveals that a large Hindu temple once existed at the site of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, according to the Hindu side in the dispute. The report states that the mosque's western wall is part of the Hindu temple and 32 Hindu temple inscriptions were found.107153258

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telugu-inscriptions-on-gyanvapi-mosque-walls-archaeological-survey-of-india/articleshow/107245458.cms

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Go to Pak if you don’t believe in Constitution: Karnataka minister to BJP

29th January 2024

Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge on Monday attacked the BJP, saying that if they do not like the national flag, Indian Constitution and integrity of the nation, their leaders “can go to their preferred destination Pakistan”.

“We will not bog down with the conspiracies and strategies of the BJP. We will effectively deal with it,” he underlined.

The minister was speaking over the issue of hoisting and bringing down of saffron flag bearing the picture of Lord Hanuman on a 108-feet-tall flagpost on government land in the Keragodu village in Mandya district of Karnataka. The issue has turned out to be a latest flash point between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP in Karnataka.

Kharge further stated, “Like RSS, which hated the tiranga (national flag), BJP trained by the RSS is also hating the national flag. Instead of respecting it, the BJP is hating the Tricolour. Mr. Vijayendra (State BJP President B Y Vijayendra), the government has fulfilled the purpose of the flagpole by hoisting the national flag.”

“Even then why are you so angry? By showing hatred towards the national flag, the BJP has certified itself as anti-nationals,” Kharge stated.

He further said that the BJP and Sangh Parivar which had made the coastal region its Hindutva laboratory have now been activated in Mandya district and started their Hindutva experimentation here.

“It seems BJP won’t be at peace if the society is peaceful. The BJP leaders have stooped down to the low level of igniting fire in Mandya district for political gains. The position of LoP is a dignified post, his actions won’t bring respect to his position,” he said.

“Here are few facts for the reference of LoP Ashoka and State President Vijayendra. The Gaurishankar Seva Trust which had hoisted the flag had given in writing on December 29, 2023 that they would only hoist national and state flags while seeking permission to erect the flagpole.

“They had given another submission in writing on January 17 that they would only hoist the national flag and regional flag. They had clearly stated that they would not hoist religious or political flags,” Priyank Kharge explained.

“On Jan 18 the officers of Keregodu Gram Panchayat had given consent only for hoisting of the national flag and state flag on Jan 18 with conditions. They have been clearly informed that they should abide by the changes in rules made by the authorities.

“Who conspired to hoist the Bhagwa (saffron) flag instead of tricolour? Who provoked people to violate conditions by authorities? Since how long has the BJP been conspiring to disturb peace? Why is the BJP looking at the law, rules and order as trash?” Kharge said.

The saffron flag was hoisted on January 19, which was ignored by authorities till January 26. On the occasion of Republic Day, the authorities had hoisted the Tricolour and brought it down at dusk.

The next day the saffron flag bearing the picture of Hanuman was hoisted again. The authorities brought down this flag in police protection on Sunday leading to a confrontation between the authorities and people.

Following the turn of events, the authorities-imposed curfew in the region and beefed up police security. The situation is tense in the region and Karnataka BJP had given a call for statewide protest condemning the act of the government to bring down the Hindu religious flag.

Source: siasat.com

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https://www.siasat.com/go-to-pak-if-you-dont-believe-in-constitution-karnataka-minister-to-bjp-2966591/

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Centre extends ban imposed on Students Islamic Movement of India for another five years

30.01.24

The Centre on Monday extended the ban imposed on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for another five years for its alleged involvement in fomenting terrorism and disturbing peace and communal harmony in the country.

Union home minister Amit Shah said in a post on X: “Bolstering Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of zero tolerance against terrorism, SIMI has been declared as an ‘Unlawful Association’ for a further period of five years under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).”

“The SIMI has been found involved in fomenting terrorism, disturbing peace and communal harmony to threaten the sovereignty, security and integrity of Bharat,” Shah said.

SIMI was first banned in 2001 during the Atal Bihar Vajpayee government, and since then, the ban has been extended every five years.

In a notification, the home ministry said SIMI has been continuing its subversive activities and re-organising its activists who are still absconding.

The group is disrupting the secular fabric of the country by polluting the minds of the people by creating communal disharmony, propagating anti-national sentiments and escalating secessionism by supporting militancy and undertaking activities which are prejudicial to the integrity and security of the country, the notification said.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/centre-extends-ban-imposed-on-students-islamic-movement-of-india-for-another-five-years/cid/1997016

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Pakistan

 

Pakistan court jails ex-PM Imran Khan for 10 years ahead of elections

30 Jan 2024

GIBRAN NAIYYAR PESHIMAM and ARIBA SHAHID

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -A Pakistan court handed Imran Khan a 10-year jail term on Tuesday for leaking state secrets, his party said, the harshest sentence against the former prime minister so far and just 10 days before a general election.

The special court found Khan guilty of making public the contents of a secret cable sent by Pakistan's ambassador in Washington to the government in Islamabad, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said. Former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was also sentenced to 10 years in the same case.

The jail term is the second conviction for Khan in recent months, and ensures the popular former prime minister will remain in jail, and out of the public spotlight, ahead of next week's general elections. The court was due to issue its written verdict later.

The PTI said it would challenge the decision. "We don't accept this illegal decision," Khan's lawyer Naeem Panjutha posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Khan aide Zulfikar Bukhari told Reuters that the legal team was given no chance to represent the former prime minister or cross examine witnesses, adding that the proceedings were carried out in jail.

He called the conviction an attempt to weaken support for Khan. "People will now make sure they come out and vote in larger numbers," he told Reuters.

The embattled former cricket star was previously sentenced to three years in a corruption case, which had already ruled him out of the general elections next week.

However, Khan's legal team was hoping to get him released from jail, where he has been since August last year, but the latest conviction means that is unlikely even as the charges are contested in a higher court.

Khan has been fighting dozens of cases since he was ousted from power in a parliamentary vote of no confidence in 2022.

Khan says the cable that pertains to the case was proof of a conspiracy by the Pakistani military and the U.S. government to topple his government in 2022 after he visited Moscow just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Washington and the Pakistan military deny the accusations.

The former prime minister has previously said the contents of the cable appeared in the media from other sources.

Khan's PTI, which won the 2018 elections, suffered a major setback earlier this month when a court upheld the Election Commission's decision to strip the party of its traditional election symbol, the cricket bat.

His candidates are now contesting as independents, many of them on the run amidst what the party calls a crackdown backed by the country's powerful military. The military denies this.

(Reporting by Gibran Peshimam and Ariba Shahid; writing by Sakshi Dayal; editing by Sudipto Ganguly and Christian Schmollinger and Miral Fahmy)

Source: thestar.com.my

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https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2024/01/30/former-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-gets-10-year-jail-term-for-leaks-party-says

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Promotion of interfaith harmony govt’s top priority: Masood

January 30, 2024

Pakistan's Ambassador to the US Masood Khan has said promotion of interfaith harmony is the top priority of the government.

Talking to a delegation of All Neighbors, an organization working on interfaith harmony in Washington DC,  he pointed out that the protection of the rights of minorities is not only enshrined in the constitution and laws of Pakistan but the Pakistani nation is also united and committed to this goal.

 He said inter-faith harmony and religious tolerance is a characteristic of Pakistani society.

The Ambassador highlighted that the response from Pakistani political, religious and other leadership after the Jaranwala incident reflects the country's social values regarding interfaith harmony.

Providing a briefing on his recent visit to Pakistan, Director of All Neighbors Ilyas Masih informed the Ambassador about the progress made in the reconstruction of the church affected by the Jaranwala incident. He expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown by the Pakistani nation toward its Christian community after the incident. He also commended the efforts of the Government of Pakistan and other stakeholders in the reconstruction of the affected church and property.

The delegation informed the Ambassador that All Neighbors is working on a plan to organize a high-level conference on religious freedom in Pakistan in April this year. The conference aims not only to promote inter-religious harmony but also to present the true image of Pakistani society to the international community.

Welcoming the initiative of All Neighbors to organize a conference on religious freedom, Ambassador Masood Khan assured all possible support from the embassy.

He emphasized that Pakistan is a peace-loving society where the majority of the population holds moderate views on different religious values and discourages extremist thinking found in any corner of the world

The Ambassador stressed the need to highlight commonalities in different religions regarding human values and to work together to promote religious tolerance.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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https://www.radio.gov.pk/30-01-2024/promotion-of-interfaith-harmony-govts-top-priority-masood

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Tehreek NifazFiqah-i-Jafariya extends support to PPP in Feb 8 polls

January 30, 2024

Aamir Yasin

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday visited the headquarters of Tehreek NifazFiqah-i-Jafariya (TNFJ) where TNFJ chief Allama Agha Syed Hussain Muqaddasi announced to support the PPP in the Feb 8 elections.

Talking to journalists on the occasion, the PPP chairman said he had come to meet the TNFJ leadership to revive the relations of the times of Benazir Bhutto. He said politics of hate and division was harming Pakistan. We need to be united and struggle for a stronger and better Pakistan.

Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari accompanied the PPP chairman. TNFJ Secretary General Allama Basharat Hussain Imami. Additional Secretary General Allama Syed Qamar Haider Rizvi, Chairman political cell Zulfiqar Ali Raja, Secretary Public Relations Syed Hasan Kazmi and Coordinator Syed Ali Mehdi were included in a delegation which met the PPP chairman.

Responding to questions, The PPP chairman said the PPP was not in PDM when the coalition government was formed. “We joined the coalition government to reduce problems the country was facing. Perhaps the other party was not interested. We need to solve our problems unitedly and there is benefit in working together,” he said.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari said that he did not listen to the speeches of Nawaz Sharif but had challenged him for a debate as it was a tradition internationally so that everyone can talk about their manifesto.

He said that Shehbaz Sharif had said he wanted to have such a debate in Sindh which I had accepted. “I do not know why Mian Sahib is running away from the debate,” he said.

“Pakistan especially Punjab has always supported brave people and they did not like cowards. Mian Sahib wants to become PM for the fourth time but is reluctant to do debate and if he knows about his own policies then he should come to Sindh and debate with me in any city of Sindh whether in Gambat, Karachi or Tharparkar,” he said.

Replying to another question, the PPP chairman said we are in politics for the last three generations. “Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and our government from 2008 till 2013 fulfilled the promises made in our manifestos. We want to take along everyone who wants an end to politics of hate and division,” he said.

To another question, he said the interim Punjab government and the ECP should have acted against people who were harassing PPP workers in Punjab especially in NA-127. “When a councillor of PML-N joined PPP he was arrested in NA-127. When a PTI councillor wants to join PPP, they suddenly remember the 9th May incident had happened. This is PML-N’s politics which wants to contest without any rival,” he said.

“This is undemocratic. The PML-N thinks that it has knocked out a party on technical ground. They want the same undemocratic means against the PPP,” he said. He questioned the caretaker Punjab chief minister, IG and the chief secretary Punjab if PPP workers were involved in May 9 incidents? Whenever PPP workers become active they are arrested, he said.

“A party will protest no matter what are the results and do they want that another party should join that protest as well. Why the PML-N is frightened? They say that they are the most popular politicians but why they are troubling PPP workers. Mian Sahib wants to become PM by hook or by crook the fourth time but the majority of the population does not want him the PM the fourth time. The PML-N is insecure,” he said.

Meets students at SZABIST

Meanwhile, talking to students in a question-answer session on ‘ChunoNayi Soch Ko’ at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), the PPP chairman held the governments of Imran Khan and PDM for the poor economy of the country.

“They both failed to address the financial problems. When Imran Khan could see himself failing the no-confidence motion, he reduced the price of petrol to win the support of the Pakistani people,” he said. “Imran Khan, Sharif family or Ishaq Dar did not bear the burden of these decisions, the people did,” he said.

He said the PPP had joined the unity government with the hopes that the problems of the people would be taken seriously. While the country was saved from a default, due to floods and by-elections, the government decided not to implement the IMF deal for three months. Hence, the economic team of the unity government had the same fatal flaw as Imran Khan, he said. The PPP chairman said people of the country were still bearing the brunt of these mistakes, he said.

He said that the PPP consulted various experts on the severity of the dangers posed by climate change. The largest collection of snow and ice, after the north and south poles, is in the Himalayan range in Pakistan. Until now, the world was under the impression that only the polar bears and penguins were endangered due to the climate change. “It did not occur to anyone what would become of the 250 million people living directly underneath the third-largest collection of ice and snow anywhere on the planet,” he said.

He said that not only the Pakistani people but the international community needed to be apprised of the fact that Pakistani is a frontline state and its contribution to carbon emissions is less than 1pc yet its survival is at stake. “The solution to this problem cannot be reached alone, and the threat of climate change needs to be combated in collaboration with the rest of the world,” he said.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1809750/tehreek-nifaz-fiqah-i-jafariya-extends-support-to-ppp-in-feb-8-polls

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15 PTI workers remanded in police custody in terrorism case

 January 30, 2024

Sumair Abdullah

KARACHI: An antiterrorism court remanded 15 workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) in police custody for two days in a case pertaining to staging an “unlawful” rally at Teen Talwar in Clifton, resorting to violence and terrorism.

The held activists, along with “around 5,000 workers and leaders” have been booked in a terrorism case registered at the Frere police station on behalf of the state.

The investigation officer brought the 15 PTI workers before the ATC judge and requested for their 14 -day physical remand. However, the ATC judge remanded them in police custody for two days for further investigation.

DIG-South Syed Asad Raza said that 66 leaders including Khurram Sher Zaman, Faheem Khan, Saeed Afridi, Dr Baracha and others “instigated around 5,000 workers to resort to violence during a rally at Teen Talwar on Sunday.

He said that they “challenged the writ of the state by vandalising public property, assaulting uniformed policemen, resorting to aerial firing to spread terror in area and raising slogans against the police”.

He said that seven policemen sustained injuries and the condition of one of them, Boat Basin SHO Mohammed Riaz, was said to be critical.

To find your constituency and location of your polling booth, SMS your NIC number (no spaces) to 8300. Once you know your constituency, visit the ECP website here for candidates.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1809735/15-pti-workers-remanded-in-police-custody-in-terrorism-case

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PTI leaders booked in Quetta for violating Section 144

 January 30, 2024

Saleem Shahid

QUETTA: A case has been filed against PTI leaders for violating Section 144 and causing harm to a policeman during an attempt to organise a procession, as per the directives of party’s founding chairman Imran Khan on Monday.

Despite the imposition of Section 144 in Quetta district, PTI activists conducted a rally in Quetta on Sunday.

The FIR has been registered against Doda Shahwani and Salar Kakar, both contesting elections for the provincial and national assembly respectively from Quetta.

According to a police official, they allegedly violated Section 144 by organising the rally.

“When police officials deployed at the PTI provincial secretariat tried to halt the procession, the leaders not only breached Section 144 but also attempted to assault the police officials, resulting in injuries to a policeman,” the FIR stated.

Following a complaint by SHO Jinnah Town, a case has been registered under Sections 188, 186, 353, 145, 147, 149.

Sources indicate that if the PTI candidates mentioned in the FIR do not secure bail, they may be barred from participating in the election. Additionally, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) retains the authority to take action against them.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1809697/pti-leaders-booked-in-quetta-for-violating-section-144

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Terrorist killed in North Waziristan intelligence-based operation: ISPR

January 29, 2024

Iftikhar Shirazi

Security forces killed a terrorist in an exchange of fire during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district on Monday, according to the military’s media wing.

According to a press release from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted the IBO based on the reported presence of terrorists.

“During the conduct of operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists as a result of which terrorist Naikman Ullah was sent to hell,” the ISPR said.

It added that he remained “actively involved in numerous terrorist activities, including target killing of innocent civilians”. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from him

The ISPR further said that a sanitisation operation was under way to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area.

“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country,” the ISPR said.

Three militants were killed in an IBO in Titterkhel town of Lakki Marwat district on Saturday.

Security forces killed two terrorists in an IBO in North Waziristan district on Friday.

Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in the past year, especially in KP and Balochistan after the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

According to an annual security report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023 — marking a record six-year high.

KP and Balochistan were the primary centres of violence, accounting for over 90 per cent of all fatalities and 84pc of attacks, including incidents of terrorism and security forces operations.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1809620/terrorist-killed-in-north-waziristan-intelligence-based-operation-ispr

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COAS stresses sustained engagement with Iran to address security concerns

January 29, 2024

Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir has emphasized the need for sustained engagement and utilizing available communication channels between Pakistan and Iran to address security concerns.

He was talking to Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, who called on him in Rawalpindi today.

The Army Chief underscored the centrality of respecting the other state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling it sacrosanct, inviolable and the most important cardinal of state-to-state relationship.

The two sides also reiterated their commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in the border region which is as an indispensable requirement for the well-being of the people living on both sides.

Realizing the historical, religious and cultural ties that bind Pakistan and Iran, both sides emphasized on strengthening bilateral ties and fostering greater understanding of each other’s concerns.

They observed that terrorism is a common threat that needs to be tackled through collaborative efforts, better coordination and intelligence sharing.

The two sides agreed to operationalize the mechanism of deployment of military liaison officers in each other’s country at an early date to improve coordination and efficiency of response against common threats.

 They reaffirmed the resolve to remain closely engaged and not allow any spoilers to drive a wedge between the brotherly nations.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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https://www.radio.gov.pk/29-01-2024/coas-stresses-sustained-engagement-with-iran-to-address-security-concerns

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Terror attacks ‘thwarted’ as multiple rocket explosions shake Mach

January 30, 2024

QUETTA: The Mach city echoed with explosions and plunged into darkness after unidentified persons fired several rockets from mountains, followed by heavy gunfire, on Monday night.

People were trapped in their homes due to explosions and firing, while firing also started in Kolpur and Gokhart Bibi Nani areas. According to security sources, unidentified persons fired 15 rockets from the mountains at 9:30pm in the Mach area of Kuchi Bolan.

Two rockets fell onto Mach Jail Colony, one landed in the Levies police station, four rained into the FC headquarters and eight rockets landed in the city and surrounding areas. As the rockets exploded with strong bangs and heavy firing started, the city plunged into darkness, and soon the market closed.

The explosions were so loud that the windowpanes of many houses were broken. According to sources, the administration blocked all kinds of traffic in Dharar and Kolpur. The sound of explosions and firing continued to be heard till late night in Gokhart Bibi Nani and Kolpur.

Balochistan’s interim information minister Jan Achakzai said security forces “successfully thwarted three coordinated attacks” carried out by terrorists in the Mach area on Monday night.

In a post on social media platform X, he said the terrorists were affiliated with the Aslam Acho group. “Fortunately, no damage was inflicted on any installations, and there were no casualties among our security forces.”

Achakzai further said the terrorists retreated and were being chased by security forces. “We remain hopeful that all threats will be eliminated before dawn, by the grace of God.”

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1152820-terror-attacks-thwarted-as-multiple-rocket-explosionsshake-mach

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Cipher case trial moves toward conclusion

January 30, 2024

RAWALPINDI:The cipher case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and senior leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi entered the final stage on Monday, as the court prepared a questionnaire for the accused to record their statements under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

Presiding over the special court – set up under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) – Judge Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain prepared the questionnaire after the cross-examination of all the 25 prosecution witnesses was completed.

During the proceedings inside the Adiala Jail, 11 more witnesses were cross-examined.

During the hearing, Qureshi objected to the state defense counsel, but the judge ordered him to remain silent, warning that otherwise he would be removed from the courtroom. Both accused also expressed their distrust in the judge. However, after hearing arguments, the judge dismissed their plea as inadmissible.

Salman Safdar, the lawyer for the PTI founder, told the judge that it had become difficult for them to cooperate with the court under the current circumstances. He urged the court to exercise caution in handling the case, noting that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had twice declared the trial null and void.

Safdar questioned why the court was rushing through the proceedings, expressing sarcasm about the efficiency of the court-appointed state defense counsel, who apparently understood the case and completed cross-examinations of 10 witnesses in just 14 hours, asking a mere four questions each.

He further argued that while the Supreme Court had called for a speedy trial, there was no stipulation that the case must be heard daily. However, the judge countered that when the accused were in jail, daily hearings were permissible.

The judge told the lawyer that there was no objection to the decision of the Supreme Court, adding that the Supreme Court had also stated that if there were any obstacles in the case proceedings, the bail of the accused could be cancelled.

Safdar said that something must have gone wrong as the IHC had declared the previous hearings null and void. He told the judge that the special court was not paying heed to the orders of IHC and the Supreme Court. He also stressed that the law gave the accused the right to have a lawyer of his choice.

If the accused became bankrupt or said that he had no money, only then the accused could be given a defence counsel but in the present case, there was no such situation, Safdar said. Therefore, he added, the appointment of the state defence counsel was wrong.

On the occasion, the PTI founder told the court that state defence counsel did not even consult him. He added that when the main witness, Azam Khan, was cross-examined, his lawyers were kept outside the jail. Cross-examination was the only weapon a defence lawyer had, he added.

Prosecutor Rizwan Abbasi argued that the Supreme Court in its decision had called for a speedy trial. He added that the court should dismiss the plea of the accused and the cross-examination of the witnesses should be started.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454879/cipher-case-trial-moves-toward-conclusion

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Pakistan concerned over suspension of funding for UNRWA

2024-01-30

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan expressed its deep concerns over the decision by some countries to suspend the funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The timing of this suspension is deeply troubling as it takes place amidst the ongoing war, displacement, and suffering of the people of Gaza who depend on critical aid from UNRWA for their daily survival,  Foreign Office said in a statement on Monday.

As the primary humanitarian agency in Gaza, it added that UNRWA serves as a lifeline for over two million people, providing shelter and delivering vital food and primary healthcare services, even amidst the most intense hostilities. “The decision to suspend funding in response to allegations against a small group of staff is unjustifiable, it added.

“We agree with the UN Secretary-General that UNRWAs current funding would not be sufficient to meet all the requirements to support the Palestinian people over the next month. It is, therefore, imperative to prioritize the continuity of UNRWAs operations to sustain the survival of the people of Gaza, it further stated. Pakistan urged all countries that have suspended their funding for UNRWA to reconsider their decision in order to avoid suspension of the Agency’s humanitarian work. The lives of the people in Gaza hang in the balance and depend on this crucial support, it added.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40286301/pakistan-concerned-over-suspension-of-funding-for-unrwa

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Cross-examination of witnesses: AC closes right of IK, Bushra

2024-01-30

ISLAMABAD: An Accountability Court on Monday closed the right of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi of cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses in the Toshakhana case.

Accountability Court judge Muhammad Bashir while hearing the case closed the right of defence counsel of cross-examination of the witnesses after the accused filed another application seeking to allow them to include advocate Zaheer Abbas in their legal team.

The court completed the recording of the statements of 16 witnesses and will record the statement of the accused under Section 342 during the next hearing to be held on Tuesday (today).

During the hearing, another counsel Zaheer Abbas submitted an attorney to represent Khan. He requested the court to provide him copies of the case and also grant time for the preparation of the case. He also requested the court to adjourn the hearing.

The prosecutor objected to the defence counsel’s plea and told the court defense is using delaying tactics, therefore, closing their right of cross-examination. He further said that the lead counsel of the accused was present in the courtroom and they should cross-examine the prosecution witness.

He said that Shahbaz Khasa, Khan’s counsel is also present in the courtroom and he can also cross-examine the witnesses. The accused has submitted power of attorney of 10 lawyers and they are using different tactics to delay the hearing, he said.

The court after hearing the arguments closed the right of cross-examination of the defence and summoned the accused to record their statement under Section 342 on Tuesday (today).

The prosecution witnesses who were produced before the court included Zahid Sarfraz Azam, assistant protocol, Prime Minister’s Office; Shohaib Abbasi, private appraiser/approver; Brig Muhammad Ahmed, Ex-Ms to the prime minister; Colonel Rehan Mehmood, ex-DMS to the premier; Azeem Manzoor, principal appraiser; Rabia Samad, appraiser, Nida Rehman, former SO Toshakhana, Rahim Ullah, Dy consulate general Dubai; Mohsin Habib, admin assistant consulate general Dubai, Irfan Rafaqat counsellor attache; Imran Bashir, expert Rainbow ImpexFZE; Muhammad Faheem, assistant director; Syed InamUllah Shah, former PS to Imran Khan; Muhammad Abdullah, magistrate ICT; Muhammad Mohsin Haroon, investigation officer (IO), Mustansar Imran Shah, Assistant Director NAB, and Hasnain Mustaf.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40286355/cross-examination-of-witnesses-ac-closes-right-of-ik-bushra

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Pakistan concerned over suspension of funding to UN agency for Palestinian refugees

Aamir Latif

29.01.2024

Pakistan Monday expressed its "deep" concerns over the decision by some countries to suspend the funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

“The timing of this suspension is deeply troubling as it takes place amidst the ongoing war, displacement, and suffering of the people of Gaza who depend on critical aid from UNRWA for their daily survival,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Islamabad noted that the decision to suspend funding in response to allegations against a small group of staff is "unjustifiable."

"We agree with the UN Secretary-General that UNRWA’s current funding would not be sufficient to meet all the requirements to support the Palestinian people over the next month. It is, therefore, imperative to prioritize the continuity of UNRWA’s operations to sustain the survival of the people of Gaza," the statement further said.

Pakistan urged all countries that have suspended their funding to reconsider their decision in order to avoid suspension of the agency's humanitarian work.

“The lives of the people in Gaza hang in the balance and depend on this crucial support,” it concluded.

Several countries, including the US and Canada, have announced the temporary suspension of new funding to UNRWA, following Israel's accusation that some of the agency's employees participated in the attack launched by the Hamas movement on Oct. 7.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/pakistan-concerned-over-suspension-of-funding-to-un-agency-for-palestinian-refugees/3122382

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South Asia

 

Afghan FM calls for ‘constructive engagement’ with international community

January 30, 2024

KABUL: Afghanistan´s foreign minister on Monday called for “constructive engagement” with the international community, but rejected the need for the appointment of a United Nations special envoy to his country.

Amir Khan Muttaqi was addressing a conference in Kabul that brought together special envoys and representatives from 11 countries, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and India.

He called for “developing regional cooperation for a constructive engagement... to tackle existing and potential threats in the region”.

The Taliban´s government in Kabul has not been officially recognised by any other government since it took power in 2021, imposing a strict interpretation that has restricted women from almost all aspects of public life.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan respects others´ interests, choices, government structures, and development models, and in return, expects others to respect Afghanistan´s interests,” Muttaqi told reporters.

Afghanistan´s economy has struggled through decades of war, a crisis deepened by international sanctions on the banking system and foreign assets after the Taliban government came to power.

In December, the UN Security Council passed a resolution calling for the appointment of a special envoy for Afghanistan, a post that Kabul rejected as “unnecessary”.

On Monday, Muttaqi repeated that rejection, saying Afghanistan “does not need another UN special representative”.

The UN is due to hold a meeting on the situation in Afghanistan on February 18 and 19 in the Qatari capital Doha.

The aim of the meeting will be “to discuss how to approach increasing international engagement in a more coherent, coordinated and structured manner”, according to a UN statement.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1152841-afghan-fm-calls-for-constructive-engagement-with-international-community

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Canada transfers over 300 Afghan refugees from Pakistan

Fidel Rahmati

January 30, 2024

The Canadian immigration authorities recently announced that they have moved over 300 Afghan refugees from Pakistan to Canada as part of their ongoing efforts to help Afghan refugees.

On Monday, January 29th, the immigration agency announced a newsletter that approximately 310 Afghan refugees who were awaiting transfer to Canada were moved from Pakistan to Canada on a chartered flight.

The Canadian immigration agency has stated that the newly relocated refugees to Canada are expected to be distributed across 30 cities in the country.

Furthermore, the Canadian immigration agency also added that the newly transferred refugees to Canada have currently been relocated to the city of Halifax in Canada.

This comes after the Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Agency had previously announced that they had relocated 319 Afghan refugees from Pakistan to the city of Vancouver in Canada.

Meanwhile, following the rise of the Taliban, thousands of Afghan citizens sought refuge in various European countries, the United States, and some other nations. Canada is among the countries that have repeatedly relocated Afghan citizens to its country.

Prior to this, Afghan migrants had arrived in Canada via chartered flights from countries such as Pakistan, Tajikistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Albania.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/canada-transfers-over-300-afghan-refugees-from-pakistan/

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Muttaqi advocates engagement at the Regional Cooperation Initiative Meeting

Fidel Rahmati

January 29, 2024

Afghanistan hosted a Regional Cooperation Initiative meeting, bringing together representatives and ambassadors from 11 neighbouring and regional countries in Kabul.

The key topics of discussion at the meeting included fostering positive interaction between regional countries and the Taliban government, enhancing coordination in regional cooperation, developing a unified regional narrative, and collaborating to harness economic opportunities in the region.

The participating countries included India, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan.

Acting Foreign Minister of Taliban Amir Khan Muttaqi emphasized that the meeting aimed to establish a “region-centric narrative” for constructive engagement between Afghanistan and its regional neighbours.

The focus of regional cooperation discussed at the meeting included exploring mutually beneficial regional pathways, building a positive narrative for engagement, enhancing soft and hard connectivity for regional economic development, and advocating for the removal of unilateral sanctions on the region and Afghanistan.

Muttaqi highlighted the Taliban’s “economy-centered foreign policy” and the positive developments in trade and transit since their takeover in August 2021.

He underscored that respecting each other’s interests, choices, government structures, and development models was crucial for fostering positive engagement.

Muttaqi pointed out that Afghanistan’s past experiences with imported plans and interventions did not lead to the desired outcomes and that Afghanistan is now a sovereign and safe country.

He also said Afghanistan seeks positive engagement and mutual interests instead of confrontation or controversy.

Afghanistan acknowledges its challenges, stemming from decades of foreign invasions, interventions, and internal conflicts, and is committed to finding solutions.

Muttaqi expressed the hope of achieving regional consensus through mechanisms like Afghanistan’s neighboring countries’ ministerial meetings and the Moscow format to address mutual interests and incentivize agreements.

Dr. Mohammad Naeem, head of the Afghan embassy in Doha, reiterated the Taliban’s commitment to fostering positive relations with regional countries and active participation in regional initiatives.

Afghanistan aims to convey its readiness to actively engage in regional efforts and build constructive relationships with neighbouring and regional nations.

The “Afghanistan Regional Cooperation Initiative” meeting commenced on Monday evening at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the Taliban’s control in Kabul.

Originally scheduled to start Monday morning, the meeting was delayed and began at 4:30 PM Kabul time.

The Taliban-controlled National Radio and Television had previously reported that the meeting was delayed due to adverse weather conditions.

This marks the first time that the Taliban has hosted a regional meeting with the participation of ambassadors and special representatives from neighbouring and regional countries in Kabul.

This meeting comes as the United Nations Secretary-General is scheduled to host the second conference on Afghanistan in Doha at the end of the month.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/muttaqi-advocates-engagement-at-the-regional-cooperation-initiative-meeting/

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17 Active Islamic Emirate Political Missions Abroad: Deputy PM

January 29, 2024

The deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, said that the Islamic Emirate has good relations with all countries and that at least 17 Islamic Emirate’s political missions are active across the world.

Speaking at a gathering in Sheikh Zayed university of Khost, Mawlawi Kabir pledged that Afghan soil will not be used against anyone.

“We have practical political relations with Turkmenistan, Iran and Uzbekistan and we don’t have political engagement but we have trade. This move also reflects the policies of the Islamic Emirate,” he said.

He also said that the interim government is committed to keeping the balance between religious and modern education and that it will not allow the education that is contrary to Islamic ways.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir added that no government has ensured the rights of the people within the past 45 years of Afghanistan’s history as the Islamic Emirate has.

“Over history, the Afghans have not harmed anyone. It was the aliens who came to Afghanistan to harm the Afghans,” he said.

Meanwhile, speaking to the same gathering, the acting Minister of Vice and Virtue, Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, said that some circles consider the Islamic Emirate as contrary to modern education.

“God forbid, if the Islamic Emirate was against modern education, the gate of no university will be opened for you,” he said.

The deputy political PM said that the Islamic Emirate has begun work on some economic projects and that work on the Wakhan-China street is also underway which will be completed soon.

Source: tolonews.com

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

https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187180

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Slight Increase in Dollar Value Against Afghani

January 29, 2024

In the last month, the price of one American dollar has increased by five to six Afghanis.

Since Afghanistan imports most of the goods it needs from other countries, the fluctuations of the Afghan currency against other currencies always has a negative effect on prices.

A number of shopkeepers said that the fluctuations of the Afghani against other currencies are detrimental to their business.

Gulbaz Khan, a shopkeeper, said about the rise and fall of the value of the Afghani against the US dollar: "The prices have been very high for almost three or four days. The price of a bag of flour increased by 100 to 110 Afghanis and also it affected our work.”

"Our demand from the government is to work and make efforts to stabilize the value of dollars because the people of Afghanistan are faced with economic challenges,” said Gul Rahman, another shopkeeper.

Currently, one American dollar is traded up for to 75 Afghani, while one month ago one dollar was traded at 69 Afghani.

Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) has pledged that this bank monitors the market situation and also has enough facilities to meet the currency needs of the market.

Hasibullah Noori, the spokesman of DAB, told TOLOnews: “Da Afghanistan Bank is monitoring the situation very carefully and also has enough facilities to meet the currency needs of the market. For a better management of the market, DAB will take the necessary measures. So our compatriots should not be worried about it.”

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said: “Afghanistan's monetary policies proceed with a good plan. In this regard, DAB is always in dialogue with analysts, and this up and down does not have much effect."

Meanwhile, a number of economic analysts believe that the Islamic Emirate should supply more dollars in the country's markets in order to stabilize the value of the Afghani against other currencies.

"In general, if due to the strength of the value of the Afghani currency, we can increase domestic production, increase our exports and continue to attract foreign investment, then we can better control the value of the Afghani currency against other currencies," said Seyar Quraishi, economic analyst.

Earlier, Da Afghanistan Bank said that the Afghani has increased by 26.4% in 2023 compared to 2022.

Source: tolonews.com

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

https://tolonews.com/business-187182

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ACC approves charge sheet against Yunus, 13 others in embezzlement case

 Jan 29, 2024

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) today approved the charge sheet against Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus and 13 others in a case filed over misappropriating about Tk 25 crore of Grameen Telecom Workers' Profit Participation Fund.

Prof Yunus is the chairman of the company.

The charge sheet is likely to be submitted before the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court of Dhaka tomorrow, Investigation Officer Gulshan Anwar Prodhan, deputy director of ACC, told The Daily Star.

On May 30 last year, Gulshan filed the case against Prof Yunus and 12 others with its integrated district office in Dhaka.

The 13 other accused, who have been named in the charge sheet, are Grameen Telecom Managing Director Nazmul Islam, Directors Ashraful Hassan, Naznin Sultana, Parvin Mahmud, M Shahjahan, Nurjahan Begum, and SM Huzzatul Islam Latifee, Sramik-Karmachari Union President Kamruzzaman, General Secretary Firoz Mahmud Hasan and representative Mainul Islam, Jatiya Workers' Federation office secretary Kamrul Hasan, lawyers Zafrul Hasan Sharif and Yusuf Ali.

Of them, Kamrul was not a FIR named accused in the case; but his name was included in the charge sheet as his involvement was found during the investigation.

According to the case statement, during the company's 108th board meeting, presided over by Prof Yunus on May 9, 2022, it was decided that a bank account would be opened to distribute Tk 437 crore among the employees as per its agreement with the Grameen Telecom Sramik Karmachari Union.

Sramik-Karmachari Union President Kamruzzmaan and General Secretary Firoz Mahmud signed the agreement on April 27 last year and the account was opened on May 8 with the Dhaka Bank's Gulshan branch.

"Since the bank account was opened after the signing of the agreement, the account number was not supposed to be mentioned in the agreement. But the account number was mentioned proving that the agreement was fake," reads the case statement.

"The Grameen Telecom chairman and the board members, in association with each other, produced the fake agreement to help misappropriate money and thus committed a crime under the Money Laundering Prevention Act," it adds.

"About Tk 364 crore was distributed among 156 employees between May 25 and June 12, 2022. However, about Tk 26.22 crore was transferred to another account with Dutch-Bangla Bank between May 17 and May 30 that year," reads the case statement.

"The money was transferred to another account without any written or verbal approval from the employees. From that account, the money was transferred to the personal accounts of the employees' union leaders and lawyers," added the case statement.

The ACC found that about Tk 1 crore was lawyers' fees and the rest of the money was misappropriated by the employee union leaders and lawyers.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/acc-approves-charge-sheet-against-yunus-13-others-embezzlement-case-3531266

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Europe

 

UK lays out roadmap for permanent solution to Israel-Palestine conflict

Mehmet Solmaz

29.01.2024

The British government announced that it has identified five steps for a sustainable permanent cease-fire without a return to fighting between Israel and Palestine.

Speaking at the House of Commons on Monday, the Foreign Office minister for international development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said the recommended plan starts with forming a new Palestinian government for the West Bank and Gaza accompanied by an international support package.

He then listed the remaining three points: “Removing Hamas’ capacity to launch attacks against Israel. The release of all Israeli hostages, and the key Hamas leaders agreeing to leave Gaza. All of these things are intricately linked. We cannot secure one without all of the others.”

Mitchell says there are also many other elements to consider such as Arab-Israeli normalization, security guarantees, and financing the rebuilding of Gaza.

“We need to generate momentum now towards a permanent peace and that is why pushing for pause now is so important. And that is why we need a contact group meeting, bringing together the key players as soon as possible.”

Commenting on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to take "all measures within its power" to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, Mitchell said the UK government does not believe Israel's actions in Gaza can be described as genocide.

“Of course, we respect the role and independence of the ICJ. The court has now reached a decision on provisional measures. They call for increased aid into Gaza and measures to ensure basic services as we have been calling for. They have ordered Israel to preserve evidence relating to allegations of genocide, reporting to the court on progress within one month.”

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/uk-lays-out-roadmap-for-permanent-solution-to-israel-palestine-conflict/3122414

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Muslims and Jews in Bosnia observe Holocaust Remembrance Day and call for peace and dialogue

January 29, 2024

Sabina Niksic

SREBRENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — Jews and Muslims from Bosnia and abroad gathered in Srebrenica on Saturday to jointly observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day and to promote compassion and dialogue amid the Israel-Hamas war.

The gathering was organized by the center preserving memory of Europe’s only acknowledged genocide since the Holocaust — the massacre in the closing months of Bosnia’s 1992-95 interethnic war of more than 8,000 Muslim Bosniaks in Srebrenica.

The event on Saturday underscored the message that the two communities share the experience of persecution and must stay united in their commitment to peace.

“Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian Jews are one body, our ties are intricate, forged in hard times and times of prosperity and interaction,” said Husein Kavazović, the head of Bosnia’s Islamic Community, in his address to a group of survivors and descendants of victims of the Holocaust and the Srebrenica genocide who took part in the commemoration.

“Both our peoples have suffered and had experienced attempts to destroy and eradicate them (and) at the present moment, when the evils of antisemitism and Islamophobia are gaining ground around Europe and the world, we must renew our vow to be good neighbors and care for one another,” he added.

Menachem Rosensaft, a child of Holocaust survivors and until last summer the general counsel for the World Jewish Congress, was also in attendance. Rosensaft had repeatedly led delegations of Jewish scholars and young diplomats at ceremonies to commemorate the Srebrenica massacre that are held every July in the eastern Bosnian town.

“Today, we remember. Today, we mourn. We join together in sorrow, and our tears become prayers — prayers of remembrance, but also prayers of hope,” Rosensaft told the gathering.

“This commemoration is the place for us to jointly commit ourselves to doing everything in our power to prevent the horrors we remember here today from being repeated,” he added.

Rosensaft recalled in his speech the stories of Bosnian Muslims who risked their lives to save their Jewish neighbours from the Nazis and, about 50 years later, Bosnian Jews saving and caring for their Muslim neighbors during the country’s internecine war.

Jews settled in Bosnia in the 15th century after fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. Their thriving community was decimated by the Holocaust and today numbers around 1,000 people.

“We must do all in our collective power to change the future, to prevent further destruction and violence, and to reject all manifestations of antisemitism, of Islamophobia, of bigotry, of xenophobia, and of hatred. And we must do so together,” Rosensaft said.

The commemoration was followed by the launch of the Srebrenica Muslim-Jewish Peace and Remembrance Initiative devised and signed by Rosensaft and Kavazović. The signing of the initiative was witnessed by a Srebrenica massacre survivor, Munira Subašić, and the leader of Bosnia’s Jewish community, Jakob Finci, who was born in a concentration camp in 1943.

Kavazović and Rosensaft committed to collaborate in times of crisis, maintain consistent and compassionate channels of communication, remember and commemorate the victims of past genocides and repudiate all forms of bigotry.

Source: religionnews.com

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

https://religionnews.com/2024/01/29/muslims-and-jews-in-bosnia-observe-holocaust-remembrance-day-and-call-for-peace-and-dialogue/

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Scottish PM says world must stop war on Gaza immediately

[30/January/2024]

DOHA January 30. 2024 (Saba) - Scottish Prime Minister Humza Yousaf has considered that the international community's response to what was happening in the Gaza Strip was weaker than it should be, stressing the need to stop the war on Gaza immediately.

In an interview with al Jazeera Net, Yousef expressed his feeling of sorrow about the positions of the countries that rejected the ceasefire, including the United Kingdom, noting that thousands of civilians, children, women and innocent people were killed without fault.

He added "This disaster is renewed daily, and the people of Gaza are the only ones suffering."

Yousaf affirmed his support for the ongoing investigation carried out by the International Court of Justice regarding what constitutes a violation of international law and crimes of genocide, adding Washington and London must pressure “Israel” to stop what it is doing in Gaza immediately.

He called on all international partners to cooperate in order to stop all acts of violence and release the hostages, stressing that not demanding a ceasefire is a "mistake."

Yousaf wondered “How many women, children and the elderly must die until the world demands an end to the war?”

He added “The Scottish government will not stop demanding an end to the war because people cannot be held accountable for actions carried out by a few of them.”

Regarding the decision of some countries to stop supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Yousaf welcomed the investigation into all allegations attributed to some of the agency’s employees because this is the correct procedure.

He stressed that stopping the organization's funding is a grave mistake because it represents collective punishment of women, children, and those in need of medicine and food.

Yousaf opposed this measure and will continue to oppose it, and urged the Secretary-General of the United Nations to call on governments to retract this decision.

He pointed out that his government is dependent on the decisions of the British government, stressing support for the residents of Gaza to remain in their land, adding "the United Kingdom government must do what it can to prevent their deportation."

Yousaf stressed that the land of the Gaza Strip belongs to the people of Gaza and a plan to displace them must be strongly opposed, adding “We will continue to raise our voice for the truth and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.”

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3300445.htm

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UK’s Cameron to discuss Houthi attacks on international shipping on Oman visit

2024-01-30

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron will travel to Oman on Tuesday where he is expected to call for stability over ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and de-escalating of tensions in the Middle East, the foreign office said on Tuesday.

Cameron, on his fourth visit to the Middle East, will travel to Oman to meet his counterpart Badr Albusaidi to discuss how to diminish tensions across the region.

The Houthi attacks on international shipping lines in the Red Sea will be a major focus of his discussions, the foreign office said in a statement.

Cameron will reiterate Britain’s commitment to getting aid into Yemen, and outline the actions Britain is taking to deter the Houthis from targeting ships in the Red Sea.

Former UK PM Cameron in surprise return to government as foreign secretary

In an earlier diplomatic tour, Cameron met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and politicians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where the Western-backed Palestinian Authority is based, and visited Qatar to discuss the situation in Gaza.

In his meetings in Israel, Cameron said he stressed the need for a pause in fighting to secure the release of hostages seized by Hamas during a cross-border attack on Oct. 7.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40286439/uks-cameron-to-discuss-houthi-attacks-on-international-shipping-on-oman-visit

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Sunak urges Iran to de-escalate tensions

2024-01-30

LONDON: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Monday he was concerned about tensions in the Middle East and urged Iran to de-escalate, after an attack that killed three US service members in northeastern Jordan near Syria’s border.

Sunak said Britain “absolutely condemned” the drone attacks which US President Joe Biden said had been carried out by Iran-backed.

“We are concerned and would urge Iran to continue to de-escalate tensions in the region,” Sunak told broadcasters.

Source: brecorder.com

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

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40286348/sunak-urges-iran-to-de-escalate-tensions

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Spain will not suspend UNRWA funding, FM says

January 29, 2024

LONDON: Spain confirmed on Monday that it will not suspend its funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Several nations, including Austria, Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK, followed the lead of the US in suspending funding to the agency.

The suspension came in response to allegations made by Israel that several UNRWA workers were involved in the Hamas attack on Oct. 7.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said his country would maintain its relations with UNRWA and continue its funding “without any modification.”

He highlighted that the employees accused of participating in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood number no more than 12 out of 30,000.

Meanwhile, he confirmed to Spain’s Foreign Affairs Committee of the Congress of Deputies that the country was “closely following up on” the internal investigation launched by the UN.

Albares emphasized that UNRWA is an “indispensable” agency in mitigating the devastating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

He expressed his deep sadness at the killing of more than 26,000 people, while pointing to the scale of famine in Gaza.

Albares stated that Spain has tripled its humanitarian aid to Palestine, totaling nearly $54 million since the start of Israel’s escalation of the war on Gaza.

Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, said the decision to pause funding “overtly defies” the International Court of Justice’s order to provide effective aid in Gaza and could be a violation of the international genocide convention.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2450276/world

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Pope Francis says his greatest fear is military escalation in Gaza

Giovanni Legorano

29.01.2024

Pope Francis said his greatest fear is military escalation in Gaza, saying the conflict that began last October “is dramatically broadening.”

“There were the Oslo accords, so clear, with the two-state solution. Until that agreement isn’t applied, real peace remains distant,” he told Italian daily la Stampa in an interveiw published on Monday. “The conflict can further worsen the tensions and violence which afflict the planet.”

The pontiff, however, said he is moderately hopeful on the meetings happening behind the scenes to reach an agreement between the two factions at war. “A truce would already be a good result,” he said.

Asked about what the Holy See is doing in this phase of the war between Israel and Hamas, he said Cardinal PierbattistaPizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, is a key figure in the Vatican’s efforts in the area.

“He is great. He is making good moves. He is trying to mediate with determination,” he said.

The Pope added that Christians and the people of Gaza – not Hamas – have the right to live in peace and that his other priority is the return of the Israeli hostages held in the enclave.

He said he holds daily video calls with the Christian parish in Gaza, which hosts around 600 people.

“We see each other on Zoom, I speak to the people. They are going on with their lives every day while facing death.”

The Israeli onslaught in the Gaza Strip, launched after the Oct. 7 cross-border offensive by Palestinian group Hamas, has killed more than 26,000 people, besides causing mass displacement, destruction and risk of famine.

Israel has continued with its attacks despite an interim ruling by the International Court of Justice to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhayu has also reiterated his opposition to the two-state solution.

Tensions in the Middle East are high with several overlapping crises. Besides Israel’s war on Gaza and its exchange of fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis are targeting Israel-linked commercial ships in the Red Sea in support of the Palestinians, and the US and allies are conducting retaliatory strikes. Attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria have also increased.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/pope-francis-says-his-greatest-fear-is-military-escalation-in-gaza/3122088

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Mideast

 

Israeli intelligence accuses 190 UNRWA staff of Hamas, Islamic Jihad roles

JANUARY 29, 2024

Israel’s intelligence dossier on UNRWA links to Hamas and the October 7 attack was broader than first indicated, Reuters reported Monday. It included allegations against 190 employees, including teachers, who have doubled as Hamas or Islamic Jihad terrorists.

According to Israel, 12 of those named in the dossier were involved in the October attack, it has names and pictures for 11 of them, according to Reuters.

The dossier said one of the 11 is a school counselor who helped his son abduct a woman during the October 7 Hamas infiltration in which 1,200 people were killed and 253 were kidnapped.

An UNRWA social worker is accused of unspecified involvement in the transfer to Gaza of a slain Israeli soldier’s corpse and of coordinating the movements of pickup trucks used by the terrorists and of weapons supplies, the report said.

A third Palestinian in the dossier is accused of taking part in a rampage in Be’eri, one-tenth of whose residents were killed. A fourth is accused of participating in an attack on Re’im, where there is an army base, and also was the site of a rave where more than 360 revelers were killed.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini should resign, Foreign Minister Israel Katz said.

“UNRWA employees participated in the massacre of October 7,” he said. “Lazzarini should conclude and resign.”

Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh on Monday said Israel had conducted a “premeditated political attack” on the agency, which it has long criticized, and called for restoration of aid funds.

Israel has not made its allegations public, but the dossier has been leaked to major media outlets.

The dossier was shown to Reuters by a source who could not be identified by name or nationality. The source said it had been compiled by Israeli intelligence and shared with the United States, which on Friday suspended funding for UNRWA.

An Israeli official told Reuters the 190 mentioned in the dossier were “hardened fighters, killers,” whereas overall, some 10% of UNRWA staff were believed to have more general affiliation with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The agency employs 13,000 people in Gaza.

“From intelligence information, documents, and identity cards seized during the fighting, it is now possible to flag around 190 Hamas and PIJ terrorist operatives who serve as UNRWA employees,” according to the Hebrew-language dossier.

It accuses Hamas of “methodically and deliberately deploying its terrorist infrastructure in a wide range of UN facilities and assets,” including schools. Hamas denies that.

Two of the alleged Hamas operatives cited in the dossier are described as “eliminated” or killed by Israeli forces. A 12th Palestinian, whose name and picture are provided, is said to have no factional membership and to have infiltrated Israel on October 7.

Also on the list of 12 men are a UNRWA teacher accused of arming himself with an anti-tank rocket, another teacher accused of filming a hostage, and the manager of a shop in a UNRWA school accused of opening a war room for Islamic Jihad.

“The terrorist organizations are cynically exploiting the residents of the Strip and the international organizations whose mission is to provide aid... and in doing so are causing de facto harm to residents of the Strip,” the dossier said.

Over the weekend, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres vowed to hold to account any employee involved in “abhorrent” acts, but he implored nations to keep funding UNRWA for humanitarian reasons.

“The tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized,” Guterres said. “The dire needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met.”

In the wake of the report, at least 15 nations have suspended funding to UNRWA, and the European Commission has called for an investigation into its Gaza staff to ensure that they did not participate in the October 7 Hamas-led massacre.

“A review of all UNRWA staff should be launched soonest to confirm that they did not participate in the attacks,” the European Commission said.

UNRWA fired nine of the accused staff members and has launched an investigation into the complaint.

European Union member states have been split on how best to respond to the allegations. At least eight of its members have suspended pledged funding for the 2024 budget pending the results of a UNRWA-led investigation.

Ireland and Norway have said funding should continue for the agency, which has been the main provider of humanitarian aid to Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war and which has lost 152 staff members in the war.

The EU Commission, however, stopped short of declaring that it was suspending funding.

“Currently, no additional funding to UNRWA is foreseen until the end of February,” it said.

The “EU is one of the largest donors of humanitarian and development aid to Palestinians in Gaza,” the commission said. It assured the Palestinians that “humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank will continue unabated through partner organizations.”

Austria and Romania on Monday joined the growing list of 15 countries that have suspended payments to UNRWA.

The Austrian Foreign Ministry said: “Until all of these allegations have been clarified and the consequences drawn from them are clear, Austria, in coordination with international partners, will temporarily suspend all further payments to UNRWA.”

Thirteen other countries have issued similar declarations: Australia, Canada, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Those declarations if not rescinded are expected to severely cripple the agency, which provides services to 5.9 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, east Jerusalem, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

At issue are the countries’ pledges toward the agency’s 2024 budget, which is expected to top $1.6 billion. At stake already are some $363 million in pledges.

UNRWA, which is already challenged by meeting the humanitarian needs of Palestinians impacted by the Gaza war, the Syrian civil war, and the economic crisis in Lebanon, has said it might not be able to provide basic vital services past February unless the donors rescind the monetary suspensions.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry called on more donor countries to suspend funding to UNRWA, which it said on Monday was “a front for Hamas.”

It has long been argued that UNRWA is associated with incitement against Israel and terrorist activity. UNRWA has denied those claims.

IDF soldiers in Gaza have reported finding weapons in facilities associated with UNRWA and said Hamas was able to expropriate the agency’s humanitarian aid.

On Monday, the Foreign Ministry tweeted that there are “reports of two Israeli hostages being imprisoned in the home of a UNRWA teacher.”

It also said some “300 UNRWA employees” had “praised the October 7th massacre.”

Source: jpost.com

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https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-784213

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Iranian Security Minister: Ansarullah in Yemen & resistance in region show will & jihadism of Muslims

[29/January/2024]

TEHRAN Jan 29. 2024 (Saba) - Iranian Security Minister Esmail Khatib said on Monday that "Ansarullah in Yemen and resistance in the region demonstrate the will and jihadism of Muslims, inspired by what the Prophet said (Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), they are today standing against all kufr, hypocrisy and decoy."

In a statement, Tasnim International News Agency quoted Khatib as saying: "Resistance in the region is moving against the hostile presence of the United States on the basis of what it sees, its decision and its policy and will take whatever it sees possible.

In response to the news that the assassination of military advisers in Syria was a response to the Iranian missile attack on Mossad headquarters in Erbil, Iraq, "Khatib explained:" The resistance in the region is working against the aggressive presence of United States forces based on what they consider to be their decision and policy and that they do and act on any possibility they realize. "

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3300357.htm

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Israel says it killed Hamas militants hiding in West Bank hospital

January 30, 2024

RAMALLAH: The Israeli military said on Tuesday that troops “neutralized” Hamas militants who were hiding in a hospital in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin and were planning an imminent attack.

The military identified one of the men as Mohammed Jalamneh, 27, from Jenin, who it said had contacts with Hamas headquarters abroad and was planning “a raid attack inspired by the October 7th massacre.”

It said the two others were militants from the area.

“Jalamneh planned to carry out a terror attack in the immediate future and used the hospital as a hiding place and therefore was neutralized,” the military said.

There was no immediate Palestinian confirmation of the men’s identities. Voice of Palestine radio reported the killing of three Palestinians at the hospital.

The West Bank, among areas where Palestinians seek statehood, has seen a surge of violence since the Oct. 7 attack triggered the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2450561/middle-east

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Hamas: Continuation of Israel’s crimes in Gaza, disgrace for its supporters

 29 January 2024

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has taken to task Israel's backers for supporting its war of aggression against the Gaza Strip, saying they are complicit in the regime's genocide across the territory.

Osama Hamdan, the movement's representative in Lebanon, made the remarks at a press conference in Beirut on Monday.

He said "Israel’s Nazi regime continues to intensify its genocidal war and ethnic cleansing against the people of Gaza" more than four months into its military aggression.

The Hamas official stressed that continuation of the Israeli regime’s "massacres and crimes" against Palestinians in Gaza "will remain as a disgrace for all those who support them, those who are bystanders, those who are silent about criminalizing and condemning them, and those who are reluctant to stop them."

Hamdan reiterated that the US administration and its President Joe Biden are partners and supporters of "Nazi occupation" in its crimes, which makes them fully responsible for the regime’s atrocities, massacres, and genocidal war.

The Israeli regime has brought Gaza under an unrelenting and indiscriminate onslaught since October 7, 2023 when the territory's resistance movements staged Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupied territories.

Tel Aviv has compounded the military onslaught with a total siege that has effectively blocked the flow of food, medicine, fuel, water, and electricity into Gaza, thus increasing the prospect of all-out famine across the Palestinian territory.

Thus far, the Israeli onslaught has claimed the lives of more than 26,600 Palestinian civilians, mostly women and children, leaving more than 65,300 others injured, and displacing over 90 percent of Gaza's 2.3-million population.

Israel's genocidal war enjoys unreserved military and political support of the regime's Western backers, most importantly the United States. The US has armed the regime with thousands of tons of military hardware since the onset of the Gaza onslaught, and has also vetoed all United Nations Security Council resolutions that called for cessation of the Israeli aggression.

The Israeli military conducts fresh bloody attacks on the Gaza Strip, killing at least 350 Palestinians in the past 48 hours.

Hospitals in crosshairs

Elsewhere in his remarks, Hamdan said, "The Nazi occupation continues to escalate its barbaric aggression against the Gaza Strip’s hospitals, putting them out of service through siege and bombing."

The Hamas' official said Israel’s crimes in Gaza are in violation of all international values, laws, and norms.

The regime's crimes, he noted, "will remain engraved in the memory of our steadfast people, who will not forgive them and will not stop defending their legitimate rights."

Hamdan said the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening by the day as a result of Israel’s relentless bombing and destruction of all aspects of life, displacement of more than 90 percent of the population, and the high number of victims, most of whom are women and children.

'38 massacres in Khan Yunis over 48 hours'

Hamdan stressed that during the past 48 hours, the Israeli regime has committed as many as 38 massacres that claimed the lives of 350 people in the southern city of Khan Yunis alone to force the people of Gaza to leave their homes.

The Hamas representative in Lebanon said Israel’s continued massacres took place only 48 hours after the International Court of Justice, the United Nations top court, issued an interim ruling, ordering the regime to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. This, he said, proves the regime’s insistence on continuing its crime.

Two days after the ICJ issued a ruling ordering Israel to prevent all acts of genocide in Gaza, the regime forces continue to kill Palestinians and bomb their houses and tents.

On defunding UN agency for Palestinian refugees

Hamdan also addressed a recent decision by the United States and its pro-Israel allies to suspend funding for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

The United States and a number of its Western allies, in addition to Japan, have declared their decision to pause funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, citing allegations by the Israeli regime that some of its employees were involved in the Palestinians' anti-regime operation on October 7.

The UN urges the countries that have paused funding for the Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, to reverse their decision.

Hamdan noted that "systematic targeting of UNRWA comes from the Zionist occupation and those countries that support its aggressive plans and agendas."

He also slammed as reprehensible UNRWA’s decision to dismiss a number of its employees "based on the allegations made by the Zionist enemy and without investigation or verification of those allegations," adding that the UN agency's measure lacked the minimum elements of professionalism.

Hamdan said the decision was a sign of the agency’s "deviation from its basic mission, which is to protect and provide relief to Palestinian refugees, and not to adopt the narrative of the fascist occupation."

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/01/29/719129/Palestine-Israel-Hamas-war-Gaza-Hamdan

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Al-Qassam Brigades strikes Tel Aviv with barrage of rockets

Jan 29, 2024

TEHRAN, Jan. 29 (MNA) – The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has launched fresh attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories by firing a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv in retaliation for the months-long genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, fired about 10 heavy rockets at Tel Aviv and its surroundings on Monday, on the 115th day of Israel’s brutal aggression against Palestinians in Gaza.

Israeli media said several explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and that the rockets had been fired from southwest of Khan Yunis, the largest city in the south of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli media confirmed the reports of Palestinian strikes on Tel Aviv, but declined to provide further details on the extent of damage and number of possible casualties.

“At least 10 rockets were fired from Gaza toward central Israel not long ago, setting off sirens in Tel Aviv and surrounding cities including Rishon Lezion, Holon and Bat Yam,” said the website of the Times of Israel newspaper.

The paper also said a car in Rishon Lezion was hit by shrapnel, but nobody was wounded.

Monday’s attack by the al-Qassam Brigades was the largest of its kind over the past weeks after the military wing of Hamas targeted with a missile barrage Tel Aviv and about 30 cities and towns south of it earlier in the month.

In a similar attack on the first day of the new year, al-Qassam Brigades struck Tel Aviv and its suburbs with missiles, destroyed scores of Israeli military vehicles and killed over a dozen of the regime's forces.

Israel waged the genocidal war on besieged Gaza on October 7 after Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups carried out a historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

So far, the Tel Aviv regime's aggression has claimed the lives of at least 26,422 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 65,087 others.

The Israeli military has committed war crimes in Gaza by targeting medical facilities, personnel, and transport and destroying the healthcare system in the Palestinian territory.

Source: mehrnews.com

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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211463/Al-Qassam-Brigades-strikes-Tel-Aviv-with-barrage-of-rockets

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Half of all Hamas terrorists in Gaza are out of combat, Gallant says

JANUARY 29, 2024

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke to IDF troops in the Gaza border communities and said, "A quarter of the Hamas terrorists were eliminated, and at least another quarter were wounded," Israeli media reported on Monday.

This statement comes after reports showed that IDF's elimination of Hamas forces had been on the decline.

Up until now, it is estimated that 48-60% of Hamas's forces are out of commission due to being either killed, wounded, or arrested.

Up until now, Israel's war against Hamas has consisted of two main objectives: Eliminating Hamas and releasing the Israeli hostages being held captive in Gaza.

A military approach to returning hostages home

Prior to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's statement regarding Hamas's elimination, in a press conference earlier this month, he spoke about the hostages, claiming that it was too soon for the Israel-Hamas war to come to a conclusion.

"If the war ends now, the fate of the hostages will be sealed for many years- in Hamas captivity," said Gallant.

“Without military pressure, no one will talk to us; without the military pressure, we will not be able to achieve any agreements – only from a position of strength can we ensure the release of hostages,” he added.

A failed attempt at a hostage deal

Despite Israel's attempts this week to form a deal with Hamas that would allow for further Israeli hostages to be released, the drafted deal fell through on Monday night.

The deal was drafted in Paris, and both Qatar and the US were optimistic about it taking place. However, the deal fell through due to Hamas's rejection.

Hama's reasoning for rejecting the deal at play was that it did not include a permanent ceasefire.

Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) reiterated that Israel must halt its Gaza offensive and withdraw from the Strip before any prisoner exchange takes place, Hamas said in a statement on Monday.

Source: jpost.com

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https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-784208

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Palestinian lives at stake, UN says as it acts quickly to address allegations about UNRWA staff

January 30, 2024

NEW YORK CITY: The UN said it was taking “swift action” in response to allegations in the past few days that several employees of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East participated in the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said an investigation by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services was immediately launched.

“Any employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” Dujarric said on Monday. “The (UN) Secretariat is ready to cooperate with a competent authority able to prosecute the individuals, in line with the Secretariat’s normal procedures for such cooperation.”

He told Arab News the UN “would do whatever we can to appease the concerns of donors. And we, of course, have those concerns as well.”

Several key donors, including the UK, Finland and the EU, joined the US in announcing over the weekend that they were suspending funding of UNRWA.

It came as the International Court of Justice in the Hague called for “immediate and effective” action to ensure humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

In a telephone call with Guterres on Sunday, Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, expressed “strong concern” about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. He pledged that while the EU, one of the largest donors to UNRWA, does not foresee contributing any further funding to the agency until at least the end of February, will nonetheless continue to provide essential aid to Palestinians in Gaza “unabated, through partner organizations.”

The European Commission said it will review the decision to pause funding when the UN investigation into the agency is complete. It added that that it expects UNRWA to agree to allow EU-appointed independent experts to audit the agency and, in particular, the systems in place “to prevent the possible involvement of its staff in terrorist activities.”

The commission also called for a review of “all UNRWA staff (to) confirm that they did not participate in the (Oct. 7) attacks.”

Dujarric said Guterres is personally horrified by the accusations against UNRWA employees, but added that the secretary-general’s message to donors, especially those who have suspended their funding, is to “at least guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s operations, as we have tens of thousands of dedicated staff working throughout the region.”

It is not so much the existence of UNRWA that is at stake, Dujarric said, “it’s the lives of the people that the agency serves that are at stake.”

The outlook for the agency and “the millions of people it serves, not only in Gaza, but also in East Jerusalem, in the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, is very bleak,” he added.

Martin Griffiths, the UN’s under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said the people of Gaza have been enduring “unthinkable horrors and deprivation for months.” Their needs have never been higher and the UN’s humanitarian capacity to assist them has never been under so great a threat, he added.

“We need to be at full stretch to give the people of Gaza a moment of hope. Now is not the time to let them down,” Griffiths said.

Upon receiving information about the alleged involvement of UNRWA employees in the attacks on Israel, the agency’s commissioner general, Philippe Lazzarini, said he immediately terminated their contracts and launched an investigation into the allegations.

“Any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” Lazzarini said, echoing the pledge by Dujarric.

“These shocking allegations come as more than 2 million people in Gaza depend on lifesaving assistance that the agency has been providing since the war began. Anyone who betrays the fundamental values of the United Nations also betrays those whom we serve in Gaza, across the region and elsewhere around the world.”

Asked why due process had not been followed in cutting ties with the employees facing the allegations, Dujarric said: “Historically, heads of agencies and the secretary-general have the authority to immediately terminate staff when they have information that leads them to believe that these staff should be terminated immediately.”

Several aid organizations expressed shock at the “reckless” decision by some donors to put their funding for UNRWA on hold, and reiterated warnings about the growing risks of starvation and disease outbreaks in Gaza.

The nongovernmental organizations pleaded with donor states to reaffirm their support for the agency, reverse the suspensions of funding, and step up the levels of humanitarian aid they provide to help tackle the urgent needs in Gaza and the wider region.

Dujarric welcomed this message of support for the agency, saying: “I think people in the NGO community understand the critical work that UNRWA does right now in keeping people alive, in the deliveries they have made since the beginning of this conflict but, more broadly, in all the work that they do, not only in Gaza, but in the West Bank, in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.”

Asked by Arab News about the timing of the allegations against the 12 UNRWA workers, and whether the secretary-general sees any connection between this and the International Court of Justice ruling that acts of genocide might be occurring in Gaza, Dujarric said: “We have no control or comment on the time-space continuum in which we live.”

On the question of whether Guterres is concerned about the possibility that there is a deliberate effort to destroy UNRWA taking place, given that the Israeli Government has been relentless in its attacks on the agency since the beginning of the war, including a comment by one minister who said the war cannot be won without its destruction, Dujarric said: “Of course. Of course we’re concerned about attacks and about lack of funding for UNRWA.”

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2450511/middle-east

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Southeast Asia

 

Islamic studies conference to involve SE Asian religious leaders

 January 29, 2024

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The 23rd Annual International Conference on Islamic Studies (AICIS) from February 1–4, 2024, at UIN Walisongo, Semarang, will not only be attended by academicians, but also religious leaders from Southeast Asia.

"These leaders will participate in discussing solutions to a range of current problems from a religious perspective," the Religious Affairs Ministry's director of Islamic religious colleges, Ahmad Zainul Hamdi, informed here on Monday.

Hamdi said that the organization of the 2024 AICIS is in line with COP28, Dubai, which roped in religious leaders in climate crisis discussions.

This year's AICIS will be themed "Redefining the Roles of Religion in Addressing Human Crisis: Encountering Peace, Justice, and Human Rights Issues," in response to the global humanitarian crises in several parts of the world, such as the Middle East and Ukraine, he added.

"AICIS aims to redefine the role of religion, especially Islam, in facing contemporary humanitarian challenges on the global scene," he said.

The religious figures who are scheduled to attend the event include the chairperson of Indonesia's Nahdlatul Ulama, Yahya CholilStaquf; head of the Indonesian Islamic organization Muhammadiyah, Philip Kuntjoro Widjaja; Wisnu Bawa Tenaya from Indonesia; and VanhKeobundit from Laos.

Yon Seng Yeath (Cambodia), BounthavyPhonethasin (Laos), Y.B. Datuk Dr. Hasan bin Bahrom (Malaysia), Phra Dr. AnilmanDhammasakiyo (Thailand), Pastor Gomar Gultom (Indonesia), Romo Hery Wibowo (Indonesia), Ws Andi Gunawan (Indonesia), A. Elga J. Sarapung (Indonesia), and Bishop Pablo Virgilio Siongco David (Philippines) will also attend the conference.

"They will meet to share perspectives and insights based on their experiences in responding to humanitarian issues and peace. The result will be discussed in an on-stage discussion session that will result in the Semarang Charter," Hamdi informed.

Several issues will be discussed at the conference, including nationalism, human rights, equality, gender issues, empowerment, and war and peace.

Source: antaranews.com

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/304371/islamic-studies-conference-to-involve-se-asian-religious-leaders

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5PC remains ASEAN's main reference for addressing Myanmar issues: FM

 January 29, 2024

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Foreign Minister RetnoMarsudi gladly welcomed commitments of members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to keep pushing for the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) to resolve crises in Myanmar.

Marsudi stated at the ASEAN Foreign Affairs Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Laos on Monday that Indonesia had sent all the notes on the efforts made to deal with Myanmar issues during its ASEAN chairmanship period last year to Laos, as the bloc's 2024 chair.

"Indonesia hopes that no parties will take permissive actions that can hinder the implementation of the 5PC. It is important to prudently engage relevant stakeholders in Myanmar to prevent any parties from politicizing our steps," she noted in a press statement received in Jakarta.

Marsudi then stressed on Indonesia's readiness to continue to help Myanmar in putting an end to its crises by coordinating with Laos -- as this year's ASEAN chair -- and Malaysia -- the bloc's chair for next year -- under the troika mechanism.

"Discussions held under the troika mechanism are expected to go beyond consultation. Within the mechanism, it is possible to coordinate regarding the provision of humanitarian aid and push for inclusive dialogue," she stated.

The minister further spoke of having made the most of the AMM to underline the importance of dealing with issues concerning Rohingya refugees as an effort to resolve the Myanmar crises.

"ASEAN needs to work hard to create a conducive situation for Rohingya people to voluntarily and safely return to Myanmar with dignity," she stressed.

The minister then emphasized that the ASEAN did not invite representatives from Myanmar's ruling military junta to the AMM, staying true to its resolve to exclude the country's political envoys from all of its meetings.

Hence, Myanmar decided to send its Foreign Affairs Ministry's permanent secretary, as a non-political representative, to the AMM.

"I would like to reiterate that Myanmar was represented by an official at the non-political level," Marsudi stated.

Myanmar has been under the spotlight of the ASEAN and the international community since a coup launched by its military junta against the Burmese elected government in 2021, triggering deadly conflicts between the military and civilians.

The military junta has imprisoned Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, along with those from opposition parties and has been responding to mass demonstrations with violence.

Source: antaranews.com

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/304365/5pc-remains-aseans-main-reference-for-addressing-myanmar-issues-fm

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China hopes for effective implementation of ICJ ruling: spox

Jan 29, 2024

TEHRAN, Jan. 29 (MNA) – China seeks effective implementation of a ruling issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which requires Israel to take measures to prevent genocide in Gaza, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Monday.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks when asked to comment on the ICJ on Friday ordering Israel to take all possible measures to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, Xinhua reported.

Wang said that the ruling, made by the majority of the judges, responds to the widespread concern of the international community to protect civilians, de-escalate the tense situation in Gaza, and ease the humanitarian crisis.

China's position on the Palestinian question is consistent and clear, Wang said, adding that China condemns all acts against civilians and opposes all moves that violate international law.

Wang said that the ultimate answer to the Palestinian question lies in delivering on the two-state solution, which could bring a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement to the issue.

Source: mehrnews.com

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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211460/China-hopes-for-effective-implementation-of-ICJ-ruling-spox

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Africa

 

Nigeria Remains Open For Engagement With Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger – Tinubu Government Says

January 30, 2024

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger on Sunday announced their immediate withdrawal from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government has said that his administration is open for engagement with the Republics of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

SaharaReporters reported on January 28, 2024 that the military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger on Sunday announced their immediate withdrawal from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In the declaration made in Ouagadougou, Bamako and Niamey on January 28, 2024, the military rulers gave their reasons for taking the action.

According to them, ECOWAS has deviated from the ideals of the founding fathers and pan-Africanism.

“After 49 years of existence, the valiant people of Burkina, Mali and Niger note with much regret, bitterness and great disappointment that their Organisation has moved away from the ideals of its founding fathers and Pan-Africanism."

Reacting to the decision, the 15-nation body said that Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso remain important members of the regional bloc.

In a statement on Monday, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, maintained that Nigeria "stands with ECOWAS to emphasise due process and shared commitment to protect and strengthen the rights and welfare of all citizens of Member States."

Omayuli explained that Nigeria has worked sincerely and in good faith to reach out to all members of the ECOWAS family to resolve the difficulties being faced. "It is now clear that those seeking to quit the Community do not share that same good faith.

“Instead, unelected leaders engage in a public posturing to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices over their freedom of movement, freedom to trade and freedom to choose their own leaders.

“Nigeria remains open for engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger so that all the people of the region can continue to enjoy the economic benefits and democratic values that ECOWAS embraces.”

Source: saharareporters.com

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https://saharareporters.com/2024/01/30/nigeria-remains-open-engagement-burkina-faso-mali-niger-tinubu-government-says

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Military bombs 30 terrorists in Kaduna, frees 35 abductees in Katsina

30th January 2024

Solomon Odeniyi and Olaide Oyelude

The air component of Operation Whirl Punch has killed 30 terrorists on motorcycles in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

This was as security operatives in Katsina State on Sunday rescued 35 kidnap victims inside Dumburu forest.

The Kaduna air strikes were ordered following an intelligence report which disclosed the movement of the terrorists in the area.

A statement on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information,  Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the eliminated terrorists were responsible for the ambush of troops at KwananMutuwa recently as well as several attacks and abduction of innocent civilians in the LGA.

Gabkwetsaid,  “In its relentless campaign to rid the North-West and North Central region of Nigeria of the menace of terrorism and kidnapping, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch has eliminated a syndicate of terrorists in Kaduna State.

The strike followed an intelligence report of the movement of the syndicate along the Kwiga-Kampamin Doka axis in the  Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State.

“The intel also revealed that the same syndicate was responsible for the ambush on troops at KwananMutuwa on January 27, 2024, as well as several attacks and abduction of innocent civilians in Birnin Gwari.”

He added that when the troops arrived at the location,  two armed terrorists were sighted on 15 motorcycles.

Gabkwet noted that a precision strike was conducted which eliminated them.

He said, “On arrival at the suspected location, a deliberate and detailed scan revealed a trail of terrorists sighted moving in a convoy of about 15 motorcycles, each with at least two armed terrorists.

“Accordingly, the terrorists were trailed to a location where they converged before they were engaged and neutralised in a precision strike. The aftermath of the air strike revealed that several of the terrorists were eliminated as a result of the strike.”

The PUNCH reports that the Birin Gwari area of Kaduna is one of the areas ravaged by insecurity, with bandits killing and abducting residents.

Meanwhile, security operatives in Katsina on Sunday afternoon rescued 35 kidnap victims inside Dumburu forest.

Bandits recently kidnapped the victims from TasharNagulle and Nahuta communities in the Batsari Local Government Area of the state.

The 35 victims were brought to the Government House, Katsina on Monday where Governor Dikko Radda met and congratulated them.

A statement on Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, said the governor gave each of the victims N100,000 in financial support to start off any business of their choice.

According to the statement, the victims were rescued on Sunday afternoon at  Dumburum forest after a fierce gun battle between troops and the bandits.

“Many bandits were being killed, their camps were destroyed and a lot of weapons were recovered through the joint efforts of security operatives in the state,” the statement added.

Source: punchng.com

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https://punchng.com/military-bombs-30-terrorists-in-kaduna-frees-35-abductees-in-katsina/

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‘We refused to be part of it’ – Gov Sule disowns Miyetti Allah Vigilante Group

January 30, 2024

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has broken his silence on the creation of the Nomad Vigilante Group by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a Fulani socio-cultural organization in Nigeria.

Despite being invited by the group as a Special Guest during the inauguration of the outfit, Governor Sule has categorically denied any involvement in its formation.

DAILY POST reports that the Nomad Vigilante Group was inaugurated on January 17, 2024, at the City Square in Lafia, with representatives from conventional security agencies in attendance.

However, Sule, while receiving members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on a congratulatory visit over his recent victory at the Supreme Court, stated that the state government did not participate in the creation of the vigilante group.

According to him, if the establishment of such a group was government-led, a bill would have been forwarded to the State Assembly for consideration, clarifying that the issue was currently under investigation by the country’s conventional security agencies.

“The security agencies are already investigating the issue. We refused to be part of it because it was purely an issue of the security agencies,” the Governor stated.

Governor Sule explained that the state government does not recognize the Nomad Vigilante, just like any other vigilante groups in the state, emphasizing that the only vigilante group recognized by both the Federal Government and the state is the community policing initiative.

He said, “As far as we are concerned, there is only one vigilante group recognized by the Federal Government, which we also recognized in the state. We have recognized community policing.

“If anybody should know that the government has recognized any vigilante group, you should know more because that bill should have come to you as lawmakers, and you should be the one to pass the bill before we can do that.”

The inauguration of the Nomad Vigilante Group has sparked nationwide condemnation, leading to the recent speculation that the DSS arrested Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, the president of Miyetti Allah, for interrogation.

But the DSS denied the report, stating that Bodejo was never in its custody.

Source: dailypost.ng

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https://dailypost.ng/2024/01/30/we-refused-to-be-part-of-it-gov-sule-disowns-miyetti-allah-vigilante-group/

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Tigray Regional Islamic Affairs re-establishes relationship with Federal Supreme Council

January 29, 2024

ADDIS ABABA – (BORKENA) – An agreement reached between the Supreme Council of Ethiopian Islamic Affairs and Council of Tigray Region Islamic Affairs to continue a relationship that had been broken for years, sources said.

Following the official apology submitted by the Council of Islamic Affairs of Tigray Region, the relationship with the federal supreme council due to the terrible and bloody war would be restored, Tikvah-Ethiopia reported.

Following the war in Tigray, the Council of Islamic Affairs of Tigray Region officially announced that it was re-established independently by detaching itself from the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs of Ethiopia in 2018.

After the cessation of hostilities in accordance with the Pretoria Agreement, the Supreme Council of Ethiopian Islamic Affairs and the Council of Tigray Region have been trying to restore relations on Islamic affairs, but they have failed.

On January 25, 2024, the Council of Islamic Affairs of Tigray held an emergency meeting in Mekelle City.

Due to the  terrible war that erupted between forces of TPLF and the Federal Government in Tigray, the Orthodox religious fathers of the Tigray Region separated from the Federal Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and established their independent dioses, named “Menbere Selama”.

Source: borkena.com

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https://borkena.com/2024/01/29/ethiopia-tigray-islamic-affairs-re-establishes-relationship-with-federal-supreme-council/

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ECOWAS Court Dismisses Human Rights Violation Case Against Mali Government

January 29, 2024

The ECOWAS Court has dismissed various charges of human rights breaches filed by a human rights Non-Government Organisation, Collectif Cri de Coeur pour le Mali, against the Government of Mali.

The case was based on allegations of human rights infringement during a conflict which involved charges of rape, sexual violence, forced marriage, and torture by non-state actors.

The group had approached the court to seek judicial redress for these violations under various international human rights treaties, including the Maputo Protocol.

However, the court ruled on Monday that the Applicant's claims lacked sufficient evidence and legal grounding to hold the government accountable.

Some of the applicants, who were among victims of the alleged violations, said they lodged complaints and claims for indemnification through their lawyers as far back as 2016.

They claimed that the trial judge delayed delivering their paperwork to the Public Prosecutor of the Republic in Gao. They claimed that the latter returned their files after five months, informing them of his ineptitude because the alleged facts constituted a terrorism crime that could only be addressed by a specialised court.

The applicants stated that they had not been able to access their files since, and that no further action has been made to move the matter. They argued that they were denied justice and that Mali violated and continues to breach its obligations under international conventions to which it voluntarily adheres.

They asked the Court to declare that the State of Mali had infringed their rights to a fair trial and an effective remedy, as well as children's rights to health care and health services and compensation. They requested that the Respondent conduct investigations and charges against the offenders, as well as provide the victims with judicial, legal, medical, and psychological care. Finally, they requested that the Court order the payment of 40,000,000 FCFA for physical harm and 15,000,000 FCFA for moral harm to each victim.

The State of Mali challenged the association's claims, arguing that the Court lacked jurisdiction and that the case was inadmissible.

The Court, while acknowledging its jurisdiction and the admissibility of the case, eventually dismissed the Applicants' arguments on the merits.

Regarding the violation of the rights to a fair trial and an effective remedy, the Court determined that the Applicants did not provide compelling facts and evidence to establish a derogation of the guarantees under Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR).

On the violation of the Applicant’s rights to prosecution of perpetrators under the Maputo Protocol, the Court held that the Respondent having established mechanism to discharge its obligation, did not breach the rights of the Applicants. Other claims were dismissed by the Court for lack of quality evidence necessary to be successful.

Members of the panel of judges were Justices Edward Amoako Asante (Presiding) and Gberi-bè Ouattara and Sengu M. Koroma (Judge Rapporteur).

Source: saharareporters.com

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https://saharareporters.com/2024/01/29/ecowas-court-dismisses-human-rights-violation-case-against-mali-government

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2,423 killed, 1,872 abducted under Tinubu – CSOs

30th January 2024

Nathaniel Shaibu

Civil society groups, under the aegis of the Civil Society Joint Action Group, said on Monday that 2,423 persons had been killed, while 1,872 others had been abducted in the eight months since President Bola Tinubu’s administration began.

The groups asked the President to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and prosecute the 400 sponsors of terrorism arrested under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a joint press conference on Monday, the groups, numbering about 50, expressed concern about the state of insecurity in the country, following a spate of bandits’ attacks, killings and abductions across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre, Auwal Rafsanjani, said insecurity had persisted over the last three administrations, with 24,816 Nigerians killed and 15,597 persons abducted in the last administration of President Buhari, between 2019 and 2023.

“Endemic insecurity has persisted over the last three administrations, including that of President Buhari, who as a former military general had gained public trust to run as President, by promising to curb the then fledgling insecurity. Mass Atrocities Fatality Tracking across the country by Nigeria Mourns reveals that in President Buhari’s second term alone (2019 to 2023), at least 24,816 Nigerians lost their lives, and at least 15,597 persons were abducted.

“It has now been eight months since President Tinubu took his oath of office and yet, things have failed to improve. Our tracking shows at least 2,423 people have been killed in mass atrocities-related incidents and at least 1,872 persons were abducted since the beginning of President Tinubu’s administration till January 26, 2024. We are particularly concerned about the upsurge in abductions, noting that at least 230 incidents, in which multiple victims were involved, occurred within the first 2 weeks of January 2024 alone.”

In its 12-point recommendation to the government, the groups asked the government to “declare a state of emergency on kidnapping and other forms of terrorism, uncover and prosecute those responsible for the misappropriation of the $460m earmarked for the provision of Closed-Circuit Television cameras in the Federal Capital Territory, and to create a register of victims of abductions and other forms of mass atrocities.”

Some of the groups, who co-signed the recommendations, were the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy, Amnesty International Nigeria, Cedar Seed Foundation, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Global Rights, Rule of Law Advocacy and Accountability Centre, the Kukah Centre and Yiaga Africa.

Source: punchng.com

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https://punchng.com/2423-killed-1872-abducted-under-tinubu-csos/

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54 killed in clashes in area claimed by Sudan, South Sudan: UN

January 30, 2024

JUBA: Fighting between rival communities in a disputed region claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan has killed 54 people, including two UN peacekeepers, the United Nations said on Monday, calling for calm.

The clashes in Abyei, a contested oil-rich territory straddling the border of both countries, broke out at the weekend, according to local authorities.

The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) said it “strongly condemns these attacks against civilians and peacekeepers.”

“Currently, according to local authorities, 52 civilians have lost their lives, while 64 others are said to be gravely wounded,” it said.

It said peacekeepers came under fire on Sunday “while transporting affected civilians from a UNISFA base to a hospital.”

A Pakistani peacekeeper was killed, and “four uniformed personnel and one local civilian sustained injury,” it said.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence and appealed to the governments of both sides to investigate so those responsible could be brought to justice, said his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, with attacks on peacekeepers potentially constituting a war crime.

A Ghanaian peacekeeper had been killed on Saturday, UNISFA added, calling for an investigation into the violence.

Located between Sudan and South Sudan, Abyei has been a flashpoint since the South gained independence in 2011.

According to authorities in the Abyei Special Administrative Area, armed youths and a local rebel militia carried out a series of “barbaric coordinated attacks,” starting on Saturday morning.

Rou Manyiel Rou, secretary general for the Abyei Special Administrative Area, said on Saturday that the violence was tied to a long-running “conflict between (the) Ngok and Twic” communities.

In a statement published on Monday, Britain, Norway and the United States, the international “Troika” that sponsored South Sudan’s independence, said they were “deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in recent months between communities living in and around” Abyei.

“All leaders who have influence with involved communities and who fail to use it to support peace are demonstrating their disregard for the interests of their people,” the Troika said.

The attacks follow clashes in November last year that killed 32 people, including a UN peacekeeper.

A regional UN envoy expressed concern in November that fighting within Sudan was drawing closer to the country’s border with South Sudan and Abyei.

Hanna Tetteh, the UN special envoy for the Horn of Africa, said Abyei’s proximity to the fighting between Sudan’s rival forces threatened to destabilize the already fragile region and its sometimes volatile local dynamics.

She said the Sudan crisis had also “effectively put on hold” talks between leaders from both countries over Abyei’s long-disputed status.

The 12-year-old UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei currently comprises some 4,000 military and police personnel.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2450471/middle-east

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North America

 

Liberal hate crime, Gaza stance leads Muslim council to cancel Trudeau meeting

[30/January/2024]

The National Council of Canadian Muslims abruptly cancelled a meeting Monday with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accusing his government of failing to protect Palestinians or take “tangible action” against hate crimes.

“We no longer think it’s productive to speak with this prime minister,” chief executive Stephen Brown told a news conference.

“There’s nothing new that we could say. We’ve said it all before.”

Trudeau did not address the cancellation directly Monday before question period, confining his comments to the national day of action against Islamophobia. His office later said it had “nothing to add.”

Brown had been scheduled to meet with Trudeau to touch base on fighting anti-Muslim hate, but said he pulled out because the prime minister has so far neglected to follow through on promises he made to the Muslim community in the 2015 election campaign that brought him to power.

Those commitments included doing more to prosecute hate crimes and to adequately fund programs meant to prevent such acts, such as helping to pay for security cameras at religious sites.

“It has become clear that we seem to only get a sliver of policy reform when our lives, or our safety, is destroyed,” Brown said. “Our government has failed to move on substantive hate-crime legislation.”

He said he sees no evidence Ottawa is willing to pressure Israel to ease its bombardment of the Gaza Strip and Hamas, whose brutal attack on Israel last October has provoked a massive military response.

“We’re interested in the government taking real tangible action to reduce Islamophobia in this country (and) taking real tangible action to stop the hostilities in the Middle East,” Brown said.

He noted Canada broke with many of its allies last week when it refused to call on Israel to follow the orders set out by the International Court of Justice aimed at preventing Palestinian genocide.

Ottawa has so far said it supports the court but not necessarily the premise of the case brought by South Africa against Israel.

Trudeau has refused to say whether that means he rejected the case, nor whether Ottawa will respect whatever ruling the court makes. Brown said this shows the federal Liberals only support justice for some groups of people, instead of advocating for multilateral institutions.

“They’ve compromised the integrity of the international rules-based order and the ICJ, by challenging the premise of the case.”

Trudeau was ushered into power in 2015 in part on a pledge to end an especially divisive period in federal politics and bring a more humanitarian approach to governing.

That year’s election campaign coincided with an surge of migration in Europe punctuated by the tragic death of two-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi, whose body washed up on a beach in Turkey and helped to crystallize public dismay over the plight of refugees from Syria.

Many Muslims named their children after Trudeau because of his promise to uphold equality and tolerance, Brown said.

“That great promise now feels broken and perhaps beyond repair.”

The group is also worried about Ottawa’s decision to suspend funding for a UN agency that supports Palestinians, in response to allegations agency staff played a role in the Hamas attack.

Ottawa has ordered a temporary pause on “any additional funding” for the agency, known as UNWRA, which the Liberals recently described as indispensable in keeping Palestinians alive.

The move followed a similar decision in Washington after the agency’s director fired staff members that were suspected of being involved in the attack, without sharing what role they may have played.

Brown said it’s vital that somebody deliver life-saving aid to Palestinians in Gaza and support those facing an uptick of violence in the West Bank.

International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen said Monday that Canada will continue to get funding to Palestinians through other outlets and is not reducing its overall support.

He said the government is working with organizations such as the World Food Programme, UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the Humanitarian Coalition group of Canadian charities.

“Our levels of support for the Palestinian civilians will not be diminished by this,” Hussen said.

He also listed Doctors Without Borders as a group that Canada is working with, but the organization says it has not received federal funds to respond to humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip.

Source: sookenewsmirror.com

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https://www.sookenewsmirror.com/national-news/liberal-hate-crime-gaza-stance-leads-muslim-council-to-cancel-trudeau-meeting-7302982

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Canadians mark 7th anniversary of Quebec City mosque shootings amid spike in hate incidents

Barry Ellsworth

30.01.2024

Canadian Muslims are facing a “disturbing rise” in hate incidents, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday as Canadians marked the seventh anniversary of the deadly Quebec City mosque shootings.

Six men were shot to death by a lone gunman and 19 injured on Jan. 29, 2017 as they were at evening worship at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City. The crime horrified the country. Seven years later, and despite the appointment of a federal representative to combat Islamophobia, hate incidents are increasing.

“Canada’s Muslim communities across the country have experienced a disturbing rise in hate speech, discrimination and Islamophobia,” Trudeau said in a statement.

“This is absolutely unacceptable, and we will continue to take action so that Canadians can feel safe and secure in their homes, communities and places of worship,” he added.

But more action is needed, advocates insist.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), citing the mosque attack and the murder of four members of a Muslim family in 2021 in London, Ontario, urged action to stem the incidents of hate.

“It is time for all of us to step up…and ask your local city officials and businesses to step up in the battle against Islamophobia,” the NCCM said in a statement.

Fareed Khan, founder of the anti-racism activist group Canadians United Against Hate, criticized Ottawa’s inaction.

“Eleven Canadian Muslims have been murdered in acts of hate since 2017, but the Trudeau government has been reluctant to even take symbolic actions to address the concerns of Canadian Muslims around hate against the community,” he said.

“While the government declared a National Day of Action Against Islamophobia (every Jan. 29) and appointed a special representative on combatting Islamophobia, these actions were taken only after years of lobbying by Canadian Muslims.”

Khan said Trudeau’s refusal to condemn Israel for its attacks on Palestinians in Gaza has also fueled Islamophobia.

To mark the Quebec mosque attack, monuments across the country were bathed in green light, including the British Columbia legislature building. Green is the color of the carpet in the mosque where the shootings occurred.

A remembrance ceremony was scheduled at Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City on Monday evening with Trudeau in attendance.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/canadians-mark-7th-anniversary-of-quebec-city-mosque-shootings-amid-spike-in-hate-incidents/3122508

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Harvard faces more claims of discrimination — this time from Palestinian and Muslim students

January 29, 2024

Max Larkin

A Muslim civil rights organization is the latest group to charge Harvard has not done enough to protect students since war broke out in Israel and Gaza on October 7.

In a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, the Muslim Legal Fund of America alleges that Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students have been followed, confronted and even attacked as they moved about Harvard’s campus and classrooms, with little response from the university.

WBUR is a nonprofit news organization. Our coverage relies on your financial support. If you value articles like the one you're reading right now, give today.

The complaint was filed Monday on behalf of eight students from across Harvard’s several schools, including some pro-Palestinian allies who are neither Muslim nor of Arab descent, according to a press release from MLFA.

A federal lawsuit filed by Jewish students earlier this month accused Harvard of letting antisemitism grow unchecked on its campus.

Christina Jump, MLFA's lead attorney who helped draft the new complaint, says the parallel allegations serve as corroborating evidence that Harvard “is not addressing religious discrimination and religious harassment” across the board.

The full text of the OCR complaint is not yet public, due to the fears of Palestinian students and their allies who have already lost their jobs or had their names and images published online, according to Jump.

Jump — head of civil litigation for the MLFA — said the complaint finds "clear violations" of federal civil rights law, cases in which students were “harassed or accused of ‘terrorism,’ for sitting there and looking Muslim.”

For instance, she said, nearly all of the eight participating students faced harsh consequences for wearing the keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf, on campus.

“They were stopped by other Harvard students, Harvard administration, professors or other Harvard employees, and harassed, heckled,” Jump said in an interview Monday. “Some of them had things thrown at them, some of them had things poured on them. Many of them were called ‘terrorists,’ simply for wearing the scarf.”

Pro-Palestinian Harvard students of all backgrounds have worn keffiyehs on Thursdays since at least 2022, according to reporting in the Harvard Crimson. But the tradition grew in mid-October, as Israel’s campaign against Gaza began in earnest.

In December, a video circulated of Eve Gerber — the wife of Jason Furman, a prominent professor of economics at Harvard — accosting a keffiyeh-wearing Harvard graduate student just off campus in October. Gerber has since apologized.

When students at Harvard reported instances of anti-Muslim harassment, Jump said administrators either dismissed the complaints or never got back to the students.

Harvard declined to comment on this latest complaint. After months of conflict on campus, and the ouster of its former president, interim leader Alan Garber announced new task forces on combating Islamophobia and antisemitism earlier this month.

Complaints to the Department of Education start a slow and opaque process. But Jump said the students hope it will be a spur to change.

She hopes Harvard will launch a complete and thorough investigation of the claims and more assertively protect the students who have had their names, addresses and photographs published online — and on a display truck near campus.

“In the past, Harvard has provided remedies for students who feel threatened … that has not happened here,” Jump said. “And the silence has allowed the threats to grow, because there haven’t been any repercussions.”

Source: wbur.org

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https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/01/29/harvard-complaint-muslim-students-harassment

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Arrests announced amid probe into Newark imam’s shooting death

Jan. 29, 2024

While an investigation into the killing of a Newark imam is ongoing, authorities on Monday announced weapons charges against three men.

The men — Abdush K. Sharif, 36, Kevin Rogers, 46, and Deshawn Kinchen, 49 — were arrested Friday at a residence in the city, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said.

All three are charged with fourth-degree violation of regulatory provisions relating to firearms, the office said. Sharif and Rogers are being held in Essex County jail, but Kinchen was released on a summons, the prosecutor’s office said.

The agency said it is continuing to investigate the shooting death of Imam Hassan Sharif but would not elaborate if the charges announced Monday are connected.

It’s unclear if Sharif was related to any of the accused. A person named Abdush Sharif was listed in the imam’s funeral program as his son, though it was not immediately confirmed if he was the same person as the one arrested. The prosecutor’s office declined to provide additional details.

Hassan Sharif was fatally wounded by gunfire outside the Masjid Muhammad-Newark mosque at South Orange Avenue and Camden Street earlier this month. His death spurred a large turnout at his funeral and an outcry from the community, which remembered the cleric as an activist against gun violence.

The 52-year-old imam was at the mosque around the time of sunrise prayer when he was shot at multiple times. He was brought to University Medical Center in Newark in critical condition but later died.

Authorities at the time said they had no evidence tying the crime to anti-Muslim bias.

The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, said Thursday it was offering $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Authorities on Wednesday announced a separate $25,000 reward.

Sharif had posted in August on Facebook that someone approached him in the parking lot of the mosque as he was heading in for morning prayer. The person pointed a gun at his head and a struggle ensued, according to the post. The would-be gunman ran away, he said.

Police have repeatedly declined to comment on whether or not they were looking to connect the purported incident to the cleric’s death.

Source: nj.com

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https://www.nj.com/essex/2024/01/arrests-announced-amid-probe-into-newark-imams-shooting-death.html

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CAIR: Biden Admin Must Restore UNRWA Funding, End ‘Collective Punishment’

Ismail Allison

January 29, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the Biden administration’s “morally depraved and glaringly inconsistent” decision to engage in collective punishment against Palestinians by cutting funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in response to unsubstantiated and suspiciously timed allegations made by the Israeli government.

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“As a Palestinian-American who grew up in a refugee camp and personally benefited from UNRWA’s support, I know that this agency is a desperately needed source of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza.

“It is morally depraved and glaringly inconsistent for President Biden to cut UNRWA funding on the basis of unconfirmed allegations made by the Israeli government while he simultaneously funds the Israeli government despite confirmed allegations of their systematic war crimes. The timing of the announcement, the same day as the ICJ ruling, is also incredibly suspicious.

“By cutting UNRWA funding, the Biden administration is both fulfilling a wish of far-right Israeli ministers who want to starve Palestinians into exile and engaging in a form of collective punishment against 5 million innocent Palestinian civilians. When President Biden was running for office, he pledged to reverse the Trump administration’s hateful and baseless cutting of UNRWA funding. Now he has restored the Trump policy, punishing millions of innocent people at the behest of an Israeli government that wants to make it impossible for Palestinians to survive in Gaza. We call on the Biden administration to immediately restore UNRWA funding.”

On the very same day that the International Court of Justice issued a ruling allowing South Africa’s genocide charge against Israel to proceed, the Biden administration and the Israeli government publicly claimed that that 12 of UNRWA’s thousands of members were suspected of somehow being involved in the October 7 attack. Several nations, including the United States, suspended funding for the agency despite the fact that UNRWA had already opened an investigation and cut ties with the accused individuals.

UNRWA employs 30,000 Palestinians, serving the needs of 5.9 million descendants of refugees, in the Gaza Strip, West Bank and in vast camps in neighboring Arab countries. In Gaza, it employs 13,000 people, running schools, primary healthcare clinics and other social services, as well as distributing aid.

Its services in Gaza have increased in importance since 2005, when Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade causing an economic collapse with one of the highest unemployment rates in the world.

 Source:

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-biden-admin-must-restore-unrwa-funding-end-collective-punishment/

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First voting in American phase of Khalistan referendum draws 127,000 Sikhs

January 30, 2024

Murtaza Ali Shah

SAN FRANCISCO/LONDON: More than 127,000 American Sikhs voted for Khalistan referendum for the first time on American soil – just weeks after the US government announced it had prevented the Indian state from assassinating on the US soil the prominent pro-Khalistan leader and India’s most wanted man, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

The independent Punjab Referendum Commission (PRC) announced that 127,000 Sikhs were able to cast their votes while around 30000 remained in queues and unable to vote due to shortage of time. The Commission member Paul Jacobs announced the next phase of the Khalistan referendum will take place in Sacramento, CA, on 31st March to accommodate those who were unable to cast their votes.

The US government had permitted pro-Khalistan secessionist group Sikh For Justice (SFJ) to conduct Khalistan freedom referendum under the First Amendment Act on its soil, despite Indian objections. Diplomatic relations between India and America have hit a low after the US State Department openly accused India of trying to kill its citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder and leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and Khalistan referendum who arrived at the voting centre amid heavy security, on the US soil in an open violation of the sovereignty of the United States of America.

After the voting was closed, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun addressed thousands of Sikhs and announced that campaign against India will accelerate after confirmations by the Canadian and the US governments that India was planning to kill Sikhs who asked for their right of self-determination for a separate Sikh homeland.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1152850-first-voting-in-american-phase-of-khalistan-referendum-draws-127-000-sikhs

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Arab World

 

Panel discussion in Sana'a discusses role of Yemeni communities in supporting Palestinian cause

[30/January/2024]

SANA'A January 30. 2024 (Saba) - A panel discussion held in Sana'a has called on the Yemeni communities to coordinate with the Arab and Islamic communities to organize unifying marches for Yemenis, Arab expatriates and free people of the world to combat the war crimes and genocide committed by the Zionist entity against the Palestinian people.

The panel discussion, which was organized by the Ministry of Expatriate Affairs under the title “The Role of Expatriates and Yemeni Communities in Advocating the Palestinian Cause,” also called for exposing American and British deception and the purpose of establishing the military alliance in Bahrain and the Arab Red Sea.

The panel discussion, in which the Advisor to the Supreme Political Council - Head of the Supreme National Campaign to Support al-Aqsa, Mohammed Meftah, recommended the need for the Yemeni communities to The Arab League revealed the coalition’s goals of achieving protection and defense of the Zionist entity and disrupting the security and safety of maritime traffic in the Red and Arab Bahrain.

It urged showing the oppression of the Palestinian people and the crimes of the Zionist occupation in various means of social media, creating channels and pages on all means of communication, as well as organizing meetings and seminars with the accused centers and organizations and jurists to expose the Zionists’ violations of the rights of the Palestinian people and determine the paths that must be taken and show them to the world.

The penal discussion stressed the importance of clarifying the true reasons for the American-British aggression against the Republic of Yemen for the world to know, and the keenness of the Yemeni people, its leadership and its armed forces for the safety of navigation in the Red and Arab Seas and the safety of passing ships without harming or intercepting them, and limiting the matter to ships related to the trade and economy of the Zionist entity.

It called for holding individual and group meetings with leaders and members of parties and parliamentarians in Western countries who oppose the Zionist aggression against the Gaza Strip, and to benefit from their positions to expose the war crimes and genocide committed by the Zionist army in Gaza.

Participants called for full documentation of the activities carried out by the communities, holding periodic meetings with the leadership of the ministry and the communities, and continuing to organize joint media campaigns.

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3300449.htm

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The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques Exerts Great Efforts to Serve Visitors to the Grand Mosque

29 Jan, 2024

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque gives the Grand Mosque constant attention, exerting outstanding efforts to provide high-quality services to visitors, pilgrims and Umrah performers.

 The authority oversees all maintenance work by preparing plans and studies, and carrying out maintenance works with the highest standard of excellence and accuracy.

 Part of the efforts entails inspection of 8,000 loudspeakers, 120,000 lighting units, 222 escalators, 22 elevators and 299 fire extinguishing units, water tanks, and 3,534 toilets, as well as sanitizing the Zamzam water cooling system. Workers also ensure the readiness and smooth operation of the mosque sound system, fire alarm and standby power plant.

 The authority follows up constantly on the execution of the weekly, monthly and annual scheduled maintenance work, to ensure that the Grand Holy Mosque, its squares and auxiliary buildings are in perfect functioning condition. All this effort is carried out based on a master plan laid down annually by the general administration of operation and maintenance.

Source: alriyadhdaily.com

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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/b4b7fde5ea36420b805cf9b11c052425

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Riyadh to host international marine exhibition on Sunday

January 29, 2024

RIYADH: Companies from around the world are set to take part in the third Saudi International Marine Exhibition and Conference, which opens on Feb. 4.

Organized by the Saudi National Fisheries Development Program, the three-day event will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Some 3,000 people are set to attend the exhibition, which will showcase the products and services of more than 120 companies from 35 countries.

There will also be workshops, presentations and even cooking competitions.

The fisheries sector is one of the world’s fastest growing sectors and has huge importance in terms of offering food security and providing jobs.

The exhibition and conference aim to provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the fields of aquaculture, fisheries and algae, and will also see the signing of several agreements between the Saudi National Fisheries Development Program and international and local organizations.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2450406/saudi-arabia

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Saudi Arabia condemns terrorist attack targeting base on Jordan-Syria border

January 29, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced a terrorist attack on a military base in northeastern Jordan that killed three American troops, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said on Monday.

US President Joe Biden said “radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq” were behind the strike on the frontier base in Jordan’s northeast.

The attack on Sunday was the first deadly strike against US troops since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October.

The ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for international efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism in all forms.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday vowed that the US would take “all necessary actions” to defend its troops after the drone attack that killed three US forces and wounded dozens more.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2450281/saudi-arabia

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