Islamist Terror Group ISIS Calls For Ramadan Massacre Of Christians And Jews By Lone Wolves Across US, Europe And Israel
New Age Islam
News Bureau
29 March 2024
A
still image taken from a handout video shows a gun found at the scene of the
deadly shooting attack in Crocus City Hall concert venue, in the Moscow Region,
Russia March 23, 2024
------
·
Islamist
Terror Group ISIS Calls For Ramadan Massacre Of Christians And Jews By Lone
Wolves Across US, Europe And Israel
·
Bangladesh
Opens Mosque For Transgender Hijra Community
·
Islamic
State Spokesperson, Abu Huthaifa Al-Ansari, Praises Group’s Attack On Concert
Hall In Russia
·
Biden,
Obama, Clinton Heckled Over Gaza War Handling At New York Fundraiser
·
UP BJP
Confident Of Muslim Support To Its Lok Sabha Campaign For Changed Image Of New
India And New Uttar Pradesh
----
Europe
·
Pro-Palestine
Campaign Forces Israeli Arms Maker To Close UK Factory
·
Georgian
Premier, IrakliKobakhidze, Hosts Iftar Dinner For Muslim Community In Capital
·
British
minister discusses Gaza with Arab League chief, Egyptian foreign minister in
Cairo
·
Brazil’s
Bolsonaro requests court permission to accept Netanyahu invite to Israel
·
France to
resume UNRWA funding while ‘ensuring right conditions are met’
·
Ireland
seeks to join South Africa at ICJ in genocide case against Israel
----
South
Asia
·
Afghan
Interior Ministry Denies ISIS-K Leader's Presence
·
US
official urges Biden for immediate release of citizen detained in Afghanistan
·
Bekken
Says Norway Does Not Support Islamic Emirate's Opposition: Mujahid
·
Over
12,000 Individuals Arrested in Last Six Months: MoI
·
Efforts
to Eradicate Polio in Afghanistan Underway: Ministry
·
80pc BNP
leaders, activists faced torture in jail: Fakhrul
·
Take
effective steps to get maximum benefit after LDC graduation: PM
-------
Arab
World
·
Renovation
Of 56 Heritage Buildings In Historic Jeddah Completed
·
Grand
Mosque Visitors Pray to Allah During Iftar in Scenes of Serenity, Reverence
·
Saudi
Green Initiative In Makkah Aims To Promote Sustainable Development, Afforestation
·
Israel’s
Crimes Will Speed Up Its ‘Certain Annihilation’: Houthi
·
Volunteers
Work Over 258,000 Hours at Prophet's Mosque in First Half of Ramadan
------
North
America
·
US Peace
Institute Analyst Questions Taliban’s Security Claims Amid ISIS Attacks
·
Israel
has not received everything it has asked for, top US general says
·
US
official quits over support for Israel, university alumni refuse donations
·
Biden is
‘great friend of Israel,’ Herzog tells US Democrats amid bilateral tensions
·
CAIR-Chicago
Welcomes Resignation of School Psychologist After Anti-Palestinian Posts
------
India
·
Congress Kept
Ram Temple Issue Hanging To Divide Hindus &Muslims: MP CM
·
Tension
In Lucknow Following Clash Between Two Communities Regarding Holi Celebration
·
ASI’s
survey of Bhojshala complex continues on Day 8; security tightened
·
With RLD
support, BJP aims at dominance, SP-Congress eye Muslim consolidation
------
Africa
·
Top
Ethiopian Muslim Cleric Urges Prayers For War-Torn Areas During Largest Street
Iftar Dinner In Capital
·
Islamic
Scholars Identify Parental Errors, Spiritual Barriers As Cause Of Youth
Backwardness
·
Why we
released over 300 suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Borno – DHQ
·
Nigerian
Military Should Not Bungle Case Of 17 Slain Soldiers; DHQ Must Hand Over Investigation
– Falana
·
'Void
peace treaty with Israel': Moroccans join Jordanian protests
·
Human
Rights Watch says Wagner group killed civilians in operations with Malian army
-------
Pakistan
·
IHC
Judges’ Letter: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Rejects Proposed Probe Commission
·
Barrister
Gohar's Stance 'Not Completely True': JI Leader Rebuts PTI Chief
·
Eight May
9 suspects held after release from Adiala jail
·
Up to 20
May 9 accused to be freed from army custody
·
Pakistan,
Afghanistan report progress in trade talks
·
Azam Khan,
Asad Majeed: Counsel for IK raises questions over statements
·
Proposal
on Indo-Pak trade resumption under study: FO
-------
Mideast
·
UN Top
Court Orders Israel To Take Urgent Action To Address Gaza Famine
·
Government
Office In Gaza Says Enemy Executed More Than 200 Displaced Palestinians In
Al-Shifa Complex
·
Troops
raiding Gaza’s Shifa hospital kill senior Hamas commander, says IDF
·
Israeli
strike killed 36 Syrian soldiers near Aleppo: war monitor
·
120,000
worshipers perform Isha, Tarawih prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque
·
Inaction
of some Muslim states towards Palestine regretting
·
Islamic
world has a duty to support Gaza people: Ghalibaf
-------
Southeast
Asia
·
Attacks
By Minority Groups On Govt Policies Need To Be Curbed - Ahmad Zahid
·
Japan To
Resume Funding To UN Palestinian Refugee Agency
·
Anwar
attends Iftar MADANI, breaks fast with nearly 10,000 people
·
Domestic
Trade Ministry sees increased awareness among traders at Ramadan bazaars to
display price tags
·
‘Allah’
socks issue: Do not take matters into own hands, cautions IGP
·
Air
Force's new Super Hercules takes off for Gaza aid distribution
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
------
Islamist Terror Group ISIS Calls For Ramadan Massacre
Of Christians And Jews By Lone Wolves Across US, Europe And Israel
A
still image taken from a handout video shows a gun found at the scene of the
deadly shooting attack in Crocus City Hall concert venue, in the Moscow Region,
Russia March 23, 2024
------
29 MAR 2024
Joseph Wilkes
Islamist terror group ISIS has called for "lone
wolves" to engage in a Ramadan massacre of Christians and Jews across the
US, Europe and Israel.
Abu Hudhayfah al-Ansari, spokesperson for the evil
extremists also known as Islamic State, sickeningly praised the horrendous
Moscow terror attack that killed 140 people in Russia last week. On Thursday,
the jihadist took to encrypted messaging app Telegram to call on "lone
wolves" to target Christians and Jewish people, especially in US, Europe,
and Israel during the holy month of Ramadan.
The spokesperson also claimed that the presence of
American troops in Iraq will "lead to more attacks from group". It
comes as he commemorates the 10-year anniversary of ISIS' declaration of a
caliphate in Iraq and Syria in 2014.
In a 41-minute-long audio speech called 'By Allah,
this matter will be made possible,' he highlighted and praised the global
expansion of Islamic State. al-Ansar also slammed terror organisation Al-Qaeda
for straying away from their so-called 'path', before proclaiming that Ramadan
was the month of jihad.
The spokesperson also called on 'members' in
Mozambique to "double attacks" and militants in the Philippines to
"move operations into major cities", in a chilling and worrying sign.
He continued to call on the Mujahidin - those who engage in Jihad - and media
leaders to obey their elders, and disseminate Islamic State's message far and
wide.
Currently, there is little intel on ISIS spokesperson,
besides that he took on the post as spokesperson in August 2023 to replace Abu
Omar al-Muhajir following his arrest in Tahrir al-Sham. However, al-Ansari's
anti-semitic rhetoric rings loud to his group of extremists.
For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz
from the USA, go to The Mirror US
"Monotheism is the goal, and jihad is the
path…the war with the Jews will not end in a one-state solution or two-state
solution, as nationalists believe," he said in a statement titled 'And
Kill Them Wherever You find Them' on January 4, 2024.
"It is a religious ideological war that will
continue until we kill their antichrist under the banner of the Prophet of
Allah… tighten the plans and diversify operations: Blow them up with explosives,
burn them with incendiary bombs, shoot them with bullets, slaughter their necks
with knives, and run them over with buses."
It comes days after the ISIS K faction of Islamic
State shared a selfie of the Moscow attack at Crocus City Hall gunmen praising
the “bloody attack” on a “large crowd of Christians”. France has also increased
its terror threat level to the highest possible level following the terrible
attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, Russia, in which at
least 140 people were killed last week.
A group of heavily armed gunmen broke into
Krasnogorsk, an urban settlement in Russia’s capital on the evening of March
22. As rock fans waited eagerly for a performance from band Picnic, a volley of
bullets rained down on them as the killers entered the auditorium.
As explosions rang out, the crowd initially thought
the band was implementing some pyrotechnics into their performance. Then they
saw handheld incendiary devices - like Molotov cocktails - being lobbed into
the crowds, causing horrific burns and the building to go up in flames.
Islamic State claimed that it was behind the terror
with “Christians” specifically in their crosshairs. Its ISIS-K faction – from
the Khorasan Province in Afghanistan – was believed to be in charge, a Telegram
statement posted from ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq read.
The Basmanny Court in Moscow named four suspected
shooters hailing from the ex-Soviet state of Tajikistan, as DalerdzhonMirzoyev,
32, SaidakramiRachabalizoda, 30, ShamsidinFariduni, 25, and
MukhammadsobirFaizov, 19. They were tortured before appearing in court.
An additional three suspects were identified days
later: a father IsroilIslomov, 62, and his two sons DilovarIslomov and
AminchonIslomov have been identified by the Investigation Committee.
Source:
mirror.co.uk
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/breaking-isis-calls-ramadan-massacre-32465683
------
Bangladesh Opens Mosque For Transgender Hijra
Community
Bangladeshi hijras -
transgenders - dance in the street during a rally to mark the first ever
nationwide program to observe 'Hijra Day' in Dhaka on November 10, 2014.
(AFP/Munir Uz Zaman)
------
29/03/2024
The humble structure -- a single-room shed with walls
and a roof clad in tin -- is a new community hub for the minority, who have
enjoyed greater legal and political recognition in recent years but still
suffer from entrenched prejudice.
"From now on, no one can deny a Hijra from
praying in our mosque," community leader Joyita Tonu said in a speech to
the packed congregation.
"No one can mock us," added the visibly
emotional 28-year-old, a white scarf covering her hair.
The mosque near Mymensingh, north of the capital Dhaka
on the banks of the Brahmaputra river, was built on land donated by the
government after the city's Hijra community were expelled from an established
congregation.
"I never dreamt I could pray at a mosque again in
my lifetime," said Sonia, 42, who as a child loved to recite the Quran and
studied at an Islamic seminary.
But when she came out as Hijra, as transgender women
in South Asia are commonly known, she was blocked from praying in a mosque.
"People would tell us: 'Why are you Hijra people
here at the mosques? You should pray at home. Don't come to the mosques,'"
Sonia, who uses only one name, told AFP.
"It was shameful for us, so we didn't go,"
she added. "Now, this is our mosque. Now, no one can say no."
'Like any other people'
Hijra have been the beneficiaries of growing legal
recognition in Bangladesh, which since 2013 has officially allowed members of
the community to identify as a third gender.
Several have entered Bangladeshi politics, with one
transgender woman elected mayor of a rural town in 2021.
But Hijra still struggle for basic recognition and
acceptance, lacking property and marriage rights.
They are also often discriminated against in
employment and are much more likely to be victims of violent crime and poverty
than the average Bangladeshi.
Hardline Islamist groups have also lashed out at the
recognition of transgender Bangladeshis in school textbooks, leading rallies to
demand the government abandon its push to include them in the curriculum.
Mufti Abdur Rahman Azad, founder of a hijra charity,
told AFP that the new mosque was the first of its kind in the country.
A similar endeavour planned in another city was
stopped last month after a protest by locals, he added.
Dozens of local hijra women donated time and money to
build the Dakshin Char Kalibari Masjid for the Third Gender, which opened this
month.
It also has a graveyard, after a local Muslim cemetery
last year refused to bury a young hijra woman inside its grounds.
The mosque's imam, Abdul Motaleb, 65, said that the
persecution of the hijra community was against the teachings of his faith.
"They are like any other people created by
Allah", the cleric told AFP.
'No one can be denied'
"We all are human beings. Maybe some are men,
some are women, but all are human. Allah revealed the Holy Koran for all, so
everyone has the right to pray, no one can be denied."
Motaleb said that other Bangladeshis could learn from
the faith and strength of the hijra.
"Since I have been here at this mosque, I have
been impressed by their character and deeds," he said.
The new mosque is already tackling prejudice. Local
resident Tofazzal Hossain, 53, has offered Friday prayers there for a second
week in a row.
He said living and praying with the hijra community
has changed his "misconceptions" about them.
"When they started to live with us, many people
said many things," he told AFP.
"But we've realised what people say isn't right.
They live righteously like other Muslims".
Tonu hopes to expand the simple mosque to be big
enough to cater for more people.
"God willing, we will do it very soon," she
told AFP.
"Hundreds of people can offer prayers
together."
Source:
france24.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240329-bangladesh-opens-mosque-for-transgender-hijra-community
----
Islamic State Spokesperson, Abu Huthaifa Al-Ansari,
Praises Group’s Attack On Concert Hall In Russia
(c) Copyright Thomson
Reuters 2024
------
29 Mar 2024
CAIRO, March 29 — The spokesperson for Islamic State
praised the group’s attack that killed more than 140 people in a Russian
concert hall near Moscow.
Abu Huthaifa al-Ansari was speaking in a recorded
message posted on Thursday on the militant group’s Telegram channel.
Al-Ansari also reiterated urging the group’s
supporters to target “crusaders” everywhere, especially in the United States,
Europe and Israel.
“We ask God that you make it to Palestine so you could
fight the Jews face to face in an endless religious war,” he said.
Russian investigators said on Thursday they had found
proof that the concert hall gunmen were linked to “Ukrainian nationalists”, an
assertion immediately dismissed by the United States as baseless propaganda.
Eleven people were arrested in the first 24 hours
after the shooting and eight of them, including the four suspected gunmen, have
been placed in pre-trial detention. Seven are from the Central Asian state of
Tajikistan and the other from Kyrgyzstan. — Reuters
Source:
malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/03/29/islamic-state-spokesperson-praises-groups-attack-on-concert-hall-in-russia/126138
-------
Biden, Obama, Clinton Heckled Over Gaza War Handling
At New York Fundraiser
US President Joe Biden and
former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton participate in a fundraising
event at Radio City Music Hall, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in New York. (AP/Alex
Brandon)
------
Jeff Mason
29.03.2024
NEW YORK (Reuters) — President Joe Biden and his
Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, headlined a star-studded fundraiser with
former president Bill Clinton on Thursday, offering a robust defence of the
White House’s handling of the Gaza war as protesters interrupted the event.
Biden, who travelled with Obama on Air Force One to
New York, took part in a discussion with Clinton moderated by “The Late Show”
host Stephen Colbert at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in front of thousands
of guests. Organizers say the event raised more than $25 million for Biden’s US
re-election campaign.
But the fundraiser was punctuated by several protests
inside the massive auditorium, with attendees rising at several different
moments to shout over the discussion, referencing Biden’s backing of Israel in
its war with Hamas.
“Shame on you, Joe Biden!” one yelled.
Obama and Clinton offered a presidential perspective
of the Gaza crisis that stressed the political realities of being in the White
House.
A president needs to be able to support Israel at the
same time as fighting for Palestinians to have more access to food, medical
supplies and a future state, they said.
“It’s a lonely seat,” Obama said. “One of the
realities of the presidency is that the world has a lot of joy and beauty, but
it also has a lot of tragedy and cruelty.”
People “understandably, oftentimes, want to feel a
certain purity in terms of how those decisions are made,” he said. “But a
president doesn’t have that luxury.”
When a protester inside the theater interrupted Obama,
the former president snapped back: “You can’t just talk and not listen… that’s
what the other side does.”
The pair of former presidents also defended Biden’s
handling of the economy, which has been getting low ratings in national polls.
Clinton said Biden’s economic numbers have
significantly outpaced Trump’s administration.
“I believe in keeping score,” Clinton said. “He’s been
good for America” and deserves another term.
Before the event, the three leaders’ motorcade passed
hundreds of protesters demonstrating against Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza,
another sign that some young voters and other progressives who voted for Biden
in 2020 are furious about his staunch backing of Israel in its response to the
October 7 Hamas attacks, in which members of the terror group launched a
massive cross-border assault, killing close to 1,200 people, mostly civilians,
and kidnapped 253, more than half of whom remain in Gaza.
Lizzo, $500,000 tickets
The event included musicians Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben
Platt, Cynthia Erivo and Lea Michele performing. Some high-paying attendees had
their pictures taken with the three presidents by celebrity photographer Annie
Leibovitz.
Former president Donald Trump, Biden’s Republican
challenger in November’s election, was in the New York area on Thursday as
well, attending a wake for a slain New York City policeman.
Biden, 81, has faced concerns about his age and
fitness for a second four-year term. Recent Reuters/Ipsos polls show his approval
rating at 40 percent and in a tight race with Trump, 77, ahead of the November
5 election.
The support shown by Biden’s predecessors was meant to
demonstrate party unity and project fundraising strength.
Tickets for Thursday’s Biden event cost between $250
and $500,000, according to a Democrat familiar with the planning. More than
5,000 people were expected to attend.
Biden’s high-profile allies are seeking to shore up
his support despite opinion polls showing tepid enthusiasm for the president and
in contrast to a Republican Party where many major figures oppose Trump.
Biden showed flashes of humor at the event. He
referenced former president Harry Truman’s advice that if you wanted a friend
in Washington, get a dog. Biden quipped that he got one and it bit a Secret
Service agent. The president’s dog, Commander, left the White House last year
after a series of biting incidents.
The event closed with each of the men donning aviator
sunglasses, Biden’s trademark.
“Dark Brandon is real,” Biden bellowed, referencing a
meme about himself.
Trump in Long Island
Earlier on Long Island, east of New York, Trump
attended a wake for Jonathan Diller, the policeman who was gunned down during a
routine traffic stop earlier this week in the city.
“These things can’t happen. We need law and order,”
Trump, surrounded by mourning uniformed officers, told reporters gathered
outside a funeral home in Massapequa.
Trump has sought to make supporting police a focal
point of his campaign while criticizing law enforcement that targets him.
He faces four criminal trials for his efforts to
undermine the 2020 election, his mishandling of classified documents, and his
involvement in a “hush money” scheme involving a porn star. He was fined
hundreds of millions of dollars for overstating his net worth to lenders. He
says he is innocent.
Biden has been routinely outraising Trump and taking
in more money than his rival in big donations as well as in small donations
under $200. Biden’s reelection effort raised over $53 million in February and
$10 million in the 24 hours following his March 7 address to Congress.
Trump aims to raise $33 million in an April 6
fundraiser, a source familiar with the Republican’s plans told Reuters.
A Trump campaign adviser said on Thursday the
candidate won’t be able to match Biden’s totals, blaming the disparity on the
Democrat’s “billionaire” supporters and painting a picture of a Trump campaign
fueled by grassroots, working-class supporters.
Source:
timesofisrael.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/biden-obama-clinton-heckled-over-gaza-war-handling-at-new-york-fundraiser/
-------
UP BJP Confident Of Muslim Support To Its Lok Sabha
Campaign For Changed Image Of New India And New Uttar Pradesh
File Photo/ The Statesman
-----
March 28, 2024
With the Yogi Government in Uttar Pradesh developing a
colony for the poor after the demolition of the illegal property of Atiq Ahmed
in Prayagraj, the dream of many women from minority communities of having their
own house was fulfilled.
At the same time, thousands of Muslim women across the
state, including Akila Bano of Lucknow, are getting the benefit of the
Destitute Women Pension under the Yogi Government.
Be it housing, ration, marriage of daughters, or
education, the benefits of all the schemes of the state and the Central
government are reaching the minority community.
The double-engine government is confident that like
every time, this time too, a large number of women and men from the minority
community will choose the BJP to further strengthen the changed image of New
India and New Uttar Pradesh and not those for whom they are nothing more than
vote bank.
State BJP leaders here on Thursday claimed that women
from the minority community, who are getting benefits of government schemes in
the state, also believe that they have got benefits under the Yogi Government.
During the Corona pandemic, when all the businesses were closed, free ration
was made available by PM Modi. Taking the scheme forward, CM Yogi provided free
ration so that during the pandemic, the kitchens of the poor of the minority
community did not stop.
When the women were handed over the keys to their own
houses, they prayed to CM Yogi and PM Modi with teary eyes. When destitute
women got the facility of pension after the death of their husbands, they also
expressed their heartfelt gratitude.
When the women got free gas cylinders under the
Ujjwala Scheme, they also blessed the PM and CM wholeheartedly. It is believed
that a large number of women from minority communities have been voting for BJP
and this is likely to increase further in 2024, which will help in fulfilling
the resolve of the government engaged in Mission 80.
Whatever the scheme of the double-engine government in
Uttar Pradesh for the people of the state, it did not make any discrimination
based on religion or caste. The poor and the deprived remained at the center of
these schemes.
The Yogi Government has paid special attention to
fulfilling the needs of housing and food for the minorities as well as raising
their standard of living and education of children. Under the Minority Welfare
and Waqf Department, the benefit of scholarship is being provided to the
children of minorities. Under the PurvaDasham Scholarship Scheme in 2022-23, a
total of 1,08,756 eligible boys and girls have benefited against the amount of
Rs 30 crore provisioned in the budget.
Similarly, under the post-10th scholarship, 2,40,206
eligible boys and girls have benefited against the amount of Rs 190 crore
provisioned in the budget in 2022-23. The online application process is going
on in 2023-24. Under Madrasa education, a total of 4,39,433 textbooks have been
made available free of cost through the Basic Education Department to students
up to class 8 studying in 558 state-aided Madrasas in this academic session.
Students are being educated towards Artificial Intelligence.
The Yogi Government has also kept the Haj pilgrimage
of minorities on priority. Under this, a total of 24,960 Haj pilgrims were sent
on Haj in 2023 between 21 May 2023 and 19 June 2023. A total of 13,096 Haj
pilgrims were sent from Lucknow and 11,864 from New Delhi.
Not only this, 30 Haj servants were sent along to help
the Haj pilgrims. Apart from this, 304 projects were completed under the
Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram by December 2023 and new financial approvals
worth Rs 280 crore were issued.
Source:
thestatesman.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thestatesman.com/india/up-bjp-confident-of-muslim-support-to-its-lok-sabha-campaign-1503284567.html
---
Europe
Pro-Palestine campaign forces Israeli arms maker to
close UK factory
28 March 2024
A relentless campaign by the Palestine Action group
has managed to force Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms company, to
permanently shut down another weapons factory in Britain.
Palestine Action uses direct action tactics to shut
down and disrupt the Israeli regime’s multinational arms dealers. It announced
on Thursday that its campaign has forced Elbit Systems to vacate Elite KL
factory in Tamworth, Staffordshire, for good.
This is the third Elbit Systems site in the UK to be
shut down permanently by Palestine Action.
According to the pro-Palestine group, the company had
previously manufactured cooling and power management systems for military
vehicles, but was sold on after stating that it faced falling profits and
increased security costs resulting from Palestine Action’s efforts.
“Following the recent acquisition of Elite KL Limited
by a UK investment syndicate, the newly appointed board has unanimously agreed
to withdraw from all future defense contracts and terminate its association
with its former parent company,” Elite KL’s new owners, listed as Griffin Newco
Ltd, confirmed the news in an email to Palestine Action.
Elbit Systems itself provides 85 percent of the drones
and land-based military equipment for the Israeli military, as well as a wide
range of the munitions and armaments currently being used by the occupying
regime in its brutal campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip.
The company also maintains the surveillance technology
deployed at the Gaza border and military checkpoints there.
Analysts say the genocidal attacks on Gaza, which
continue to escalate, provide Israel’s arms manufacturers with opportunities to
test and develop their latest lethal inventions.
Despite a massive death toll, the Israeli military has
failed to achieve the goals it has been seeking to score through the campaign
in Gaza, such as “destroying” Hamas, finding the captives that the Gaza-based
resistance movement is holding, and bringing about forced displacement of the
Palestinian territory’s population to Egypt.
Source:
presstv.ir
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/28/722685/Palestine-Israel-Gaza-UK-Palestine-Action-Elbit-Systems-Tamworth
---
Georgian Premier, IrakliKobakhidze, Hosts Iftar Dinner
For Muslim Community In Capital
Davit Kachkachishvili
29.03.2024
Georgian Prime Minister IrakliKobakhidze hosted an
Iftar or fast-breaking dinner Thursday in the capital Tbilisi in observance of
the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The event was attended by Muslim diplomats and
politicians as well as officials from the Administration of All Muslims of
Georgia, according to a statement by the Georgian Prime Ministry.
Türkiye's Ambassador to Georgia Ali KaanOrbay was
among the guests.
Speaking at the event, Kobakhidze said the Muslims
living in the country have made significant contributions to the development
and progress of Georgia.
"The Muslim community, which is an integral part
of us, has made great contributions to the development of our country, and
there is a deep-rooted history behind our brotherhood," he said.
Underling that the government continues to support the
Muslim community in Georgia, he said: "The state has handed over 237
mosques to the Muslim community, and 20 more mosques are expected to be handed
over.”
“While the state has increased its funding for the
Muslim community to nearly 50 million Turkish liras ($1.5 million), this
support will further increase with economic growth," Kobakhidze added.
Source:
aa.com.tr
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/georgian-premier-hosts-iftar-dinner-for-muslim-community-in-capital/3177922
---
British minister discusses Gaza with Arab League
chief, Egyptian foreign minister in Cairo
March 28, 2024
LONDON: Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed AboulGheit
held talks in Cairo on Thursday with the British minister of state for the
Middle East and North Africa, Lord Tariq Ahmad, about the conflict in Gaza.
AboulGheit thanked the UK for its “supportive vote”
this week in favor of a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire
in the Palestinian territory, his spokesperson Gamal Roshdy said.
The secretary-general also called for the urgent
implementation of the resolution on the ground to halt the Israeli military
campaign, and underscored the “critical necessity of immediate humanitarian aid
access to Gaza” to alleviate the dire crisis and famine affecting the people
there.
“AboulGheit highlighted the significance of unified
diplomatic endeavors, post military cessation, to capitalize on the UN Security
Council’s resolution, aiming at achieving stability and outlining a political
pathway toward the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Roshdy added.
Ahmad was in agreement about the important need to
enact the UN resolution and deliver aid to Gaza using land routes, Roshdy said.
The British minister, who was making his third
official visit to Egypt since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas against Israel, also
met the Egyptian foreign minister, SamehShoukry, to discuss ways in which their
countries can work together to ensure greater amounts of lifesaving aid reach
Palestinians in Gaza.
In a message posted on social media platform X, Ahmad
wrote: “Pleased to meet my good friend, Foreign Minister Shoukry, during
Ramadan in Cairo. We discussed the need for full implementation of (the UN
Security Council resolution) to get more lifesaving aid into Gaza, get hostages
out, and provide an irreversible pathway to” a two-state solution.”
He added: “Egypt is a vital partner, and boosting
UK-Egypt ties will enable our nations to work towards a shared goal — bringing
greater stability to the region. As my visit coincides with the holy month of
Ramadan, I am also looking forward to celebrating Egypt’s unique culture.”
Source:
arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2484506/middle-east
---
Brazil’s Bolsonaro requests court permission to accept
Netanyahu invite to Israel
GABRIELA SÁ PESSOA
29.03.2024
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s former president Jair
Bolsonaro has requested federal authorities return his passport and authorize
travel to Israel so he can accept an event invitation from Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu to visit in May, Bolsonaro’s lawyers said Thursday in a
statement.
The attorneys submitted Bolsonaro’s request to the
Supreme Court on Monday, the same day The New York Times published security
camera footage revealing that the former president spent two nights at
Hungary’s embassy in Brasilia. His stay, in February, came just days after
Federal Police seized his passport during a raid related to an investigation
into whether he and top aides plotted to ignore 2022 election results and stage
an uprising to keep the defeated leader in power.
The revelation of his stay sparked widespread
speculation he may have been attempting to evade arrest, as agents would not
have jurisdiction to enter embassy grounds due to diplomatic conventions
restricting access.
Bolsonaro’s lawyers denied that was his intent, saying
in a separate statement it was “illogical” to think he was seeking asylum or
avoiding authorities. The stay formed part of his political agenda with the
Hungarian government, with whom he has “well-known alignment,” the statement said.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Israel’s
Netanyahu are key international allies of Bolsonaro. By contrast, Netanyahu in
particular has had frosty relations with Bolsonaro’s rival and successor, Luiz
Inácio Lula da Silva.
Last month, Israel’s foreign minister said Lula would
not be welcome into the country until he apologizes for comments he made
comparing Israel’s war in Gaza to the Holocaust, accusing him of a “very
serious antisemitic attack.”
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks
during the inauguration of the Gentileza transportation terminal in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, February 23, 2024. (AP/Bruna Prado)
Netanyahu said Lula’s comments “trivialized the
Holocaust” and “crossed a red line.”
In his petition to the Supreme Court for authorization
to travel to Israel from May 12 to 18, Bolsonaro’s lawyers said the proposed
trip wouldn’t jeopardize the ongoing legal processes he faces, as he has
scheduled appointments after his planned return date.
The request didn’t specify which event Bolsonaro aims
to attend, but the proposed period coincides with Israel’s Independence Day.
“As is public knowledge, part of political activity
involves international relations as well as expanding dialogue with global
leaders,” Bolsonaro’s lawyer Fabio Wajngarten said on X, formerly Twitter.
The Supreme Court’s press office said it will analyze
the request and that there is no deadline for a decision.
Source:
timesofisrael.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/brazils-bolsonaro-requests-court-permission-to-accept-netanyahu-invite-to-israel/
---
France to resume UNRWA funding while ‘ensuring right
conditions are met’
28 March 2024
France will provide over 30 million euros ($32.4
million) to the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) this year to
support its operations amid the devastating war in Gaza, the foreign ministry
in Paris said.
“We will make our contributions while ensuring that
the conditions are met for UNRWA to fulfill its missions in a spirit devoid of
incitement to hatred and violence,” French Foreign Ministry spokesman
Christophe Lemoine told journalists.
He did not say when the next payment to the agency
would be made. According to the usual quarterly schedule, the next payment is
due in April.
UNRWA’s chief told Swiss media on Tuesday that the
agency has enough funds to continue operating until at least the end of May.
The agency has faced severe funding cuts since Israel
accused at least a dozen of its 13,000 employees in the Strip of taking part in
Hamas’s murderous onslaught against Israel on October 7, when terrorists
murdered some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapped 253. Israel has
also asserted that some 1,500 employees have ties to terror groups.
This led many donor nations, including the United
States, to abruptly suspend funding to the agency. But this has threatened its
efforts to deliver desperately needed aid in Gaza, where the UN has warned of
an impending famine.
Israeli graphic on 12 UNRWA staffers it alleges
participated in the October 7 onslaught.
Israel also uncovered a Hamas control center directly
below UNRWA’s Gaza headquarters, though the agency claimed it had no idea it
was there. The IDF said electrical cables leading from the UN building to the
tunnel provided power to the Hamas infrastructure.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned last month that
the funding crunch was so great the organization might not be able to operate
beyond March.
But after a number of countries recently resumed or
increased their funding, including Spain, Canada and Australia, Lazzarini told
Switzerland’s Keystone-ATS news agency Tuesday that “the situation today is
less dramatic.”
However, UNRWA’s largest donor, the US, is unlikely to
resume money transfers anytime soon, after Congress passed a bill Saturday that
includes a one-year ban on US funding to UNRWA.
An interim report from a UN independent review into
allegations against UNRWA, submitted to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
on Tuesday, found that the agency has mechanisms to ensure its neutrality and
has deficiencies that must be addressed.
The report was submitted to Guterres and the panel is
set to develop its final report with recommendations for how UNRWA should
address neutrality concerns going forward and present it to the public on April
20.
Source:
timesofisrael.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/france-to-resume-unrwa-funding-while-ensuring-right-conditions-are-met/
---
Ireland seeks to join South Africa at ICJ in genocide
case against Israel
28th March 2024
Sakina Fatima
Ireland announced that it would join South Africa in
the case brought against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
in relation to the genocide in Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.
The decision followed an analysis of the legal and
policy issues arising in the case, and consultation with partners, including
South Africa.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 27, Ireland’s
foreign minister Micheal Martin said, “Following the Provisional Measures
ordered by the Court on 26 January, the Government confirmed its intention to
urgently consider filing a declaration of intervention in this case.”
This was “based on a legal analysis of the Genocide
Convention, the Court’s provisional measures order and consultation with other
Contracting Parties.”
“That analysis and consultation has now concluded.
Ireland will be intervening,” the minister said.
Martin emphasized that third-party intervention in ICJ
cases is a complex and rare matter, and the court is responsible for
determining if genocide is being committed.
“What we are seeing in Gaza now represents the blatant
violation of international humanitarian law on a mass scale,” he added.
He criticized the intentional withholding of
humanitarian aid to civilians, targeting civilians and infrastructure, and
collectively punishing an entire population.
He added in a statement, “Taking hostages and
deliberately withholding humanitarian aid from civilians. The targeting of
civilians and civilian infrastructure, the indiscriminate use of explosive
materials in populated areas, the use of civilian facilities for military
purposes, and the collective punishment of an entire people.”
He went on to say, “The list goes on. This must stop.
The international community’s point of view is clear. Enough is enough.”
“As the UN Secretary General said as he inspected long
lines of blocked relief trucks waiting to enter Gaza during his visit to Rafah
at the weekend; ‘it is time to truly flood Gaza with life-saving aid. The
choice is clear: surge or starvation’. I echo his words today.”
On December 29, South Africa filed an 84-page lawsuit
accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, requesting
an immediate order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
On January 26, ICJ ordered Israel to take measures to
prevent genocide in Gaza and direct incitement to it, as it rejected the
Israeli request to dismiss the lawsuit brought by South Africa.
Source:
siasat.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.siasat.com/ireland-seeks-to-join-south-africa-at-icj-in-genocide-case-against-israel-3000166/
---
South
Asia
Afghan Interior Ministry Denies ISIS-K Leader's Presence
March 28, 2024
The Ministry of Interior of the Islamic Emirate says
that Sanaullah Ghafari, the leader of ISIS-Khorasan in Afghanistan, is not
present and the territory of this country is not being used against any
country.
The attacks by Daesh in the past two weeks in
Afghanistan and some other countries have raised concerns in the region and the
world.
Following Daesh attacks in Kandahar and Moscow,
Russia, Reuters reported, quoting two sources among Afghan and Pakistani
Taliban, that it was initially reported that Ghafari was killed in Afghanistan
in June 2023, but he fled to Pakistan while injured and is believed to be
residing in parts of Balochistan.
"Two sources among the Afghan and Pakistani
Taliban told Reuters that it was initially reported that Ghafari was killed in
Afghanistan in June of the last year, but he fled across the border to Pakistan
while injured and is believed to be living in the border province of
Balochistan." Reads part of the Reuters report.
“The regional and beyond regional intelligence are
behind attacks in Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan and Russian,” said Muhammad
Matin Muhammad Khail, a political anlsyt.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Interior denies the
presence of the ISIS-Khorasan leader in Afghanistan and says that the soil of
Afghanistan will not be used against any country.
“We reject this claim, and it is not true that an
individual named Sanaullah living in Afghanistan,” said Abdul MatinQane, the
spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior.
Previously, some United States officials such as
former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Senator Lindsey Graham had spoken
about Daesh activities in Afghanistan and emphasized its suppression in the
country, a matter that the Islamic Emirate called an exaggeration of the group
by America.
Source:
tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-188042
---
US official urges Biden for immediate release of
citizen detained in Afghanistan
Fidel Rahmati
March 28, 2024
Michael McCaul, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs
Committee of the United States House of Representatives, has expressed concern
over the situation of an American prisoner in Afghanistan and demanded his
immediate release.
On Wednesday, March 27th, Mr. McCaul mentioned an
American prisoner named “Ryan Corbett” in a statement and expressed concern
about his poor health condition in the Taliban prison.
This American official has criticized the Biden
administration for its unwillingness to free Ryan and stated that the President
is not willing to meet the family of this prisoner.
The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the
House of Representatives has urged the Biden administration to take immediate
action for the release of Ryan Corbett.
It is said that Ryan Corbett had traveled to
Afghanistan in August 2022 for a business trip and was detained with his German
colleague.
Ryan Corbett, a husband, father, and humanitarian, has
been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since August 10, 2022. Held in a
basement cell without regular access to basic amenities like a bathroom or
sunlight, Ryan’s health is deteriorating, according to reports from other
Westerners who have been released from the same prison.
Despite initially keeping their struggle private,
Ryan’s family has now chosen to speak out, driven by fears for his safety.
The Taliban has not yet made any comments regarding
the detention of this American citizen.
Source:
khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/us-official-urges-biden-for-immediate-release-of-citizen-detained-in-afghanistan/
---
Bekken Says Norway Does Not Support Islamic Emirate's
Opposition: Mujahid
SodabaNazhand
March 28, 2024
The Chargé d'Affaires of the Norwegian Embassy for
Afghanistan in a meeting with the deputy prime minister for political affairs,
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, said yesterday (Wednesday) that Norway does not support
the opposition of the Islamic Emirate.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic
Emirate, speaking about the discussions during the meeting, said that Paul
KloumanBekken also spoke about the recognition of the Islamic Emirate and said
it is in the interest of the world and the Islamic Emirate.
According to Mujahid, Bekken said that the lack of
recognition of the caretaker government by the world would not be in the
interest of either side.
The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate added:
"Afghanistan intends to revive good diplomatic relations with all
countries. The Norwegian ambassador also stressed that not recognizing the
Islamic Emirate is in no one's interest and that this issue should be resolved
as soon as possible."
Bekken, or others representing the Norwegian
government, have not yet commented on the issue.
Referring to the meeting, the Arg in a statement
quoted Mawlawi Abdul Kabir as saying that some of the security incidents
attributed to the Islamic Emirate have nothing to do with Afghanistan and
countries should ensure their own security.
Analysts said the constructive role of regional and
other countries in Afghanistan is important.
"Norway has repeatedly done good work towards
peace and supported good meetings both inside and outside the country and has
good relations with the people of Afghanistan, therefore it is an important
country," said Hamidullah Hotak, a political analyst.
"Since the Taliban came to power, the world has
been using this policy where Easterners are trying to get closer to the
Taliban, and Westerners are trying to prevent this, and a number of regional
countries are also moving towards Western policies," said Akhtar Mohammad
Rasikh, an international relations analyst.
The visits of officials of the Islamic Emirate with
representatives of regional and other countries have increased in the past
month, with most of these visits focusing on expanding relations and joint
cooperation with the Islamic Emirate.
Source:
tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-188039
----
Over 12,000 Individuals Arrested in Last Six Months:
MoI
March 28, 2024
NawidSamadi
The Ministry of Interior reports that more than 12,
000 individuals have been arrested in connection with criminal activities in
the past six months of last solar year (1402).
The spokesperson
for the ministry, while sharing the six-month achievement report with media,
stated that these individuals were involved in nearly 9,000 criminal events
across the country, during which some light and heavy weaponry and explosives
were also seized.
“Police have arrested 12, 540 suspected individuals
and 733 other have escaped which are searched for by police,” said Abdul
MatinQane, the spokesperson for interior ministry.
According to Qane, during the six months, more than
twenty of them were killed or wounded, and more than one hundred and seventy
kidnappers have been arrested.
He said that eighteen kidnapped individuals were also
freed from the kidnappers.
Qane added that in the fight against corruption, eight
hundred individuals have been arrested by the internal intelligence of this
ministry, most of whom were military personnel.
“As a result of police operations on kidnappers, 21
kidnappers have been killed and three other wounded. 19 cases of kidnapping
have been recorded in the past six months which demonstrates decline compared
to past,” he added.
The spokesperson further added that nearly 19,000
security forces have received professional trainings in the last six months,
and nearly 30,000 are currently undergoing training in various institutions
related to the Ministry of Interior.
He also emphasizes that more than 170 women have also
obtained their graduation certificates from the capacity building program.
“1, 671 police officers among them 171 women have been
graduated from the police command of higher education after completing capacity
building programs,” Qane said.
The Ministry of Interior affairs also reports that in
the last six months of the year 1402, more than 13 billion Afghanis have been
collected in revenues from traffic services, passport services, the National
Public Protection Force, and other sectors.
Source:
tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-188040
----
Efforts to Eradicate Polio in Afghanistan Underway:
Ministry
HadiaZiaei
March 28, 2024
Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Islamic Emirate's deputy prime
minister for administrative affairs, in an online meeting with the
Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), discussed eradicating
polio in Afghanistan and requested the organization's cooperation in the health
sector.
The Arg in a statement said that the Hanafi had
discussions with TedrosAdhanomGhebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health
Organization, about the health system in Afghanistan.
Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil, spokesperson for the Ministry
of Public Health, told TOLOnews: "They pledged that they would work in
cooperation with the Ministry of Health to eradicate polio and other contagious
diseases in Afghanistan."
At the same time, the Regional Director of the World
Health Organization For the Eastern Mediterranean pledged the organization's
cooperation in various sectors with Afghanistan.
HananBalkhy, the regional director of the World Health
Organization For the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasized that the World Health
Organization's efforts to strengthen health centers in Afghanistan are ongoing.
"The system has been neglected and still needs
more staff, and assistance is needed," Fawad Ebrahimi, a doctor, told
TOLOnews.
"In remote provinces and districts, a mother who
gives birth normally does not have access to basic health facilities. We
request the World Health Organization to expand its goals in this area,"
said Maryam Tahouri, a doctor.
Although no positive cases of polio have been recorded
in the country since the beginning of 2024, two positive cases of the disease
were recorded in 2022, and six positive polio cases were recorded across the
country in 2023.
Source:
tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://tolonews.com/health-188045
---
80pc BNP leaders, activists faced torture in jail:
Fakhrul
Mar 28, 2024
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
today said 80 percent of BNP leaders and activists faced torture unleashed by
the "fascist" Awami League government.
"They can't retain power without unleashing
torture and suppressing people. Their first victim of suppression is BNP
Chairperson Khaleda Zia and she is fighting for her life," he said.
Fakhrul said these at an Eid gifts distribution
programme among families of the victims of enforced disappearances on behalf of
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman organised by Aamra BNP Paribar (We are BNP
Family) held at BNP chairperson's Gulshan office.
He said when BNP started the movement against the
fascist government, aiming to establish people's right and democracy, they
started repression on the BNP men.
"They have created such an environment of fear
where no one can talk or write freely," he alleged.
The fascist regime's repression reached such a level
that the opposition leaders and activists' family member including father,
mother, son, daughter, and wife were not spared.
After getting bail, the victims shared the experience
of inhuman torture in prison such as their nails being uprooted, breaking their
legs, and so on. They said they were not even provided any treatment, he added.
Urging unity of all forces, BNP secretary general
said, "As a democratic political party, we are doing more than our
capacity to free the country from this horrible situation."
There is no alternative to forge unity like 1969,
1971, 1990 where people fought against the fascist, autocrat regime to restore
democracy, he said.
Source:
thedailystar.net
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/80pc-bnp-leaders-activists-faced-torture-jail-fakhrul-3576971
---
Take effective steps to get maximum benefit after LDC
graduation: PM
Mar 28, 2024
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked all concerned
to take effective steps for availing maximum benefits and facilities after the
country's graduation from LDC status in 2026 and also to devise strategies to
face the challenges following the graduation.
She gave the directive while chairing the 2nd meeting
of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) of the
present government and also the 8th ECNEC meeting in the current fiscal year
(FY24) held at the NEC conference room in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area
today.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning
Division Senior Secretary Satyajit Karmakar said, "There is no problem in
coordination on behalf of the government regarding graduation from the LDCs.
This is not the responsibility of a ministry alone, rather it is a cross
cutting issue. LDC graduation has certain potential and challenges," he
added.
Planning Minister Major General (Retd) Md Abdus Salam
and State Minister for Planning MdShahiduzzamanSarker spoke at the briefing.
Planning Commission members and secretaries concerned were present.
The planning minister informed that the day's meeting
approved a total of 11 projects involving an overall estimated cost of Tk
8,425.51 crore. "Of the total project cost, Tk 7,939.87 crore will come
from the government of Bangladesh while the rest Tk 485.64 crore as project
assistance,"
Revealing some of the directives from the PM in the
meeting, the planning secretary said the premier, while giving approval to the
Tk 166-crore project for constructing Bangladesh Chancery Complex and
Residential Building at Cairo in Egypt, directed to keep necessary rest rooms
in the design to facilitate the expatriate Bangladeshis as well as to keep
sufficient number of booths to provide services to the expatriates with ease
and comfort.
Referring to the approval of the Tk 2,500-crore
project for the rural infrastructural development in the districts of greater
Rangpur region, the prime minister put emphasis on taking necessary steps to
prevent river erosion in Kurigram and also to consider the issue of flooding
while constructing roads and bridges.
Commenting on the Tk 3,059 crore project for building
union parishad complexes (3rd phase) across the country, Satyajit said the
prime minister directed the authorities concerned to complete the construction
of the rest of the union parishad complexes across the country in a speedy
manner.
In this regard, she suggested incorporating a
provision for preserving rainwater in the union parishad complex in the coastal
areas as well as keeping solar power.
The planning secretary said the prime minister had sat
with the high-ups of those projects which are nearing completion to know about
the latest status of their schemes.
In this regard, the prime minister asked the Planning
Commission to ensure necessary allocation for those projects so that those
could be completed in a speedy manner. Subsequently, the Planning Commission
assured of providing necessary allocation against those projects.
Regarding the approval of the Tk 115-crore project for
establishment of Bangladesh Handloom Board Complex, Mirpur, the prime minister
directed the authorities concerned to prioritise the womenfolk in imparting
training there.
Answering a question, the planning minister said
although the government does not want delay in project implementation, such
delay sometimes happens due to complexities in land acquisition and hike in
dollar price.
"Development projects are being approved after
scrutiny," he added.
Replying to another question on the implementation of
the prime minister's directives in the ECNEC meeting, the planning minister
said such directives are being implemented accordingly.
The Planning Division senior secretary also informed
that the day's ECNEC meeting was apprised about the approval of 30 small
projects already approved by the planning ministry.
The other projects approved in the meeting are:
Procurement of 20 metre gauge diesel electronic locomotives and 150 metre gauge
passenger carriages (1st revised) with an additional cost of Tk 288.07 crore,
Upgrading the
Kashinathpur-Dashuria-Natore-Rajshahi-Nababganj-Kansat-Sonamasjid-Baliadighi
Border national highway into due standard and width with Tk 481.89 crore,
Infrastructural development project (1st phase) for enhancing capacity of the
government fisheries farms and boosting their fisheries production with Tk
371.32 crore, Improvement of Fish Landing Centre of Bangladesh Fisheries
Development Corporation in Cox's Bazar District with Tk 232.83 crore, Promoting
Resilience for Vulnerable Through Access to Infrastructure, Improved Skills,
and Information (Provati, 1st revised) with an additional cost of Tk 166.83
crore, and Establishment of full-fledged cancer, heart and kidney treatment
centers in eight divisional cities, 1st revised with an additional cost of Taka
1,044.60 crore.
Without raising any cost, the meeting also extended
the timeframe of the project till June 2024 for shifting, construction and
modernisation of Bangladesh Betar, Shahbagh Complex, to Agargaon, Dhaka, 1st
phase, 3rd revised.
Ministers and state ministers attended the meeting
while Planning Commission members and secretaries concerned were present.
Source:
thedailystar.net
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/take-effective-steps-get-maximum-benefit-after-ldc-graduation-pm-3576926
---
Arab
World
Renovation of 56 heritage buildings in Historic Jeddah
completed
March 29, 2024
RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Culture, represented by
the Jeddah Historic District Program, has announced the completion of the
project to restore as many as 56 ramshackle buildings in the Historic Jeddah
District. This is in implementation of the directives of Crown Prince and Prime
Minister Mohammed bin Salman with his generous donation amounted to SR50
million.
The project came within the context of the Crown
Prince’s keenness to preserve and rehabilitate historical sites to achieve the
Saudi Vision 2030 goals, which seek to reflect the Arab and Islamic depth of
the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The project aimed to highlight the heritage landmarks
that the Historic Jeddah District abounds in as a location containing more than
600 heritage buildings, 36 historical mosques, and five main historical
markets, in addition to ancient corridors and squares and sites with important
historical connotations, such as the ancient waterfront, which was a main route
for the Hajj pilgrims. All these will be rebuilt to tell visitors the great
story of the Hajj since the dawn of Islam.
The Crown Prince has directed the implementation of
the project to strengthen and rescue historic Jeddah buildings by five
specialized Saudi companies. These companies carried out the work and conducted
studies under the supervision of technicians with experience in historical
buildings.
The project implementation was carried out in
accordance with the unique design and distinctive urban structure of the
Historic Jeddah District and its unique architectural elements, as some
buildings, which belong to Jeddah families, contain archaeological landmarks
dating back 500 years.
Source:
saudigazette.com.sa
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/641634/SAUDI-ARABIA/Renovation-of-56-heritage-buildings-in-Historic-Jeddah-completed-nbsp
---
Grand Mosque Visitors Pray to Allah During Iftar in
Scenes of Serenity, Reverence
29 Mar, 2024
Visitors to the Grand Mosque wait for the Maghrib call
to prayer in a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
They perform prayers, supplicate, recite the Holy
Quran, and break their fast in a scene of faith, surrounded by tranquility and
supported by a system of services provided by the Saudi government.
The cameras of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) captured
the peaceful atmosphere experienced by the visitors inside the Grand Mosque,
the courtyards, and the Saudi expansion.
Source:
alriyadhdaily.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://alriyadhdaily.com/article/0b5c972c77d446d48fa23e2adb380251
---
Saudi Green Initiative in Makkah aims to promote
sustainable development, afforestation
March 28, 2024
RIYADH: The State Properties General Authority has
provided the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the
AlahyaaCenters Association with seedlings produced at its agricultural nursery
in Makkah.
The contribution is part of the authority’s efforts to
support sustainable development and afforestation while upgrading the
vegetation cover, and took place on Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27.
Schemes include building and operating an agricultural
nursery and equipping it with the newest systems to enhance production capacity
and create an enabling environment for plant growth.
The project has led to the creation of 110,000 square
meters of green spaces within the authority’s government compounds in Makkah,
in addition to the distribution of plants, large trees and shrubs to more than
40 government entities.
The authority said that the nursery’s annual
production includes 1.2 million plants that bloom in winter and in summer;
200,000 perennials and vines; 20,000 outdoor trees; 30,000 shrubs; and 5,000
indoor plants.
Source:
arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2484566/saudi-arabia
---
Israel’s crimes will speed up its ‘certain
annihilation’: Houthi
28 March 2024
The leader of Yemen’s Ansarullah popular resistance
movement says the Israeli regime’s crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza
Strip, who are enduring a genocidal war by Tel Aviv, will speed up the regime’s
“certain annihilation.”
Abdul-Malik al-Houthi made the remarks during his
weekly address on Thursday, calling the regime’s crimes in Gaza “a source of
disgrace for the humanity.”
Addressing the Zionists, however, he asserted, “Do not
rejoice over your crimes, since your measures lead you faster towards the
course of certain annihilation and will expel you from the land of Palestine.”
Israel launched the war on the coastal sliver on
October 7 after Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise
retaliatory operation against the occupied territories.
Concomitantly with the war, the regime has been
enforcing a near-total siege on Gaza, which has reduced the flow of foodstuffs,
medicine, electricity, and water into the Palestinian territory into a trickle.
So far during the military onslaught, the regime has
killed more than 32,500 Gazans, most of them women, children, and adolescents.
The regime, though, has fallen short of realizing any
of the goals that it has been seeking to achieve through the war, including
occupation of Gaza and defeating the resistance.
“The Israeli regime is on course towards defeat in
Gaza,” Houthi said. “Of course this defeat also belongs to the United States,
which is a partner to this genocide,” he added, referring to Washington’s
all-out political, military, and intelligence support for the war.
The Yemeni leader, meanwhile, considered the US and
Israel to be partners in the many attacks that have been targeting aid-seeking
Palestinians in the coastal territory.
“The enemy first designates an area as safe for
collecting aid, and then bombs the people, who would go there to receive food,”
he said.
‘US to inherit UK’s defeat in Yemen’
Elsewhere in his remarks, Houthi pointed to the
strikes that Yemen’s armed forces have been carrying out against targets
belonging to the Israeli regime and those associated with the regime in the Red
Sea in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
So far, as many as 63 ships have been targeted,
including Israeli, American, and British vessels, he said, calling the number
“impressive,” and also referring to several attacks that the Yemeni forces have
conducted against the port of Eilat in the occupied territories using cruise
missiles.
Addressing the US, Houthi said, “The damage you will
be dealt in this battle will be heavy.” He went on to warn that “if you go
overboard, the consequences will become [even] greater and more dangerous.”
The Yemeni leader cited an American officer as saying
that the US Navy had not been “humiliated” so much at the hands of the Yemeni
forces since the nineteenth century.
“We say this to the Americans that ‘you will inherit
the UK’s defeat in Yemen,” he noted, pointing to Britain’s withdrawal from
southern Yemen in 1967 that led to the Arab Peninsula nation’s independence.
Houthi described the only means of cessation of the
Yemeni strikes as enforcement of an end to the Israeli regime’s attacks and
siege on Gaza.
He finally cautioned that the defeat that the US and
the UK had been dealt at the hands of Yemen was the result of their “engaging
against [only] a part of our armed forces.”
“They should envision what situation they are going to
end up in if they face hundreds of thousands of our forces on the ground.”
Source:
presstv.ir
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/28/722690/Yemen-Israel-certain-annihilation-war-Gaza-United-States-United-Kingdom
---
Volunteers Work Over 258,000 Hours at Prophet's Mosque
in First Half of Ramadan
29 Mar, 2024
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of
the Prophet’s Mosque has intensified its work during the first half of the holy
month of Ramadan.
According to the authority's Department of Social and
Voluntary Services, there were a total of 49 volunteer opportunities available,
with 28 participating entities. The opportunities resulted in 126 volunteer
activities, which were carried out by volunteers who contributed a total of
258,071 hours. In addition, 360 field tours were organized, benefiting 21,229
individuals with special needs. Moreover, 133,712 people were able to benefit
from the transportation services provided.
The most notable services provided by the volunteer
teams include location guidance, crowd organization, language translation,
distribution of meals and Zamzam water packages, and following up on health
cases.
Source:
alriyadhdaily.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://alriyadhdaily.com/article/d43ed3b309534cd282b415b8698b11dc
---
North
America
US Peace Institute Analyst questions Taliban’s
security claims amid ISIS attacks
Fidel Rahmati
March 28, 2024
Andrew Watkins, an analyst at the United States
Institute of Peace (USIP), highlights the impact of Moscow’s attack on the
Taliban government. He points out that the rise in ISIS-Khorasan attacks in the
region raises doubts about the Taliban’s ability to maintain stability and
tackle security challenges emanating from Afghanistan.
He added that increased ISIS-Khorasan activity will
have detrimental effects on the Taliban government. Mr. Watkins stated in his
remarks, published on the US Institute of Peace website, “The more
ISIS-Khorasan can carry out international terrorist attacks, the more countries
may question the Taliban’s effectiveness in addressing security challenges
arising from Afghanistan.”
Mr. Watkins claimed that the Taliban has managed to
diminish ISIS’s ability to operate within Afghanistan and that the group has
sidelined its efforts to revolt against the Taliban. However, according to him,
ISIS has demonstrated “adaptability” against Taliban actions and, by changing
its approach, has resorted to smaller-scale but more sensitive attacks.
Esfandyar Mir, a US Institute of Peace analyst,
highlights the Moscow attack’s implications. He suggests it undermines the
belief in the Taliban’s control over ISIS, confirming ISIS’s global ambitions.
Mir calls for increased resources, including monitoring Afghan threats and
potential military action, and emphasizes the need for closer regional
cooperation in countering ISIS.
Watkins believes that the release of audio tapes by
Mullah Haibatullah, the leader of the Taliban, in the days following the Moscow
attack, and his emphasis on implementing Sharia according to the harsh
interpretation of this group, is not accidental. He said that these statements
by Haibatullah Akhundzada, claiming that the Taliban government will stone
women, could be a defense of the jihadist promises of this group at a time when
ISIS also makes similar promises.
Last week, a devastating suicide attack rocked
Kandahar, resulting in over 45 casualties and dozens of injuries. ISIS claimed
responsibility for the assault, indicating their continued presence and
capability to carry out deadly attacks in the region.
Source:
khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/us-peace-institute-analyst-questions-talibans-security-claims-amid-isis-attacks/
----
Israel has not received everything it has asked for,
top US general says
March 29, 2024
WASHINGTON: The United States’ top general said on
Thursday that Israel had not received every weapon it has asked for, in part
because some of it could affect the US military’s readiness and there were
capacity limitations.
Washington gives $3.8 billion in annual military
assistance to Israel, its longtime ally. The United States has been rushing air
defenses and munitions to Israel, but some Democrats and Arab American groups
have criticized the Biden administration’s steadfast support of Israel, which
they say provides it with a sense of impunity.
“Although we’ve been supporting them with capability,
they’ve not received everything they’ve asked for,” said General Charles Q.
Brown, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“Some of that is because they’ve asked for stuff that
we either don’t have the capacity to provide or not willing to provide, not
right now,” Brown added, while speaking at an event hosted by the Defense
Writers Group.
A spokesperson for Brown later on Thursday said his
comments were in reference to “a standard practice before providing military
aid to any of our allies and partners.”
“We assess US stockpiles and any possible impact on
our own readiness to determine our ability to provide the requested aid,” Navy
Captain Jereal Dorsey said in a statement.
“There is no change in US policy. The United States
continues to provide security assistance to our ally Israel as they defend
themselves from Hamas,” Dorsey added.
More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in the
Gaza Strip by Israel’s devastating offensive, according to health authorities
in the territory.
Israel retaliated following an attack by militant
group Hamas on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 253 hostages
according to Israeli tallies.
The Israeli offensive prompted opposition from within
Biden’s Democratic Party, leading thousands to vote “uncommitted” for him in
recent party presidential primaries.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Israel
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Washington earlier this week and the Pentagon
said security assistance to Israel was discussed.
“It is a constant dialogue,” Brown said.
Source:
arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2484671/middle-east
---
US official quits over support for Israel, university
alumni refuse donations
28 March 2024
A human rights official has resigned from the US State
Department over the situation in Gaza, saying the administration of President
Joe Biden is flouting the American law by continuing to arm Israel.
AnnelleSheline, a Middle East analyst who promoted
human rights on behalf of the US government, announced her resignation in an
interview with the Washington Post on Wednesday.
Sheline, 38, said her work was challenged by the
complexities of the conflict in Gaza and its numerous moral, legal, security,
and diplomatic consequences for the United States.
She explained her efforts to voice concerns through
dissent cables and in staff meetings, but ultimately determined it was futile
"as long as the US persists in supplying Israel with an uninterrupted flow
of arms."
“For the past year, I worked for the office devoted to
promoting human rights in the Middle East. I believe strongly in the mission
and in the important work of that office,” Sheline also said in an op-ed for
CNN.
“However, as a representative of a government that is
directly enabling what the International Court of Justice has said could
plausibly be a genocide in Gaza, such work has become almost impossible.”
Sheline said the State Department has ample evidence
of Israel violating international law in Gaza and that the Biden administration
is therefore breaching its own domestic laws by continuing to fund Israel.
“My colleagues and I watched in horror as this
administration delivered thousands of precision-guided munitions, bombs, small
arms and other lethal aid to Israel.”
Sheline’s resignation followed another State
Department official, Josh Paul, a director in the Bureau of Political-Military
Affairs, who resigned in October 2023.
"So proud of my former colleague Dr.
AnnelleSheline for being the third US official to publicly resign over the
absolute disaster that is the Biden Administration's continuing support for
Israel's war crimes, bombings, and starvation of innocent civilians in Gaza,”
Paul said in a post in response to the news.
Separately, Tariq Habash, a Palestinian American,
resigned from his political appointment in January at the US Department of
Education.
State Department officials opposed to US support for
Israel have penned dissent cables accusing Israel of committing "war
crimes" and Biden of "spreading misinformation" on the war.
Biden’s position on the war has also sparked a
backlash among staffers to Democratic lawmakers in Congress.
In February, Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old US Air
Force serviceman, self-immolated outside Israel's embassy in Washington DC in
protest against the Biden administration's Gaza policy. He later died of his
injuries.
Alumni refuse to donate to university over Palestine
policy
in a separate development, hundreds of alumni from the
prestigious New York University (NYU) in New York City withheld more than $3
million worth of potential contributions from the institution's largest
fundraising day on Wednesday.
NYU Alumni for Palestine, the group that mobilized to
deter alumni from donating to the university, said that the stifling of
pro-Palestinian voices and its refusal to condemn Israel's killing of
Palestinians in Gaza had compelled them to take action against their alma
mater.
The group has documented retaliatory actions against
an estimated 100 students as well as 25 staff and faculty over the past six
months because of their comments or mobilizing for Palestine.
The actions include protracted investigations, verbal
and written warnings, threats to scholarships and financial awards, withdrawals
of scholarships and financial awards, suspensions, expulsions, as well as
termination of employment.
In January, two professors were suspended for their
public comments on the Israeli campaign in Gaza.
For decades, American universities have been at the
frontline of efforts to censor and stifle activism over Palestine.
Universities have also been incubators for smear
tactics and intimidation targeting Palestinian voices in particular, as
directed by the Israel lobby.
Several American universities continue to hold
investments in weapons companies servicing Israel.
Source:
presstv.ir
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/28/722671/Gaza-Annelle-Sheline-State-Department
---
Biden is ‘great friend of Israel,’ Herzog tells US
Democrats amid bilateral tensions
LAZAR BERMAN
28 March 2024
Amid tensions between the White House and Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over the conduct of the war in Gaza, President
Isaac Herzog on Thursday told a group of visiting Democratic congresspeople
that US President Joe Biden is “a great friend of Israel.”
“When we hosted him less than two years ago here, I
could see his love and affection and emotion towards the people of Israel and
the State of Israel,” said Herzog to the group, which was organized by AIPAC.
“The tears in his eyes when he saw so many great moments here. He is a true
friend and I respect him a lot for that.”
Herzog and Biden bonded over their shared Irish roots
during the latter’s 2022 visit to Israel. Biden also gave a warm speech during
the ceremony in which Herzog bestowed on Biden Israel’s Presidential Medal of
Distinction.
Biden also flew to Israel on a solidarity visit less
than two weeks after the October 7 Hamas attacks. In an emotional speech in Tel
Aviv, Biden pledged, “We’re going to stand with you. We’ll walk beside you in
those dark days, and we’ll walk beside you in the good days to come.”
Over the ensuing months, however, that support has
become increasingly tenuous. Biden has accused Israel of ‘indiscriminate”
bombing in Gaza, come out publicly
against a major planned ground operation in Rafah, and this week declined to
use a veto on a UN Security Council Resolution that Israel stridently opposed.
Netanyahu has taken a more direct approach in pushing
back on Biden in recent weeks, including canceling a trip to Washington by two
of his top aides.
However, that trip appears to be back on track, a
possible sign that both sides are trying to move beyond the latest tensions.
Herzog said on Thursday that the bond between the two
countries is “essential to the well-being of our nations, and we should simply
focus on upgrading, enhancing, and strengthening this bond.”
The president insisted that the alliance is “as strong
as ever,” and that “the United States of America has no greater friend than
Israel, and Israel has no greater friend than the United States of America.”
The president told the visiting lawmakers that the US
and Israel “will work together to alleviate and upgrade the humanitarian aid to
Gaza and we will work together endlessly to bring the hostages back home.”
Israel has no greater friend than the United States,
and the United States has no greater friend than Israel. The alliance between
us is as strong as ever and is irreplaceable.
The scope and pace of aid shipments into Gaza has been
a major point of contention between Israel and allies. More than five months
into Israel’s war with Hamas, a report by a global authority on food security
has warned that famine is imminent in parts of Gaza, as more than
three-quarters of the population have been forced from their homes and swaths
of the territory are in ruins.
Galvanized by reports and images of starving children,
the international community, led by the United States, has been pressuring
Israel to facilitate the transfer of more aid into Gaza. Washington has
airdropped food into the Mediterranean enclave and recently announced it would
build a pier off the Gaza coast to help ferry in more aid.
Israeli officials reject these accusations and say
they have increased aid access to Gaza. Israel isn’t responsible for delays in
aid getting into Gaza, they say, and the delivery of aid once inside the
territory is the responsibility of the UN and humanitarian agencies. Israel has
also accused Hamas of stealing aid.
The war has devastated most areas in Gaza, creating a
rapidly growing humanitarian crisis as aid deliveries struggle to supply the
coastal enclave’s over two million residents.
Indirect talks for a temporary ceasefire that would
include the release of hostages are ongoing in Doha, Qatar, with the
participation of local, Egyptian and US mediators, but so far have not produced
an agreement.
Source:
timesofisrael.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/biden-is-great-friend-of-israel-herzog-tells-us-democrats-amid-bilateral-tensions/
---
CAIR-Chicago Welcomes Resignation of School
Psychologist After Anti-Palestinian Posts
Ismail Allison
March 28, 2024
The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today welcomed the resignation of a school
psychologist after she made anti-Palestinian remarks in social media posts.
A psychologist for Ridgeland School District 122
resigned after hundreds of parents demanded she be fired for social media posts
that expressed anti-Palestinian sentiment.
In a statement, CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed
Rehab said:
“A school psychologist is responsible for providing
care to all students regardless of ethnicity or faith,” said CAIR-Chicago
Executive Director Ahmed Rehab. “A person in that position cannot be expressing
bigoted, hateful sentiments against Palestinians.”
Source:
cair.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-chicago-welcomes-resignation-of-school-psychologist-after-anti-palestinian-posts/
---
India
Congress kept Ram Temple issue hanging to divide
Hindus & Muslims: MP CM
28th March 2024
Marziya Sharif
Khajuraho: The construction of the Ram Temple in
Ayodhya was kept hanging by the Congress to divide Hindus and Muslims on
religious lines, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Thursday.
The grand temple was built now but it could have been
done in 1947 itself, he said in a rally in Chandla, which is part of Khajuraho
Lok Sabha seat from where state BJP chief VD Sharma is contesting.
He said the Congress declining the invite to the idol
consecration on January 22 was disrespect to God, adding those who did such
acts and opened fire on Ram Bhakts must be taught a lesson in the upcoming
polls.
The flag of India’s culture is flying high due to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, he said, adding the BJP’s slogan ‘ab kibaar, 400 paar’
was being repeated even by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
Such is the popularity of Modi that even people of
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have started liking the PM, Yadav claimed.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma slammed the Samajwadi
Party for ordering firing on Ram bhakts during the temple movement in the 1990s
and attacked the Congress for raising questions on the existence of Lord Ram.
The Khajuraho seat is being fought by the Akhilesh
Yadav-led SP as part of its alliance with the Congress.
“The Congress has left the field in Khajuraho. The
party that fired on Ayodhya-bound unarmed karsevaks is in the fray from here.
It is time to give them a befitting reply by ensuring a landslide victory for
the BJP,” Sharma said.
Source:
siasat.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.siasat.com/congress-kept-ram-temple-issue-hanging-to-divide-hindus-muslims-mp-cm-3000316/
---
Tension In Lucknow Following Clash Between Two
Communities Regarding Holi Celebration
29th March 2024
Marziya Sharif
|
Lucknow: Tension prevails between two communities
following an incident of stone-pelting after a clash in Rajendra Nagar area of
Lucknow under the Naka Hindola police station on Thursday night, the police
said.
Following the incident, Lucknow police detained a
total of five people from both parties and deployed sufficient security forces
to control the situation.
Reportedly, one group comprised individuals from the
Hindu community while the other consisted of members from the Muslim community.
Videos of the incident were also being circulated widely on social media.
“The incident of stone pelting was reported around
9:45 p.m. at the control room between two parties in Rajendra Nagar.
Immediately after receiving the information, the police reached the spot,” said
Lucknow police in its official statement.
“It was found that one person identified as Safiq was
sitting outside on the road, and another person identified as Akash and his
friends, who were inebriated, initiated a conversation about their previous
altercation on the day of Holi. Akash mentioned that Safiq had gone crazy,
causing both sides to gather and start pelting stones,” the statement added.
It said that complaints were received from both
parties and that necessary legal action was being taken to restore peace.
“My brother and his friends were celebrating Holi when
I sent him to a shop in the area where Muslim families reside. Some dispute
arose, leading to a scuffle,” said a resident.
Source:
siasat.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.siasat.com/tension-in-lucknow-following-clash-between-two-communities-3000335/
---
ASI’s survey of Bhojshala complex continues on Day 8;
security tightened
29th March 2024
Neha Khan
Dhar: The court-mandated survey of the Bhojshala/Kamal
Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar, being conducted by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), continued on the eighth day amid
heightened security arrangements.
The security has been stepped up in view of the Friday
prayers to be offered by the Muslim community members at the site, a police
official said.
Members of the ASI team reached the controversial complex
around 6 am, carrying gadgets, bags and files with them.
“In addition to the existing force, 35 additional
policemen were deployed at the Bhojshala complex on Friday. In the past, around
1,600 people used to offer namaz at the site. But after the ASI launched its
survey, around 2,400 people offered prayers there between 1 pm and 3 pm last
Friday,” Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh told PTI over phone.
So more than 150 police personnel are posted at the
site at present, another official said.
Two new experts have joined the ASI team on the eighth
day of the survey.
“As part of the security arrangements, CCTV cameras
were installed in and around Bhojshala from the day the survey started,” Singh
said.
This is the third Friday of Ramzan, observed by Muslims
across the world as a month of fasting, prayer and reflection. During the namaz
last week, the ASI team had stepped out of the complex.
Both Hindus and Muslims stake claim to the complex.
Hindus consider Bhojshala to be a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess
Saraswati), while the Muslim community call it Kamal Maula Mosque. As per an
ASI order of April 7, 2003, Hindus are allowed to worship inside the Bhojshala
complex every Tuesday, while Muslims are allowed to offer namaz at the site on
Fridays.
The High Court’s Indore bench had directed the ASI to
carry out a scientific survey of the medieval-era Bhojshala complex in Dhar
district on March 11. The HC has given six weeks’ time to the ASI for the
survey and directed it to get back to it with an up-to-date report.
It is believed that Raja Bhoj, a Hindu king, had
installed the statue of Vagdevi in Bhojshala in 1034 AD. Hindu groups say the
British took this statue to London in 1875.
The ASI team has noticed some beams under the
foundation at a place during their survey, sources said, adding that this might
lead the team to dig up more places to draw a firm conclusion.
Ashish Goyal and Gopal Sharma representing the Hindu
community, and Abdul Samad representing the Muslims, accompany the ASI team
during the survey.
Source:
siasat.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.siasat.com/asis-survey-of-bhojshala-complex-continues-on-day-8-security-tightened-3000551/
---
With RLD support, BJP aims at dominance, SP-Congress
eye Muslim consolidation
Mar 29, 2024
LUCKNOW With high political stakes and diverse issues
at play, the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, under which eight constituencies
will vote on April 26, promises to be crucial for both the BJP-led National
Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDIA bloc as well as the Bahujan Samaj Party
(BSP) that is going solo in the electoral battle.
The nomination process for phase 2 commenced in eight
LS constituencies on Thursday. These included Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat,
Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh and Mathura.
The constituencies represent demographic diversity,
with their own set of concerns ranging from agriculture, social security,
infrastructure, mobility, communal harmony and law enforcement.
While most of these seats are BJP’s stronghold with
its ally - the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) - also commanding influence in
constituencies like Baghpat, Mathura, Bulandshahr and Aligarh, the BSP too has
been a formidable contender in some of these constituencies.
In the 2019 LS elections, the BJP won seven of the
eight seats, with Amroha being the sole seat captured by the BSP, which was
then in alliance with the SP and the RLD.
Like the first phase, the second phase too will test
the RLD’s influence over Jat voters and the SP-Congress alliance’s sway over
Muslim voters. Barring Mathura (8.5%), the other seven constituencies have
Muslim votes between over 16% (GB Nagar) and 39% (Amroha). The BSP too has
significant influence in most of the eight constituencies and its decision to
go solo will also be tested.
AMROHA
Amroha was the only seat the BJP failed to win in 2019
despite the Modi wave. BSP’s Kunwar Danish Ali wrested this seat from the BJP
by defeating Kanwar Singh Tanwar, securing more than 60% of the votes polled.
Amroha is one such parliamentary constituency that has
given a chance to almost all ideologies and all political parties or their
alliances, including the Communist Party of India (CPI).
Before the BSP emerged victorious here in 2019, the
BJP won this seat in 2014. While the RLD captured this seat in 2009, an
independent won the seat in 2004.
The BSP won the Amroha seat in 1999 too, defeating the
BJP that won the seat in 1998. Voters of this constituency did not disappoint
the SP either as it also secured victory here in 1996 LS polls. BJP was the
winner in 1991.
The Janata Dal won in 1989 and the Congress in 1984.
This seat went to the Janata Party (Secular) in 1980 while the Bharatiya Lok
Dal (BLD) secured victory here in 1977. The CPI won the seat in 1971.
In 2024, Kunwar Danish Ali switched loyalties becoming
the Congress’ candidate challenging BJP’s Kanwar Singh Tanwar and BSP’s Mujahid
Hussain. It will be interesting to watch Amroha play musical chairs.
MEERUT
Though there are around 34% Muslim voters in the
Meerut constituency, BJP has been able to win this seat five times since 1996
while SP never succeeded in winning here. Of the seven LS polls held since, the
BJP lost only 2004 and 1999 when BSP and Congress emerged victorious,
respectively.
BJP’s Rajendra Agrawal won the Meerut seat three
consecutive times in 2009, 2014 and 2019, defeating the BSP each time.
However, in 2024, the BJP chose to replace Agrawal
with Arun Govil who played the lead character of Lord Ram in the famous TV
serial ‘Ramayan’ in the 80s.
Will Govil meet BJP’s expectations? While the answer
to this question will be known only on June 4 when the poll results are out,
the surprise entry of ‘Ram’ in the electoral battlefield has certainly made the
contest more interesting. The BSP and the SP have sent Devrit Tyagi and Bhanu
Pratap Singh as their ‘warriors’ to the electoral battlefield in Meerut.
BAGHPAT
Baghpat has been a pocket borough of Chaudhary Charan
Singh’s family since 1977. The late PM made a hattrick by winning the
Jat-Muslim seat in 1977,1980 and 1984. His son Ajit Singh secured victories in
1989 (JD), 1991 (JD), 1996 (Congress) and in 1999, 2004, 2004, 2009 as RLD
candidate. He lost for the first time in 1998 to BJP’s Sompal.
He again lost in 2014 to BJP’s Satya Pal Singh,
ex-Mumbai commissioner who also defeated Ajit’s son and RLD chief Jayant
Chaudhary in 2019.
In 2024, BJP has an alliance with the RLD and the
former IPS officer has been denied a ticket. The Baghpat seat has been allotted
to ally, the RLD that has fielded loyalist Rajkumar Sangwan. He is pitted
against SP’s Manoj Chaudhary and BSP’s Praveen Bainsla.
GHAZIABAD
Ghaziabad as a Lok Sabha constituency came into
existence in 2008. It has gone to Lok Sabha polls thrice since and the BJP has
secured victory each time. Defence minister Rajnath Singh won this seat in
2009. After him, ex-army general VK Singh secured victory in 2014 as well as in
2019, with a record vote share of 69.93%, defeating SP’s Suresh Bansal, a
Vaish. Both Rajnath Singh and VK Singh are Thakur by caste.
This time, however, the party denied ticket to the
ex-general. The BJP has fielded Atul Garg, a Bania (Vaish) instead. Many
Thakurs in the constituency are believed to be upset over the BJP denying
ticket to a Kshatriya.
GAUTAM BUDDH NAGAR
Like Ghaziabad, this Parliamentary constituency also
came into being in 2008 and has sent BJP’s Mahesh Sharma to Parlaiment in 2014
and 1019. In 2009, BSP emerged winner in this constituency.
BJP’s Mahesh Sharma got 59.64% votes in 2019 defeating
BSP’s Satveer who, as an alliance candidate, secured 35.45% votes. In 2014,
Sharma was pitted against the SP.
The BJP reposed faith in Sharma in 2024 as well while
the SP and the BSP have fielded Rahul Awana and Rajendra Singh Solanki, respectively.
BULANDSHAHR
Currently a reserved constituency, Bulandshahr has
been a BJP stronghold for decades. Barring 2009, when the SP emerged as the
winner here, the BJP has been securing victory on this seat since 1991.
BJP’s Bhola Singh, who 66.56% votes, defeated BSP’s
Yogendra Verma in 2019. In 2014 too, the same BJP candidate defeated the BSP
candidate again.
ALIGARH
Of the eight LS elections here since 1991, the BJP
secured victory in six. 2009 and 2004 were the only exceptions when the BSP and
the Congress captured the seat, respectively.
In 2019, BJP’s Shatish Gautam defeated BSP’s
AjeetBaliyan, securing 56.38% votes. In 2014 also, Gautam defeated the BSP
candidate.
While the BSP has a strong vote base here, the SP has
probably never won this seat with around 20% Muslim voters.
MATHURA
Mathura also has been a BJP stronghold for decades and
the party has lost only one election since 1991. Its poll partner then, the RLD
captured the seat in 2009, the Congress won in 2004 while the SP and the BSP
have never been able to win this seat.
In 2019, BJP’s Hema Malini defeated RLD’s Narendra
Singh, securing 60.79% votes. In 2014, she defeated RLD’s Jayant Chaudhary who
got 14.5% votes. The BJP has fielded the same candidate for the third
consecutive term.
In Mathura, the RLD too wields considerable influence
over Jat voters who constitute a significant chunk. With the RLD as its ally,
the BJP hopes to win this seat with a record margin.
According to Pawan Sharma, a professor of political
science at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, it is likely to be smooth sailing
for the BJP in all the eight constituencies in the second phase.
“Now, the BJP’s alliance with the RLD has only made
the sail smoother for it,” he said.
Sharma said mobility was one of the most important
issues for voters in western UP. “Mobility that has got a tremendous push due
to a better road infrastructure has changed the entire scene in western UP,” he
opined.
However, he did not rule out the possibility of the
SP-Congress alliance giving a tough fight to the NDA on some seats.
Source:
hindustantimes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/with-rld-support-bjp-aims-at-dominance-sp-congress-eye-muslim-consolidation-101711656816536.html
---
Africa
Top Ethiopian Muslim cleric urges prayers for war-torn
areas during largest street iftar dinner in capital
SadikKedir Abdu
28.03.2024
During the 4th Grand Street iftar, the fast-breaking
meal, which drew over 80,000 attendees in the capital Addis Ababa, the top
Ethiopian religious leader called for helping hands and prayers for people
displaced by conflicts and natural disasters around the world.
The street iftar dinner is observed in one of the
largest squares of the country on the 17th day of the Muslim holy month of
Ramadan, marking the first decisive victory of Muslims led by Prophet Muhammad
in the Battle of Badr.
"Muslims should be guardians of peace in the
country," Haji Ibrahim Tufa, the head of Ethiopian Muslims Affairs Supreme
Council, told the gathering, urging for a unified stand against communal
violence.
UstazAbubeker Ahmed, one of the organizers of the
dinner, told Anadolu that the event aimed to solidify unity and compassion
among people.
Abubeker, also a leader of a peaceful Islamic movement
-- Let our voice be heard -- paved the way for a massive political change in
the country.
"This massive street iftar not only fosters unity
but also inclusivity, serving as a platform for mutual understanding and cooperation
among Ethiopians," he added.
Faisel Kemal, the organizer of the event for four
years, also told Anadolu that this event was particularly different with its
vocalization of equal use of public spaces and streets for diversified
religious events, as the place used to serve only one religion for decades.
Abiyot (Revolution) Square, also known popularly as
Mesqel (Cross) Square, has long been dedicated to hosting only one religious
event, "Mesqel," an annual Ethiopian Orthodox gathering to celebrate
the discovery of the cross by which Jesus was crucified.
In recent years, however, it has been opened to other
religious celebrations such as street iftar, an annual gathering called
Irreecha by the Ethiopian religious group Waaqeffanna, particularly in the
Oromo region, and an open conference for Protestants.
According to Faisel, the massive gathering was also
organized by 1,700 volunteers to facilitate the event which was broadcast live
on many channels, including the state-owned Ethiopian Television.
Source:
aa.com.tr
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/top-ethiopian-muslim-cleric-urges-prayers-for-war-torn-areas-during-largest-street-iftar-dinner-in-capital/3177254
---
Islamic Scholars Identify Parental Errors, Spiritual
Barriers As Cause Of Youth Backwardness
ApataOyeniran
Mar 28, 2024
Two eminent Islamic scholars present at an annual
seminar in Lagos have identified ignorance displayed by couples in courtship or
marriage and low spiritualism as reasons for the difficulties hindering the
positive progression of their children.
The scholars are Sheikh AbdulkareemShefiuMajemu, the
Chief Imam of the Islamic Platform Society of Nigeria (PSSDC), Magodo GRA,
Lagos and His Eminence, Fadeelat Sheikh Ahmad Ibrahim Bukhari Al-Mukhtar,
Founder Al-Huda Al-Mukhtariyyah International Prayer Mission and Muhammad
Rasulullah Global Family.
The duo spoke during the annual seminar organised by
the Tahajud Youth Forum in conjunction with the Tahajud Congregation of the
OluwoleOgba Central Mosque, LSDPC Housing Estate, Lagos.
Earlier, the chief host and the Chief Imam of
OluwoleOgba Mosque, Fadeelat Sheikh Imam Saadullah Bello Olohunlalaro lauded
the foresight of the Tahajud Youth Forum for the sustenance of the annual
seminar and prayed for their continued progress in all of their endeavour as
they continue to propagate the Islamic ways of life.
He welcomed the lecturers and their entourage to the
seminar and assured the guests and congregation of a thought-provoking session.
In his presentation titled: “Muslim Youths at
Crossroad between Religion and Development”, Sheikh AbdulkareemShefiuMajemu
lamented that many youths, especially in Nigeria are in serious problems due to
crucial decisions on the part their that are now having far-reaching
consequences on their lives.
He lamented that many youths now at crossroads are
jobless, lost direction and could not find their bearings in life due to no
fault of theirs but mistakes and errors committed by their parents.
Imam Majemu identified 10 errors; saying when such
slips are committed there is about a 70 per cent chance of affecting a
generation or offspring.
According to him, such errors include pregnancy before
the wedding and conducting Nikkah (solemnization) with an existing pregnancy,
saying the product of such a relationship, especially a female may develop the
likelihood of difficulties in securing a stable marital relationship or
marriage.
He explained that the marital vows professed by the man
in the relationship to the pregnant wife are being jointly taken by the woman
and the unborn female child.
According to him, the bridegroom in error was
exchanging marital vows with two females, that is, the wife-to-be and the
unborn female child, saying the love professed by the man and the unborn child
would continue to affect the female child in adulthood, saying because the girl
at crossroad cannot marry his biological father would be chased by spirit
husband.
Other errors that have landed many youths at a
crossroads include parents making a promise to Allah when in need of a child
and swearing to pay back whatever it takes.
“Another man having sex with a pregnant or married
woman has committed adultery, or consuming alcohol or drugs to determine actual
sex of child will bear insane, arrogant and dullard children.
“A man that borders his wife with too many
responsibilities will bear lazy and irresponsible children. Having sex with
your wife or wives without proper romancing, or love-playing will bring forth
unloving and uncaring children.
“Couples that expose secrets will bear unguarded and
useless children. A man who beats up his wife or wives or abuses them prepares
a difficult life for his children and a woman who back-bites her husband will
bear a cruel, manipulative and wicked generation of children, among others.
Speaking on retribution, Imam Majemu warned, “Every
parent must ensure that they sow the seeds of progress for their wards or
generation, for there is Reward for every action. Today’s action will influence
our tomorrow. Most of our children face a crisis they do not know anything
about.
To break away from crossroads, he urged youths to be
innovative, discover potential and strive for opportunities to tow the clear
path to success.
Speaking on development, Imam Majemu urged Muslim
youths to use religion as a strong catalyst for achieving development, saying
unfortunately many deploy religion retrogressively to discourage meaningful
developments.
“Religion should help to improve development and our
social well-being. The Qur’an is a living miracle and Allah’s testaments. It is
a guide to living a great life with sumptuous achievements for our lives and
life after,” he added.
In the same vein, His Eminence, Fadeelat Sheikh Ahmad
Ibrahim Bukhari Al-Mukhtar in his paper theme: “Islamic Spirituality and Mental
Wellbeing”, said Islam is synonymous with spirituality and urged Muslims to be
prayerful to avoid pitfalls set by demonic people.
Spirituality and prayer go hand-in-hand and work
wonders in the life of families. The efficacy of being spiritual and prayerful
may not manifest immediately but stands as a fortress against difficulties,
demonic attacks and negative developments in future.”
He warned against over-spirituality.
The seminar’s highlights were giveaway recharge cards
for all telecommunication networks, the recitation of the holy Quran and the
distribution of takeaway items for guests.
Source:
independent.ng
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://independent.ng/tahajud-youth-forum-islamic-scholars-identify-parental-errors-spiritual-barriers-as-cause-of-youth-backwardness/
-----
Why we released over 300 suspected Boko Haram
terrorists in Borno – DHQ
Goodness
Adaoyiche
March 28, 2024
The Defence Headquarters has provided explanations for
the release of 313 terrorism suspects to the Borno Government.
According to the Director, Defence Media Operations,
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the move was on the orders of the Federal High Court
sitting in Maiduguri.
Buba made the clarification at a press briefing in
Abuja on Thursday.
He said the suspects were detained on suspicion, but
no evidence was found against them at the conclusion of an investigation.
According to him, the cases were prosecuted by the
Federal Ministry of Justice, wherein the court ordered their release.
“Accordingly, they were handed over to the Borno State
Government for further action,” he said.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded
massive successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, killing scores and
arresting their collaborators during the week.
Buba said that terrorists’ commanders and combatants
also surrendered to troops in Jere, Chibok, Monguno, Gwoza and Bama Local
Government Areas of Borno, and in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa.
According to him, the air component of Operation Hadin
Kai conducted multiple air interdiction on terrorists in ArinaWoje and
TumbumShitu near Lake Chad on March 22 and March 24, respectively.
“The locations were observed to be active with
terrorists’ activities and logistics.
“Consequently, the location was acquired and attacked
with rockets and bombs and Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several
terrorists were neutralised and their logistics destroyed.
“Overall, troops neutralised 52 terrorists, arrested
137 and rescued 78 kidnapped hostages in the Northeast during the week under
review.
“Troops recovered three M56 rifles, 40 AK47 rifles,
three PKT guns, 13 fabricated rifles, two hand grenades, one locally made
explosive, 889 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 310 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.
“Others are 60 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm ammo, 99 rounds
of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, six AK47 rifle magazines, two M56 rifle magazines, two
magazine carriers, one motorcycle, six mobile phones, one HH radio, three
bicycles and the sum of N340,500.00 amongst others,’’ he said.
Source:
politicsnigeria.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://politicsnigeria.com/why-we-released-over-300-suspected-boko-haram-terrorists-in-borno-dhq/
---
Nigerian Military Should Not Bungle Case Of 17 Slain
Soldiers; DHQ Must Hand Over Investigation – Falana
March 28, 2024
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has warned the
Nigerian military not to bungle the case of the 17 Nigerian Army personnel
killed in Okuama Community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta
State.
Falana, who said that murder was not a military
offence said that the authorities of the armed forces should be made to realise
that the military could not arrest, detain, investigate and charge civilian
suspects with any offence whatsoever.
The human rights lawyer said that in Dr Issa Perry
Brimah v Nigerian Army, Justice IjeomaOjukwu held that “It must be stated here
without equivocation that the defendant [Nigerian Army] has no right to declare
the plaintiff wanted without following the appropriate procedure.”
According to him, the Judge further said that the
defendant can not arrest the plaintiff arbitrarily without making a formal
report to the law enforcement agency with the mandate to enforce law and order.
"Otherwise, it would transmute to self-help. The
duty of the defendant is to make a formal report to the appropriate authorities
like the police and await the outcome."
Similarly, Falana said that in Miss Grace Anita Paul
v. The Chief of Army Staff, the Army, Inspector General of Police & the
Nigerian Police Force, the Federal High Court held that the Nigerian Army lacks
the power to arrest, investigate and hold in custody, anyone who is not subject
to the Armed Forces Act or any other military law.
The lawyer recalled that “Justice TaiwoTaiwo, on
Wednesday, warned the military not to usurp the powers of the Nigerian Police
under Sections 4 and 84 of the Police Act which empowers the police to detect
and investigate crime.
“We have also read the 8 people alleged to be involved
in the cruel murder of the soldiers have been declared wanted by the Defence
Headquarters. It is trite law that the police and security agencies lack the
power to declare any suspect wanted without a court order.
“In Benedit Peters v Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, a high court in Abuja ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission lacks (EFCC) the powers to declare anyone wanted without obtaining a
court order or charging the suspect with an offence.
“The presiding judge, Justice Othman Musa ruled that
though the EFCC could declare as wanted persons who fail to honour its
invitation for investigation, it could only do so if it obtains a court order
for that purpose. So, the decision of the defence headquarters to declare the
murder suspects wanted is completely illegal.
“Let the federal government direct the defence
headquarters to hand over the investigation of the suspects involved in the
gruesome murder of the 17 officers and soldiers. It ought to be pointed out
that murder is not a military offence to warrant investigation by the defence
headquarters.
“If the federal government fails to call the defence
headquarters to order, the case concerning the tragic murder of the soldiers
will be completely bungled.”
Source:
saharareporters.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://saharareporters.com/2024/03/28/nigerian-military-should-not-bungle-case-17-slain-soldiers-dhq-must-hand-over
---
'Void peace treaty with Israel': Moroccans join
Jordanian protests
29 March 2024
Thousands of protesters have rallied in Jordan and
Morocco in solidarity with the Palestinians, who have been subjected to a
genocidal Israeli war for nearly six months, calling for severing ties with the
occupying regime.
Protesters rallied near the Israeli embassy in the
Jordanian capital Amman on Thursday for the fifth consecutive day, carrying
Palestinian flags and placards reading “Amman-Gaza one destiny.”
Chanting “No Zionist embassy on Jordanian land,” the
demonstrators called on their government to close the Israeli embassy and
cancel the 1994 so-called peace treaty that normalized ties with Tel Aviv.
They also expressed their support for the Palestinian
resistance and chanted slogans against Israel and the US.
The protest took place amid a high-security presence
that was aimed at curbing the number of protesters.
Dozens of Jordanians were arrested in previous days,
trying to reach the Israeli embassy as others were beaten.
While the embassy is currently without a diplomatic
mission after Israel’s ambassador left Amman in October and Jordan recalled its
ambassador in November in protest at the war on Gaza, protesters have said that
the embassy has partially resumed operations.
“Our demands include the complete closure of the
Israeli embassy. We have heard that the embassy has partially resumed
operations. Additionally, we call for the cessation of the land bridge,”
Mohammed al-Abssi told Middle East Eye.
He was referring to reports that the Persian Gulf Arab
countries are trucking products to Israel via Jordan to avoid Yemen’s
pro-Palestine attacks that target Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea.
Mohammed was one of thousands of Jordanians who have
been surrounding the Israeli embassy in Amman for the past few days.
A member of the Ataharrak movement against
normalization with Israel, he said the siege of the embassy is part of the
angry protests that erupted after the onset of the war in October.
“The siege of the embassy has intensified in response
to the blockade of the Shifa complex and al-Aqsa Mosque,” he added.
Israel has been attacking and laying siege to al-Shifa
medical complex since March 18, and imposed tightened restrictions on
Palestinian worshipers’ access to al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy fasting month
of Ramadan.
Khaled al-Juhani, a member of the National Forum
Supporting Resistance, said that even though the Israeli embassy was closed,
“this movement still sees it as a symbol of normalization despite the ongoing
genocide".
"The Jordanian people categorically reject
normalization and embrace resistance as an option,” he said.
“Today, it is the duty of the Jordanian authorities to
begin thinking and acting in a manner that aligns with the aspirations of its
people and reconciles with their will.”
In Morocco, people took to the streets of Casablanca,
Meknes, and other cities on Thursday, waving Palestinian flags and decrying
Israel’s genocide against Palestinians.
They urged an immediate ceasefire as per the UN
Security Council resolution adopted earlier this week, and reiterated the
demand to cut ties with the Israeli regime.
Morocco, along with the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan,
signed US-brokered normalization agreements with the Israeli regime in 2020,
drawing condemnations from Palestinians who slammed the deals as “a stab in the
back of the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people.”
Tunisia also saw similar protests in solidarity with
Palestinians, with hundreds marching in Sfax and calling for an end to the
Israeli genocide in Gaza.
Source:
presstv.ir
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/29/722700/Jordanian-Moroccan-protesters-denounce-Israel-genocide-Gaza
---
Human Rights Watch says Wagner group killed civilians
in operations with Malian army
NecvaTastan
29.03.2024
Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Thursday that the
Russian security firm Wagner has been helping the Malian army carry out raids
and drone strikes since December that have killed many civilians, including children.
In a report titled "Mali: Military and Wagner
Group's Atrocities against Civilians" published by HRW, attention was
drawn to Wagner's targeting of civilians.
The report also indicates that wedding and funeral
ceremonies have been targeted in attacks conducted with unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs), with Wagner targeting a wedding on Jan. 16 and a funeral on
Jan. 17, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 civilians, including four
children.
“Mali’s Russia-backed transitional military government
is not only committing horrific abuses, but it is working to eliminate scrutiny
into its human rights situation,” said IlariaAllegrozzi, senior Sahel
researcher at HRW.
“The Malian authorities should urgently work with
independent experts to monitor human rights violations and ensure that those
responsible are held to account," said Allegrozzi.
It is estimated that Russian private military
contractors from the Wagner Group are present in many countries in Africa.
Wagner provides military training to local forces, offers close protection to
leaders and guards energy facilities.
The US Treasury Department announced in May 2023 that
it would impose sanctions on the leader of the Wagner Group in Mali.
Source:
aa.com.tr
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/human-rights-watch-says-wagner-group-killed-civilians-in-operations-with-malian-army/3177938
----
Pakistan
IHC Judges’ Letter: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Rejects
Proposed Probe Commission
2024-03-29
ISLAMABAD: The core committee of Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday plainly rejected the proposed commission to
hold a probe into the startling letter written by six judges of Islamabad High
Court (IHC) about the alleged interference of spy agencies in matters of the
courts.
The committee held an emergency meeting after Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif rushed to the Supreme Court building – an unprecedented
move by the chief executive – and held a meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan
Qazi Faez Isa, to discuss the letter’s controversy, which analysts believe is a
charge sheet against the intelligence agencies.
The PTI core committee vehemently rebuffed the
investigation of the letter through an inquiry commission and expressed great
concern over the meeting between the chief justice of Pakistan and the prime
minister on the most sensitive issue related to the country’s judiciary and
legal interest.
It reiterated its demand to present the issue before a
larger bench of the Supreme Court and to process it in the open court in order
to put a full stop to the interference of spy agencies in cases involving
political matters.
The panel said that the letter by six IHC judges was
an indictment against the agencies, adding the inquiry into the startling
letter by the serving IHC judges through a retired judge was a mockery of an
independent, impartial, and transparent investigation.
It asserted that in their letter, the six IHC judges
exposed the fundamental challenges to the very existence of the judiciary before
the chief justice of Pakistan and the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).
It further said that the “mandate-thief regime” led by
Shehbaz Sharif is the biggest beneficiary of the ongoing lawlessness and
unconstitutional interference in the country.
The participants of the meeting said that an unelected
prime minister who seized power by stealing public mandate was neither capable
of conducting any kind of investigation nor anyone will accept such an inquiry
as it would have no credibility.
The committee demanded the chief justice to provide
justice to his fellow judges instead of leaving the future of the judiciary at
the mercy of the administration consisting of touts who have come into power
through “a stolen mandate”.
The forum stressed the need that in the light of the
demand of IHC judges, a judicial conference should also be convened and the
judges of all levels should be given an opportunity to present the facts on
this subject before the nation.
Source:
brecorder.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40296141/ihc-judges-letter-pti-rejects-proposed-probe-commission
---
Barrister Gohar's stance 'not completely true': JI
leader rebuts PTI chief
March 29, 2024
Liaquat Baloch, the deputy chief of Jamaat-e-Islami,
Friday said his party was not under any "pressure" with regards to
talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) following the February 8 general
elections, rebutting the claims made by party Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan
owing to their failed meeting attempts in Islamabad.
During his appearance on Geo News programme 'Capital
Talk' Gohar said that the JI leaders did not attend a meeting that was decided
to take place between him, Liaquat Baloch and other leaders of both the parties
as they were "under pressure", reportedly by the establishment.
The JI leaders, however, said: "There was no
pressure on us and JI doesn't take decisions under pressure."
After the polls, the two parties were reportedly
mulling to unite with PTI's successful independent candidates looking to join
other parties in the parliament, so that they could jointly form a government
in the provinces and Centre where they could have possessed a majority number
of parliamentarians.
In the wake of Baloch's several failed attempts to
meet with Gohar and PTI's plans to only talk regarding a government formation
in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the JI veteran maintained that his party's central
majlis-e-shura considered it right to welcome whatever decision the PTI made,
as there was divisiveness amongst its leadership on matters.
The politician added that JI unconditionally wanted to
facilitate PTI across the country and that the party would again hold
consultations on the new proposal shared by PTI.
Despite Gohar's claim, the senior politico has shared
his willingness to still meet with the PTI chief. "Insha'Allah, I would
meet Barrister Gohar myself and we want contact to increase between Opposition
parties."
He added that there is no room for any
misunderstanding among Opposition parties, which could benefit the
"establishment and anti-Opposition" powers.
At the start of the video, Baloch said that the stance
shared by Barrister Gohar Khan was not completely true.
"The truth is that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin
Gandapur Had contacted JI chief Siraj-ul-Haq after the February 8 elections,
seeking JI's support in providing a platform for the independent candidates
backed by the PTI."
He added that the party conducted [internal]
consultations following Gandapur's request and a committee was formed as a
result that decided that they would gather in Islamabad on February 12.
It was decided that the meeting will be conducted at
4pm and Barrister Gohar would arrive with his team, Baloch said,
"Professor Ibrahim, Inayatullah, others and I
were present at Mian Aslam's house. After 4pm we were informed that he would
arrive at 6pm, then 6:30pm, then 7pm, then 8:30 and then at around 9pm his
secretary, via a phone call, said the meeting cannot be conducted due to some
engagements," the politician revealed.
Baloch continued that his party informed CM Gandapur
and Azam Swati about the development.
"Late at night, Azam Swati acknowledge that it
was not right and Barrister Gohar would arrive tomorrow. I told him to inform
me about the time, so that I could reach Mian Aslam's home."
However, the politician added, that he neither
received any "confirmation or communication" nor he was informed
about 10 o'clock by Barrister Gohar, but he arrived at the aforementioned time.
"Our former parliamentary leader Sahibzada
Tariqullah sahib, who was informed by Azam Swati, was also present there. I
then spoke with Barrister Gohar on telephone and told him I could arrive in
half an hour or 40 minutes," he said.
Baloch added that Gohar refused saying that he had to
go meet PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala jail and said he would contact after
his meeting. "But the contact never happened."
On the other hand, the PTI chief said: "I spoke
to Liaquat Baloch sahib and went to Mian Aslam's house to meet him after he
asked me to arrive there. I went at his house at the designated time, the
lights were on, everything was there, but he was present. The host was also not
there."
Gohar said he reached there at 10pm on the day decided
for the meeting, but neither of the two politicians were there and was later
informed by them that they were an hour away.
"We approached them again and I talked to him to
tell him that we wanted to move forward [with JI]," he said, adding that
the party was pressured so much that "they backed out" of the talks.
He insisted that it was them and not PTI that backed
out.
"Liaquat Baloch sahib was supposed to come meet
me, we had adjusted the time. But when I understood that he was avoiding, I
called him up myself and told him that I would come, as he is a senior
parliamentarian."
Gohar added that it was then decided that the meeting
will take place at Mian Aslam's house.
"One of their former MNAs from Dir also arrived
there and even he did not know that they were not present."
Baloch also said that during this time, Amir Dogar and
Azam Swati were in contact and talks continued with JI. "They said that
they will discuss something with JI in relation to the KP government."
This happened when Siraj-ul-Haq sahib resigned as JI
chief, he said, adding that the party then held a meeting of the central
majlis-e-shura which also included discussions on the contact with PTI, along
with the country's situation.
Source:
thenews.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1173555-barrister-gohars-stance-not-completely-true-ji-leader-rebuts-pti-chief
---
Eight May 9 suspects held after release from Adiala
jail
March 29, 2024
Mohammad Asghar
RAWALPINDI: Eight suspects allegedly involved in the
May 9 violence were detained on Thursday immediately after being released from
Adiala jail on bail.
The suspects have been held for 15 days after the
Rawalpindi deputy commissioner issued their detention orders under Section 3(1)
of the Maintenance of Public Order.
The said section empowered the government to arrest
any individual over fears that they may act “in any manner prejudicial to
public safety or the maintenance of public order”.
Earlier, a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court had granted
bail to the eight suspects who were released from the Adiala jail after
submitting surety bonds.
Five more freed after getting bail from apex court
The suspects were Asadullah, Ibrar Shah, Rizwanullah,
Ahmed Ali, Asif Ali, Sajjad Haider, Rizwan Azmat and Sohail Tahir.
Detention order
In his order, the deputy commissioner said that as per
the report of Rawalpindi police chief, the eight suspects were “members of a
political party” and were found involved in “instigating, planning to organise
unlawful assembly, committed violence, delivered unlawful speeches to cause
damage to human life and public and private property in the New Town Police
Station area on May 9” after the arrest of their leadership.
This was in reference to the violence that broke out
following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan from the premises of the
Islamabad High Court on May 9, 2023.
The deputy commissioner’s order stated that the
detention was for 15 days “to avoid any likelihood of breach of peace /unlawful
assembly in the district [Rawalpindi]”.
The detainees have the right to appeal to the
government of Punjab against this order, the order added.
Suspects released from Adiala jail
Separately, five other suspects who were granted bail
by the Supreme Court last week were released from Adiala jail on Thursday night.
They were also arrested for their alleged involvement
in the May 9 violence.
A three-member bench, comprising Justice Jamal Khan
Mandokhail, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Musarrat Hilali had granted
bail to the suspects arrested by the New Town police.
The suspects, Saifullah, Waqas, Kamran, Nasrullah, and
Owais Ayaz Abbasi, were ordered to submit surety bonds worth Rs50,000 each.
During the bail hearing, the bench regretted the poor
investigation and censured the police and the prosecution.
Justice Mandokhail had observed that there was “no
evidence against the suspects” who were under detention since May 10, 2023.
The judge also slammed the inclusion of terror charges
in the case, adding that instead of dragging courts into political cases, the
government should solve them in the political arena.
Source:
dawn.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1824394/eight-may-9-suspects-held-after-release-from-adiala-jail
---
Up to 20 May 9 accused to be freed from army custody
March 28, 2024
JEHANZEB ABBASI
ISLAMABAD:The Supreme Court on Thursday amended its
stay order to allow military courts to deliver verdicts in cases related to the
May 9, 2023, violence involving civilians. This conditional permission applies
specifically to cases where the accused were expected to be acquitted or
receive lesser sentences.
A larger bench comprising six judges, led by Justice
Aminuddin Khan and including Justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Hasan Azhar Rizvi,
Shahid Waheed, Musarrat Hilali, and Irfan Saadat Khan, presided over the
matter. They emphasized that the release of innocent individuals or those with
minor sentences wouldn't impact the case proceedings.
The bench entertained intra-court appeals challenging
the apex court's earlier ruling, which deemed the trial of civilians in
military courts illegal. Notably, the bench granted permission for the
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government to withdraw its intra-court appeal.During the
proceedings, the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) informed the bench that
around 15 to 20 accused could potentially be released based on acquittal or
receiving reduced sentences, following a three-stage process involving
conviction, confirmation, and pardon from the competent authority.
The AGP clarified that individuals sentenced to less
than one year could benefit from relevant legal provisions, while those facing
longer sentences would require relaxation from the competent authority.
Responding to the court's inquiry, the AGP stated that
the army currently held custody of 105 accused — two more than the previous
count of 103 provided earlier. In response, the bench solicited a comprehensive
list of all 105 accused.
Justice Khan indicated the court's willingness to
modify the stay order to align with the AGP’s position, allowing potentially
released individuals to return home. However, he underscored that this
permission remained contingent upon the final decision of the appeals.
During the session, Justice Rizvi sought clarification
on which accused might be released. The AGP responded that he couldn't disclose
names until the military courts announced their decisions.
Meanwhile, lawyer Faisal Siddiqui, representing a
petitioner, urged the court to lift its stay order, arguing that according to
the AGP, individuals in military custody couldn't be sentenced to more than
three years.
Justice Mazhar countered Siddiqui's argument,
highlighting that lifting the stay order would result in cases being
transferred to the anti-terrorism court, where convictions under certain
sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act could lead to sentences of at least 14
years.
Justice Shahid Waheed clarified that the current
proceedings didn't pertain to criminal matters, while Justice Mazhar urged the
AGP to expedite releases before Eidul Fitr, to which the AGP agreed.
Siddiqui also objected to the increase in the number
of accused and requested assurance from the court that those released from
military custody wouldn't be rearrested under the Maintenance of Public Order.
The court instructed that judgments leading to
potential releases before Eidul Fitr should be announced and directed the AGP
to furnish a list of accused eligible for acquittal. The case was adjourned
until the last week of April.
Source:
tribune.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2460812/up-to-20-may-9-accused-to-be-freed-from-army-custody
----
Pakistan, Afghanistan report progress in trade talks
March 29, 2024
Kamran Yousaf
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Afghanistan reported progress in trade
talks on Thursday, as the Afghan Taliban government claimed Islamabad agreed to
reverse some recent decisions amid tensions between the two estranged
neighbours.
The two-day talks took place in Kabul, with the
Pakistani delegation led by its Commerce Secretary and the Afghan government
represented by its commerce minister.
These talks unfolded against the backdrop of simmering
tensions over continued cross-border terrorist attacks, which Pakistan insists
mostly originate from Afghanistan.
Despite these tensions, both sides deemed the talks in
Kabul a success.
While the Pakistani side didn't delve into specifics,
the Afghan interim government issued a statement claiming agreement on several
issues.
A statement from the foreign office stated that
Secretary of Commerce Khurrum Agha visited Afghanistan from the 24th to the
27th to discuss bilateral and transit trade matters with Afghanistan's Commerce
Minister, Nooruddin Azizi.
The discussions encompassed topics such as the
bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement, implementation of Temporary Admission
Document (TAD) for trade vehicle drivers, multimodal air transit, and
addressing issues related to transit trade.
We are encouraged by the progress made on these issues
and remain committed to promoting trade and people-to-people ties with
Afghanistan," said Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during a weekly briefing for
reporters.
The official statement from the Afghan government was
more explicit, noting that both sides agreed on several matters while
emphasizing the need to separate trade from political issues.
The statement outlined an understanding to finalise an
Afghan Transit Trade agreement within two months. Additionally, Pakistan agreed
to issue a special permit for Afghan truck drivers, reversing its previous
decision to require visas for drivers travelling between the two countries.
The Taliban's statement mentioned Pakistan's agreement
to withdraw its requirement for bank guarantees from Afghan traders using Pakistani
ports for trade. Islamabad imposed these restrictions last month to curb
smuggling and misuse of Afghan transit trade facilities.
In the wake of the heinous terrorist attack on March
26 near Besham, which claimed the lives of five Chinese nationals, Pakistan's
spokesperson stated that the government was in contact with the Chinese
government.
"We are fully committed to bringing the
terrorists and their facilitators and abettors to justice. Such despicable acts
further strengthen Pakistan’s resolve in combating terrorism in all its forms
and manifestations," she affirmed.
"Pakistan and China are close friends and iron
brothers. We have no doubt that the Besham terror attack was orchestrated by
the enemies of Pakistan-China friendship. Together, we will resolutely act
against all such forces and defeat them," she added.
Regarding the possibility of resuming trade ties with
India, the spokesperson noted that Pakistan's relations with India are under
regular assessment and examination.
"Pakistan's relations with India are an important
aspect of Pakistan's Foreign Policy. Pakistan-India trade relations, if you
would recall, have been non-existent since 2019 when certain steps were taken
by the Indian authorities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and
subsequent steps have further deteriorated conditions in IIOJK," she
elaborated.
"A few days ago, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan
mentioned that some members of the business community have expressed interest
in reviewing trade-related matters with India. Examination of such proposals is
a regular exercise in the Government of Pakistan, including the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, where we continue to consider all such requests and assess our
policy. At this point, there is no change in Pakistan's position," she
emphasised.
Source:
tribune.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2460876/pakistan-afghanistan-report-progress-in-trade-talks
----
Azam Khan, Asad Majeed: Counsel for IK raises
questions over statements
2024-03-29
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder
Imran Khan’s counsel in the cypher case raised questions over the statements of
former principle secretary Azam Khan and Pakistan’s former ambassador to the
USA Asad Majeed.
A special bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq
and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, on Thursday, heard the appeals moved by
former prime minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and former foreign
minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi against their convictions in the cypher and
Toshakhana cases.
During the hearing, Khan’s counsel Barrister Salman
Safdar said there is a huge difference between Azam Khan’s statement of 164 and
the statement he recorded before the court.
Justice Aurangzeb asked what is the difference between
the statement of 164 and the statement of Azam Khan before the court. The
lawyer replied Azam Khan is saying that it was a paper that was waved. The
judge asked that then tell me what did PTI founder waved in the rally. The
lawyer said that this is what the prosecution has to prove.
Barrister Safdar said Azam Khan said in his statement
that he did not know what was in the paper Imran Khan waved at the rally.
Justice Farooq remarked that no one knows, not even the principal secretary,
what was the document that was waved, if Azam Khan had said in the statement
that he had opened the document and read it, then the situation would have been
different.
Then, the lawyer read out Majeed’s statement. He said
that Majeed was Pakistan’s ambassador to the USA and he sent the cypher. He
said the ambassador in his statement said that there was no word “conspiracy”
written in the cypher but he did not tell what was the reason for which he had
to send the cypher.
Justice Aurangzeb said that the National Security
Committee recommended that the US ambassador be demarched. He added that
demarching means you are offended.
The IHC chief justice remarked that Majeed and Azam
Khan could be star witnesses, but there is nothing like that in the testimony
of Majeed.
Barrister Safdar stated that Pakistan’s ambassador to
the USA is called to the National Security Committee meeting, from USA, he
comes to attend the meeting and recommends that the US ambassador be demarched.
Justice Aurangzeb said Majeed is a witness in the case
and among the few who saw the cypher. Safdar added that he [Majeed] wrote the
cypher with his own hand and sent it to Pakistan. Justice Farooq said Majeed
had sent what Donald Lu had talked to him. Safdar contended that Majeed, who
sent the cypher, said he was having dinner with Donald Lu.
Safdar also contended that the trial judge wrote that
this cypher episode may damage future relations. But he said that the PTI
founder did not violate his oath by taking the people into confidence in this
matter.
He argued that the trial judge wrote that the cypher
episode caused a lot of damage to the relations between the two countries.
Justice Aurangzeb asked what does cypher episode mean. Justice Farooq said that
the judge should have written about this in a more specific manner and Majeed
also did not tell what he sent.
Later, the IHC bench deferred the hearing until April
2.
Source:
brecorder.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40296128/azam-khan-asad-majeed-counsel-for-ik-raises-questions-over-statements
---
Proposal on Indo-Pak trade resumption under study: FO
2024-03-29
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office said on Thursday that
Pakistan’s position on the suspension of trade ties with India, in the wake of
August 5, 2019, illegal steps, has not been changed and a proposal from the
business community seeking reopening of bilateral trade with New Delhi will be
examined.
Responding to media queries during her weekly news
briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch explained the recent
statement by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar with regard to trade with India, saying
Pakistan-India trade relations have been non-existent since 2019 when India
took illegal steps in the Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
She said the foreign minister mentioned that some
members of the business community have expressed an interest in review of the
trade-related matters with respect to India.
“Examination of such proposals is a regular exercise
in the government of Pakistan, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where
we continue to consider all such requests and assess our policy. At this point
there is no change in Pakistan’s position,” she added.
She further explained that like any foreign policy
question, Pakistan’s relations with its neighbours remain under regular
assessment and examination.
Commenting on the Besham terror attack in which five
Chinese engineers and a Pakistani driver were killed, she said the attack was
orchestrated by enemies of Pakistan-China friendship and two countries together
will resolutely act against these elements and defeat them.
Baloch reaffirmed the government of Pakistan’s
commitment to bring to justice the perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of
the terrorist attack which claimed the lives of five Chinese nationals.
She said the government of Pakistan is in contact with
the Chinese government following the heinous terrorist attack. “We are fully
committed to bringing the terrorists and their facilitators and abettors to
justice. Such despicable acts further strengthen Pakistan’s resolve in
combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” she said.
She said Pakistan and China were close friends and
iron brothers, adding that Pakistan will continue to work with its Chinese
brothers in ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects,
and institutions in Pakistan.
She added that Pakistan will continue to work together
with China to develop the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and promote
cooperation between the two countries.
“Pakistan will not allow any force to sabotage the
relationship between the two countries,” she said, adding the security of the
Chinese nationals has further been enhanced.
Referring to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
spokesperson’s statement, she said that this was a reflection of the depth of
this relationship and the understanding both countries have that those entities
which could be behind such a dastardly attack are attempting to sabotage CPEC
and target the symbols of Pakistan-China cooperation.
“Our message to them [enemies] is they will not
succeed and we will work together to bring the culprits of this attack to
justice and to ensure that CPEC and all projects of Pakistan-China cooperation,
including the hydropower projects in Pakistan, will continue forward without
hindrance.
To another query, she said that the government of
Pakistan fully understands the concerns of the Chinese government about the
safety of their people, adding that Pakistan is engaged with them at very
senior levels to discuss the arrangements for the safety of Chinese nationals
and for the investigations of this particular terror incident.
About the recent series of terror attacks, she said
that Pakistan is committed to protecting its people and taking all measures
necessary to ensure the safety and security of Pakistanis and foreigners who
are in Pakistan.
She said that the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is an
important border and Pakistan has over time taken several measures to secure
the border including erecting a fence along the border and also introduced
measures to regulate movement across the border.
She added that the measures also include the “One
Document Regime” under which individuals can travel to Pakistan on the basis of
valid visas on their national passports.
To another query, she said Pakistan had expressed its
deep concern at the sophisticated weaponry that was used by the terrorist
groups and individuals who have hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan and
are targeting Pakistani nationals. “We have raised this issue at multiple
levels, including at the United Nations and Pakistan believes it is the
obligation of the international community to disarm these terrorist groups,”
she said.
About Secretary Commerce Khurrum Agha’s visit to
Afghanistan from 24-27 March 2024, she said the secretary discussed bilateral
and transit trade matters with Minister for Commerce of Afghanistan, Nooruddin
Azizi.
She said the two sides discussed the bilateral
Preferential Trade Agreement, implementation of Temporary Admission Document
(TAD) for trade vehicle drivers, multimodal air transit, and addressing issues
related to transit trade.
“We are encouraged by the progress made on these
issues and remain committed to promoting trade and people-to-people ties with
Afghanistan,” she added.
Baloch pointed out the Indian occupation authorities
were reportedly set to auction some blocks of lithium resources discovered in
illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
There were concerns that corporations from outside the
region would be awarded the contracts to exploit that valuable resource that
belonged to the Kashmiri people, she said, adding those measures to deprive
Kashmiris of their right to the natural resources were illegal and
exploitative.
She called upon India to abandon such exploitative
plans and respect the right of the Kashmiris to their own land and natural
resources.
She also expressed concerns over continued Israeli
aggression in Gaza regardless of the UN Security Council resolution calling for
an immediate ceasefire. She added that Israel should be urged by its backers to
bring an end to the massacre of Palestinian people, lift the inhumane siege,
and allow humanitarian assistance to all parts of Gaza.
Source:
brecorder.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40296171/proposal-on-indo-pak-trade-resumption-under-study-fo
----
Mideast
UN top court orders Israel to take urgent action to
address Gaza famine
March 28, 2024
THE HAGUE, Netherlands: The top United Nations court
on Thursday ordered Israel to take measures to improve the humanitarian
situation in Gaza, including opening more land crossings to allow food, water,
fuel and other supplies into the war-ravaged enclave.
The International Court of Justice issued two new
so-called provisional measures in a case brought by South Africa accusing
Israel of acts of genocide in its military campaign launched after the Oct. 7
attacks by Hamas. Israel denies it is committing genocide and accused South
Africa of trying to “undermine Israel’s inherent right and obligation to defend
its citizens.”
Thursday’s order came after South Africa sought more
provisional measures, including a ceasefire, citing starvation in Gaza. Israel,
which had urged the court not to issue new orders, said it places no limits on
aid entering Gaza and vowed to “promote new initiatives” to bring in even more assistance.
In its legally binding order, the court told Israel to
take measures “without delay” to ensure “the unhindered provision” of basic
services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, fuel and medical
supplies.
It also ordered Israel to immediately ensure that its
military does not take action that could that could harm Palestinians’ rights
under the Genocide Convention, including by preventing the delivery of
humanitarian assistance.
The court told Israel to report back in a month on its
implementation of the orders.
Saudi Arabia on Friday welcomed the ICJ’s ruling, a
foreign ministry statement said.
“The Ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s support for all
efforts aimed at introducing more urgent humanitarian aid to avoid worsening
the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip,” the statement added.
Saudi Arabia renewed its call on the international
community to take immediate measures to stop the Israeli occupation’s
violations of international humanitarian law, and to implement the Security
Council resolution calling for a ceasefire.
Israel declared war in response to a bloody
cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 in which 1,200 people were killed and
250 others were taken hostage. Israel responded with a campaign of airstrikes
and a ground offensive that have left over 32,000 Palestinians dead, according
to local health authorities.
The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza does not
differentiate between civilians and combatants, but say roughly two-thirds of
the dead are women, children and teens. Israel says over one-third of the dead
are militants, though it has not provided evidence to support the claim, and it
blames Hamas for civilian casualties because the group operates in residential
areas.
The fighting has displaced over 80 percent of Gaza’s
population, caused widespread damage and has sparked a humanitarian crisis. The
UN and international aid agencies say virtually the entire Gaza population is
struggling to get enough food, with hundreds of thousands of people on the
brink of famine, especially in hard-hit northern Gaza.
South Africa welcomed Thursday’s decision, calling it
“significant.”
“The fact that Palestinian deaths are not solely
caused by bombardment and ground attacks, but also by disease and starvation,
indicates a need to protect the group’s right to exist,” the South African
president said in a statement.
Hamas, an Islamic militant group sworn to Israel’s
destruction, said the ruling must be enforced by the international community.
“It must be implemented immediately, so that this
decision does not remain a dead letter,” it said.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry thanked South Africa,
calling the case “a vital step in the global effort to hold Israel accountable
for perpetrating genocide.”
After initially sealing Gaza’s borders in the early
days of the war, Israel began to permit entry of humanitarian supplies. It says
it places no restrictions on the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza
and accuses the United Nations of failing to properly organize the deliveries. On
Tuesday, the army said it inspected 258 aid trucks, but only 116 were
distributed within Gaza by the UN.
The UN and international aid groups say deliveries
have been impeded by Israeli military restrictions, ongoing hostilities and the
breakdown of public order.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry accused South Africa of
making “cynical attempts” to exploit the world court to undermine Israel’s
right to self-defense and to win the release of remaining hostages. Israel says
Hamas continues to hold some 100 hostages and the remains of 30 others either
killed on Oct. 7 or who died in captivity.
“Israel will continue to promote new initiatives, and
to expand existing ones, in order to enable and facilitate the flow of aid to
the Gaza Strip ... despite the operational challenges on the ground and Hamas’
active and abhorrent efforts to commandeer, hoard and steal aid,” it added.
Israel has been working with international partners on
a plan to soon begin deliveries of aid by sea.
Israel has repeatedly feuded with the United Nations,
particularly UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees and main provider of
aid in Gaza. Israel accuses the agency of tolerating and even cooperating with
Hamas — a charge UNRWA denies.
The court said in its order that “Palestinians in Gaza
are no longer facing only a risk of famine ... but that famine is setting in.”
It cited a report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs that said at least 31 people, including 27 children, have
already died of malnutrition and dehydration.
The world court said earlier orders imposed on Israel
after landmark hearings in South Africa’s case “do not fully address the
consequences arising from the changes in the situation” in Gaza.
COGAT, the Israeli military body in charge of
Palestinian civilian affairs, has also run pilot programs to inspect the
humanitarian aid at Israel’s main checkpoints in the south and then use land
crossings in central Gaza to try to bring aid to the devastated northern part
of the Strip. The agency had no immediate comment on the ICJ ruling.
Source:
arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2484466/middle-east
---
Government Office in Gaza says enemy executed more
than 200 displaced Palestinians in al-Shifa Complex
[29/March/2024]
GAZA March 29. 2024 (Saba) - The government media
office in Gaza has revealed that enemy soldiers executed more than 200
displaced Palestinians inside al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City and about a
thousand others were arrested.
The office confirmed that enemy soldiers are
threatening medical staff and displaced people inside the complex by bombing
and destroying the buildings above their heads, or coming out for
investigation, torture, or execution, according to the Palestinian Ma'an
Agency.
It is noteworthy that the Zionist enemy forces are
besieging al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City for the 11th day in a row.
Source:
saba.ye
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3316894.htm
---
Troops raiding Gaza’s Shifa hospital kill senior Hamas
commander, says IDF
EMANUEL FABIAN
March 29, 2024
Israeli commandos raiding Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital
killed one of the Hamas terror group’s top commanders, the army said Thursday,
as fighting raged in several areas of the Strip and the number of troops killed
in combat reached the symbolically significant toll of 253.
The Israel Defense Forces said Hamas commander
RaadThabet was killed by soldiers from the Navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit as
he attempted to flee with two other operatives into the hospital compound.
Thabet was the top official in charge of recruitment
and supply acquisition for the terror group’s armed wing, IDF Spokesman Rear
Adm. Daniel Hagari said Thursday evening, announcing the killing.
He described Thabet as among the 10 most senior Hamas
military commanders, and said he had been in close contact with leaders of the
terror group, including its Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar and shadowy military wing
head Mohammed Deif.
Israeli troops have been operating in the hospital
since March 18, with the IDF saying that Hamas had re-established a command
center there.
Hagari said troops also engaged in a firefight in the
hospital’s maternity ward, killing three gunmen. Fighters also opened fire at
troops after emerging from an emergency room, where they had been holed up, the
army said earlier, noting that similar incidents had occurred several times
over the past few days.
Troops have detained more than 900 terror suspects at
Shifa Hospital during the raid, according to the IDF, and have killed more than
200 gunmen.
Hagari said Thursday that 513 of those captured had
been confirmed to be members of terror groups, while 350 people were identified
as patients and medical staff.
Shifa, the Gaza Strip’s biggest hospital before the
war, had been one of the few healthcare facilities even partially operational
in north Gaza before the latest fighting. It had also been housing displaced
civilians.
Unverified footage on social media showed its surgery
unit blackened by flames and nearby apartments on fire or destroyed.
Hamas and the allied Islamic Jihad terror group said
in a statement they “bombed, with a barrage of mortar shells, gatherings of
Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Al-Shifa Complex” in a joint operation.
The IDF says it has evacuated civilians, patients, and
medical staff to another part of the hospital “prepared and established to
allow proper medical treatment to continue.”
Soldier killed in Khan Younis
In southern Gaza, the army announced the death of
Staff Sgt.NisimKachlon, 21, of the Givati Brigade’s Rotem Battalion.
According to the IDF, the Hadera native was killed
Thursday amid fighting in the Khan Younis area.
His death brought the number of troops killed since
Israel’s ground offensive began to 253, matching the number of people abducted
on October 7 as Hamas-led terrorists carried out a brutal assault on southern
Israel. Some 1,200 people were massacred during the onslaught; most of those
killed and kidnapped were civilians.
Israel has vowed to both wipe out Hamas and secure the
hostages’ release. The army says there are 130 people kidnapped from Israel in
Hamas captivity, including nearly three dozen people who were killed on October
7 or while held hostage whose remains Gazan terrorists continue to hold.
Talks for a temporary truce and the release of
hostages appeared to advance earlier in the week, but fell apart after Hamas
rejected a compromise, saying it is will only agree to a permanent end to the
war and complete withdrawal of troops from Gaza.
Earlier, the IDF said commando and other forces had
seized hundreds of weapons during an ongoing offensive in the al-Amal
neighborhood of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
Numerous gunmen have also been killed by troops in
al-Amal, including with sniper fire, in close-quarters combat, and by calling
in airstrikes, according to the IDF.
In a video published by the IDF, a cache of firearms,
explosive devices, and other military equipment was seen being found by the
Paratroopers Brigade’s reconnaissance unit in a building adjacent to al-Amal
Hospital.
The World Health Organization says the al-Amal
hospital has ceased to function due to fighting, leaving just 10 of 36
hospitals in the Gaza Strip partially operational. Another Khan Younis
hospital, Nasser, was also surrounded by troops, Gazans said.
International law stipulates that while a medical
facility is a protected site in conflict, it loses that status if it is used
for military activity. Israel has offered evidence Hamas uses such facilities
as cover for terror purposes and says the group plunders humanitarian aid to
take supplies for its fighters, depriving the civilian population.
In central Gaza, Hagari said troops destroyed a
2.5-kilometer (1.5-mile) section of a Hamas tunnel that was part of an
underground network that connected between northern and southern Gaza.
He said more than 30 tons of explosives were used in
the overnight demolition. The military released footage of it blowing up the
tunnel.
In the southern Gaza city of Rafah an airstrike killed
several people, according to Hamas health officials.
Israel has promised to launch a ground invasion of
Rafah, saying the city on the border with Egypt is the last remaining Hamas
stronghold in the Gaza Strip.
Over half of Gaza’s population has sought refuge in
Rafah, many in makeshift tent camps, United Nations shelters and crowded
apartments. The US says it shares Israel’s goal of defeating Hamas but a major
assault on the city would be a mistake.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at
least 32,552 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military offensive in
the Gaza Strip since October 7.
The figures cannot be independently verified, and are
believed to include both civilians and Hamas members killed in Gaza, including
as a consequence of the terror groups’ own rocket misfires. The IDF says it has
killed over 13,000 combatants in Gaza since the war started, in addition to
some 1,000 terrorists inside Israel on October 7.
Source:
timesofisrael.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/troops-raiding-gazas-shifa-hospital-kill-senior-hamas-commander-idf-says/
---
120,000 worshipers perform Isha, Tarawih prayers in
al-Aqsa Mosque
[29/March/2024]
OCCUPIED AL-QUDS March 29. 2024 (Saba) - About 120,000
Palestinian worshipers have performed Isha and Tarawih prayers in the blessed
al-Aqsa Mosque, despite the restrictions of the Zionist enemy on the eve of the
third Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Islamic Endowments Department in al-Quds reported
that 120,000 citizens performed the two prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque and its
covered prayer rooms.
Enemy forces deployed at Lions' Gate, put iron
barriers coinciding with the arrival of worshipers to al-Aqsa and called in the
cavalry squad in the vicinity of the Damascus Gate area in the Old City of
occupied al-Quds.
Source:
saba.ye
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3316888.htm
---
Inaction of some Muslim states towards Palestine
regretting
Mar 28, 2024
TEHRAN, Mar. 28 (MNA) – Iranian President Ebrahim
Raeisi said Thursday that the inaction towards the Palestinian nation on the
part of some Muslim nations is regretting, calling on those states to change
course and support the Palestinians.
The Iranian president made the remarks in a meeting
with Ziyad al-Nakhalah, the Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Movement in Tehran on Thursday.
Emphasizing Iran's strategy in supporting the
resistance movement and the oppressed but powerful people of Gaza, the
president expressed regret about the inaction and passivity of the leaders of
some Islamic countries in fulfilling their duty towards the Palestinian nation.
Raeisi emphasized that Palestine has the right to
resistance for the same reason that it has the right to life: whoever rejects
Palestinian resistance has in fact rejected Palestine's right to life.
"The people of Gaza not only did not wait for the
support of some countries and Islamic governments, but with their unique
resistance, they proved the insignificance of international bodies,
organizations and unions who claim to be supporters of human rights, and
challenged the unjust world order," he added.
In the meeting, ZiadNakhale, Secretary General of the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement congratulated the Iranian government and
nation on the holy month of Ramadan and the new year, and appreciated the
unwavering support of the Iranian people for the ideals of the resistance and
the people of Gaza. He remembered the memory of martyred Iranian general Lt.
Gen. Hajj Qassem Soleimani.
"Today, the Palestinian nation has taken by
surprise the Zionist enemy and its allies, especially the United States, with
its resistance," Nakhala said.
The Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
movement also appreciated the support of the Resistance Axis to the Palestinian
nation, adding that, "This support and backing not only increases the
morale and motivation in the hearts of the people of Gaza and the Palestinian
Mujahideen. It also carries the important message that the Palestinian nation
is not alone in its struggle against the Zionist enemy."
Source:
mehrnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213337/Inaction-of-some-Muslim-states-towards-Palestine-regretting
---
Islamic world has a duty to support Gaza people:
Ghalibaf
Mar 28, 2024
TEHRAN, Mar. 28 (MNA) – In a meeting with Ismail
Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the resistance movement Hamas in
Tehran on Thursday, the Iranian parliament speaker stressed that the entire
Muslim world has a duty to support Gaza.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad BagherGhalibaf held
a meeting with Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the
resistance movement Hamas in Tehran on Thursday.
Ghalibaf received Haniyeh in Tehran's Baharestan, the
compound of the Iranian parliament.
"The resistance of the Resistance Front and the
Palestinian people is outstanding, and the entire Islamic world has a duty to
support the people of Gaza," Ghaliba said in the meeting.
'"The final winner of this battle is the side
that has more resistance," he also said, adding that not only the
Resistance groups in Palestine have showen great resistance over the six-month
period since the Gaza invasion by the Zionist regime was launched but also the
ordinary people have accompanied them by showing great steadfastness in the
face of hardships.
Haniyeh, for his part, expressed gratitude for Islamic
Republic of Iran's support to Palestinians and noted the Palestinians have
shown great resistance over the past six months.
The senior Hamas official said that the Palestinians
will continue to resist the occupation, noting that the enemy failed to achieve
any of its goals in the Gaza battle.
According to Haniyeh, Gaza is at the forefront of
resistance against the Zionist regime, therefore they seek to remove Gaza from
the Axis of Resistance and bring it into "the Axis of Compromise."
Haniyeh arrived in Tehran on Tuesday and was received
by Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Iranian foreign minister.
The senior Hamas official and his accompanying
delegation have also already been received by the Leader of the Islamic
Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on the visit.
Source:
mehrnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213326/Islamic-world-has-a-duty-to-support-Gaza-people-Ghalibaf
---
Southeast
Asia
Attacks by minority groups on govt policies need to be
curbed - Ahmad Zahid
29 Mar 2024
ATTEMPTS by minority groups, particularly those who
had previously been part of the government, to undermine policies and
initiatives introduced by the MADANI government need to be curbed, Datuk Seri
Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this is to prevent the
‘anti-establishment’ faction from influencing the majority’s thinking, thus
jeopardising the government’s agenda for the well-being of the people and the
nation.
Citing the Central Database Hub (PADU) as an example,
he said that although the policy is good, attacks by such groups have hindered
citizens’ registration with the system.
“When the government proposed to implement a targeted
subsidy method and introduced PADU, some criticised the plan, claiming that the
Economy Ministry wanted to collect citizens’ personal information.
“These individuals represent a minority group or not
less than 22 percent of the anti-establishment group who will oppose anything
new introduced by the current government.”
He said this in his speech at the Rural and Regional
Development Ministry’s SantunanKasih Ramadan programme at Masjid Jamek
As-Solihin in Banting.
In this regard, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and
Regional Development Minister, called for collective efforts from all quarters
in the government to curb the act of this minority faction, as failure to do so
would make them like ‘biawakhidup’ (a burden) to any plans to advance the
country.
He also said that the anti-establishment group, who
likes to label others as ‘biawakhidup’, always seeks fault in others whether
they are in the government or not.
“When they were in government, their leaders were
always wrong, and when they are outside, they always blame others. This is what
we need to contain because such groups do exist in our country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid reminded all government
machinery to carry out their responsibilities diligently for the well-being of
the people and the nation.
“Each of us needs to embrace a bottoms-up approach,
which is to engage the grassroots and use the information obtained to develop
strategies to advance these groups,” he said.
At the event, Ahmad Zahid also presented appointment
letters to the Advisory Board of GiatMara Selangor and distributed ‘duitraya’
to 132 tahfiz students and orphans in the congregation of Masjid As-Solihin. -
Bernama, March 29, 2024
Source:
thevibes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/101448/attacks-by-minority-groups-on-govt-policies-need-to-be-curbed-ahmad-zahid
----
Japan to resume funding to UN Palestinian refugee
agency
Mar 29, 2024
TOKYO: Japan is preparing to resume funding to the
UN's crisis-hit Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), which coordinates nearly
all aid to Gaza, the government said.
Once the sixth-largest contributor to the agency,
Japan joined more than a dozen countries in pausing funding after Israel
claimed that 12 of UNRWA's 13,000 Gaza employees were involved in the deadly
October 7 Hamas attack.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa met UNRWA chief
Philippe Lazzarini in Tokyo on Thursday to discuss measures taken by the agency
to strengthen governance and transparency.
"Japan and the UNRWA confirmed that they will
advance final coordination about necessary efforts to resume Japan's
contribution," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Japanese media reports said the resumption of funding,
which was suspended in January, was expected to come in the first half of
April.
The abrupt suspension of funding has threatened
UNRWA's efforts to deliver desperately needed aid in Gaza, where the UN has
warned of an impending famine.
This month, Australia, Canada, Sweden and others said
they were resuming aid.
Lazzarini said Tuesday that the agency has enough
funds to keep operating until at least the end of May.
Kamikawa on Thursday "pointed out the importance
of ensuring transparency and traceability of fund flows and the neutrality of
UNRWA staff", the ministry said.
The United Nations has launched both an internal and
an independent investigation but has said Israel has not provided it with any
evidence to support the claims against its workers.
Source:
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/japan-to-resume-funding-to-un-palestinian-refugee-agency/articleshow/108866173.cms
---
Anwar attends Iftar MADANI, breaks fast with nearly
10,000 people
28-03- 2024
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
today broke fast with nearly 10,000 people at Dataran Putra here, in
conjunction with the Nuzul Al-Quran holiday.
Accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan
Ismail, Anwar arrived at the venue at 6.57 pm for the Majlis Iftar MADANI (MIM)
breaking of fast event organised by the Department of Islamic Development
Malaysia (Jakim).
Education Minister FadhlinaSidek, Deputy Minister in
the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy
Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim and Deputy National Unity
Minister K. Saraswathy were in attendance.
Also present, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari
Abdul and Public Service director-general Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul
Aziz.
At the event, Anwar witnessed the presentation of
contributions from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) (RM50,000), Tenaga
NasionalBhd (TNB) (RM50,000) and the Zakat Collection Centre (PPZ) (RM10,000)
to three representatives on behalf of the asnaf group in the Federal
Territories.
After breaking the fast, Anwar performed Maghrib
prayers at Putra Mosque with the congregation, led by the mosque’s senior
deputy director, Abdul Karim Zakaria.
MIM was co-organised by Jakim and the Putrajaya
Corporation as well as 14 religious agencies and other strategic partners,
including LHDN, TNB, PPZ and Jakim’s Corporate Dakwah Secretariat, where 10,000
food packs and buburlambuk were distributed to the public.
It was held to foster camaraderie and togetherness
among the people by sharing blessings and providing a platform for government
agencies and the prime minister to reach out to people from all layers of
society while nurturing compassion and unity.
The programme’s concept aligns with the Malaysia
MADANI initiative, emphasising mutual respect, courtesy and solidarity.-Bernama
Source:
thesun.my
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local_news/anwar-attends-iftar-madani-breaks-fast-with-nearly-10000-people-DG12274025
---
Domestic Trade Ministry sees increased awareness among
traders at Ramadan bazaars to display price tags
29 Mar 2024
MELAKA, March 29 ? The level of awareness among
traders at the Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaars in Melaka on the requirement for
them to play price tags on their goods has increased, said Domestic Trade and
Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director NorenaJaafar.
This, she said, proved the effectiveness of the
agency’s advocacy, enforcement and monitoring programmes.
“The awareness among the traders has increased
significantly compared to last year, especially with consumers themselves
playing a role by not entering stores that do not display price tags,” she told
reporters after conducting an operation, Op Samar, at the MITC Ayer
KerohAidilfitri Bazar here yesterday.
Regarding the operation, she said, two traders were
fined RM200 each for failing to display price tags and using unverified weighing
equipment.
“Since the first Ramadan, we have conducted checks at
2,200 business premises at the Ramadan bazaars and during the inspection, we
advocated the use of price tags. The traders have been given ample time to
comply, and during the operation today (yesterday), compound notices are issued
to the errant traders,” she said.
She said Op Samar will continue to be conducted at
Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaars until the end of Ramadan. ? Bernama
Source:
malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/29/domestic-trade-ministry-sees-increased-awareness-among-traders-at-ramadan-bazaars-to-display-price-tags/126143
---
‘Allah’ socks issue: Do not take matters into own hands,
cautions IGP
29 Mar 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 — Inspector-General of Police
Tan Sri Razarudin Husain issued a public reminder for all parties not to take
matters into their own hands and violate the law over the “Allah” socks case.
Everyone has to obey the country’s law, he said as he
urged the public to allow the police to determine the lawful course of action.
“Let us (police) act, there’s no need for those who
are dissatisfied to take matters into their own hands to torch or throw a
Molotov cocktail at KK Mart...there’s no need.
“Malaysia has laws, so we need to follow them. We also
monitor social media for issues that might cause racial and religious tensions.
I advise that no more such issues be played up as it will cause concern and
unrest,” he said in comments about an incident where a Molotov cocktail was
thrown at a KK Mart outlet in Bidor during the handover of duties ceremony for
the Kuala Lumpur police chief at the Kuala Lumpur police contingent
headquarters here today.
Razarudin had earlier conferred the CP rank to Bukit
Aman Criminal Investigations Department deputy director (Investigation/Legal)
Datuk RusdiMohd Isa, who was appointed as the new Kuala Lumpur police chief
effective today at the ceremony.
Rusdi is replacing Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid, who
retired today after serving the force for 38 years and nine months since July
1, 1985. — Bernama
Source:
malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/29/allah-socks-issue-do-not-take-matters-into-own-hands-cautions-igp/126198
---
Air Force's new Super Hercules takes off for Gaza aid
distribution
March 29, 2024
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force's new
C-130 J Super Hercules aircraft, bearing tail number A-1340, took off for
Jordan on its inaugural mission to facilitate the distribution of Indonesian
humanitarian aid to Palestinian people in Gaza.
Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI)
General AgusSubiyanto sent off the aircraft, manned by 27 personnel, at the
Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, on Friday.
In his speech, Subiyanto urged the assigned officers
to exert their utmost efforts to ensure the success of the mission that reflects
the Indonesian government and people's trust in the military institution.
"I want you to carry out this noble duty with a
genuine sense of responsibility. You must prioritize security factors and run
all procedures in a careful manner," he told the soldiers during the
send-off ceremony.
The commander also called on the officers to establish
intensive coordination with relevant parties and report every development to
ensure the success of the mission.
Under the mission, the TNI is seeking to reach Jordan
by the Super Hercules aircraft to deliver assistance in the form of equipment
for conducting aerial delivery, including 900 personnel parachutes and 50 cargo
parachutes.
General Subiyanto noted that a single personnel
parachute can drop 100 kilograms of loads, while a cargo parachute can drop
loads of 15 tons.
The equipment will be used by the Jordanian Air Force
to distribute Indonesian humanitarian aid, prepared by the National Alms Agency
(Baznas), to Gaza using the airdrop method.
The team deployed for the delivery mission is being
led by Colonel Noto Casnoto and comprises 15 Super Hercules crew, two elite air
force officers, four supply and maintenance soldiers, two documentation
soldiers, one officer from the Defense Ministry, one diplomat, and one
intelligence soldier.
According to the plan, the C-130 J Super Hercules
aircraft will reach Jordan in three days via Aceh, Myanmar, India, and the
United Arab Emirates and is expected to land in Jakarta about a week later.
Source:
antaranews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://en.antaranews.com/news/309579/air-forces-new-super-hercules-takes-off-for-gaza-aid-distribution
---