Muslims In More Pressing Times Than 1857, 1947: Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, AIMPLB Cleric
New Age Islam News Bureau
04 April 2022
Maulana Khalid Saifullah
Rahmani/Muslim Mirror
-----
• Fifty Percent Hindus Will Convert To Islam If A
Muslim Becomes PM, Says Yati Narsinghanand Addressing a 'Hindu Mahapanchayat'
in Delhi
• Conspiracies, Threats To Pakistan From US, India,
Israel Not Secret: Jamaat-e-Islami
• High Court Declares Selangor-Born Woman ‘Not A
Muslim’, Says Her Unilateral Conversion To Islam At Age Four Invalid
• Israeli Forces Brutalize Palestinian Worshipers In
Al-Quds On 2nd Night Of Ramadan
India
• On Bail Yati Narsinghanand Booked For Hate Speech
Again; Asks Hindus To Be A Man And Take Up Arms, In Hindu Mahapanchayat In
Delhi
• With Call for Violence Against Muslims at Burari,
Yati Narsinghanand Violates Bail Conditions
• After MNS chief's warning to mosques, partymen play
Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeaker outside office
• Terrorist hideout busted near LoC in Jammu and
Kashmir's Poonch, huge cache of arms seized
• Terrorists attack 2 non-locals in Pulwama
• Five Lashkar men arrested in north Kashmir’s
Bandipora
• Bajrang Dal activists held for attacking Muslim meat
sellers
• Move over UP, Karnataka is India’s new anti-Muslim
hate factory
• With no restrictions, cheers return during Ramzan in
Hyderabad
--------
Pakistan
• Detailed ruling alleges opposition ‘nexus’ with
foreign powers
• Pakistan PM Imran Khan names US official who sent
'threat' message
• Imran Khan thrusts country into constitutional
crisis: Pakistan media
• Imran to continue as prime minister till appointment
of caretaker premier
• MQM-Altaf resumes activities in Karachi after years
• PTI defends NA dissolution, advises opposition to
prepare for new polls
• Imran acted like a dictator to wrap up democracy:
Fazl
• Military distances itself from no-confidence motion
• Pakistani peacekeepers martyred in Congo chopper
crash ‘valiant heroes’: Akram
--------
Southeast Asia
• Muslim Insurgents In Thailand To Cease Attacks
During Ramadan
• Klang Valley Ramadan bazaars roar back to life, even
as visitors and vendors remain Covid cautious
• Debate with Najib on Sapura? Any time, says Anwar
--------
Mideast
• Iran blames US for the halt in Vienna nuclear talks
with world powers
• FM: Iran Backs Resolution to Yemeni Crisis
• Deputy Judiciary Chief: Iran Discussing Extradition
of Prisoners with Turkey
• President Rayeesi Felicitates Muslim Heads of States
on Advent of Holy Month of Ramadan
--------
South Asia
• Taliban Has Begun To Show Its True Colours: European
Foundation for South Asian Studies
• Casualties Of Kabul Blast Rise To 60: Health Officials
• Blast in Afghan capital kills one, wounds several
• Taliban committed to Iran’s water rights: Iran’s
special representative
• Karzai, Thomas West discuss girls’ schools and
national consultative process
--------
Africa
• Jordan’s Prince Hamzah Relinquishes Royal Title
• Libyan Artisans Restore Old Qurans for Ramadan
• Somali military claims killing 7 al-Shabaab
terrorists
• Sudan army chief says to hand over power ‘only’ to
elected gov’t
• Tunisia’s Saied says building ‘new republic’ amid
political crisis
--------
North America
• US Special Envoy Says Yemen Truce Paves Way To End
Conflict
• US concerned by ‘extremely disturbing’ Mali massacre
reports
• Turkish defence giants to showcase products in Latin
America
• America should go back into Afghanistan and reclaim
property: Trump
--------
Europe
• Results Of North Macedonia Census Face Backlash From
Turkish Political Parties
• How Ukraine War Is Making The Arab Region’s Food
Security Crisis Worse
• Turkiye is significant regional power: Kremlin
• Another Algerian ministry bans French in official
correspondence
--------
Arab World
• Unexploded Landmines Continue To Kill And Maim
Indiscriminately In Syria’s Northeast
• Advisor of US-sanctioned former Lebanese FM to be
named UN envoy
• UAE welcomes two-month truce in Yemen
• Saudi Arabia welcomes UN announcement of ceasefire
agreement in Yemen
• Iraq completes measures for electric linkage with
Turkiye
• Turkish ship carrying humanitarian aid arrives in
Lebanon
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslims-1857-1947-maulana-aimplb/d/126722
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Muslims In More Pressing Times Than 1857, 1947:
Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, AIMPLB Cleric
Maulana Khalid Saifullah
Rahmani/Muslim Mirror
-----
Apr 4, 2022
Lucknow: All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB)
general secretary Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani said on Sunday that Muslims
today were in a more pressing situation than 1857 and 1947.
In a video message addressing the community, he asked
Muslims not to fall prey to communal forces who are trying to engulf the
country in hate and inciting Muslims to react and engage in strife.
“We are all well aware that Muslims today are going
through a more difficult period with respect to their religion and religious
freedom than 1857 -- the first war of independence and 1947 -- the Indian
independence,” said Maulana Rahmani.
“Different tactics are being used to attack Islam and
Shariat and Muslims are being target in isolation. Communal forces want to
incite us and bring our youth to the streets. One such issue is the hijab row
in Karnataka which has shown up as a challenge for Muslims,” he added.
He further said that AIMPLB has redirected its
energies to the issue since the first day and is also legally taking stock of
it. “AIMPLB has appealed in the Supreme Court (SC) recently and the board is
not ignorant of any such issue which is eyeing the Islamic Shariat for even a
second,” he said.
“It is my request to Muslims, especially Muslim
sisters, to stay away from propaganda against the board and such agencies which
are acting against Islam. Do not let them win over us. Pray for Muslims, the
safeguarding of their freedom for beliefs and religion, nurture children within
Islamic beliefs, establish as many schools for girls as possible, establish
institutions with modern education along with religious ones so we are
independent of other communities and that we are unharmed by the government if
it intrudes in the practicing of our Shariat,” he added.
Source: Times Of India
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
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Fifty Percent Hindus Will Convert To Islam If A Muslim
Becomes PM, Says Yati Narsinghanand Addressing a 'Hindu Mahapanchayat' in Delhi
Yati Narsinghanand | PTI
----
Apr 3, 2022
NEW DELHI: Notorious for making intemperate remarks
against Muslims, Yati Narsinghanand, the head priest of the Dasna Devi temple,
stoked yet another controversy on Sunday with his comment that "50 per
cent of Hindus will convert" in 20 years if a Muslim became the prime
minister of India. Addressing a 'Hindu Mahapanchayat' for which the Delhi
administration had not granted permission, he also exhorted Hindus to take up
arms to fight for their existence.
The Mahapanchayat was organised at Burari grounds here
by the same group which had earlier held similar controversial events in
Haridwar and at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, where anti-Muslim
slogans were raised.
Several other Hindu supremacist leaders also attended
the Sunday event.
Narsinghanand is currently on bail in connection with
the Haridwar hate speech case.
"Only in 2029 or in 2034 or in 2039 a Muslim will
become the prime minister. Once a Muslim will become the PM, 50 per cent Hindus
will convert, 40 per cent will be killed and the remaining 10 per cent will
either live in refugee camps or in other countries in the next 20 years.
"This will be the future of the Hindus. If you
want to avoid this future, then become a man and take up arms,"
Narsinghanand is seen saying in a video of the Mahapanchayat which is being
circulated on social media.
PTI could not independently check the veracity of the
video.
Meanwhile, a few Delhi based journalists, who had gone
to cover the event, were allegedly manhandled there. Police, however, denied
the claim that they were detained.
Sharing a tweet by one of the journalists who alleged
that two young Muslim men from the media were assaulted by a Hindu mob at the
Mahapanchayat and were also taken into custody, the Deputy Commissioner of
Police (Northwest) Usha Rangnani took to Twitter to say nobody was detained.
"Some of the reporters, willingly, on their own
free will, to evade the crowd which was getting agitated by their presence, sat
in PCR Van stationed at the venue and opted to proceed to Police Stn for
security reasons. No one was detained. Due police protection was provided,"
she stated in the tweet.
"For spreading misinformation, due necessary
action shall be initiated against such persons," she tweeted.
Source: Times Of India
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
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Conspiracies, Threats To Pakistan From US, India,
Israel Not Secret: Jamaat-e-Islami
Deputy Chief of
Jamaat-e-Islami, President of the Political and National Affairs Standing
Committee, Liaqat Baloch
----
April 2, 2022
RAWALPINDI: Deputy Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, President
of the Political and National Affairs Standing Committee, Liaqat Baloch has
said that intimidation, conspiracies and threats to Pakistan from the United
States, India and Israel are not secret.
Speaking to public gatherings and journalists in
Mianwali, Rawalpindi, he said that enemy forces of Pakistan have always been trying
to create threats for instability and security. Incompetence of the rulers,
cowardice and waving of letters is just to save the seat and inciting the
nation.
Liaqat Baloch said that Prime Minister Imran Khan must
answer the nation on Modi’s fascist decision of August 05, 2019 for the state
of Jammu and Kashmir; after the defeat of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan,
and the victory of Afghan people and Taliban, why could a national strategy not
be formulated?
Why was a controversial and unilateral national
security policy was devised, he questioned adding when the Prime Minister is
not ready for dialogue with the national leadership and instead of deterring
the threat to the country and the nation through devising a protective national
security policy, it is dealt with abusive language and a superficial
chair-saving strategy.
The JI Deputy Chief said that now, the game of fooling
people is not going to work. Jamaat-e-Islami is constantly fighting for the
protection of cultural, ideological and geographical borders against the United
States and anti-Islam and anti-Muslim forces. At the turning point, all the
so-called national leaders surrendered to the United States.
Responding to a question from media persons, he said
that in the political, democratic and parliamentary constitutional crisis of
the country, there is a clear, unequivocal position that the government and the
opposition parties are factions of Bhan Mati (unholy alliance) and interest
groups. The post-2018 engineered system has failed.
Liaqat Baloch said the success or failure of the
no-confidence motion will not solve the country’s problems. Imran Khan has lost
the majority of the parliamentarians. He has inflicted deep wounds on everyone
with his bad language, slander and his incompetence and even if the brigade of
his kittenish colleagues beg before the state institutions for taming the
dissidents, the system will not run. The only solution to the crisis is
electoral reforms and early elections. A sensational act of delaying early
elections will open the door to extra-constitutional measures, he added.
Source: Pakistan Today
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
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High Court Declares Selangor-Born Woman ‘Not A Muslim’,
Says Her Unilateral Conversion To Islam At Age Four Invalid
The High Court— Picture by
Miera Zulyana
----
04 Apr 2022
BY IDA LIM
KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 — The High Court has declared a
35-year-old woman — born in Selangor to a Hindu father and an initially
Buddhist mother — to be not a person professing the religion of Islam, ruling
that her unilateral conversion to Islam at the age of four by her Muslim
convert mother was invalid from the start.
The Selangor-born woman had said her case is not about
apostasy or leaving the faith of Islam, but was instead about her never being a
Muslim in the first place.
This woman, identified only as D to protect her
privacy, was born in November 1986 to a non-Muslim couple married under civil
laws via the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976. Her late father was of
Indian ethnicity, while her mother is of Chinese ethnicity.
D will be turning 36 this year. She has spent the last
eight years going to the courts to seek a declaration that she is not a Muslim,
in order to have the National Registration Department (NRD) remove the word
“Islam” from her identity card.
The facts in this case
Based on court documents sighted by Malay Mail, the
mother in an affidavit said D was raised as a Hindu, with D continuing to live
with the mother after the latter separated from the Hindu husband in around
1991.
The initially Buddhist mother said she decided to
convert to Islam while waiting for the divorce proceedings with her initial
husband to be concluded, as she intended to marry a Muslim man after the
divorce.
On May 17, 1991 which was when D was months away from
turning five, the mother went to the Selangor Islamic Religious Department
(Jais) with the child.
The mother said she was told by a Jais officer that D
would have to be converted to Islam to ensure that she has continued custody of
the child, adding that the officer had also said D would be able to choose her
religion once she turned 18.
The mother said she uttered the Kalimah Syahadah twice
— or the declaration of belief for Islam — adding that her child D did not
utter this and was unaware and did not understand what was happening.
In that same year, the mother received her conversion
card that recorded her as having converted to Islam.
Jais on August 28, 1993 issued to D — who was just
months away from turning seven years old — a conversion card, which recorded
her as having been converted on May 17, 1991. This conversion card retained D’s
original name but replaced her father’s name with the words “binti Abdullah”
(commonly given in Malaysia for situations such as converted Muslims).
The mother’s divorce with D’s father was finalised in
1992, and the High Court also granted the mother care and custody of the child.
D then continued living with her mother, including after the mother married a
Muslim man in 1993.
The mother said she did not inform D’s father about
the child’s purported conversion and that he died in 1996, also telling the
court in the affidavit that D continued to practise the Hindu religion and did
not practise or profess the religion of Islam while staying with the mother.
In her affidavit, D herself said her mother and her
stepfather allowed her to continue to practise and profess the Hindu religion,
saying she frequently visited her father’s family and prayed in Hindu temples
and celebrated Hindu festivals with them, and that she never professed the
religion of Islam or adopted Islamic beliefs such as only eating halal food or
pray according to the Muslim faith.
D explained that she wanted to remove the label
“Islam” on her identity card as she never professed the religion of Islam, and
around 2011 (which was when she was already an adult) decided to do so but said
her application was rejected by the NRD.
Having read news reports of the Federal Court’s 2007
decision in the case of Lina Joy who was also seeking to remove the word
“Islam” from her identity card, D said she then decided to go to the Shariah
courts. D said she did not know then that the Shariah courts have no jurisdiction
over her.
[In the Lina Joy case, a Malay woman named Azlina
Jailani who had renounced Islam succeeded — on her second attempt — in getting
the NRD to change her name on the identity card, but found that the new
identity card carried the word “Islam” and her original name on the reverse
side.
This came after a change in government regulations in
2000 — without her knowledge — that was made to apply retrospectively to her
October 1999 application for a new identity card, with the new rule requiring Muslims
to have their religion printed on their identity cards. In her application
form, she had stated her religion to be Christianity.
Forced to make a third application in January 2000 to
seek the removal of the word “Islam” and her original name from the identity
card, the NRD rejected this by saying Lina had to provide a Shariah court order
that stated her as having renounced Islam.
Lina challenged this via a lawsuit filed in the civil
courts, but the High Court in 2001 and the Court of Appeal in 2005 in a
majority decision rejected her bids.
The Federal Court in a majority decision by two judges
on May 30, 2007 also rejected Lina’s challenge by saying that the NRD was
entitled to impose the requirement of having a Shariah court order of apostasy
in order to delete the word “Islam” from an identity card and that the NRD had
correctly construed its powers under government regulations when imposing this
requirement. The other judge on the panel had disagreed and said Lina should be
entitled to have an identity card without the word “Islam”.]
As for D, she had on December 12, 2013 filed a lawsuit
in the Shariah High Court in Kuala Lumpur — as she was living there then — to
seek a declaration that she is not a Muslim. The Federal Territories Islamic
Religious Council (Maiwp), which was named as respondent in D’s lawsuit, then
filed a counterclaim for her to be sent for counselling.
The Shariah High Court on April 7, 2014 ordered her to
attend “counselling” by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department
(Jawi) twice a week for a four-month period (as it adopted the procedure in
Negri Sembilan laws of having a person intending to renounce Islam to undergo
counselling first to reconsider Islam as their religion before the Shariah
court decides on their renunciation application, if that person does not
“repent” as advised). D said she had maintained at the end of several
counselling sessions that she was not a person professing Islam.
The Shariah High Court on July 20, 2017 rejected D’s
application to be declared a non-Muslim, with the Shariah judge giving the
opinion that she is clearly a Muslim as her identity documents show her religion
to be Islam and as her name is a name commonly used by Muslims.
D then filed an appeal on August 1, 2017 to the
Shariah Court of Appeal — which dismissed her appeal more than three years
later on January 12, 2021. A three-judge panel in this case also concluded D is
a Muslim, after having highlighted various points such as D’s identity card
containing the word “Islam” and asserting that the records showed that she was
allegedly validly converted to Muslim and with her conversion card officially
registered (in the year when she was aged seven).
The legal struggle continues
Having started her journey at the age of 25 in 2011 to
have her identity card reflect her religious identity to be non-Muslim, D had
gone through a fruitless seven-year-long process from age 27 to 34 in her bid
to obtain a confirmation from the Shariah courts that she is not a Muslim.
D then turned to the civil courts, saying in court
papers that the Shariah courts actually did not have any jurisdiction over her
to begin with, as her purported conversion without both parents’ consent was
illegal and invalid and as she was never a person professing the religion of
Islam. She also explained that she did not know which courts’ jurisdiction
applied to her when she filed her initial case in the Shariah courts.
On May 10, 2021, D filed a lawsuit via originating
summons in the civil High Court in Shah Alam, naming the Selangor Islamic
Religious Council (Mais) and the Selangor state government as the two
respondents.
In this lawsuit filed in the civil High Court, D
sought for a court declaration that she is “not a person professing the
religion of Islam”, listing the reasons as including the consent of her father
never being obtained for her conversion to Islam as a child and having never
uttered the kalimah syahadah.
The other reasons she listed were that the consent of
both her father and mother were required for any conversion to take place, and
her assertion that she was born a Hindu and had only professed and practised
the Hindu religion at all times.
What the High Court decided
The High Court in Shah Alam on October 12, 2021 heard
D’s lawsuit where she was represented by lawyers Surendra Ananth and Nurul
Hidayah Mohd Azmi, while Mais was represented by Majdah Muda and the Selangor
state government represented by assistant state legal adviser Nur Irmawatie
Daud and Husna Abdul Halim.
On December 21, 2021, the High Court granted D’s
application for a declaration that she is not a person professing the religion
of Islam, and dismissed Mais’ counterclaim which had sought to declare D a
vexatious litigant.
Below is a summary by Malay Mail of the 29-page
written judgment dated February 12, 2022 by High Court judge Choo Kah Sing,
where he examined key issues such as whether the civil court can decide on D’s
religious status and whether her conversion to Islam at age four in May 1991
was even valid in the first place:
1. ‘No longer a Muslim’ vs ‘never was a Muslim’
Mais had argued that it is solely for the Shariah
courts to decide whether a person is Muslim or not.
The Selangor state government argued that D’s identity
card stating her to be Muslim and using her Muslim name for decades allegedly
meant that D’s challenge is about her saying she no longer wanted to be a
Muslim and that this should then be for the Shariah courts to decide.
In response to these arguments, the High Court cited
the most recent Federal Court decision in February 2021 in the case of Rosliza
Ibrahim, who successfully obtained court orders declaring that she was born
illegitimate to her late Buddhist mother and her Muslim father and that she is
not a person professing the religion of Islam.
The High Court pointed out that the Federal Court had
made a clear distinction between cases involving those who say they are “no
longer a Muslim” and want to leave Islam which would then fall under the
Shariah courts’ jurisdiction, and those who say they “never was a Muslim” or
not a Muslim ab initio (from the start) which would then fall under the civil
courts’ jurisdiction as it involves the interpretation of the constitutional
term “persons professing the religion of Islam” in the Federal Constitution.
Based on the facts in D’s case, the High Court said it
was satisfied that her case involved her assertion that she was never a Muslim
as she had never professed Islam and her conversion was not valid, while also
noting it involved her constitutional right under the Federal Constitution’s
Article 11(1) to profess and practise her religion.
As for Mais’ argument that D’s lawsuit in the civil
court was res judicata or a matter that had already been decided upon and
cannot be reheard, the High Court disagreed, noting that the Federal Court’s
decision in Rosliza’s case meant that the Shariah court proceedings have been
nullified as the Shariah courts have no jurisdiction to determine D’s assertion
that she was never a Muslim.
2. Legal standing
While Mais argued that D had no locus standi or legal
standing to file her lawsuit in the civil courts as it argued that the decision
of the Shariah court which said she is a Muslim is binding on her, the High
Court stressed that she has legal standing as her case involving the issue of
“never was a Muslim” would fall under the civil courts’ jurisdiction in line
with the Federal Court’s 2021 decision in Rosliza’s case.
The High Court said D had initially filed her case in
the Shariah courts in 2013 “out of necessity”, as the law on the courts’
jurisdiction — for situations of “never was a Muslim” and “no longer a Muslim”
— had yet to be made clear until the Federal Court’s 2021 decision in Rosliza’s
case.
Responding to Mais’ claim that it was an afterthought
by D to ask the civil courts for a declaration that she is “not a person
professing the religion of Islam” when her initial lawsuit in the Shariah
courts sought for a declaration that she was “no longer a Muslim”, the High
Court said it was not an afterthought as it noted that D has maintained her
stand at both the Shariah court and civil court proceedings that she does not
profess the religion of Islam.
With the law currently allowing D to exercise her
constitutional right in a civil court which was not available before the
Federal Court’s decision, the High Court concluded that she still has legal
standing to pursue her lawsuit in the civil courts despite having gone through
the futile process of going to the Shariah courts.
“As such, although the plaintiff had gone through the
motion in the Syariah High Court to assert her right, but failed, that whole
exercise has become a futility in law. The plaintiff could not be precluded
from having locus standi before the civil court to call upon the determination
of a right enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” the judge said, referring to
D as the plaintiff.
3. Was D’s conversion to Islam in 1991 even valid?
In D’s case, what was most crucial was actually what
Selangor state law was in force when she was allegedly converted to Islam in
May 1991 at the age of slightly over four years old.
Mais argued that the 1989 Selangor state law known as
the Administration of Islamic Law Enactment 1989 was in force then, and cited
its Section 70 (which said that the moment when any man or woman converts to
Islam, their child who has not attained the age of majority becomes converted
to Islam at the same moment) to argue that D was automatically converted when
her mother converted to Islam.
In using the 1989 state law to argue that D’s
conversion to Islam was valid and done according to Selangor’s laws, Mais had
also cited the 1989 law’s Section 74(3) which says that a certificate of
conversion to Islam shall be conclusive proof of what is stated in the
certificate.
But the High Court highlighted that the 1989 state law
only came into force on September 1, 1991, questioning how it could apply to
D’s situation where her mother converted several months earlier.
“The plaintiff’s mother’s conversion was on May 17,
1951, which was before the Enactment 1989 came into force. Therefore, how could
the Enactment 1989, particularly Section 70, apply to the plaintiff?” the judge
asked.
As for the 2003 Selangor state law (Administration of
the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003) which came into force
on September 1, 2003 and replaced and repealed the 1989 law, the High Court
said this too was not relevant.
Instead, the High Court looked at the old Selangor
state law known as the Administration of Muslim Law Enactment 1952 (which was
in force from October 1952 to August 31, 1991), and specifically at its Section
146 and Section 147.
Section 147 carried the heading “no conversion of
children”, and states “No person who has not attained the age of puberty shall
be converted to the Muslim religion”. This law was in force when D was
allegedly converted.
“Hence, the plaintiff’s purported conversion to Islam
by the JAIS on May 17, 1991 was against the state law of conversion at that
material time”.
The High Court also went on to say that the conversion
card issued in 1993 to D could not be valid and could not be taken as
conclusive proof that she had converted to Islam.
“This is because the plaintiff’s conversion to Islam
was against the law at that time and unlawful in the first place, a fortiori
the issuance of a conversion card to the plaintiff based on an unlawful
conversion on 17 May 1991 would be invalid and unlawful as well,” the judge
said.
“Hence this court finds the plaintiff was not validly
converted to Islam, and therefore, she could not be a person professing the
religion of Islam despite being erroneously identified as a convert-Muslim for
so many years,” the judge concluded.
What about the fact that D was unilaterally converted
by her mother without the father’s consent?
The High Court had considered the Federal Court’s
January 2018 unanimous decision in Hindu mother M. Indira Gandhi’s case (which
ruled that the consent of both parents are needed for a child born in a civil
marriage to be converted to Islam), but said the unilateral conversion of D to
Islam is not a relevant issue in this case, as it was illegal to convert her as
a child under the law then.
“This is because from the onset the conversion that
took place on May 17, 1991 was an unlawful one under the applicable state law
at that material time,” the judge said.
4. Why Mais’ counterclaim was rejected
Mais claimed that D was a vexatious litigant or
someone who sues repeatedly, but the High Court rejected this as it said the
civil court would not shut its door to a person who has a legitimate claim
based on their constitutional right.
Noting that D’s right to freedom of religion was in
question and that her case was within the civil court’s jurisdiction as it
involved the issue of never being a Muslim, the judge also said it had been
demonstrated that the Shariah court had acted out of bounds in exercising its
jurisdiction over D.
The judge concluded that D could not be a vexatious
litigant, saying “this is not a case of repeated litigations relying on the
same cause of action”.
Too long, didn’t read?
In short, the High Court decided that the civil courts
was the right place for D to go to as it has the powers to decide on cases
involving those who were never a Muslim, and decided that D had the legal
standing to file this lawsuit and was not someone who filed repeated lawsuits
without merit.
And while her mother had sought to convert her to
Islam as a child without asking the father’s consent, the High Court’s decided
that D’s May 1991 conversion to Islam was invalid as it goes against a Selangor
state law at that time (which said children cannot be converted to Islam).
What’s next?
On January 17, 2022, Mais filed an appeal against the
High Court’s decision which declared D to be not a person professing the
religion of Islam, while the Selangor state government also filed an appeal
later that same month.
The Court of Appeal is scheduled to hear the two
appeals by Mais and the Selangor government on September 13.
D’s lawyer Surendra confirmed his client has tried to
ask for a new identity card after the High Court declared her to be not a
Muslim, but said this has been turned down by the NRD.
“In the meantime, the Plaintiff has asked the NRD to
reissue her IC without Islam and the word ‘Binti’ following the court decision.
The DG of NRD responded saying that they will not do so as there is a pending
appeal,” he told Malay Mail, referring to the director-general of the NRD by
the initials.
Mais on March 17 also filed a stay application at the
High Court in Shah Alam, and this application is scheduled to be heard on May
30.
In the stay application, Mais is seeking to have the
High Court’s December 2021 decision stayed — or temporarily suspended from
taking effect — until the Court of Appeal decides on the appeal.
Source: Malay Mail
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original story:
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Israeli Forces Brutalize Palestinian Worshipers In Al-Quds
On 2nd Night Of Ramadan
Israeli security forces
deploy next to the Dome of the Rock mosque amid clashes with Palestinian
protesters at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Friday.
Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty
Images
------
April 4, 2022
Israeli regime forces have attacked Palestinians at
the Damascus Gate of the occupied Jerusalem al-Quds, severely beating
worshipers and carrying out arrests on the second night of the holy month of
Ramadan.
It is customary for Israeli forces to exhibit
increased levels of violence against Palestinians gathering in the area during
the fasting month of Ramadan.
On Saturday, Israeli police arrested four Palestinians
during a night of tensions in the Old City of al-Quds.
But regime forces resorted to more violent means of crackdown
on Sunday, hurling stun grenades and gas canisters and severely beating
worshipers returning from evening prayers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
At least 20 Palestinians were injured in the clashes
and 10 were detained, mostly by plain-clothed officers who embedded themselves
into the crowd.
Palestinians in return threw rocks and other
projectiles toward the Israeli forces.
Early in the day, dozens of illegal Jewish settlers --
escorted by Israeli forces-- stormed al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied al-Quds.
This happened as the Israeli police imposed movement restrictions on Muslim
worshipers at the mosque’s entrances and gates on the second day of Ramadan.
Tensions are boiling across the occupied territories
after Israeli forces shot dead three Palestinians in the West Bank city of
Jenin on Saturday.
The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic
Jihad said the victims were its members, identifying them as Saeb Abhera, 30,
Khalil Tawalbeh, 24, and Saif Abu Libdeh, 25.
The Palestinian resistance movement described the
killings as an aggression against all Palestinians and an assault on the
sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan. It vowed that the blood of the martyrs
will not have been in vain.
Palestinians have ramped up their retaliatory attacks
against Israeli forces in recent weeks, carrying out a series of operations
that have killed at least 11 Israelis since March 22. Eight Palestinians have
also been killed during the same period.
On Tuesday night, a Palestinian man identified as Diaa
Hamarsheh killed five Israelis, including a policeman, before being shot dead
in the ultra-orthodox town of Bnei Brak east of Tel Aviv.
The operation came days after two Palestinian gunmen
killed two Israeli forces and wounded four others in a shooting attack in the
northern Israeli city of Hadera before being shot dead.
Source: ABNA24
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
India
On
Bail Yati Narsinghanand Booked For Hate Speech Again; Asks Hindus To Be A Man
And Take Up Arms, In Hindu Mahapanchayat In Delhi
April
4, 2022
Addressing
a Hindu Mahapanchayat in Delhi on Sunday, religious leader Yati Narsinghanand
purportedly said that 50 per cent of Hindus would be converted, 40 per cent
killed and ten per cent exiled if a Muslim was to become the prime minister of
India.
Following
his controversial speech, an FIR under sections 153A [Promoting enmity between
different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence,
language...] and 188 of the Indian Penal Code was filed by the Delhi Police.
Earlier,
Yati Narsinghanand was arrested for making a provocative speech against Muslims
at a Dharam Sansad in Haridwar in December 2021. He was later granted bail.
What
Did He Say?
A
video of Yati Narsinghanand speaking at the event on Sunday has emerged on
social media. India Today has not yet verified the veracity of the video.
In
the unverified video, he can be heard saying:
Only
in 2029 or in 2034 or in 2039, a Muslim will become the prime minister. Once a
Muslim becomes the prime minister, 50 per cent Hindus will convert, 40 per cent
will be killed and the remaining 10 per cent will either live in refugee camps
or in other countries in the next 20 years.
He
reportedly added:
This
will be the future of Hindus. If you want to avoid this future, then be a man
and take up arms.
Source:
India Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
With
Call for Violence Against Muslims at Burari, Yati Narsinghanand Violates Bail
Conditions
Alishan
Jafri and Naomi Barton
New
Delhi: On April 3, 2022, a Hindu Mahapanchayat was held at North Delhi’s Burari
grounds, where at least five journalists were allegedly assaulted in the
process of covering the event. The organisers of the event, Preet Singh and
Pinky Chaudhary, have both previously been arrested for hate speech for an
event organised in August 2021 at Jantar Mantar, where slogans calling for
violence against Muslims were raised.
In
the same vein as both the Jantar Mantar event and the more recent Haridwar
‘Dharma Sansad’ in December 2021, the participants featured well-known
personalities of the militant Hindutva ecosystem as well as high-profile
mainstream priests, and the presence of hate speech amounting to calls for
genocide. The event also featured Yati Narsinghanand and Suresh Chavankhe, both
of whom have recently been in the news for administering oaths to their
respective congregations for a call to arms in ‘protection’ of the Hindu religion,
which has been seen as a genocidal cry for violence against Muslims.
While
the organisers were arrested for the hate speech raised last year, Preet Singh,
president of the ‘Save India Foundation’, was granted bail on September 24.
Pinky Chaudhary alias Bhupendar Tomar, a Hindu Raksha Dal leader, was granted
bail on September 30.
While
The Quint reported that the event was denied permission by the police, the
organisers had communicated to the publication that they intended to continue
with the event regardless, and videos show an absence of police intervention
when the event’s expected hate speech and calls to violence began.
Yati
Narsinghanand, the organiser of the Haridwar Dharma Sansad, repeated the
message for which he was arrested at the time, and made calls for violence
against Muslims.
He
said, “If a Muslim becomes the prime minister of India, in the next 20 years,
50% of all of you will change your religion…40% of Hindus will be murdered. Ten
percent of Hindus will give their sisters and daughters to Muslims, will live
in refugee camps or abroad. This is the future. If you want to change this
future, then become men. Become men. Who is a man? He who has a weapon in his
hand…The amount of man a woman bears for her husband and mangalsutra is the
love a man bears for his weapons.”
He
was also among a number of speakers who used The Kashmir Files as a communal
tool. Narsinghanand said, “For those who don’t want Hindus and Muslims to
fight, did you watch The Kashmir Files…they [Muslims] should leave their women
and properties behind and drown in the Indian Ocean. You [Muslims] have only
this path left.”
One
of the cases for which Yati Narsinghanand was arrested pertained to a hate
speech he made during the Haridwar assembly. When he was granted bail on
February 9 (a little under two months ago), it was under certain conditions.
The court asked him not to deliver any speech which can disrupt social harmony,
and restrained Narsinghanand from becoming part of any group or event with an
aim to create discord among different communities.
Sunday’s
event, organised by a group previously under legal fire for hate speech, was
organised to advocate for issues including “ghuspet niyantran” (intruder
control), “dharmantran niyantran” (religious conversion control) and “devsthan
mandir mukti” (freedom of Hindu temples). All of these operate as dogwhistles
against Muslims.
The
term ‘ghuspetia’ was used by Amit Shah while referring to ‘infiltrators’ left
out of the Assam National Register of Citizens and presumed to be Muslim
migrants from across the Bangladesh border. There has been recent violence
against Muslims for ‘forced conversions’ on false pretexts, and Muslim traders
have recently been expelled from Hindu temple events in Karnataka.
Narsinghanand’s
participation in this event also violates the order condition of not attending
an event with the aim of creating discord among different communities. The fact
that Muslim journalists were assaulted is also a testament to the disruption of
‘social harmony’ at the event.
No
action has been taken again Narsinghanand thus far for violating his bail
condition. However, according to PTI, an FIR has been registered against him
and other speakers at the event for hate speech at the Mukherjee Nagar police
station.
Narsinghanand
has been linked with the BJP machinery in the past, saying on the record that
Yogi Adityanath had intervened when he was to be booked under the Goonda Act,
and ‘saved him’. Ghaziabad SSP Pawan Kumar who had recommended that he be
booked under the Goonda Act has, as of April 2, 2022, been suspended; according
to the additional chief secretary (information) Navneet Sehgal, this was done
on Adityanath’s direction.
Source:
The Wire
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://thewire.in/communalism/yati-narsinghanand-burari-hate-speech-bail-conditions
--------
After
MNS chief's warning to mosques, partymen play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeaker
outside office
April
04, 2022
Thane:
A day after MNS chief Raj Thackeray warned mosques not to use loudspeakers, his
party workers played Hanuman Chalisa in front its office in Kalyan town of
Maharashtra's Thane district on 3 April, 2022.
While
addressing the Gudhi Padwa rally of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in
Mumbai on 2 April, 2022, Thackeray had said, “Why loudspeakers in mosques are
played at such high volume? If this is not stopped, there will be speakers
outside mosques playing Hanuman Chalisa at higher volume."
On
3 April, 2022, the local MNS workers assembled outside the party's office at
Sai Chowk in Kalyan and played Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers and chanted it
loudly. They also raised the slogan of 'Jai Shri Ram'.
Source:
Firstpost
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Terrorist
hideout busted near LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, huge cache of arms
seized
Apr
4, 2022
JAMMU:
Security forces busted a terrorist hideout in a village near the Line of
Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district and seized a large
quantity of arms and ammunition, officials said on Monday.
The
hideout was unearthed during a joint search operation by the army and police in
Noorkote village, the officials said.
They
said the arms and ammunition seized from the hideout included two AK-47 assault
rifles with two magazines and 63 rounds, one 223 bore AK shape gun with
handgrip, its two magazines and 20 rounds and one Chinese pistol with a
magazine and four rounds.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Terrorists
attack 2 non-locals in Pulwama
Apr
4, 2022
SRINAGAR:
Suspected terrorists shot at and injured a truck driver and helper, both
non-locals, in Litter area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday, the
first day of the holy month of Ramadan.
Police
said the victims, identified as Surinder and Dheraj, are both residents of
Pathankot in Punjab. They were bringing in a consignment of chicken for the
consumption of devotees during the holy month when they were fired at.
Both
the injured were immediately shifted to Pulwama sub-district hospital, from
where Surinder was referred to Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital. According to SMHS
Hospital medical superintendent Dr Kawaljeet Singh, the patient is stable as
the bullet had not touched his heart. Dherajhas injuries in one of his legs.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Five
Lashkar men arrested in north Kashmir’s Bandipora
Apr
4, 2022
SRINAGAR:
Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday claimed to have arrested five
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) affiliates from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district and
seized two Chinese grenades from them.
“Security
forces manning a check-post at Rakh Hajin area arrested LeT affiliate Irfan
Aziz Bhat with a Chinese grenade. During questioning, he revealed he was in
touch with Pakistan-based terrorist Umer Lala. He was earlier also in contact
with terrorist Saleem Parray of Hajin, who was slain in an encounter,” said a
police spokesperson, adding: “Bhat, along with other Pakistan-based terrorists,
were planning to carry out a terror attack in Hajin area.”
Based
on Bhat’s statement, police arrested four other LeT affiliates identified as
Irfan Ahmad Bhat of Ashtango; Sajad Ahmad Mir and Shariq Ahmad Mir, both from
Arin; and Irfan Ahmad Jan of Qazipora, Bandipora. “They were providing SIM
cards and logistic support to active terrorists,” said the spokesperson.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Bajrang
Dal activists held for attacking Muslim meat sellers
Apr
03, 2022
Five
Bajrang Dal activists were arrested in Shivamogga district in Karnataka for
allegedly attacking a Muslim trader for selling halal meat, even as the
'Boycott halal products' campaign by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal
intensified in the state. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai appealed to people to
celebrate Hindu new year Ugadi and 'Hosa Tadaku' festivals peacefully without
disturbing law and order.
During
Hosa Tadaku, which is celebrated a day after Ugadi, Hindus who prefer
non-vegetarian food, cook meat and chicken. The right wing activists have
appealed to the Hindus not to buy halal meat as it is already offered to Allah
by the Muslims and offering such 'stale meal' would be a disrespect to Hindu Gods
and Goddesses.
On
Thursday, two incidents were reported in Bhadrawati town one in Hosamane Police
Station limits and another in old town police station limits, Shivamogga
Superintendent of Police B M Lakshmi Prasad told reporters on Friday. In
Hosamane police station limits, five people went to the shop and demanded
non-halal meat. When it was not provided, the shop was shut. They assaulted one
boy in the shop on his head with their hands, he added. Similarly, a case was
registered in old town police station where some people went to Janata Hotel
and told the owner not to sell halal meat. When a customer questioned, he was
assaulted, the officer said. "In both the cases, the same accused have
been named.
A
case has been registered against them and they have been arrested. They are
Vadivelu, Srikanth, Krishna, Sawai Singh and Gunda," Prasad said. In
Bengaluru, the Chief Minister said he has given directions to the district
authorities. "I have asked all the deputy commissioners and superintendents
of police of all the districts that people have to celebrate their festivals
without disturbing the law and order. Directions given should be followed
strictly," Bommai told reporters. He also said peace meetings have been
convened with all the people concerned where they were told to ensure peaceful
celebration of the festival.
Intensifying
their drive, Hindu outfits on Saturday too got down on the streets appealing to
the Hindus to use only 'jhatka meat', which means killing any animal by
stunning it so that the sacrificed animal does not undergo the much sufferings.
The campaigners have tied up with Hindu meat vendors and have put up signboards
of '100% jhatka certified' on the outlets. Hindu activists have even offered 10
per cent concession on the purchase of meat of ₹200 and above and free home
delivery within eight kms of the outlet.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Move
over UP, Karnataka is India’s new anti-Muslim hate factory
3rd
April 2022
Since
the Hijab row started in January this year, Karnataka has been witnessing
instances of blatant Islamophobia non-stop. The state is now being called ‘the
Uttar Pradesh of south India’ after rising cases of anti-Muslim Hindutva
aggression are being reported on an almost every-day basis from different
districts of the state.
Karnataka
is also home to the second highest population of Muslims in Southern India
after Kerala, with almost 13 per cent of its population comprising Muslims.
Earlier, instances of Islamophobia would primarily be concentrated in South
coastal Karnataka, where several right-wing vigilante groups operate, more
often than not unlawfully.
While
South coastal Karnataka is considered to be a stronghold of the Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other right-wing groups (communal violence has been
rife in the area from the 1970s and 80s), communalism has now evidently become
an everyday affair across the state. The latest issue pertaining to Halal meat
has also led to violence.
MS
Education Academy
Bajrang
Dal members thrashed a worker at a meat shop owned by a Muslim man, after the
former demanded that they be sold non-halal meat.
From
the Hijab ban to the various other direct and indirect attacks on minority
communities, the last few months show that there is now an aggressive and
hateful mob hell-bent on making daily life difficult for Muslims in Karnataka.
More importantly, this has started after a major political change took place,
after former chief minister and Lingayat leader Yediyurappa was asked to step
down as chief minister.
He
was replaced by current Karnataka chief minister BS Bommai.
A
Karnataka-based observer, who did not want to be named, said that politics
plays a major hand in what is happening. “The larger agenda is political gain
after the recent change in chief ministers. For that, a fear of ‘minorities
taking over’ is being propagated to consolidate the Hindu vote bank. But this
communal divide has now crept past being an election tactic, and is now a
seemingly permanent state of affairs,” he told this newspaper.
To
give a better understanding of the situation, Siasat.com compiled a list of
hate crimes that have been reported since February, when the hijab row began in
Karnataka. Here is a map marking where the incidents have taken place (scroll
down to read about all of the reported hate crimes):
8
February: Muskaan Khan, an 18-year-old student, went to Karnataka Mandya
pre-University college to submit an assignment. She wasn’t allowed to enter
because she was wearing a burqa. A mob of goons dressed in saffron started
harassing her and chanting Jai Shree Ram.
10
February: Several Muslim students of Udupi’s Government Pre-University College
for Girls received threat calls. They had their phone numbers, addresses and
parents’ contacts allegedly leaked by the college. The girls were the face of
the protests against the college’s rule of hijab not being allowed in educational
institutes.
15
February: A video emerged of a hijabi student being chased by a reporter. It
quickly went viral, and sparked outrage online.
19
February: At least 58 female students from the Government Pre-University
College of Shiralakoppa in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district were suspended on
Saturday for wearing the hijab and staging an agitation. Similar situations
took plac ein Belagavi, Yadgir, Bellary, Chitradurgam and Shimoga also saw
hijab-clad students not being allowed into classrooms.
22
February: A reporter barged into a hijabi student’s house under the guise of a
sting operation. Aliya Assadi, the student, filed an FIR under IPC section 448
against a reporter of Asianet Suvarna News. Several other Muslim women were
followed, and harassed by members of select media houses since the start of the
high court proceedings vis-à-vis the hijab row.
3
March: An 18-year-old hijab-wearing Muslim student alleged a conspiracy against
her. She was booked by Karnataka police alongside six other Muslim students
over allegations of harassment of ABVP members. The incident happened at
Dayanand Pai-Satish Pai Government First Grade College in North Mangaluru. In a
tweet, she questioned the authenticity of the FIR.
5
March: A muslim collective trying to protect a dargah, which also happens to be
a state-protected monument, was assaulted by police officers. Members of
BJP/RSS wanted to “purify” a Shivalinga at the Hazrat Ladle Mashaikh Ansari
Shareef dargah in Aland Taluk of Gulbarga district. Acting on an “Aland chalo”
call by Siddalinga Swami of the Karuneshwar Mutt, goons aimed to usurp power
from the community and claim it was the home of a Shivalinga.
8
March: Hindutva goons entered a government college in Mugtahalli, Chickmanglur
without permission and forced Hijab-clad students to leave college if they
wouldn’t remove their headscarves.
22
March: Characters in a Yakshagana play during the Karkala Utsav in Karnataka’s
Udupi passed derogatory comments on Muslim women who wear hijabs. The
characters said that Muslim women “cannot be considered humans” as they wear a
“black cloak”, referring to the hijab.
https://twitter.com/safaperaje/status/1505962161138388995?s=20&t=UZmlru-Zhfy3O3oePip_ww
Karnataka
chief minister BS Bommai said that the applicability of the rules has to be
examined.
23
March: Karnataka Law Minister JC Madhuswamy referred to The Hindu Religious
Institutions And Charitable Endowments Act and Rules (2002), saying, “As per
the rule number 12 of Act, leasing out space near a Hindu religious institution
to a person of another faith is prohibited. If the instances of Muslims being
banned from doing business have taken place outside the temples’ premises, we
can examine. However, within the premises, the rules don’t permit people from
other communities to set up shop.”
23
March: Kuthma Sheikh, a 25-year-old student from Mudhol, was remanded in
judicial custody after she shared a WhatsApp status wishing people on
Pakistan’s Republic day. She captioned the picture in Urdu, “Allah Har Mulk me
Ittihaad…Aman…Sukoon…Ata Farma Maula” (may Allah grant unity, peace and harmony
in every country).
24
March:
Banners
announcing that Muslims cannot pitch their stalls at the annual fair of
Bappanaadu Durgaparameshwari Temple near Mangaluru district in Karnataka
appeared around the temple.
However,
the temple authority denied authorizing any such banner and said that they were
put up without being brought to their notice. The local police said that they
are aware of such banners and will take action after taking legal opinion.
The
same banner has been reportedly seen at other temples including Mangaladevi
Temple, Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple and Mahalingeshwara Temple in Puttur.
24
March:
A
man created a fake Muslim account to post hate speech online. Siddharoodha
Srikant Nirale, a resident of Bagalkot, had created a fake profile on Facebook
in the name of Mushtaq Ali after downloading pictures of a random person. Using
Facebook, he spread hatred. After the murder of a Bajrang Dal activist Harsha
in Shivamogga, he had posted many communal comments. Bagalkot Police arrested
him for threatening Karnataka BJP MLC D.S. Arun.
25
March:
Hindutva
goons in Kodagu district forced Muslim vendors to shut down fruit and juice
stalls set up in the premises of the venue where a state-level agricultural
programme was scheduled to take place. Manehalli village in Shaniwarpet, Kodagu
district saw saffron-clad Bajrang Dal goons forced Muslim traders to empty the
premises of the venue of an agricultural program.
27
March:
A
cycle rally organised by BJP MP Tejaswi Surya stopped in between their journey-
right outside the Masjid E-Hussaini Makan and Shahbaz Shah Khalander Dargah at
Kolar. They proceeded to dance to loud music that said “Shivaji Maharaj ki jai”
while waving saffron flags.
28
March:
A
member of right-wing organisation Hindu Jana Jagruti (HJJ) called for a
nationwide boycott of halal products. Mohan Gowda of the HJJ all Hindus to
boycott all halal products, and use only ‘Jhatka’ meat. “We will protect the
country by boycotting the economy of the anti-nationals.”
30
March:
Seven
teachers at the CS Patil girls high school in Gadag, were suspended for
allowing Hijab-clad girls to appear for an exam. The teachers were
invigilators.
Another
invigilator, Noor Fatima, was suspended earlier after she refused to take off
her hijab while conducting the SSLC (Class 10) exams at KSTV High School.
March
30:
Bajrang
Dal members patrolled streets in Nelamangala Ugadi fair in Bengaluru asking
Hindus vendors not to buy meat from Muslim shopkeepers. There were also posters
printed asking for the same.
March
30:
A
chicken shop owner was reportedly assaulted by right-wing goons in Bhadravathi
city of Shivamogga District. The attackers, who were regular customers of the
shop, demanded non-halal meat. When the shop owner, Syed Ansar refused to sell
non-halal meat, the goons started assaulting him and his cousin Tausif.
Source:
Siasat Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/move-over-up-karnataka-is-indias-new-anti-muslim-hate-factory-2298366/
--------
With
no restrictions, cheers return during Ramzan in Hyderabad
3rd
April 2022
Hyderabad:
After a gap of two years, the Muslim holy month of Ramzan began on a cheerful
note on Sunday with the usual hustle-bustle returning to the markets in this
historic city.
With
Covid-related restrictions no longer in place, the excitement was in the air
with the sighting of a new moon on Saturday. The fasting began on Sunday.
As
the sirens blared announcing the sighting of moon Saturday night, Muslims
headed to the mosques in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and
other towns in Telangana and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh for prayers.
After
‘Isha’ (daily night prayers), the devouts offered special namaaz called
‘Taraweeh’ during which the entire holy Quran is recited by ‘Huffaz’ (those who
have memorised the Quran).
The
biggest gathering was seen in the historic Mecca Masjid near Charminar. The
mosques were spruced up and illuminated. Big gatherings were also witnessed in
historic mosque at Public Gardens in the heart of the city, Darulshifa mosque
in the old city, Azizia Masjid in Mehdipatnam and scores of other mosques.
Hectic
activity was seen in markets and neighbourhoods as people purchased the
essentials to prepare for the first day of fasting. The fasting began with
‘Sahr’ or pre-dawn meals followed by ‘Namaz-e-Fajr’ or first prayer of the day.
The
holy month in 2020 was completely overshadowed by Covid-19 pandemic. The
mosques were closed due to ban on congregations while the markets were shut due
to lockdown.
Last
year, the celebrations were low-key due to various Covid-related restrictions.
The spirits were dampened in the last week with the Telangana government
imposing a lockdown to check the spread of the pandemic.
Now,
with no restrictions in place this year, the dazzle has returned to
festivities.
“I
thank the Almighty for blessing me with another Ramzan in my lifetime. It’s a
great feeling to offer the prayers in congregation and also move around friends
without any restrictions like wearing of mask and social distancing,” said Syed
Mohsin, a student.
Fasting,
the third of the five tenets of Islam, is obligatory for all adults except
those who are ill and travelling. During the fast from dawn to sunset, they
refrain from consuming food or water.
Hyderabad,
with a large Muslim population and a distinct culture, comes alive during the
holy month every year. Shopping continues till late in the night with people
tasting lip-smacking dishes including the season’s favourite ‘Haleem’.
Source:
Siasat Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/with-no-restrictions-cheers-return-during-ramzan-in-hyderabad-2301955/
--------
Pakistan
Detailed
ruling alleges opposition ‘nexus’ with foreign powers
Jamal
Shahid
April
4, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
Only a day after Fawad Chaudhry as the law minister issued directives for
formation of a commission to investigate the alleged foreign conspiracy behind
the no-confidence resolution against Prime Minister Imran Khan, Qasim Suri in
his controversial ruling declared that “circumstances show that there is a
nexus between the no-confidence motion, foreign intervention and the activities
of the state’s representatives deputed to Pakistan”.
Mr
Suri, in his detailed four-page ruling issued by the National Assembly
Secretariat on Sunday evening, declared a “foreign state was interfering in the
internal affairs of Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran Khan was its primary
target”. He did not mention the foreign state despite the fact that PM Khan had
already named the US in a slip of the tongue during an address to the nation.
He
said he could not give details about the foreign intentions and its links to
the no-confidence motion, but they could be provided in an in-camera session.
Mr Suri also based his ruling on the recent meetings of the National Security
Committee, federal cabinet and Parliamentary Committee on National Security
that were briefed on the ‘threat’.
He
stated a PCNS meeting was arranged for briefing on the issue on March 31, but
the opposition chose to boycott or ignore it. However, as a speaker and
custodian of the House, he asked the government functionaries to provide him
the facts and information subject to the applicable laws, the ruling stated.
Suri
claimed “there existed a campaign to oust and remove the democratically elected
government headed by Imran Khan through different means, including the motion
for no-confidence”. He said as the custodian of the House he could not “remain
indifferent or act as an unconcerned spectator let alone be instrumental in
this unconstitutional act of change of government and the prime minister
orchestrated by a foreign state”. The no-confidence motion could not be
entertained in these circumstances and had to be rejected, he explained.
Legal
fraternity chips in
Deputy
Attorney General Raja Khalid Mehmood Khan, who announced his resignation on
Sunday, told a TV channel that “something like this can be expected by a
dictator, but this has never happened in Pakistan’s history under a
democratically elected leader”. He claimed was not consulted and in his opinion
neither was the attorney general.
He
termed the deputy speaker’s ruling unconstitutional. “I am of the considered
view that the case against Imran Khan falls under Article 6 (treason).”
Lawyer
Faisal Chaudhry, a brother of former information minister Fawad Chaudhry,
defended the ruling, saying certain judgements of the Supreme Court put Article
5 of the Constitution “above all other matters”, and that the apex court would
have to take a deeper look into ‘Lettergate’.
Legal
wizard and PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan was of the view that if the no-trust motion
was against the rules the speaker’s office should have rejected it without
bringing it on the assembly’s agenda. Once the resolution had been placed on
the agenda, it became property of the House.
Supreme
Court Bar Association President Ahsan Bhoon told reporters outside the apex
court Mr Suri had no option but to put the resolution to vote. The president,
prime minister, law minister and the deputy speaker could be tried under
Article 6 for treason, he believed.
Meanwhile,
the Insaf Lawyers Forum, the lawyers’ wing of the PTI, condemned Mr Bhoon’s
statement, and asked the SCBA not to become a party in the political battle.
Senior
lawyer Akram Sheikh regretted this was the first government that had bulldozed
the Constitution and the rule of law under the guise of democracy. He explained
Article 5 could not be invoked at this stage since the assembly session was
called for counting of votes on the no-trust motion.
PM’s
stay in office
Later
in the evening, the Cabinet Division issued a notification, declaring that
Imran Khan ceased to hold the prime minister’s office with immediate effect.
“Consequent
upon dissolution of the National Assembly by the president of Pakistan, in
terms of Article 58(1) read with Article 48(1) of the Constitution of the
Islamic Republic of Pakistan… Mr Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi ceases to hold the
office of prime minister of Pakistan, with immediate effect,” the notification
read.
However,
Dr Shahbaz Gill claimed the notification was a requirement even after which Mr
Khan will continue to hold the office under Article 224(4) of the Constitution
until the appointment of a caretaker PM.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1683369/detailed-ruling-alleges-opposition-nexus-with-foreign-powers
--------
Pakistan
PM Imran Khan names US official who sent 'threat' message
Apr
4, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has revealed that Assistant Secretary of
State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu had sent a threatening
message to him through Pakistan's envoy Ambassador Asad Majeed.
"US
had sent a threatening message through Pakistan's envoy," Dawn quoting
Imran Khan reported.
During
his remarks that were televised, Imran Khan told them that when the National
Security Council (NSC) had condemned the involvement of an external force in
no-trust resolution, counting (of votes on the motion) had become
"irrelevant".
He
said that US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs
Donald Lu had reportedly in a meeting with Ambassador Asad Majeed warned there
could be implications if he survived the opposition's no-confidence motion in
the National Assembly.
According
to Dawn, the Prime Minister said he had reports that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) dissidents had frequented the [US] embassy. "What were the reasons
that the people, who have left us, met people of the embassy frequently in the
last few days," he said.
In
an address to the nation last week, Imran Khan had raised a "foreign
conspiracy" charge amid the opposition's growing confidence about the
no-trust motion against his government.
Imran
Khan mentioned "United States" in this context and then immediately
changed tack to say "foreign country".
"On
March 8 or before that on March 7, the US sent us a...not the US but a foreign
country sent us a message. The reason why I talking about this...for an
independent country to receive such a message... this is against me and the
country," he had said.
The
United States has rejected Imran Khan's allegations regarding Washington's role
in the alleged "foreign conspiracy" to oust him from power.
Source: Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Imran
Khan thrusts country into constitutional crisis: Pakistan media
Apr
4, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan media has criticised the dissolution of the National Assembly in the
country, saying that whatever happened on Sunday violated all rules governing
proceedings in the House, particularly those dealing with the motion of
no-confidence.
Pakistan
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri on Sunday dismissed the no-trust
motion against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, terming it a
contradiction of Article 5 of the country's Constitution. Moreover, Pakistan
President Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly on the proposal of Imran
Khan.
In
an editorial published on Monday, the Dawn newspaper said that Imran Khan could
have played the political game like a true sportsperson and still emerged
stronger from the loss given the sharp narrative he had spun leading up to the
vote.
"Instead,
he chose to thrust the country into a constitutional crisis. The president,
too, failed to act with wisdom: instead of looking into the constitutionality
of the entire process, he acted as an Imran Khan loyalist and sullied his office
with his partisan decision," the Dawn editorial said.
The
Pakistani newspaper argued that with the parliamentary process pulverised on
the orders of a leader who continues to hold it in deep contempt, Pakistan has
been thrown into the dark abyss of a constitutional crisis.
"It
came as a rude shock: it takes quite the fall for a self-proclaimed 'fighter'
to display such unsportsmanlike behaviour. By tearing up the rules of the game
instead of 'playing till the last ball', Mr Khan has dealt a fatal blow to
constitutionalism and given rise to the strongest concerns yet that he may not
be suited to hold public office within a democratic order," the editorial
said.
After
the dismissal of a no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led government,
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that
"Imran's coup" forces the country into yet another compromised
election.
Pakistan
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri on Sunday had dismissed the
no-trust motion against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, terming
it a contradiction of Article 5 of the country's Constitution. Moreover,
Pakistan President Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly on the proposal of
Imran Khan.
"We
set out on mission to force-free and fair election. Through a vote of no
confidence, electoral reforms & early elections. Were all set to achieve
that. Imran's coup undermines NCM, electoral reforms but forces yet another
compromised election. Silver lining Selected is GONE!" Bilawal Bhutto tweeted.
The
PPP chairman said that Pakistan cannot under any circumstances compromise on
the constitution. He urged the Supreme court of Pakistan to rise to the
challenge and prove that country's constitution is "more than a piece of
paper."
Pakistan
Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said that all orders and actions initiated by
Imran Khan and the president regarding the dissolution of the National Assembly
will be subject to the court's order.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Imran to continue as prime minister till appointment of caretaker premier
April
4, 2022
Imran
Khan will continue to serve as the prime minister of Pakistan till the appointment
of a caretaker premier under Article 224-A(4) of the Constitution, according to
a notification issued by President Dr Arif Alvi 's office.
Article
224(A) deals with the procedure of the appointment of the caretaker prime
minister in case the leader of the house and leader of the opposition do not
agree on the name of a caretaker prime minister, while 224(A) says:
"The
incumbent Prime Minister and the incumbent Chief Minister shall continue to
hold office till appointment of the care-taker Prime Minister and the
care-taker Chief Minister, as the case may be."
Earlier
in the day, the Cabinet Secretariat had issued a notification stating that
Imran Khan had "ceased to hold the office of the prime minister of
Pakistan with immediate effect".
However,
under Article 94 of the Constitution, the president "may ask the Prime
Minister to continue to hold office until his successor enters upon the office
of Prime Minister".
These
development came after the National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri
disallowed the no-trust vote against PM Imran by ruling it to be part of a
"foreign conspiracy" and in violation of Article 5 of the
Constitution, which demands loyalty to the state.
As
the opposition reeled in the face of the government's move, PM Imran appeared
on television moments later to announce that he had advised the president to
dissolve the NA and called on the country's citizens to prepare for fresh
elections.
Shortly
after, the president dissolved the lower house of Parliament under Article 58
of the Constitution, which says:
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
MQM-Altaf
resumes activities in Karachi after years
April
4, 2022
KARACHI:
In a surprising development, the Altaf Hussain-led Muttahida Qaumi Movement
(MQM), commonly known as MQM-London, resumed its organisational activities in
Karachi after a lapse of over five years and named two senior leaders as
members of its coordination committee, party’s top decision-making forum.
The
development coincides with a petition filed in the Sindh High Court seeking
lifting of a ban imposed in 2015 on the broadcast of speeches of London-based
Mr Hussain by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).
According
to a statement sent to Dawn by London-based MQM leader Mustafa Azizabadi,
former MNA Kunwar Khalid Yunus and veteran leftist leader Momin Khan Momin,
both based in Pakistan, have been made senior deputy convener and deputy
convener of the coordination committee, respectively.
The
statement said the two would pursue cases of interned MQM workers and also work
for the recovery of “missing” activists.
It
said that further organisational set-up would be announced in the days to come
and asked what it described as party’s “wafa parast” workers to keep in touch
with Mr Yunus and Mr Khan.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1683255/mqm-altaf-resumes-activities-in-karachi-after-years
--------
PTI
defends NA dissolution, advises opposition to prepare for new polls
April
4, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
A number of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) members and former ministers on
Sunday defended Prime Minister Imran Khan’s action of dissolving the National
Assembly and claimed that the ruling of the deputy speaker could not be
challenged in any court of the country.
Talking
to reporters outside the Supreme Court, former information minister Fawad
Chaudhry said the parliament was a separate institution and the judiciary had a
separate standing and, therefore, the deputy speaker’s decision could not be
challenged in any court of the country.
“Why
are you running from elections? Have political parties ever run from
elections?” Mr Chaudhry asked while criticising the opposition parties’
reaction to the prime minister’s dissolution of the National Assembly.
He
taunted the opposition by stating that it was the PTI which had lost the
government “but look at their (the opposition leaders’) drawn faces.” He said
he was seeing it for the first time that the government was celebrating its
ouster and the opposition was shedding tears.
Fawad
claims deputy speaker’s ruling cannot be challenged in any court
Mr
Chaudhry said that the president had dissolved the National Assembly on the
prime minister’s advice and elections would now be held within 90 days.
He
said that within two to three days, Mr Khan would write a letter to Shehbaz
Sharif to ask him to suggest names for the caretaker government to hold new
elections.
He
also objected to the hearing of the Supreme Court on Sunday, saying that
“courts shouldn’t be set up on Sunday”. He said political decisions shouldn’t
be taken in court rooms.
“Political
decisions are made by the people and not by courts. People have the right to
make these decisions,” he said.
Mr
Chaudhry ruled out the possibility of imposition of martial law in the country,
asserting that “the army has nothing to do with political developments in the
country”.
According
to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan, Mr Chaudhry said under Article
69, the Supreme Court did not have the jurisdiction to give a judgment on the
ruling of the parliament.
He
said the PTI’s lawyers and legal team would reach the Supreme Court on Monday
to put forward their point of view on the issue.
He
said the PTI was challenging the opposition to face it in the elections.
Meanwhile,
speaking at a separate news conference, former interior minister Sheikh Rashid
Ahmed said it was his desire that the provincial assemblies of Punjab and
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa might also be dissolved along with the National Assembly.
Mr
Ahmed said Mr Khan would remain the prime minister for the next 15 days and the
general elections would be held within 90 days.
He
expressed the hope that Mr Khan would win the next general elections with a
two-thirds majority.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Imran
acted like a dictator to wrap up democracy: Fazl
April
3, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and head of alliance of the opposition
parties, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Maulana Fazl ur Rehman has said
that Imran Khan has acted like a dictator to wrap up the democratic system in
the country.
Talking
to a private TV channel on Sunday, the PDM chief said that the self-fabricated
letter with claims of dispatched by a foreign country containing threats was an
attempt to flee of being held accountable.
Fazlur
Rehman said that Balochistan Assembly was dissolved in 1988 and we moved High
Court very next day after which court restored the assembly.
He
termed the National Assembly scenario unconstitutional, saying Deputy Speaker
was not authorized to give the said ruling. Whether it was the said rule, Imran
Khan was telling the nation about, he questioned.
The
PDM Chief declared rejecting of the No-Trust Motion as unconstitutional. They
came into power via unconstitutional means and no using unconstitutional
tactics instead of facing the defeat, he added.
Fazlur
Rehman said that after PTI’s defeat during first step of local government
elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the government utilized all public
resources.
Free
and fair election was our demand and goal from day first and democracy can’t be
run by creating crisis, he added.
Imran
Khan following Pervez Musharraf’s footsteps: Musadiq Malik
Meanwhile,
leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Musadiq Malik has said that
Imran Khan is following the footsteps of military dictator General (Retd)
Pervez Musharraf.
In
a statement issued on Sunday, he said that both Imran Khan and Pervez Musharraf
violated the constitution of the country.
Musadiq
Malik said that Governor Punjab was asked to dissolve assemblies and was
removed over refusal.
Today
the national assembly removed PM Imran Khan and Speaker NA alleged the assembly
members, he added.
The
PML-N leader further stated that Imran Khan was trying to create constitutional
crisis in the country.
Source:
Pakistan Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2022/04/03/imran-acted-like-a-dictator-to-wrap-up-democracy-fazl/
--------
Military
distances itself from no-confidence motion
April
3, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
The institution of the military has nothing to do with the vote of
no-confidence against the prime minister and how Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri
declined to hear the motion into his rule, observing there had been
unacceptable interference in Pakistan’s democratic institutions.
When
asked by Geo News if the military was on board with the government in its move
to block the motion, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General
Maj. Gen. Babar Iftikhar “denied any sort of involvement” in the process.
No
prime minister of Pakistan has ever completed a full term, and Imran Khan has
been facing the biggest challenge to his rule since being elected in 2018, with
opponents accusing him of economic mismanagement and bungling foreign policy.
On
Sunday, parliament was due to debate a no-confidence motion on Khan, but the
deputy speaker refused to accept it, causing uproar in the chamber.
Source:
Pakistan Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2022/04/03/military-distances-itself-from-no-confidence-motion/
--------
Pakistani
peacekeepers martyred in Congo chopper crash ‘valiant heroes’: Akram
April
3, 2022
UNITED
NATIONS: Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Munir
Akram, paid high tributes to the six “valiant” peacekeepers from Pakistan who
made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of peace in Congo as their bodies
were repatriated from Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, on Saturday.
“I
salute the commitment of our brave sons — the fallen peacekeepers from Pakistan
in DR Congo,” he tweeted.
“They
made the supreme sacrifice in the service of peace and to support the Congolese
people. They are Pakistan’s valiant heroes and will stay forever in the
nation’s thoughts and prayers,” Akram added.
Two
Russian and Serbian peacekeepers also died in the crash, which took place on
Tuesday.
Source:
Pakistan Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Southeast Asia
Muslim
insurgents in Thailand to cease attacks during Ramadan
April
04, 2022
Islamist
separatists in Thailand’s restive southernmost region have agreed to cease
attacks on state security forces during the Muslim month of Ramadan, according
to the main separatist group.
Representatives
of Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), who met last week with a Thai delegation
during the latest round of peace talks in Malaysia, said in a statement that
insurgents in Thailand’s three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces will stop
violence from April 3 to May 14.
The
decision, which was made in collaboration with Thai negotiators, aims to
“create a safe and prosperous atmosphere” for Muslims for the duration of the
holy month, a highly significant period in the Muslim religious calendar.
Simultaneously,
Thailand’s government, which has hailed the agreement as “significant
progress,” has said in another statement that this month-long “environment
conducive to peace” will enable people to “safely perform their religious
practices.”
The
cessation of violence will also boost public confidence in the ongoing peace
negotiations between the two sides, it said.
It
remains to be seen, however, if this agreement will lead to longer-lasting
peace in the troubled region where well over 7,300 people have lost their lives
in violence perpetrated by the two sides since 2004.
In
recent weeks, shadowy insurgent groups in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and
Narathiwat have launched bombing attacks against security personnel, dampening
hopes for a peaceful resolution to the long-running conflict.
Hardline
insurgents have repeatedly indicated over the years that they would accept no
political solution short of full independence for the southern Muslim-majority
provinces, which are inhabited predominantly by ethnic Malays and were once
part of a sultanate that was annexed in 1909 by what was then the Kingdom of
Siam.
Many
locals have never resigned themselves to being part of a Buddhist-majority
state, according to some analysts, and persistent violence in the region
bordering Malaysia has been part of daily life for nearly two decades.
Thailand’s
military-allied government, which seized power in a coup in 2014, has pledged
repeatedly to pacify the restive region by finding a political solution, but it
has made little progress in stopping regular attacks perpetrated by suspected
insurgents, including hit-and-run attacks with assault weapons and bombings
with homemade explosive devises.
Rights
groups have said that heavy-handed state security measures such as
extrajudicial killings, summary arrests and the alleged torture of suspects
have alienated a large segment of the local Muslim population.
Source:
UCA News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.ucanews.com/news/muslim-insurgents-in-thailand-to-cease-attacks-during-ramadan/96749
--------
Klang
Valley Ramadan bazaars roar back to life, even as visitors and vendors remain
Covid cautious
04
Apr 2022
BY
R. LOHESWAR & KENNETH TEE
KUALA
LUMPUR, April 4 — The large crowds expected at Ramadan bazaars throughout April
are a cause for concern if Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) are
disregarded, said visitors and vendors alike when approached by Malay Mail
yesterday.
The
Ramadan bazaars at Seksyen 13 in Shah Alam and Pandan Indah in Ampang saw
people coming out in droves to buy their favourite buka puasa goodies, some
from stalls that were opening for the first time in two years due to the
pandemic.
Eager
crowds
“It
is the first day so you kind of expect it to be chaotic,” said 17-year-old Rizq
Aqeef who Malay Mail spoke to in Shah Alam.
“For
two years, people couldn’t experience the bazaar so they all wanted to release
some tension. Despite things still being under control, I feel the SOPs could
be tighter.”
Meanwhile,
Suhaimi, whose favourite dishes are anything cooked in the percik style, added:
“Right now, you assume that everyone who feels feverish has Covid-19. So you
must be careful and look after yourself. Be honest with yourself and stay at
home if you have symptoms.”
Puteri
Siti Zulaika, who was with her family, told Malay Mail that she felt the Shah
Alam Ramadan bazaar was too crowded and they couldn’t buy most of the snacks
that they wanted as the queues were too long.
She
said they were a bit disappointed and felt others would be too, if they came
by, only to be greeted by hordes of people, with the realisation quickly
dawning on them that they might come away empty-handed.
“As
for the SOPs, they are not strict enough here as the place was too crowded.
Probably because people miss coming to the bazaar after the two-year hiatus,”
said the 20-year-old.
“It
is a cause for concern as there are still a lot of daily cases. But it is the
first day of puasa. Who wouldn’t want to go to the bazaar to buka? So we just
go with the flow and hope for the best,” she said, adding that she couldn’t get
her hands on her favourite Roti John due to the crowds.
Siti’s
sentiments were shared by electrician Lokman Nor Hakim who said the location of
the Shah Alam bazaar had caused some chaos.
It
is now at Stadium Shah Alam, much to the consternation of some members of the
public who view the location as far from accessible.
“It
is upsetting to see so many people. Parking is far away. It makes you wonder
who decided to have the bazaar here.
“For
the vendors, I am sure they are overjoyed. I mean look at the crowds. I feel
prices are still reasonable. But the ones queueing, good luck lah,” he quipped.
Brisk
business
Meanwhile,
at the Pasar Juadah Padang Perbandaran MPAJ in Pandan Indah, Ampang similar
scenes were observed.
Chicken
rice seller, Nizar Azmi, sold out by 6.45pm.
“Business
last year was not very encouraging since patrons were limited. This year, I
don’t even have time to buy my own dinner due to the constant flow of
customers,” he joked.
Despite
the increase in patrons and with it, the possible risk of infection, Nizar conceded
that he was not worried about contracting Covid-19 as almost everyone was
vaccinated and boosted.
Manning
her beverage stall, first-time trader Afiqah Fadzil said the crowd at today’s
Ramadan bazaar exceeded expectations.
Within
two hours of her stall opening, she had managed to sell most of her stock —
pressed fruit juice — thanks to the crowd upsurge, which numbered almost in the
hundreds at one point.
“Definitely
exceeded my expectations. I have never done business at a Ramadan bazaar.
“Our
sales were very encouraging as well and our drinks have sold out,” she said
enthusiastically.
Asked
about the potential risk of contracting Covid-19, she expressed her
reservations and slight concern since most of the transactions performed were
non-contactless.
Nevertheless,
she was optimistic that sales will pick up even further as more people
patronise the bazaar in the coming weeks based on her first-day observations.
Hankering
for a ‘normal’ Raya
The
global pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war and festive season are causing the price of
goods to go up. All the vendors Malay Mail spoke to said they had seen a hike
in costs and expected this to continue.
“Every
single thing you can name has gone up in price and this is due to a lack of
price controls,” said ikan bakar seller Suhaimi.
“Not
just the raw materials but other things such as plastic bags, cups and dry
items. As vendors, we still have to earn so we try our best.
“We
hope the customers understand the price hike as we too cannot do anything about
it.
“As
for getting infected, I already caught Covid once. That’s why we have to remind
ourselves we are not totally off the hook.
“The
main thing I want to see is that we have a normal Hari Raya celebration and for
the economy to stabilise.”
In
Bangsar, the Jalan Telawi Ramadan bazaar was more subdued. Putu piring seller
Myza said she still preferred being outdoors due to the threat of Omicron.
Myza
had been selling her goods online and was doing well but still said the bazaar
setting was something to cherish and many people missed that atmosphere.
“Being
cooped up at home for so many years is difficult so we still enjoy being
outdoors,” she said when met.
“The
main thing is to keep the mask on, maintain a distance and practise good
hygiene because if we don’t, then we can’t earn.”
Seventy-two
Ramadan bazaar locations involving 5,000 stalls are expected to open around the
federal capital during the fasting month, which started yesterday.
Source:
Malay Mail
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Debate
with Najib on Sapura? Any time, says Anwar
April
4, 2022
PETALING
JAYA: Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has taken up Najib Razak’s challenge to
debate the issue of bailing out Sapura Energy Bhd, saying he is ready to face
off with the former prime minister “any time”.
The
PKR president pointed out that he made a similar challenge to Najib to debate
the economy a decade ago, but he did not take it up then.
“I’m
ready for a debate with Najib any time for the sake of the country and the
people,” said Anwar in a statement.
Yesterday,
Najib accepted Rafizi Ramli’s invitation for a debate on Sapura, and told the
PKR vice-president to invite Anwar to join too.
“Two
versus one, no problem,” Najib had said in a Facebook post.
Sapura,
a government-linked company (GLC), had announced a loss of RM8.9 billion last
year, which Najib said was the largest for any Malaysian GLC in history.
Najib
and Rafizi have been going back and forth over Sapura, after Najib had initially
called on the government to intervene by providing easy interest loans or loan
guarantees to Sapura to solve its cash flow problems.
Alternatively,
Najib said, Putrajaya could direct Petronas or Khazanah Nasional Bhd to take
over ownership of Sapura, citing how Petronas still required Sapura’s services
for its projects and had a better understanding of the sector.
Source:
Free Malaysia Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Mideast
Iran
blames US for the halt in Vienna nuclear talks with world powers
04
April ,2022
The
US is responsible for the pause in talks between Tehran and world powers in
Vienna aimed at reviving their 2015 nuclear deal, an Iranian foreign ministry
spokesperson said on Monday.
“America
is responsible for the halt of these talks ... a deal is very much within
reach,” Saeed Khatibzadeh told a weekly news conference.
“Washington
should make political decision for the deal’s revival,” he said, adding that
Tehran would “not wait forever.”
The
US State Department said on Thursday that a small number of outstanding issues
remain in the nuclear talks, adding that the onus was on Tehran to make those
decisions.
Iran
has said that there are still outstanding issues, including Washington removing
a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designation against Iran’s Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Also
Tehran has been pushing for guarantees that any future US president would not
withdraw from the agreement. The extent to which sanctions would be rolled back
is another unresolved issue.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
FM:
Iran Backs Resolution to Yemeni Crisis
2022-April-3
Amir
Abdollahian made the remarks in a Sunday phone conversation with Secretary
General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres.
During
the phone talk, Amir Abdollahian and Guterres discussed the latest developments
in Yemen, including a ceasefire to halt the Saudi-led raids on the impoverished
country and the Yemeni armed forces' retaliatory attacks.
The
Iranian foreign minister welcomed the establishment of the ceasefire in Yemen
and thanked the secretary general for the role he played in this regard.
"The
time has come for taking key steps towards the establishment of peace and
stability in Yemen, specially toward the full removal of humanitarian sanctions
on the country," he said.
Amir
Abdollahian further said Iran would continue to support a settlement to the
Yemeni crisis and end the war in the country, adding, "We hope, in time
with the establishment of truce, the full blockade on the people of Yemen is
also halted, so that this important opportunity does not go to waste."
He
also underlined the need for dispatching humanitarian aid to the people of
Yemen.
Guterres,
for his part, expressed his congratulations on the establishment of the
ceasefire, calling it a "joint success and victory" that was achieved
through the efforts of all sides.
UN
special envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg announced on Friday that the two warring
sides had agreed to a ceasefire that went into effect on Saturday.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14010114000818/FM-Iran-Backs-Reslin-Yemeni-Crisis
--------
Deputy
Judiciary Chief: Iran Discussing Extradition of Prisoners with Turkey
2022-April-3
"There
is no problem concerning the transfer of Iranian prisoners from Turkey,”
Qaribabadi told reporters.
"But
the requirements for the transfer of convicts should be fulfilled. Among these
are negotiations, consent of the host country and consent of the prisoners,"
he added.
Qaribabadi
added that the transfer and extradition of Iranian nationals held in other
countries are now "more seriously pursued".
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
President
Rayeesi Felicitates Muslim Heads of States on Advent of Holy Month of Ramadan
2022-April-3
In
separate messages to Muslim countries' leaders on Saturday, President Rayeei
expressed the hope that effective steps would be taken to strengthen unity and
integrity among the Islamic Ummah, particularly against divisive movements and
Takfiri terrorism.
He
added that such a goal could be achieved with the blessings of Ramadan which is
marked by mercy and forgiveness and through joint efforts of Islamic leaders
and intellectuals while emphasizing growing cohesion and solidarity among
Muslim nations.
The
Iranian president also hoped that the world and Palestine in particular would
witness the elimination of oppression and injustice and the establishment of
peace and security.
The
office of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei
has declared Sunday, April 3, as the first day of the Muslim holy month of
Ramadan in Iran.
The
beginning of the fasting month of Ramadan is determined by both lunar
calculations and physical sightings of a new moon.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
South Asia
Taliban
Has Begun To Show Its True Colours: European Foundation for South Asian Studies
4
April, 2022
Amsterdam
[Netherlands], April 4 (ANI): Amid the continuing concern over human rights
violations in Afghanistan, a European think tank said that the Taliban has in
recent weeks “begun to show its true colours.”
In
a commentary published last week, the Netherland-based think tank stressed that
the international community must redirect its attention to Afghanistan, where
the situation has become dire.
“Whether
the hardening of the Taliban’s attitude towards the legitimate and basic rights
of the Afghan people, especially the women, is aimed at forcing the attention
of the West towards it, or whether it is in reaction to the realization that it
would never be acceptable to the world in its present avatar is, however, not
yet clear,” said European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS).
According
to the European think tank, people are being forced to sell their kidneys for
as little as a couple of thousand dollars just to feed their starving children,
and in which women are literally being reduced to right less adjuncts.
“Over
the past few days, girls have been banned from going to school beyond the sixth
grade, women have been barred from travelling by air unaccompanied by a male
relative, and men and women have been ordered to visit public parks only on
separate days of the week that have been earmarked for each,” EFSAS said.
This
is in addition to the slew of restrictions imposed on women earlier, whereby
they had been banned from many government jobs that they were otherwise fully
qualified to do, told what they can and cannot wear, and prevented from
travelling alone by road to other cities, the think tank said.
Several
women’s rights activists have been detained. In effect, within a year of
seizing Kabul, the Taliban has totally reversed two decades of gains made by
Afghanistan’s women.
Afghan
activists told Human Rights Watch (HRW) that the Taliban have increased their
surveillance of individuals and groups they accuse of being “opposed to the
Islamic Emirate.” The threats follow a spate of attacks in which Taliban
members have been abducted or killed.
The
Taliban have previously carried out revenge killings of former government
officials and have been responsible for forcibly disappearances or summarily
executing former members of the security forces and others they accuse of being
their enemies.
Source:
The Print
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://theprint.in/world/taliban-has-begun-to-show-its-true-colours-european-think-tank/901195/
--------
Casualties
of Kabul blast rise to 60: health
officials
04
Apr 2022
Emergency
Hospital in Kabul announced that the casualties of Kabul Stock Market rose to
59 wounded and one dead.
An
explosion that targeted money exchangers in Afghanistan’s largest money
exchanging market-Sarai Shahzada- in central Kabul had injured only ten but the
number rose as the victims were taken to a nearby hospital.
“One
dead and 59 wounded have been taken to hospital from Sarai Shahzada. 33 of
those wounded are still under treatment while the remainder has been
discharged.” Reads a Twitter post of Emergency Hospital.
Earlier,
the Ministry of Interior of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan had said that
only ten people have been wounded in the blast adding a thief who threw a
grenade at a crowd of people and then manage to flee the scene.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/causualties-of-kabul-blast-rise-to-60-health-officials-6587567/
--------
Blast
in Afghan capital kills one, wounds several
April
4, 2022
KABUL:
An explosion in the centre of the Afghan capital of Kabul on Sunday killed one
person and wounded at least 59 others, hospital officials said.
In
a tweet, Kabul’s Emergency Hospital said one body was received at the hospital
and 59 people were treated, with 30 of the wounded being admitted for further
treatment. It did not specify the injuries.
A
spokesman for the Taliban’s Kabul police, Khalid Zadran, said the explosion was
caused by a hand grenade thrown by a would-be thief who wanted to rob the money
changers in the area. He said 10 people were injured. There was no immediate
explanation for the discrepancy in the number of wounded.
Zadran
said police have launched an investigation.
Video
shot by this news agency showed wounded being removed from the site, carried by
passersby.
Wais
Ahmad, a money changer, said the explosion happened inside a market where money
changers operate. The market was closed immediately after the explosion and
Taliban security surrounded the area.
The
blast was the first in the Afghan capital in months. Afghanistan’s Taliban
rulers have stepped up security throughout most of the country since sweeping
to power in August.
Taliban
troops man dozens of checkpoints throughout the city.
The
greatest threat facing the Taliban comes from the militant Islamic State group
affiliate known as “Islamic State in Khorasan Province, or IS-K”. The Taliban
have cracked down on the affiliate in its stronghold in eastern Afghanistan.
In
a statement, IS-K said they targeted a Taliban vehicle in Kabul, killing
everyone inside the vehicle. However, there was no confirmation from the
Taliban rulers or signs of an explosion on Saturday.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1683344/blast-in-afghan-capital-kills-one-wounds-several
--------
Taliban
committed to Iran’s water rights: Iran’s special representative
04
Apr 2022
Iran’s
special representative for Afghanistan Hassan Kazemi Qomi said that talks with
Taliban officials were positive and that the Afghan side is committed to Iran’s
water rights in accordance with the existing agreement, Tehran News reported.
He
added that the Afghan delegation insisted on Iran’s water rights be part of
government plans after returning to Kabul.
Hassan
Kazemi Qomi met with Afghan delegation in China during a conference of Foreign
Ministers of Afghanistan on the latter last week.
Qomi
further added that border security, stability in Afghanistan, and Afghan soil
not threatening other countries were other topics discussed during the meeting.
Earlier,
Deputy Minister of Information and Culture and Chief spokesperson of the IEA
Zabiullah Mujahid had said that they are committed to the existing agreement
with Iran and the country will receive water from the Helmand Sea once the
issue of drought in Afghanistan is resolved.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Karzai,
Thomas West discuss girls’ schools and national consultative process
04
Apr 2022
US
special representative for Afghanistan Thomas West and former Afghan President
Hamid Karzai discussed people’s desire for the reopening of secondary schools
for Afghan girls.
Thomas
West took to his Twitter and wrote that he spoke with Hamid Karzai on Sunday,
April 3, and discussed girls’ education and the need for a national
consultative process in Afghanistan.
“A
pleasure to speak yesterday with @KarzaiH We exchanged views re: the Afghan
people’s desire to see girls return to secondary school soonest, and the need
for a nat’l consultative process to determine country’s future.” Reads the
Twitter post.
Earlier,
Thomas West refused to carry out a meeting with the Taliban delegation in Doha
in reaction to the closure of schools for girls upper than grade 6th.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Africa
Jordan’s
Prince Hamzah relinquishes royal title
03
April ,2022
Jordan’s
Prince Hamzah Bin al-Hussein is relinquishing his title of prince, he said in a
statement.
Prince
Hamza, a former heir to the throne, was accused last year of conspiring to
destabilize the monarchy in a foreign-inspired plot.
For
the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Prince
Hamzah posted the statement on his official Twitter account, saying he gave up
his title because his values “are not in line with the approaches, trends, and
modern methods of our institutions.”
King
Abdullah II and Hamzah are both sons of King Hussein, who ruled Jordan for
nearly a half-century before his death in 1999.
Abdullah
had appointed Hamzah as crown prince upon his succession but stripped him of
the title in 2004.
The
prince apologized last month for his role in an alleged plot, the Royal Palace
said. He was accused last year of involvement in a plot to destabilize the
kingdom and was placed under house arrest last April.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Libyan
Artisans Restore Old Qurans for Ramadan
April
04, 2022
TRIPOLI
— With the arrival of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in war-scarred Libya, a
group of volunteers work around the clock to restore old or damaged copies of
the Quran.
Khaled
al-Drebi, one of Libya's best-known restorers of Islam's holy book, is among
the artisans who arrive at a Tripoli workshop daily to meet the needs of the
influx of customers during Ramadan.
For
Muslims, Ramadan is a month of spirituality, where a daily dawn-to-dusk fast is
accompanied with prayer and acts of charity — often translating into a surge in
sales of Qurans.
"The
purchase of new Qurans traditionally increases before the month of Ramadan, but
this has recently changed in Libya," Drebi told AFP.
For
many, tradition has been interrupted by an increase in the cost of Qurans,
especially "since the state stopped printing" them in Libya, he
added.
The
North African nation has endured more than a decade of conflict, leaving many
of its institutions in disarray and dealing a major blow to the oil-rich
country's economy.
"The
cost of buying (Qurans) has increased, and so the turnout for restoring old
Qurans has gained unprecedented popularity," Drebi said.
Compared
to the cost of a new Quran — at more than $20 depending on the binding —
Drebi's workshop charges just a few dollars to restore one.
'Indescribable
joy'
But
cost is not the only factor — for many, the older copies also have a
sentimental value.
"There
is a spiritual connection for some customers," Drebi said, adding that
many choose to preserve Qurans passed on from relatives. "Some say this
Quran has the smell of my grandfather or parents."
At
the back of the room, Abdel Razzaq al-Aroussi works on sorting through
thousands of Qurans based on their level of deterioration.
"The
restoration of Qurans with limited damage takes no more than an hour, but for
those that are very damaged, they could require two or more hours,"
Aroussi said.
They
"must be undone, restored and then bound," he said — a meticulous
process that requires a great deal of "time and concentration."
Mabrouk
al-Amin, a supervisor at the workshop, said the restoration process
"requires a good number of artisans."
"Working
with the book of God is very enjoyable and we don't get bored... there is an
indescribable joy in this work," he said.
Restorers say they have repaired a staggering
half a million Qurans since the workshop opened in 2008, and more than 1,500
trainees have graduated from 150 restoration workshops.
Women
restorers
In
recent years, more and more women have been joining the ranks of the volunteer
restorers.
"A
large number of women were trained on restoring the holy Quran and today they
have their own workshops," Drebi said.
One
female restorer, Khadija Mahmoud, has even held training sessions for blind
women.
"We
would not have been able to think of doing this... were it not for this capable
woman," Drebi added.
For
Mahmoud, who trains women at a workshop in Zawiya, 45 kilometers west of
Tripoli, restoring Qurans in a women's workshop allows them to work comfortably
and at a faster pace.
She
added that the restoration work has given many women a meaningful way to fill
their "spare time."
Source:
VOA News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.voanews.com/a/libyan-artisans-restore-old-qurans-for-ramadan-/6513997.html
--------
Somali
military claims killing 7 al-Shabaab terrorists
Mohammed
Dhaysane
03.04.2022
MOGADISHU,
Somalia
At
least seven al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in central Somalia on Sunday,
while several others were wounded after a military operation, according to the
country's army.
National
army chief Brig. Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rageh said that during the military operation
near the town of Wasil, the army also captured two wounded al-Shabaab
terrorists and recovered four improvised explosive devices, along with four
rifles and vehicles, Somali state television SNTV reported.
Residents
of the area told Anadolu Agency over the phone that they heard heavy gunfire
near Wasil, which is located in the central region of Mudug.
There
was no immediate comment from the al-Shabaab terrorist group.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/somali-military-claims-killing-7-al-shabaab-terrorists/2554141
--------
Sudan
army chief says to hand over power ‘only’ to elected gov’t
Buhram
Abdel-Men'em
03.04.2022
KHARTOUM,
Sudan
Sudan’s
army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan said the military will only hand over
power to an elected government.
“The
armed forces are united and are not afraid of any party,” al-Burhan said during
a military graduation ceremony late Saturday.
“The
army will continue to serve the country and maintain its security and
stability,” he added.
Al-Burhan,
the head of the ruling Sovereign Council, is facing criticism from Sudanese
politicians, who accuse the general of weakening the army to serve tribal
militias and the Rapid Support Forces under his deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
Sudan
has been in turmoil since Oct. 25, 2021, when the military dismissed Prime
Minister Abdalla Hamdok's transitional government and declared a state of
emergency, in a move decried by political groups as a “military coup.”
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Tunisia’s
Saied says building ‘new republic’ amid political crisis
Amna
El Yafrany
02.04.2022
TUNIS,
Tunisia
Tunisian
President Kais Saied has announced plans to build a "new republic",
amid a political crisis in the North African country.
We
are determined “to cleanse the country and move forward in building a new
republic according to the results of electronic consultations," Saied said
in a televised speech late Friday.
He
said the “new Tunisia” will be built with the help of “honest and sincere”
citizens and will herald a “new dawn” for the country.
In
January, Saied launched an online survey with the aim of "enhancing
citizens' participation in the democratic transition process". The poll
closed on March 20.
The
Tunisian government said nearly half a million people took part in the survey,
with 86.4% preferring a switch to a presidential system.
The
system of government in Tunisia is a modified presidential system (semi-presidential
or dual system), which includes the distribution of powers between the
presidency, the government and parliament.
Opposition
forces called for a boycott of the online survey, accusing Saied of seeking to
consolidate all powers in his hand.
Tunisia
has been in the throes of a deep political crisis since July 25, 2021 when
Saied dismissed the government, suspended parliament, and assumed executive
authority, in a move decried by opponents as a “coup.”
On
Wednesday, Saied dissolved the suspended parliament, hours after lawmakers held
a plenary session to revoke his measures taken since July 25.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
North America
US
special envoy says Yemen truce paves way to end conflict
02
April ,2022
A
United Nations-led truce in Yemen is a “decisive moment” in the near seven-year
conflict and offers hope the warring parties and international community can
bring a lasting peace to the devastated country, a senior US official told
Reuters.
US
Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking said the UN-brokered two-month truce
between the Arab Coalition and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia, which comes
into effect on Saturday, was a “first step” to a permanent ceasefire.
“If
the international community and parties can work together, this could be built
into a lasting ceasefire and inclusive political process that ultimately gives
shape to a new Yemen,” Lenderking said in an interview in Amman.
“We
want to build on a decisive moment that helps Yemen turn the corner.”
The
conflict has killed tens of thousands and pushed millions into hunger. The last
coordinated cessation of hostilities nationwide was during peace talks in 2016.
Lenderking
said the deal was a culmination of stepped up US diplomacy and the Houthis’
realization there could be no outright military victory.
“The
battlefield dynamics have changed, all of these things have combined to create
what is a decisive moment,” he said.
The
coalition was able to prevent the fall of Yemen’s gas rich Marib region, where
the Houthis last year advanced on most districts barring the main city and
nearby hydrocarbon sites.
The
Houthis had responded by stepping up attacks on Saudi Arabia and its ally the
United Arab Emirates.
However,
they have now put aside the “notion of military victory,” Lenderking said.
The
truce is an opportunity for Iran, which Washington says provides significant
support for the Houthis, to show its goodwill in backing the UN-led drive for
peace, he added.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
US
concerned by ‘extremely disturbing’ Mali massacre reports
03
April ,2022
The
US State Department said Sunday it was following “extremely disturbing”
accounts of killings in central Mali, after the Sahel state's military said it
killed over 200 militants in the volatile region.
On
Friday, the Malian military said that between March 21-31 it had killed 203
combatants in an operation in the Moura area of extremist-ridden central Mali.
However,
the announcement followed social media reports this week alleging that large
numbers of civilians had been killed in Moura.
AFP
was unable to verify the Malian army's claimed death toll or the social media
reports about civilian deaths.
Poor
access to Mali's conflict areas and a relative lack of independent information
sources means that figures provided by both the government and armed groups are
difficult to confirm.
For
the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
On
Sunday, the US State Department said that it was following the “extremely
disturbing accounts of large numbers of people killed” in Moura and offered its
condolences to the families of “all civilians who died”.
It
noted in a statement that many reports suggested that operatives from Russian
private military contractor Wagner had committed the killings, while others
said that Malian armed forces had killed militants.
“These
conflicting reports illustrate the urgent need for the Malian transition authorities
to give impartial investigators free, unfettered, and safe access to the area
where these tragic events unfolded”.
The
State Department called on Mali's army-dominated interim government to allow
the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, known as Minusma, to investigate.
Failure
to investigate will sow divisions, undermine the army's credibility, and “drive
communities into the hands of violent extremist groups,” it added.
An
impoverished nation of around 21 million people, Mali has struggled to contain
an extremist insurgency that emerged in 2012, before spreading to neighbouring
Burkina Faso and Niger.
Vast
swathes of the country are home to myriad rebel groups and militias, and
thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the conflict.
Mali's
under-equipped army has often been accused of committing abuses. The United
States and others also say that Russian private security firm Wagner has
deployed hundreds of fighters to Mali.
Mali's
interim government has repeatedly denied the claims, however, and regularly
defends the record of its armed forces.
For
instance, the Malian army stated Friday that it was guided by human rights and
international law, calling for “restraint against defamatory speculations”.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Turkish
defense giants to showcase products in Latin America
Göksel
Yıldırım
02.04.2022
Turkish
defense industry firms are set to showcase their latest products at FIDAE, one
of Latin America's leading defense fairs, in Santiago, the capital of Chile, on
April 5-10.
A
total of 10 major companies in the Turkish defense industry are on their way to
Latin America for new cooperation and export opportunities.
During
the fair, they will promote and present armored vehicle platforms, different
kinds of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, ammunition, simulators, logistics
support products, and defense services, along with naval, weapons, and
electronics systems.
Held
every two years, FIDAE has been one of the most important defense fairs in the
region since 1980, when it made its debut.
Turkish
companies will seek to seize opportunities for cooperation and marketing with
regional countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and especially
Chile.
The
firms will participate under a "Turkish National Pavilion" together
with the Defense Industry Exporters' Association and led by the Presidency of
Defense Industries.
Representatives
of ASELSAN, ASPILSAN, Canik, HAVELSAN, Nurol Makina, OTOKAR, REPKON, ROKETSAN,
TISAS, and the Turkish Aerospace Industries will meet with decision makers and
companies of the participating countries during the fair.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
America
should go back into Afghanistan and reclaim property: Trump
03
Apr 2022
US
former President Donald Trump has attacked Joe Biden questioning him he left
behind billions of dollars in equipment in Afghanistan, not the country itself.
Donald
Trump added that America should get back into Afghanistan to reclaim property.
“We’re
living through the most dangerous generation of our lifetime, and we have a
president who has no idea what’s going on. He has no idea what he’s doing and
he has no idea what he’s saying,” Trump said of Biden.
Trump
was speaking about the situation in Afghanistan on Saturday night at a rally in
Washington, Michigan.
Trump
added that Joe Biden has committed a mistake by pulling out troops from
Afghanistan and the finest military equipment in the world, from goggles to
700,000 machine guns.
The
former president said Bide surrendered Afghanistan and now he has given the
American people the Ukraine disaster.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/america-should-go-back-into-afghanistan-and-reclaim-property-trump-455876567/
--------
Europe
Results
of North Macedonia census face backlash from Turkish political parties
Dzihat
Aliju
02.04.2022
SKOPJE,
North Macedonia
Turkish
political parties in North Macedonia on Friday criticized the results of last
September's census, which were announced Thursday.
Turkish
Democratic Party (TDP) said the results were not accepted in very clear and
precise language.
“The
results are a complete discrepancy and carry the elements of political
operation,” it said in a statement. “The fact that there is an increase in the
Turkish population in 31 municipalities, the proportion of Turks in six
municipalities is over 20%, and the presence of a 7% increase in the last
decimals according to the results of the 2002 census does not mean that we will
ignore this political operation,” it said.
“It
is impossible to accept these results, which are far from reality, both by our
party and by our people,” it added.
The
statement said the increase of the total Turkish population by 5,484 in 19
years meant the rejection of all statistical data, as well as the non-disclosure
of the ethnicity data of 132,260 people made the whole process suspicious.
"The
State Statistical Agency must urgently and as soon as possible disclose the
data of these people," it said.
“In
addition, it is also necessary to explain which municipalities our 12,482
descendants living abroad reside in our country.
“This
activity will not go beyond being a political operation unless the doubts over
the counting process are resolved with clear and official data," the
statement emphasized.
‘Neither
successful nor European’ census
The
census was "neither successful nor European," the Turkish National
Unity Movement (TMBH) said in a separate statement.
The
census was described as an operation with post-communist characteristics.
"Our confidence in the government and institutions of North Macedonia has
been completely shaken," it said.
It
underscored that the results described by the data that was received by the
TMBH from the field do not coincide in a serious sense, so it is clear that
“manipulation has been carried out.”
It
is unacceptable that the number of Turks has increased by only 5,000 in 19
years, according to the population growth data released by the State
Statistical Agency every year, the population of Turks should increase by 2.4%
every year, it stressed.
Underlining
that the party does not recognize or accept the results, instead it said it
completely rejects what the census pointed out.
‘Good
faith for official use of Turkish language’
In
a statement by the Turkish Action Party (THP), it said Turkish citizens
increased by more than 20% in the municipalities of Karbintsi, Konche and
Vasilevo, which allows the Turkish language to be used as an official one in
local governments under the Law on the Use of Languages.
The
THP called on those municipalities to comply with legal obligations without
delay.
It
said the party expects “good faith for the official use of Turkish language” in
communities, where the Turkish population significantly rose.
Census
The
country finally conducted a census last September after many delays.
The
official results of the national headcount show the population has shrunk 9.2%
in two decades since the last census, local media outlets reported
The
population stands at 1,836,713, which is 185,834 people less than the number
recorded in 2002.
The
results show that of the resident population, 58.44% are ethnic Macedonians and
24.3% are ethnic Albanians.
Of
the rest, 3.86% are ethnic Turks, 2.53% Roma, 1.3% Serbs, 0.87% Bosnians and
0.47% are Vlachs.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
How
Ukraine war is making the Arab region’s food security crisis worse
April
03, 2022
NEW
YORK CITY: As the breadbasket of the world remains engulfed in conflict,
households in vulnerable and poor countries, as well as refugee camps around
the world, are getting burned.
The
Russia-Ukraine conflict is threatening to cause a global food crisis that could
drive up hunger and undernourishment levels in the Middle East, Central Asia
and beyond. The three Fs — food, fuel and fertilizers — could become rare
commodities enjoyed by the few if the fighting in Ukraine continues.
The
war erupted after two painful years of a pandemic that destroyed livelihoods
around the world, strained financial resources and emptied wallets, especially
in poor countries.
Fiscal
difficulties and inflation were joined by extreme weather in the form of floods
and droughts that added to the already considerable stress on the world
economy, hampering recovery.
The
war in Ukraine created a perfect storm because the two countries involved in it
controlled 30 percent of wheat exports of the global market in 2021, according
to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.
Russia,
the largest exporter of wheat in the world, and Ukraine, the fifth largest,
have between them 50 countries around the world that depend on them for 30
percent, some up to 60 percent, of wheat imports. Russia and Ukraine also
account for 75 percent of global sunflower seed oil production.
Wheat
prices rose 55 percent a week before the war started, coming on the heels of a
year that saw wheat prices surge 69 percent. It was also at a time when hunger
was on the rise in many parts of the world, especially in the Asia Pacific
region, according to the FAO. The pandemic led to an 18 percent rise in hunger,
bringing the number of malnourished people to 811 million around the world.
Arab
countries, notably Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Libya and Tunisia, rely heavily on
Black Sea grain imported from Russia and Ukraine. They buy more than 60 percent
of their wheat from the two countries.
These
countries, themselves beset by economic problems or conflict, are now facing a
difficult situation. In Lebanon for example, half of wheat in 2020 came from
Ukraine. The corresponding figures for Libya, Yemen and Egypt were 43 percent,
22 percent and 14 percent, respectively.
The
Arab Gulf region, according to IMF officials, will be less affected than other
countries in the region because of the fiscal cushion provided by the windfall
from high oil prices.
Countries
are looking for solutions. But even if importers seek to replace Russia and
Ukraine, they will face multiple challenges in looking for an alternative
source of wheat supply.
The
rise in energy prices is adding to the problem and leading to drastic increases
in the price of food and wheat products. The new high price of oil is making
importing wheat from distant producers, either in North and South America like
the US, Canada and Argentina, or in Australia, very costly. Shipping costs have
also increased along with insurance fees because of the conflict, adding to the
ballooning price of wheat and food products.
Many
wheat producers have resorted to protective policies and restrictions on wheat
exports, to ensure enough domestic reserves for their populations. The
immorality of vaccine inequality could pale in comparison to that of wheat
hoarding by countries that have the financial means to do so. Competition will
be fierce and poor countries will be pushed out of the market, causing
shortages and tragedies.
One
UN agency that feeds the poor and hungry is already feeling the financial
pinch. The World Food Program buys almost half of its global wheat supply from
Ukraine and the surge in price is affecting its ability to feed the hungry
around the world.
According
to one WFP official, its expenditure has “already increased by $71 million a
month, enough to cut the daily rations for 3.8 million people.”
David
Beasley, head of the World Food Program, was quoted as saying “we will be
taking food from the hungry to give to the starving.”
Climate
change and extreme weather are compounding the problem, with floods and
droughts in places such China and Brazil leading to shrinking crops and
creating a need to import wheat from outside to satisfy domestic demand. This
will ramp up the pressure on global supply and lead to a wheat rush.
The
other factor fueling the crisis is a surge in the price of fertilizers. Russia
is the world’s largest fertilizer exporter, with 15 percent of the world’s
supply. Reports suggest it has asked its producers to halt fertilizer exports.
The
sanctions slapped by the West on Russian entities are making payments difficult
for exporters and importers alike, leading to a freeze in the fertilizer
market. With less fertilizer available because of shortages and high prices,
there will be less crop yield and more demand, potentially pushing up food
prices further.
Importers
of Russian wheat and fertilizers are frustrated and concerned about their
ability to meet their needs, and have begun assigning blame.
Noorudin
Zafer Ahmadi, An Afghan merchant who imports cooking oil from Russia to
Afghanistan, told The New York Times that he found it difficult to buy what he
needs in Russia and complained about the surge in prices. But he did not blame
Russia; rather, he pointed the finger at those imposing the sanctions. “The US
thinks it has only sanctioned Russia and its banks. But the US has sanctioned
the whole world,” he told the newspaper.
In
the worst-case scenario, food shortages can trigger protests and instability in
already volatile countries, or those that are facing financial difficulties.
Surging
food prices, especially those of bread, are historically associated with riots
and unrest in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, especially
poorer ones. Asked about the potential regional impact of the deteriorating
situation, Dr. Jihad Azour, director of the Middle East and Central Asia
Department at the IMF, said: “Rising food and energy prices would further fuel
inflation and social tensions in both regions (the Middle East and North
Africa).
“The
increase of food prices will have an impact on overall inflation and put
additional pressure on low-income groups, particularly in the least developed
countries with a high share of food in their consumption basket, and may
trigger a rise in subsidies to counter these pressures, worsening fiscal
accounts further,” he told Arab News.
Discussing
the measures that the IMF is taking to help soften the blow to affected countries,
Azour said: “The crisis adds to the policy trade-offs which have already become
increasingly complex for many countries in the region with rising inflation,
limited fiscal space and a fragile recovery.
“The
IMF stands ready to help the MENA countries and others as was done during the
COVID-19 crisis, where the IMF provided more than $20 billion in financial
assistance to several MENA countries, in addition to about $45 billion of
special drawing rights distributed last year that constitute an important
liquidity line to deal with the various shocks.”
Antonio
Guterres, the UN secretary-general, has announced new plans and measures for
the organization to help mitigate the situation in countries most affected by
soaring grain prices owing to the Ukraine war. He has said he is in touch with
the heads of the IMF and the World Bank to coordinate their efforts in handling
the crisis.
However,
with Russian and Ukrainian forces seemingly locked in a standoff and the
conflict showing no sign of ending, the food crisis could be just the
beginning.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2056081/world
--------
Turkiye
is significant regional power: Kremlin
Ali
Cura
03.04.2022
MOSCOW
Kremlin
spokesman Dmitriy Peskov praised Russia’s relations with Turkiye on Saturday,
emphasizing that Ankara is a significant regional power and the most dominant
among all NATO member states.
Peskov,
in an interview with the Belarusian state television, touched on relations with
Turkiye as part of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to be held in
northwestern Istanbul province.
He
pointed out that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a great and strong
political leader and said: “Turkiye is a very significant regional power and
country. Our relations with Turkiye are excellent."
He
noted that there are different views on relations between the two countries and
at some points the sides do not fully understand each other.
"But
the relationship based on mutual interests is dominant, so the two countries
are developing big economic projects."
"Turkiye
has always been a sufficiently large regional power, and Turkiye has been a
member of NATO for many years,” he said. “However, despite this, it became the
most dominant state among the NATO member sovereign states, especially during
the presidency of Erdogan. And this country is a country that has the luxury of
defending its interests.”
‘Good
perspective’
Citing
that Turkish authorities told NATO and the US that Ankara was not interested in
participating in sanctions against Russia, Peskov said it also carries severe
economic importance that Turkiye and Russia continue to dialogue.
"This
is very valuable. We attribute a lot of value to it,” he said.
Referring
to cooperation between Turkiye and Russia in tourism and energy have improved,
he noted: "We have a good perspective with Turkiye.”
“We
are pleased that Erdogan has found the strength to defend and follow his
interests, the interests of his country, and is not in the mainstream (like
Europe).
“As
you know, now all Europeans are in the mainstream, but on their own account,”
he said.
“They
spend, Washington makes money. Because of its anger at Russia, Europe is
shooting itself in the foot,” he said.
The
Russian war against Ukraine, which started Feb. 24, has been met with
international outrage, with the EU, US, and Britain, among others, implementing
tough financial sanctions on Moscow.
At
least 1,325 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 2,017 injured, according
to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be far higher.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkiye-is-significant-regional-power-kremlin/2553670
--------
Another
Algerian ministry bans French in official correspondence
Ebu
Bekir Aşkın
02.04.2022
ALGIERS,
Algeria
Algeria’s
Culture and Arts Ministry joined three other ministries in the north African
country to end the use of the French language in official correspondence due to
increasing tensions between Algiers and Paris.
In
a statement, Culture and Arts Minister Soraya Mouloudji instructed the ministry
officials to use the Arabic language in internal correspondence and events.
Last
October, the Youth and Sports Ministry, Vocational Education and Training
Ministry, and Labor, Employment, and Social Security Ministry banned the use of
French in their official correspondence.
With
the exception of the Defense Ministry, most Algerian ministries use French in
their correspondence and statements, though the country's constitution
stipulates that Arabic be the first national and official language, followed by
Amazigh/Berber.
The
decision was taken in light of the last year's crisis between Algeria and
France following remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron that were viewed
by many Algerians as insulting.
Algeria
responded by recalling its ambassador to Paris and banning French military
aircraft from using Algerian airspace on Oct. 3.
Later,
the French president accused Algerian authorities of stoking hatred against
France.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Arab World
Unexploded
landmines continue to kill and maim indiscriminately in Syria’s northeast
April
03, 2022
QAMISHLI,
Syria: Three years ago, the world watched as the Syrian Democratic Forces and
the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS battled the remnants of Daesh in the
extremist group’s last territorial holdout of Baghouz.
Having
once controlled an area the size of England, the terror group had been forced
to retreat into an area covering just a few hundred square meters, where they
dug in behind razor wire, earthworks and fields laid with thousands of
landmines.
When
the fighting was finally over and the last Daesh positions had been cleared,
SDF morale skyrocketed and there were days of celebrations across the
Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.
But
after the guns had fallen silent, the SDF and its international allies were
left with the daunting task of clearing landmines and other unexploded ordnance
from the battlefield so that families could return to their land.
Years
later, the work continues, hampered by security threats posed by Daesh
holdouts, a lack of funding from international aid agencies, and the political
complexities of the region.
On
Dec. 8, 2005, the UN General Assembly declared that an International Day for
Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action would be observed on April 4 each
year.
Since
the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Treaty, opened
for signatures in 1997, 164 countries have ratified or acceded to it. In 2014,
the signatories agreed to the complete the clearance of all landmines by 2025.
However, these indiscriminate weapons continue to be used by state and
non-state actors alike in conflict zones.
From
Daesh’s final strongholds in Deir ez-Zor and its former de-facto capital of
Raqqa, to areas such as Kobane, which was liberated as long ago as 2015, roads,
fields and even residential buildings are still dotted with landmines that
continue to claim lives and limbs.
The
task of clearing these explosive remnants of war has fallen to the Roj Mine
Control Organization, a non-governmental humanitarian organization working in
coordination with the Northeast Syria Mine Action Center, the de-facto umbrella
group for mine-clearing efforts in Syria’s autonomous northeast.
Local
and international agencies say they have collectively removed about 35,000
anti-personnel and anti-vehicle landmines throughout the region but thousands
more remain.
At
every checkpoint on the main highways between Raqqa, Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor,
signs are posted that show pictures of various types of mines and explosive
ordnance alongside a message in giant red letters that warns: “Danger! Stay
away! Don’t touch! Report quickly! Spread awareness! Protect yourself from the
threat of mines, remnants of war, and suspicious and dangerous areas. Don’t go
exploring. If you see something suspicious, tell the concerned authorities.”
From
all accounts, such warnings are amply justified.
“I
was 9 or 10 years old,” Omar Al-Omar, who is now 13, told Arab News at his home
in Raqqa. “I was playing in front of our house when a mine exploded. I was in
the hospital for two months and 10 days. I was unable to move around.”
Both
of Omar’s legs had to be amputated. He has regained some mobility thanks to
prosthetic limbs that were provided by the Hope Makers Center in Raqqa, a
charitable organization that has since had to suspend many of its services as a
result of lack of funding. Someday, he said, he hopes to become a doctor.
The
Social Affairs and Labor Committee of Raqqa Civil Council has documented about
2,500 individuals who, like Omar, were maimed by landmines in the city alone.
Council worker Amira Hussein believes the true figure is much higher.
“If
you look around Raqqa, on every street you will see a man, woman or child with
a missing limb,” she told Arab News, scrolling through photos on her laptop of
local children with missing limbs and scars from burns.
“Even
in 2022, the issue of mines is still relevant. People thought that once Raqqa
was liberated their lives would return to normal. But when they went back,
mines went off in their homes.”
Much
of the work carried out by local and international mine-disposal agencies has
been focused on Raqqa, as the city was heavily mined during the years from 2014
to 2017 when it was under Daesh control.
Although
crude improvised explosive devices left behind by retreating Daesh militants
are still frequently discovered in the city, the bulk of the mine-disposal work
is taking place in the countryside.
“There
were a lot of mine explosions in the beginning but now there are far fewer,”
Yusuf, a team administrator at the Raqqa Internal Security Forces’ Explosives
Ordnance Disposal Unit, told Arab News.
“We
maybe see mines only 1 percent of the time. Our team has cleared 80 percent of
the city of Raqqa of mines.”
However,
not all of the explosive devices cleared by the Raqqa EODU are remnants of the
battle to liberate the city. Daesh sleeper cells continue to operate here,
planting explosives along roadsides and in buildings.
The
60-member Raqqa EODU team can respond to a report of an explosive device in
less than 10 minutes, said Yusuf. This efficiency and dedication comes at a
cost, however: 19 of its members have been killed in the line of duty.
While
clearly highly dangerous, mine-disposal work can also be tedious and
time-consuming. An international aid agency operating in Raqqa, which asked not
to be identified for security reasons, has been systematically clearing the Tal
Othman to Jurniya road for months now, often progressing just a few meters each
day.
Locals
said they watched Daesh militants lay mines along the road for seven months
before the area was finally liberated in 2017. After three weeks of painstaking
work, mine-disposal experts were able to locate and destroy two anti-tank
mines.
Rocks
painted red, marking the boundaries of safe areas, line the edge of the road
where the disposal crews work, while rocks painted white denote safe paths.
Once the road has been made completely safe and repaved, communities in Raqqa’s
western countryside will once again have access to markets in Manbij city.
“We
are making a sacrifice for the future,” one foreign mine-disposal expert
working at the site told Arab News, his face obscured by a protective visor. He
cannot be named for security reasons.
“The
last time I went on holiday, two children died in Raqqa. This stays with you.”
As
is the case in Raqqa, parts of Deir ez-Zor in the east of the country are also
plagued by the explosive remnants of Daesh’s last stand. Here the group’s
sleeper cells, operating close to the border with Iraq, continue to pose a
threat to landmine-disposal teams.
The
Monitoring and Observation Desk, an independent conflict observatory in
northeastern Syria, documented 15 attacks on local security forces by Daesh
remnants in the Deir ez-Zor region in February alone, two of which were carried
out using landmines.
Besides
the difficult task of removing and destroying mines, local and international
agencies operating in Deir ez-Zor also work to raise community awareness of the
threat, erect warning signs, and distribute literature about the threats posed
by explosive remnants and how people can stay safe.
Agencies
such as the Roj Mine Control Organization work directly with farming
communities and schools to teach agricultural workers and children — two of the
groups most at risk — how to recognize explosive devices and what to do if they
stumble upon one.
The
RMCO said it has conducted more than 1,400 mine-awareness sessions, during
which it has spoken to about 17,700 people across northern and eastern Syria.
Meanwhile, its mine-clearance teams claim to have removed more than 19,000
devices.
Although
the RMCO operatives work to established international standards, they often
lack the heavy armored machinery and personal protective equipment used by
better-funded foreign agencies, making their work slower and at times much more
dangerous.
The
same is true in the far north of Syria, close to the border with Turkey, where
the countryside is still littered with landmines and other explosives left over
from the battle to liberate Kobane in 2015.
In
a small village to the west of the city, a pair of Russian helicopters buzz
overhead. On the brow of a nearby hill, a Turkish military post looks down from
the imposing border wall.
Mohammed
Sheikhmous, a farmer who lives just 50 meters from the border, lost one of his
sons to a landmine.
“My
son went out with the sheep and stepped on a mine,” Sheikhmous told Arab News.
“There was nothing left of him. We had to gather his body parts.”
Before
that incident, another of his sons had suffered serious injuries from a
landmine blast, he said, which put the boy in hospital for two months and left
him with permanent scars on his arms and legs.
In
2021 alone, 12 people in villages around Kobane lost their lives to mines, half
of them children.
Because
of the political complexities in this part of Syria, it is difficult for
landmine-clearance teams to get permission to gain access and work. Agencies
must somehow find a way to coordinate with local militias, Syrian regime
forces, and the Russian and Turkish forces that have jointly patrolled the
countryside around Kobane since October 2019 as part of a “de-escalation”
agreement.
Until
such complexities are resolved, farming communities straddling the border wil
be compelled to live with this invisible, yet lethal threat.
“This
is a burden that will never end, even with the end of the war,” said Hussein,
the Raqqa Civil Council worker. “The mines that were planted are still there.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2056106/middle-east
--------
Advisor
of US-sanctioned former Lebanese FM to be named UN envoy
02
April ,2022
Lebanon
is expected to appoint Gebran Bassil’s former top advisor to be the country’s
next ambassador to the United Nations, sources familiar with the matter said,
with outgoing President Michel Aoun looking to fill diplomatic posts with
figures loyal to him.
Hadi
Hachem will replace Amal Mudallali, according to the sources who spoke on
condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter.
Hachem
was previously the Foreign Ministry chief of cabinet during Bassil’s time as
Lebanon’s top diplomat.
Bassil,
the Lebanese president’s son-in-law, was sanctioned by the United States in
2020 for corruption and his ties to the Iran-backed Hezbollah and is banned
from traveling to the US.
Washington
accused Bassil of being at the “forefront of corruption in Lebanon” and
sanctioned him under the Magnitsky Act, intended to target human rights abuses
and corruption.
After
nationwide anti-government protests, Bassil was replaced, but Hachem remained.
But
he was appointed as Lebanon’s chargé d’affaires to Kuwait in 2020. His time in
Kuwait ended abruptly after Gulf countries expelled the top Lebanese diplomats
from their respective countries.
Critical
comments by then-Information Minister George Kordahi on the war in Yemen led to
a rift between Beirut and its Gulf allies.
Hezbollah’s
growing grip on Lebanon and its control over consecutive governments have
almost severed ties between Beirut and the Gulf.
It’s
also worth noting that based on Lebanon’s sectarian makeup, the ambassador to
the UN has been a Sunni Muslim, while the envoy to Washington has been a
Maronite Christian since the early 2000s.
Hachem
would flip this if his appointment goes through. It remains unclear who the
next Lebanese envoy to the US will be after longtime Aoun supporter Gaby Issa’s
time ended last year.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
UAE
welcomes two-month truce in Yemen
02
April ,2022
The
UAE welcomed the announcement of a two-month truce in Yemen and voiced its
support of all efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in Yemen and the
region, state news agency (WAM) reported on Saturday.
In
a statement issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE reaffirmed
its commitment to stand by the Yemeni people and support their “legitimate
ambitions toward development and prosperity.”
UN
Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg announced on Friday that warring parties
in Yemen have agreed to a two-month ceasefire starting Saturday.
For
the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The
ceasefire is expected to halt all military operation in Yemen and on the
Saudi-Yemen border.
Bahrain
and Oman also welcomed the announcement, according to the official state news
agency (SPA).
In
a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain voiced hope that
the truce constitutes an opportunity to end the war in Yemen and achieve a
comprehensive political settlement among all Yemeni parties.
Meanwhile,
Oman said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that it will
continue to work with the UN and relevant parties to help end the war.
UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the truce saying it “must be a
first step to ending Yemen’s devastating war.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2022/04/02/UAE-welcomes-two-month-truce-in-Yemen
--------
Saudi
Arabia welcomes UN announcement of ceasefire agreement in Yemen
02
April ,2022
Saudi
Arabia has welcomed the announcement made by UN special envoy to Yemen of a
truce between Yemen’s warring parties during the holy month of Ramadan, the
official Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The
statement of support was attributed to the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign
Affairs which also “appreciated the efforts” of Yemen’s UN Special Envoy Hans
Grundberg for facilitating the truce.
The
ceasefire is expected to halt all military operation in Yemen and on the
Saudi-Yemen border.
The
move “comes in the content of the Saudi initiative to put an end to the Yemeni
crisis and reach a comprehensive political solution, announced in March 2021,”
said the ministry’s statement as reported by SPA.
In
a statement shared with the media, Grundberg was quoted as saying, “they also
agreed for fuel ships to enter into Hodeidah ports and commercial flights to
operate in and out of Sanaa airport to predetermined destinations in the
region.”
“The
Truce can be renewed beyond the two-month period with the consent of the
parties,” Grundberg added. “The aim of this Truce is to give Yemenis a
necessary break from violence, relief from the humanitarian suffering and most
importantly, hope that an end to this conflict is possible.”
Grundberg
thanked regional and international stakeholders for their support in helping
reach the ceasefire.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iraq
completes measures for electric linkage with Turkiye
Ibrahim
Saleh
03.04.2022
BAGHDAD
Iraq
said Sunday it has finalized technical measures for electric linkage with
Turkiye to address the country's power shortages.
Electricity
Minister Adel Karim told the state news agency INA that Iraq will have better
electricity supplies this summer in case "gas and fuel are available” to
his ministry.
The
Electricity Ministry has a plan "to complete projects, address shortcomings,
establish lines and stations and purchase transformers," he said, noting
that his ministry has "completed all maintenance work."
According
to Iraqi authorities, Turkiye will provide Iraq with 500 megawatts of
electricity.
The
electricity minister also said works are underway to complete the electric
linkage with neighboring Jordan.
Negotiations
on electricity linkage with the Gulf countries are also ongoing to reach
"a mutually satisfactory solution," he added.
For
years, Baghdad has imported 1,200 megawatts of electricity from neighboring
Iran to feed its local electric power plants.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Turkish
ship carrying humanitarian aid arrives in Lebanon
Mehmet
Nuri Uçar, Turgut Alp Boyraz
02.04.2022
BEIRUT,
Lebanon
A
Turkish ship carrying 58 truckloads of humanitarian aid arrived in Lebanon on
Saturday.
A
total of 19 nongovernmental organizations, under the coordination of the
Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), prepared 58 trucks
with 960 tons of foodstuffs, sending them from the port of Turkiye's
Mediterranean province of Mersin on Friday.
The
aid was received in a ceremony attended by Turkish Ambassador Ali Baris Ulusoy,
head of Lebanon's High Relief Committee Maj. Gen. Muhammad al-Khayr, Tripoli
Port manager Ahmet Tamir, and representatives of AFAD and Turkish NGOs.
"On
this meaningful and special day, which coincides with the beginning of the
blessed month of (Muslim holy month) Ramadan, I'm very happy to be here for the
third time in the last two weeks, at Tripoli Port," Ulusoy said, speaking
at the event.
"Turkiye
doesn't leave its Lebanese brothers alone in difficult times," said
Ulusoy, underlining that both the Turkish state and nonprofits are also working
to provide relief.
Ulusoy
said that 524 tons of food aid had been delivered to Lebanese security bodies
at the same place last week, while 80 tons of food and in-kind aid were
delivered to the Lebanese Armed Forces at the Port of Beirut on Friday.
For
his part, al-Khayr thanked Turkiye for the assistance provided to the Lebanese
people.
Since
late 2019, Lebanon has been grappling with a severe economic crisis, including
a massive currency depreciation as well as fuel and medical shortages.
The
Lebanese currency has lost 90% of its value, eroding people’s ability to access
basic goods, including food, water, health care, and education, while
widespread power outages are common due to fuel shortages.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslims-1857-1947-maulana-aimplb/d/126722