‘Only Muslims Can Live On Earth’: Intelligence Sources On Probe into Arrest of Six, Highly Radicalised Hizb-ut-Tahrir Men in Chennai
New Age Islam News Bureau
15 Jun 2024
The UK had compared the HuT to terror outfits Al
Qaida and ISIS. (Reuters File/Representative)
------------
·
‘Only Muslims Can Live On Earth’: Intelligence
Sources On Probe into Arrest of Six, Highly Radicalised Hizb-ut-Tahrir Men in
Chennai
·
Indonesian Mosque’s Hosting of Buddhist Monks
Sparks Debate On Religious Tolerance
·
European Police Tackle Islamic State and
Al-Qaida Propaganda and Recruitment Websites
·
Happy to Celebrate Eid Peacefully After
Decades, Kabul Citizen
·
Saudi Arabia Receives Asian Physics Olympiad
Flag, Prepares to Host Event’s 2025 Edition
India
·
National Anthem Made Mandatory At Morning
Assembly In J&K Schools To ‘Instil Pride, Unity’
·
CPM's
Anti-Muslim Campaigns Helped BJP Win LS Seat In Kerala, Alleges IUML Supremo
Delhi
L-G nod to prosecute Arundhati Roy, Kashmir-based academic under anti-terror
law
·
CM calls for action, and peace, after bovine
parts are found on temple premises in Madhya Pradesh
·
IIT-Kharagpur student’s murder: ‘How could
institute and police cover up so much,’ asks Faizan’s mother
·
Amit Shah reviews J-K security, to chair
high-level meet Sunday
--------
Southeast Asia
·
Indonesia's TNI readies planes for 1,000
injured Palestinian evacuees
·
Ulemas, TNI agree to support peace in Palestine
·
Hundreds of Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Denied
Entry to Saudi Arabia for Visa Violation
·
Indonesian Military Prepares Airlift for
Injured Palestinians
--------
Europe
·
Rohingya Muslims Flee Violence in Myanmar as
‘Hate-Driven Unnatural Disaster Unfolds’ – Sparking Pleas for UK and US to Act
·
Jordan Islamists, The Islamic Action Front,
Complain of “Electoral Harassment”Ahead of Possible Elections
·
Five people killed in Ukrainian strike on
apartment block
·
Putin reveals number of troops engaged in
Ukraine conflict
·
Ukraine’s ‘room for compromise is diminishing’
– Medvedev
·
Moscow reveals further steps after Putin’s
Ukraine offer
--------
South Asia
·
Amnesty International Urges Taliban To Reopen
Girls’ Schools Immediately
·
Congratulatory Message of Supreme Leader of the
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on the occasion of the blessed Eid al-Adha
·
WFP: 12 million Afghans face hunger before Eid
al-Adha
·
Italy donates over $3 million to Afghanistan
--------
Arab World
·
Road-cooling tech will provide Hajj pilgrims
with respite from heat
·
Muslim Pilgrims Converge at Mount Arafat for
Daylong Worship as Hajj Reaches Its Peak
·
How Saudi Arabia aims to make Hajj 2024 an
eco-friendly pilgrimage
·
Young Saudi volunteers step up to serve
pilgrims in Makkah, holy sites
·
Saudi authorities foil drug smuggling attempts
in Eastern Province
---------
North America
·
Marine Le Pen Calls for Islamist Dual Nationals
to Be Stripped of Citizenship and Deported
·
Two Senior Islamic Jihad Gunmen Killed in IDF
Counterterrorism Operation
·
CAIR-MA Launches Survey to Track Bullying Among
Muslim Youth Amid Rising Anti-Muslim Incidents in Massachusetts
·
Islamic State-Linked Rebels in East DR Congo
Kill Dozens: Local Authorities
·
US Navy says faces 'most intense' combat since
World War II against Yemenis
--------
Pakistan
·
LHC Chief Justice Expresses Full Faith That
‘Establishment’s Interference’ In Judiciary Will End Soon
·
Amid budget debate, JUI-F senator calls for
‘civil supremacy’
·
8 Held, Policeman Hurt As Anti-Israel Protest
Turns Violent
·
Police officer gunned down in Quetta
·
CTD foils attempt to establish TTP centres in
Balochistan
·
US envoy Andrew Schofer visits Karachi to
strengthen cultural ties, maritime security
·
Google accepts invitation of Pakistan to
explore tech cooperation
·
Pakistan issues visas to pilgrims on Ranjeet
Singh’s death anniversary
--------
Mideast
·
G7 Says UNRWA, UN Agencies Must Work Unhindered
InGaza
·
Iran-Iraq Synergistic Ties Benefit Islamic World
·
Palestinian national, Islamic forces reject
Blinken’s statements to obstruct deal
·
Islamic Resistance Targets Sites &
Settlements of Zionist Enemy with Dozens Of Missiles
·
About 30 thousand perform Friday prayers in
Al-Aqsa Mosque
·
Tunisia sentences five over missing migrants
·
US Navy faces its most intense combat since
World War II against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels
·
Food supplies in southern Gaza at risk, says UN
official
---------
Africa
·
Nigerian Emir Sanusi Condemns Federal Govt
Interference in State’s Matters
·
Sexual Harassment Allegations Mount as Three
More Women Testify Against Suspended Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Lamuwa
·
UN demands halt to siege of Sudan
·
Isolated protests as South Africa parliament
holds first sitting
·
Niger lifts immunity of deposed President Mohamed
Bazoum
·
Graft charges against 3 ruling party MPs rattle
Uganda Parliament
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
‘Only
Muslims Can Live On Earth’: Intelligence Sources On Probe into Arrest ofSix,
Highly Radicalised Hizb-ut-TahrirMen in Chennai
By: Manoj
Gupta
News18.com
JUNE 14,
2024
The UK
had compared the HuT to terror outfits Al Qaida and ISIS. (Reuters
File/Representative)
-------------
The
recent arrest of six men linked to the Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), an international
Islamist outfit, in Chennai is a cause for concern for central agencies,
according to top intelligence sources.
The six
arrested in May are Hameed Hussain, who holds a doctorate in Mechanical
Engineering and till 2021 had been teaching engineering in colleges, his father
Ahmed Mansoor and brother Abdul Rehman, and three others — Mohammed Maurice,
Khader Nawaz Sherif and Ahmed Ali. They have been booked under the Unlawful
Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According
to sources, they were involved in closed-door meetings and were running Modern
Essential Education Trust in Chennai to hold meetings and activities. This
group is headed by a professor of Anna University.
“They
were using social media platforms to promote videos and the idea of a Caliphate
rule. One of the associates said on video that Muslims are the only ones who
can live on earth and they are the best,” sources said.
“We are
in the process of checking if they have more associates in India. These groups
want the Sharia law to be imposed and were opposing the Lok Sabha elections.
Although small, the group wants to expand their network by propagating
Khilafat,” sources said.
Agencies
feel they have suddenly started this outfit in India, which is banned in the
United Kingdom (UK) and Bangladesh, possibly to find new ground. They are also
probing their source of funding and handlers and if they have any plans to
carry out any terror activities. “They are highly radicalised and are motivated
by terror outfits,” a source said.
The six
also published the HUT propaganda book and a copy was found with one of the
arrested accused, Ahmed Masoor, sources said. This book also talks about the establishment
of the Caliphate.
“This
group was banned in the UK in January 2024. The publicity that they got with
the ban probably made these six aware of this group and they, too, started to
propagate Khilafat,” said sources.
Source: news18.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.news18.com/india/only-muslims-can-live-on-earth-intel-sources-on-probe-into-arrests-of-6-hut-men-exclusive-8932452.html
--------
Indonesian
mosque’s hosting of Buddhist monks sparks debate on religious tolerance
15 Jun,
2024
Buddhist
monks attend Vesak Day celebrations at Borobudur Temple in Indonesia on May 23.
Photo: dpa
-------------
A
seeming act of tolerance by a mosque in Central Java did not turn out as
planned.
In May,
44 monks from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore were making their way
on foot from Pudak Payung village, Semarang to the famous Borobudur.
Source: scmp.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.scmp.com/print/week-asia/opinion/article/3266683/indonesian-mosques-hosting-buddhist-monks-sparks-debate-religious-tolerance
--------
European
police tackle Islamic State and al-Qaida propaganda and recruitment websites
June
14th, 2024
CAPT.
ALBERTO RODRÍGUEZ VÁZQUEZ OF SPAIN'S GUARDIA CIVIL SPEAKS AT A EUROPOL NEWS
CONFERENCE ON JUNE 14, 2024. IMAGE: EUROPOL / YOUTUBE
--------------
Thirteen
websites used to spread terrorist propaganda online have been targeted in two
parallel Europol-coordinated operations this week, the body announced on
Friday.
Sites
linked to Islamic State, al-Qaida and its affiliates, as well as the
Syria-based rebel group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham were referred for removal under
European Union laws as part of a yearlong operation involving 10 law enforcement
authorities across the continent.
The EU
laws require hosting service providers to remove the content within an hour of
receiving a removal order, or face a penalty determined by the individual
member state.
“Servers
were taken down in Germany, the Netherlands, United States and Iceland,” stated
Europol, while nine “radicalized individuals” were arrested in Spain.
Another
operation led by Spain’s Guardia Civil tackled media linked to the Islamic
State’s I’LAM Foundation which Europol said ran “communication channels, such
as radio stations, a news agency and social media content” with a global reach.
“They
communicated directives and slogans of Islamic State in over thirty languages,
including Spanish, Arabic, English, French, German, Danish, Turkish, Russian,
Indonesian and Pashto,” stated Europol.
Several
terabytes of information were uncovered by investigators which will now be used
to inform law enforcement investigations into the terror group.
It comes
as the overall terrorist threat to the European Union remains “acute” with
jihadist terrorism a principal concern.
Europol
stated its operations followed the seizure of four computer servers in Romania,
Ukraine and Iceland as part of ongoing investigations into both religious and
politically-motivated terrorist groups.
The
sites were used to “enable terrorist organizations and violent extremists to
bypass the enhanced moderation and content removal efforts of mainstream online
service providers, allowing them to maintain a persistent online presence,” according
to Europol.
Alongside
inciting violence and spreading propaganda, the sites were used for recruitment
and fundraising. The content included “manuals for creating explosives and
propaganda designed to radicalize and mobilize individuals.”
Source: therecord.media
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://therecord.media/europol-islamic-state-al-qaida-propaganda-recruitment-websites-takedown
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Happy to
celebrate Eid peacefully after decades, Kabul citizen
June 15,
2024
On the
advent of Eid al-Adha:
------------
Exceptional
Eids; as I can celebrate them peacefully for the last three years, said Nahida
who looked like to had been born newly, once she saw the plane of her close
relatives just arrived at the Kabul International Airport, from the United States
and Australia. “I am very happy. I feel blessed and I am lucky to have been
watching both my uncles (paternal) walking toward me after their planes landed
at the airport,” Nahida said joyfully. Afghanistan has never seen a peaceful
situation like this, after the American forces left the country, nearly three
years ago, a withdrawal that put an end to decades of war and bloodshed and
caused the restoration of lasting peace and security in the country. When you
want to travel to any part of the country, you will never feel fear or dread
and when you want to dine, rest, or spend a night; even in the nearby road
dissert, you can do them with peace of mind. Security prevailed and ensured
countrywide, peaceful atmosphere has become a wide umbrella, under which,
everyone can reside everywhere. No one can ask you if you are a traveler or one
who wants to walk near your house or possesses areas to work on. Nahida said
everything about what she experienced over the last nearly twenty years of the
past two consecutive regimes, during which, she said nothing about her restful
and comfortable times or quoted something from her coworkers or co-citizens.
“When I wanted to go to my relatives in Paghman (a mountainous district west of
the capital Kabul), if felt someone or a group of armed men would come along
and grab our money, jewelries or even our cars due to critical security,” she
described pointing to the devastating situation along the road to the known
recreational site, where, a band of highway robbers looted everything from a
family returning home and then spent a night abusing them sexually. However,
all members of the vicious group have been sentenced to death during the
ex-president Hamid Karzai’s tenure. Afghanistan experienced hardships and
difficulties along the way to struggle for security for its citizens; most of
whom were born amid wars and conflicts. Continued wars did not even let most of
the Afghans turn from villages to cities to get civilized, educated, and
familiarized with modernity. Not only Nahida, 29, who said she had seen
everything wrong and heartbreaking from the long wars and suffered the pains
and anguish of her family, relatives and co-citizens, but Abu Bakr 23, also
said that he had nothing witnessed except violence, conflicts and insecurity,
once he along with his families come to Kabul from Balkh province. “This is a
matter of pleasure, I am spending day and night in peace and security, as even
during our trip from Mazar-e-Sharif to Kabul, we were near to be kidnapped by a
group of unknown armed men. There was no one to defend us when a group of armed
men wanted to stop our cars and take away all our properties when we were
traveling to Kabul,” he said. He thanked Allah, the Almighty for what he
described as the resumption of power by the Islamic Emirate under which, the
whole people of Afghanistan are now living in peace and celebrating their
occasional events including the two sacred and holy Eid al-Fitr and Eid
al-Adha. Inam Hashemi
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/happy-to-celebrate-eid-peacefully-after-decades-kabul-citizen/
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Saudi
Arabia receives Asian Physics Olympiad flag, prepares to host event’s 2025
edition
June 15,
2024
Saudi
officials receiving the Asian Physics Olympiad’s symbolic flag last week at the
close of the 24th APhO held in Malaysia. (SPA)
--------------
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia has officially received the Asian Physics Olympiad flag as it
prepares to host the 2025 edition of one of the largest scientific events in
Asia, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday.
The
symbolic flag was handed over to the Kingdom by Malaysia, which recently hosted
the 2024 APhO edition in Kampar.
Saudi
Arabia’s team of 8 students won five awards in the 2024 competition, which
featured 208 students from 27 countries from June 3-10, 2024.
Some 27
countries are participating in the 25th APhO, which will be held in May 2025,
organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness
and Creativity — also known as the Mawhiba Foundation— and the Ministry of
Education, in cooperation with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals,
SPA said.
Dr. Amal
bint Abdullah Al-Hazza, Secretary-General of the Mawhiba Foundation, was quoted
by SPA as saying hosting such international competition “reflects the great
importance and international appreciation of the Kingdom’s position in the
scientific and educational field.”
It also
“confirms the Kingdom’s strength globally, and the extent of its interest in
creating a future to achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” he said.
“This
cooperation reflects the Kingdom's commitment to promoting science and
knowledge and encouraging students to participate in such international events.
“This
hosting is an affirmation of the efforts made to develop education in the
Kingdom, and it also represents an opportunity to enhance communication and
cooperation with other countries in the field of science, as the event promises
rich educational and interactive opportunities for ambitious students and youth
from various parts of Asia, which contributes to enriching their educational
experience and encouraging them,” Al-Hazza further said, according to SPA.
Saudi
Arabia is currently preparing to host the International Chemistry Olympiad set
for next month, with 90 countries participating.
The
international event is also being organized by Mawhibah, together with the
Ministry of Education, and King Saud University, with exclusive sponsorship
from the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC).
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2530856/saudi-arabia
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India
National
anthem made mandatory at morning assembly in J&K schools to ‘instil pride,
unity’
Mehbooba
Mufti questions timing of move, says it’s meant to ‘divert attention from real
issues’
Written
by Bashaarat Masood
June 14,
2024
jammu
kashmir schools national anthem mandatoryThe order, signed by Principal
Secretary School Education Alok Kumar, lists “guidelines” for schools to
follow. (Representative/ Express file photo by Shuaib Masoodi)
Jammu
and Kashmir’s school education department has made it mandatory for morning
assemblies in schools to begin with the national anthem.
In its
latest circular, the department calls recitation of the national anthem
“standard protocol” and says that the “ritual” of morning assemblies is not
followed uniformly in schools across the UT.
Former
J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti criticised the move as one meant to
“divert attention from real issues”.
The
order, signed by Principal Secretary School Education Alok Kumar, lists
“guidelines” for schools to follow. It makes it mandatory for the schools to
have a 20-minute morning assembly starting with the national anthem.
“It is
believed that Morning Assemblies conducted on the above said lines will not
only instil a sense of pride in our national identity but also promote
discipline and unity amongst students. As such, both teacher(s) and student(s)
are called upon to perform this onerous responsibility,” says the order.
To
kick-start a school day on a positive note and to instil a sense of unity and
discipline amongst students, morning assemblies at the start of school day have
proved to be an invaluable ritual of the schooling system, the order says.
“They
serve as platforms to nurture the values of moral integrity, shared community,
and mental tranquillity,” says the order. “However, it has been observed that
such significant rituals are not being carried out uniformly across various
schools of JK UT”.
Even
though the recitation of the national anthem is standard at official functions,
it’s for the first time that schools in Jammu and Kashmir have been asked to
recite the national anthem every morning.
The
order further asks schools to “compulsorily give awareness/motivational talks”
in order to inculcate leadership qualities and upgrade the skills of the
students as mandated under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The order has
even spelled out the topics to be discussed by the students and their teachers.
These include autobiographies of “great personalities/freedom fighters”,
inspirational talks to “set a positive tone for the day”, stress management,
health and culture.
It has
also asked the schools to invite guest speakers, skill trainers and people from
civil society including parents, authors and community leaders to speak to the
students on the topics.
Reacting
to the order, Mehbooba Mufti, former CM of the erstwhile state of Jammu and
Kashmir and chief of the Peoples Democratic Party questioned its timing in
light of recent terror attacks in the UT.
“My
generation grew up singing the national anthem whether in schools, public
functions and even in cinema halls once the movie ended. It was seen as a norm,
not any diktat coming from the government,” she said.
The
former CM also accused the BJP government of reducing schools in the UT
“propaganda places, where, instead of focusing on education, the ruling party’s
using these institutions to peddle their false narrative of so-called normalcy
while we have four terror incidents taking place in Jammu within 72 hours.”
“Such
orders come mostly at times (sic) only to divert attention from the real issues
and government’s failures,” she said.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-kashmir-national-anthem-mandatory-schools-morning-assembly-9393052/
--------
CPM's
Anti-Muslim Campaigns Helped BJP Win LS Seat In Kerala, Alleges IUML Supremo
Jun 15,
2024
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has launched a scathing attack against
the ruling CPM alleging that its "anti-Muslim campaigns" during the
Lok Sabha polls had also helped the BJP to open its account in Kerala by
winning the Thrissur seat.
A key
partner in the opposition Congress-led UDF, the IUML termed as a "mere
joke" the Marxist party's campaign that if there was no Left, the Muslims
would become second class citizens in the country. The CPM often chose
"double-edged tactics" for their marketing and the "BJP reaps
what the Left party sows", claimed IUML supremo Sadique Ali Shihab Thangal
in an interview that appeared on party mouthpiece "Chandrika" on Saturday.
He urged
everyone, including the Left party to introspect the reasons that contributed
to the victory of the saffron party and its increasing vote share in Thrissur.
"There are many reasons for this...One is clear...The anti-Muslim
campaigns carried out by the CPM have also helped the BJP.... The BJP reaps
what the CPM sows," he said.
Thangal
further said that if one examines the influential areas of the IUML, everybody
would be convinced about its strength to defend the Sangh Parivar
ideologically. Even when the BJP won the Thrissur constituency, the
Congress-UDF candidate got the majority in Guruvayoor assembly segment where
the IUML has a strong presence, he pointed out during the interview.
The IUML
candidate won by over one and a half lakh votes in Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu
where the total Muslim population is just 18 per cent, in the April 26 LS
polls, the leader added. The IUML had won three seats-Malappuram and Ponnani-in
Kerala and Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu in the crucial LS polls.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cpms-anti-muslim-campaigns-helped-bjp-win-ls-seat-in-kerala-alleges-iuml-supremo/articleshow/111018798.cms
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Delhi
L-G nod to prosecute Arundhati Roy, Kashmir-based academic under anti-terror
law
15.06.24
Pheroze
L. Vincent
Delhi
lieutenant governor V.K. Saxena has granted sanction to prosecute author
Arundhati Roy and Kashmir-based academic Sheikh Showkat Hussain under the
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for remarks made at a seminar here in
2010.
The FIR
was filed on the directions of a court after a complaint lodged by Kashmiri
activist Sushil Pandit, who was described at the time as a BJP supporter.
He
alleged that in a conference titled "Azadi — The Only Way", organised
by the "Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners”, Roy, Hussain
and others discussed and propagated “separation of Kashmir from India” and
jeopardised public peace and security.
The
event at the Little Theatre Group auditorium was disrupted by the BJP. Then
home minister P. Chidambaram had defended the police initially not filing an
FIR against Roy and others.
Roy and
Hussain are charged under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different
groups), 153B (assertions prejudicial to national integration), 504
(intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 505 (public
mischief) of the IPC and Section 13 of the UAPA. The LG had granted sanction to
prosecute them for the IPC offences in October last year.
Soon
after news broke, the CPM posted on X: "Defies logic except the fascist
kind. Timing is suspect since courts are on vacation, as are lawyers. Shameful
and Condemnable!"
Trinamool
MP-elect Mahua Moitra wrote on X: "If by prosecuting Arundhati Roy under
UAPA BJP trying to prove they’re back, well they’re not. And they’ll never be
back the same way they were. This kind of fascism is exactly what Indians have
voted against."
When the
initial sanction was granted last year, Chidambaram had tweeted: "There
was no justification then to register a case against her on the charge of
sedition...There is no justification now to sanction prosecution against
her."
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/delhi-lieutenant-governor-v-k-saxena-nod-to-prosecute-arundhati-roy-kashmir-based-academic-under-uapa/cid/2027091
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CM calls
for action, and peace, after bovine parts are found on temple premises in
Madhya Pradesh
2 people
arrested for hurting religious sentiments; DIG says attempt to disturb harmony
Written
by Anand Mohan J
June 15, 2024
Local
groups also came out in protest against the alleged desecration of the
temple.Local groups also came out in protest against the alleged desecration of
the temple.
Jaora
town in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district was tense on Friday after body parts
of a bovine were allegedly found to have been thrown on the premises of a local
temple.
Police
said two men were arrested in connection with the incident, and the local
administration razed “illegal” portions of their houses.
Local
groups also came out in protest against the alleged desecration of the temple.
The
accused were identified as Salman Mevati (24) and Shaqir Qureshi (19). Police
said they were arrested for “hurting religious sentiments”.
“Two
bike-borne miscreants threw body parts of a bovine animal on the temple
premises, following which the police traced and arrested them for hurting religious
sentiments and under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC),” Deputy
Inspector General (DIG) Manoj Kumar Singh said.
Ratlam
Superintendent of Police Rakesh Khaka said the incident took place “on the
intervening night of June 13 and 14, when at 2.41 am, two bike-borne men threw
cow meat inside the temple premises”.
“This
hurt public sentiments. A case of inciting religious sentiments has been
registered in the matter. Two accused have been rounded up, and the police are
investigating the matter. If any other accused is involved in this, they will
also be arrested,” the SP said.
Madhya
Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed police and the local administration
to take stern measures against those responsible for the incident. He also appealed
for peace.
DIG
Singh said timely measures were taken to prevent a flare-up. “An attempt was
made to disrupt the harmony in the town, but timely measures prevented the
situation from flaring up,” he said.
One
Gaurav Puri Goswami, who is reportedly a priest at the local temple, informed
police that he saw the bovine body parts at around 3 am and raised an alarm.
The parts were later removed by police, and the temple was washed by local
authorities.
The
local Qazi, Hafeez Bhuru, appealed for peace and called on residents to “not
make any objectionable statements on social media”.
“The
Muslim community strongly condemns the disgusting incident that took place in
Jaora temple last night and requests the government administration that the
culprit, irrespective of his religion, should not be spared and should be dealt
with in the strictest possible manner,” he said.
Madhya
Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari said on X, “The incident committed by
anti-social elements in Jaora is condemnable. I demand a quick and thorough
investigation of this extremely objectionable act. I also appeal to the state
government to give harsh punishment to the culprits, who spread animosity in
the society.”
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bovine-parts-found-on-temple-premises-2-arrested-in-tense-madhya-pradesh-town-9393469/
--------
IIT-Kharagpur
student’s murder: ‘How could institute and police cover up so much,’ asks
Faizan’s mother
The
student's partially decomposed body was found in a hostel room on the campus on
October 14, 2022
Written
by Sukrita Baruah
June 15, 2024
Faizan
AhmedFaizan Ahmed, 23, a third-year student from Assam, was found dead in a
room at Lala Lajpat Rai Hostel on October 14, 2022. (File)
Around
two years years after she first got a call that her 23-year-old son Faizan had
been found dead on the IIT-Kharagpur campus, Rehana Ahmed’s life still revolves
around trying to get justice for her only son.
Faizan’s
partially decomposed body had been found in a hostel room on the IIT Kharagpur
campus – not the one allotted to him – on October 14, 2022 and initial reports
suggested that he died by suicide.
But
Rehana and the rest of her family alleged foul play right from the start,
saying that he had been subjected to ragging on campus and expressing
dissatisfaction with the police investigation and handling of the matter by the
IIT authorities.
Now with
forensic reports showing signs of a gunshot wound and a stab wound on his neck,
Rehana says she cannot bear to think of what her son had been put through.
“I could
never have imagined that my boy was tortured like this… I don’t even know how I
am living with this knowledge… All I know is that now I don’t even feel like
this could have been a student’s work,” she told The Indian Express Friday.
“He
could have been beaten up during ragging, maybe have gotten his limbs broken.
But a gunshot wound and stabbing seems like something different. How could the
IIT administration and police have covered so much up and passed it off as a
suicide?”
Since
Faizan’s death, Rehana and her husband Salim have been continuously tracking
the case through their lawyers in Kolkata from their home in Tinsukia and first
pushed for the investigation of the case by the SIT. When Faizan’s body was
exhumed last May on the orders of the Calcutta High Court, she was there at the
Amolapatty Kabrastan in Dibrugarh.
“I
haven’t been able to eat, I haven’t been able to drink since his death. It will
be three years this October. A few months ago, I wondered if I should stop
pursuing the case but now that there has been such a big discovery, I can’t do
it. New things keep coming to light even today but we still can’t find those
who are responsible for this.”
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/iit-kharagpur-students-murder-how-could-institute-and-police-cover-up-so-much-asks-faizans-mother-9393458/
--------
Amit
Shah reviews J-K security, to chair high-level meet Sunday
June 15,
2024
Amit
ShahThe home minister was briefed about the prevailing situation in Jammu and
Kashmir and the steps taken following the terror incidents, they said.
(PTI/File)
A day
after PM Narendra Modi took stock of the security situation in Jammu and
Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah too reviewed the security scenario in
the Union Territory in the wake of recent terrorist attacks.
Shah has
also scheduled a high-level meeting on Sunday with National Security Advisor
Ajit Doval, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and senior officials from
the Army and CRPF, to assess the current scenario in the Union Territory and
evaluate measures to curb terror activities.
During
the meeting, the Home minister will assess the readiness of the security grid
for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on June 29.
Sources
said, on Friday, senior security and Home ministry officials briefed Shah on
the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the measures implemented
following the recent spate of terror attacks.
During
Thursday’s meeting chaired by the PM, senior officials were directed to ensure
the “deployment of the full spectrum” of “counter-terror capabilities”.
The
Prime Minister, sources said, spoke to Shah and discussed counter-terror
operations and the deployment of security forces.
He also
took stock of the security situation from L-G Sinha. NSA Ajit Doval and other
senior officials were present at the meeting, sources said.
The
Prime Minister, sources said, was given an overview of the security-related
situation in J&K and was apprised of the counter-terror efforts being
undertaken in the region.
Last
Sunday, nine pilgrims were killed and 33 injured when a bus was attacked in
Reasi.
Since
Tuesday, a CRPF jawan and two militants have been killed and seven security
personnel injured in three separate encounters in Doda and Kathua districts.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amit-shah-reviews-jk-security-situation-9393343/
--------
Southeast Asia
Indonesia's
TNI readies planes for 1,000 injured Palestinian evacuees
June 15,
2024
Jakarta
(ANTARA) - The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) confirmed that they had prepared
three aircraft for the evacuation of around 1,000 Palestinians injured by
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip to Indonesia.
The
aircraft on standby include Boeing 737-400/500, C-130J Super Hercules, and
Hercules C-130H, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto stated at a meeting with
ulemas of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in Jakarta on Friday.
The
Indonesian Air Force's Boeing 737-400/500 can carry 41 crew members, 86
passengers, and logistics weighing 10 tons, while the C-130J can seat 51 people
and the C-130H can transport 55 people.
The
aircraft will transport the wounded Palestinian evacuees to Indonesia for
treatment at Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital (RSPAD) and Jenderal Besar Soedirman
National Defense Central Hospital.
These
two Jakarta-based hospitals could receive up to 1,000 patients, General Agus
said, adding that all injured Palestinian evacuees would be offered the best
medical care and post-trauma treatment.
To this
end, the TNI has prepared a team of specialists to assist the traumatized
evacuees with therapy, he stated.
The TNI
is also ready to deliver further humanitarian supplies for Gaza, including a
hospital ship, as long as a ceasefire has been implemented and the Indonesian
military has received a UN mandate, he remarked.
At the
recent IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Indonesia's Defense Minister
Prabowo Subianto, who is also President-elect, cited President Joko Widodo's
instruction to him to evacuate around 1,000 injured Gaza evacuees to Indonesia.
The Gaza
evacuees would then receive medical treatments at hospitals in Indonesia.
Regarding
this matter, Prabowo said he welcomed the suggestion of former East Java
Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa to send the 1,000 Gaza evacuees to pesantrens
(Islamic boarding schools) in East Java.
Several
public figures from West Java have also expressed their readiness to receive
the Gaza evacuees and send them to pesantrens in the province to be educated
and treated well there.
Prabowo
reiterated Indonesia's consistent stance that the armed conflict in Gaza should
be resolved through "ceasefire and negotiation."
"Indonesia
firmly supports Palestinian independence, a two-state solution, and all efforts
to reach an immediate ceasefire," he pointed out.
A fresh
armed conflict erupted between Palestine and Israel following a surprise attack
by Hamas on Israel early in the morning of October 7, 2023.
Prior to
the assault by Palestinian liberation fighters in Israel, Tel Aviv continued
its closure of Gaza crossings.
In
response to the unprecedented surprise attack, Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu declared war on Hamas. Since the war began, the Israeli armed forces
have killed at least 37,266 Palestinian civilians and injured some 85,102
others as of June 15, according to Al Jazeera.
Al
Jazeera reported that many of those killed in Gaza are women and children. The
Israeli aggression has also triggered a humanitarian catastrophe.
Source: en.antaranews.com
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https://en.antaranews.com/news/316140/indonesias-tni-readies-planes-for-1000-injured-palestinian-
evacuees?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=top_news
--------
Ulemas,
TNI agree to support peace in Palestine
June 14,
2024
Jakarta
(ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and the Indonesian National
Defense Forces (TNI) have agreed and committed to making efforts to support
peace in Palestine.
MUI
deputy chairperson Marsudi Syuhud said that efforts to support Palestine can be
realized through the collaboration of ulemas, religious organizations, and the
government, including the TNI.
"Hopefully,
we can also support our brothers and sisters who are not yet independent, like
Palestine," he added at an MUI and TNI gathering at the MUI office in
Jakarta on Friday.
Syuhud
noted that through the collaboration of various parties, Indonesia has provided
aid worth around Rp35 billion (around US$2.12 million) to Palestine.
He also
welcomed the statement of Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto earlier about a
plan to provide educational support to one thousand Palestinian children
through Islamic boarding schools (pesantren).
He
expressed gratitude for the collaboration between stakeholders, which has made
Indonesia a peaceful and prosperous country, and said he hoped the same results
can be replicated in Palestine.
Meanwhile,
TNI commander General Agus Subiyanto said that the TNI will carry out
humanitarian operations in Gaza, Palestine.
He said
that the TNI will make several efforts during the operations, such as
construction, education, and provision of health facilities and other forms of
humanitarian assistance.
"I'd
also like to thank the MUI Leadership Council, which has provided strong
support for the TNI's commitment, stance, policies, and programs for
maintaining and realizing peace in areas of the world that are affected by
conflict," he added.
Source: en.antaranews.com
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--------
Hundreds
of Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Denied Entry to Saudi Arabia for Visa Violation
June 15,
2024
Jakarta.
Hundreds of prospective Hajj pilgrims from Sidrap Regency, South Sulawesi faced
a disappointing setback as they were denied entry to Saudi Arabia recently.
Upon arrival at King Abdul Aziz Airport, they were detained by local
authorities for reportedly attempting to enter the country using visit visas
instead of the required Hajj visas issued by their travel agents.
The 203
pilgrims from Sidrap, eager to fulfill their religious duties in Mecca, were
thus unable to proceed with their journey and are now likely to miss
participating the Hajj ritual.
According
to reports from Selayarnews.com, a member of the B-Universe network, a family
member of one of the pilgrims expressed their situation, stating, "They
used visitor visas instead of Hajj visas, so when they tried to enter the Holy
Land (Mecca), they were immediately detained by local police."
The
Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry has strictly prohibited its citizens from
embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage without the proper Hajj visas.
Suviyanto,
an official overseeing Umrah and Hajj at the Directorate General of Hajj and
Umrah (PHU), emphasized the importance of adhering to Saudi Arabia's
regulations, which mandate Hajj visas for pilgrims worldwide. He clarified that
other types of visas, such as visitor visas, are not valid for performing Hajj,
underscoring Saudi Arabia's security measures to ensure the safety and comfort
of all pilgrims.
He
warned prospective pilgrims to exercise caution in selecting certified Special
Pilgrimage Organizers (PIHK) authorized by the Ministry, as violations could
lead to severe penalties including fines, deportation, and bans from returning
to Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years.
In a
separate incident last week, an Indonesian influencer was reportedly detained
in Saudi Arabia for allegedly selling illegal Hajj packages that used visit
visas instead of proper Hajj visas. Saudi authorities are actively
investigating this case along with other instances involving social media
accounts promoting unauthorized Hajj packages.
Muslim
pilgrims continue to arrive in Mecca in large numbers for this week's Hajj
pilgrimage, which is returning to its full scale after recent pandemic-related
restrictions.
This
year's turnout is anticipated to surpass the levels seen in 2023, approaching
pre-pandemic figures exceeding 1.8 million pilgrims. The Hajj, considered one
of Islam's Five Pillars, remains a significant spiritual journey for Muslims
capable of undertaking it, offering a profound opportunity for reflection,
forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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https://jakartaglobe.id/news/hundreds-of-indonesian-hajj-pilgrims-denied-entry-to-saudi-arabia-for-visa-violation
--------
Indonesian
Military Prepares Airlift for Injured Palestinians
June 15,
2024
Jakarta.
The Indonesian Military is organizing an operation to evacuate Palestinians
injured by the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza for medical treatment
in Indonesia once the UN-sponsored ceasefire takes effect.
Armed
Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto said on Friday that a Boeing
737-400/500 and two Hercules C-130 planes will be deployed to Palestine when
the situation allows.
The
injured Palestinians will be treated at Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital and
General Soedirman Hospital, Agus said, adding that the patients will receive
quality medical treatment.
In
addition, the military is considering sending a floating hospital and
logistical assistance to Gaza with a UN permit, he said.
The
military announced earlier that nearly 1,400 soldiers were on standby for
deployment to peacekeeping operations in Gaza when required by the UN.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
Please click the following URL to read
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https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesian-military-prepares-airlift-for-injured-palestinians
--------
Europe
Rohingya
Muslims Flee Violence in Myanmar as ‘Hate-Driven Unnatural Disaster Unfolds’ –
Sparking Pleas for UK and US to Act
14 June
2024
It was
late evening when the first bursts of gunfire echoed through the town of
Buthidaung in western Myanmar. Soon after, dark plumes of smoke rose as home
after home was set ablaze.
Thousands
of Rohingya Muslims had sought refuge in Buthidaung after their villages had
been caught in the crossfire between Myanmar’s military – which seized control
of the country in a 2021 coup – and armed resistance fighters from the Arakan
Army.
Witnesses
reported that on 17 May, gunmen ordered everyone in the Rohingya-majority town
to leave before 10am the following day. Despite the deadline, the men returned
that evening, surrounded the town and began a campaign of looting and arson.
The
destruction was so extensive that the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights (UNHCR) stated, “testimonies, satellite images, and online videos
and pictures indicate that Buthidaung town has been largely burned”. One
witness claimed to have seen “dozens of dead bodies” as they fled.
As many
as 200,000 Rohingya have been newly displaced, according to estimates, but the
true extent of casualties remains unclear due to a military-imposed
communications blackout across Rakhine State.
The
majority of eyewitnesses placed the blame on the Arakan Army – which claims to
fight for “self-determination, national equality, justice, and freedom” – yet
the resistance group has denied involvement. In a statement, it accused the
military of “spreading false narratives and accusations relentlessly” and blamed
the burning of Buthidaung to military airstrikes.
Nay San
Lwin, co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition, expressed dismay at what he
believes are the Arakan Army’s actions. “The primary aggressor is the Myanmar
military, but we didn’t expect that the Arakan Army would act exactly like the
Myanmar military,” he told Byline Times. “Although we have documented many
abuses by the Arakan Army since 2019, we thought they would change their
strategy toward the Rohingya.”
Approximately
600,000 Rohingya remain in Rakhine State, most of them survivors of a 2017
genocide that claimed over 20,000 lives and forced nearly a million to flee the
country – the largest exodus in Asia since the Vietnam War. At the time, a UN
fact-finding body called it a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing and
slow-burning genocide”.
Violence
has returned to Rakhine State in recent months as the Arakan Army has begun
making significant gains in its bid to control the region. The UNHCR says it
has documented attacks on civilians by both the military and the Arakan Army,
including airstrikes, executions, beheadings, disappearances, and the burning
of homes.
The Free
Rohingya Coalition claims there has been “significant massacres” but called the
attack on Buthidaung a turning point. “The Arakan Army didn’t even wait until
the Myanmar military fell from all townships in Rakhine State,” Nay San Lwin
said. “They have shown their true colours once the town with the largest
Rohingya population came under their control.
“The
current situation and oppression against the Rohingya by the Arakan Army
suggest that violence, human rights abuses, and other forms of persecution will
continue,” he added. “As of now, the Arakan Army has already committed crimes
against humanity and war crimes. We are worried that there will be another
round of genocide in the near future. The Rohingya could face an even worse
situation than in 2017.”
The
military junta’s communication blackouts have plunged much of Rakhine State
into isolation, allowing atrocities to occur away from the world’s gaze. Only
weeks after the arson attack on Buthidaung, reports surfaced of a significant
assault on the Rohingya, this time allegedly by the Myanmar military.
Eyewitnesses recounted to the BBC “two-and-a-half days of terror,” describing how
soldiers blindfolded and beat them, poured burning petrol on their skin, and
forced some to drink urine. Over 50 people were killed.
Furthermore,
the military regime has deliberately deprived the Rohingya of basic
necessities, including adequate food, water, shelter, sanitation and medical
care. Earlier this year, it also began conscripting Rohingya civilians into
mandatory service. With minimal training and being thrust into front-line
combat, it is feared that these conscripts are being used as human shields.
The
population is facing an “existential threat,” according to a joint statement
from 28 human rights organisations, which have urged the international
community to “immediately put pressure on the Arakan Army to end mass forced
displacement and human rights violations against Rohingya communities.”
Particular
pressure is on the British government, the UN Security Council’s penholder for
Myanmar, which would typically lead on council statements or resolutions. Many
rights organisations have called on the UK to convene a UN Security Council
session in light of actions by the Arakan Army as well as the military’s
blatant violation of the International Court of Justice’s 2020 ruling that it
should take all measures to protect the Rohingya.
The
world’s slow reaction to the brutal violence risks a repeat of the lead-up to
the 2017 genocide where the UK and US were providing Myanmar’s military with
military aid and support despite ongoing reports of massacres, arson and sexual
violence. The two countries only halted the aid when it became undeniable that
ethnic cleansing was taking place.
With the
UK now deep in preparations for a general election and its foreign policy being
focussed on conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, it remains uncertain whether the
government will take the lead before there is a more settled political climate.
Tom
Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar,
warned there would be a “bloodbath” that could claim “thousands of innocent
lives” if the international community does not act. “Once again, the world
seems to be failing a desperate people in their hour of peril while a
hate-driven unnatural disaster unfolds in real time in Myanmar’s Rakhine
State,” he said.
“The
choice of these states to either step up or step away from this horror could
literally be a matter of life and death for countless Rohingya.”
Source: bylinetimes.com
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https://bylinetimes.com/2024/06/14/rohingya-muslims-flee-violence-in-myanmar-as-hate-driven-unnatural-disaster-unfolds-sparking-pleas-for-uk-and-us-to-act/
--------
Jordan
Islamists, The Islamic Action Front,Complain of “Electoral Harassment”Ahead of
Possible Elections
June 13,
2024
The
Islamic Action Front, the largest opposition party in Jordan, has sent a letter
to Prime Minister Bishr Al-Khasawneh, complaining of “electoral harassment”
practised against potential candidates and supporters by the kingdom’s security
services, amid speculations that the government and parliament will be
dissolved.
In its
letter, the Front Party protested what it described as, “the harassment and
security trade-offs to which the party’s potential candidates are exposed to”,
noting that the party has not yet announced its list of candidates.
The
party informed Al-Khasawneh of “direct violations” of electoral integrity
during his government mandate, and asked him to intervene and impose the
electoral law.
It also
reviewed what they described as “documented cases in which the security services
interfered, either with candidates affiliated with the party or against
potential partners trying to establish lists with the party.”
The
government did not publicly respond to the letter or its content.
Speculations
are running high of a potential cabinet reshuffle which would see the departure
of Al-Khasawneh’s government and the dissolution of parliament.
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
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https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240613-jordan-islamists-complain-of-harassment-ahead-of-possible-elections/
--------
Five
people killed in Ukrainian strike on apartment block
14 Jun,
2024
Five
civilians were killed when Ukrainian troops struck a five-story apartment block
in the city of Shebekino in Russia’s western Belgorod Region, Governor
Vyacheslav Gladkov said in the early hours of Saturday.
The
death toll rose as rescuers recovered more bodies from the rubble of the
residential building, which partially collapsed following the strike on Friday.
Gladkov
initially said that seven residents were hospitalized. He later wrote on
Telegram that a female victim had succumbed to her wounds.
Shebekino
is located near the border with Ukraine. It has been a frequent target of
rocket and drone attacks since February 2022, when Russia launched its military
operation in the neighboring state.
Also on
Friday, a Ukrainian kamikaze drone hit a car in the village of Murom near
Shebekino, killing the driver, Gladkov said. On the same day, a woman was
killed when a rocket struck her home in the village of Oktyabrsky, while
another person was hospitalized with shrapnel wounds after the village of
Arkhangelskoye was shelled.
Moscow
has repeatedly accused Kiev of indiscriminately firing at cities and
deliberately targeting civilians, including with Western-supplied ammunition.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/599327-ukrainian-strike-russian-shebekino/
--------
Putin
reveals number of troops engaged in Ukraine conflict
14 Jun,
2024
Roughly
700,000 Russian soldiers are engaged in the conflict between Moscow and Kiev,
President Vladimir Putin said on Friday. The number has grown by almost 100,000
since his previous estimate in December 2023, when he put the tally at around
617,000.
The
president gave the estimate during a meeting with special military operation
veterans, who are enrolled in a specialized state-supported educational program
aimed at training public officials. “We love you all and consider you to be a
part of the family,” Putin said, addressing the veterans.
In early
April, the Defense Ministry said that more than 100,000 Russian citizens had
enlisted voluntarily for military service since the beginning of the year.
Moscow has said the military enjoys a steady flow of new recruits.
Moscow
has also denied claims by Kiev and some Western media outlets about a planned
mobilization wave. In April, Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky stated that Russia was
planning to mobilize an additional 300,000 troops by as early as June 1.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claim as simply “not true.”
In May,
the Financial Times reported that a second wave of mass recruitment in Russia
would “inevitably” come later this year. Peskov again dismissed the claim,
saying it is “unlikely” that the British newspaper understands the “real
picture.”
Russia
carried out a partial mobilization in September 2022, seven months into the
conflict. This allowed 300,000 people, primarily those with previous military
experience, to be called to duty. Following this, further recruitment was
carried out on a voluntary basis.
In
December, Putin said that out of 617,000 troops taking part in the military
effort, 244,000 in the combat zone were those called up when Russia announced
the partial mobilization. Around 41,000 soldiers drafted during the September
2022 mobilization drive were subsequently discharged for health reasons or
after reaching the maximum age, he added.
The
Ukrainian army, meanwhile, has been struggling to replenish its ranks amid a
series of military setbacks. In April, Kiev adopted a new mobilization law that
lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25, expanded the powers of enlistment
officers, and introduced stricter penalties for draft dodgers. In May, a law
was also passed allowing some prison inmates to be released on parole for
joining the military.
In early
June, Putin estimated that the Ukrainian military was losing at least 50,000
people a month. While not specifying the number of Russian casualties, the
president said that the number of irrecoverable losses was at least five times
less than those incurred by Kiev’s forces.
Source: rt.com
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--------
Ukraine’s
‘room for compromise is diminishing’ – Medvedev
14 Jun,
2024
Russia
has repeatedly sought to resolve the Ukraine crisis through diplomatic means
since 2014, but Kiev and its Western backers have always responded with
“manipulation” and “deception,” former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said
on Friday. Now that the latest peace proposal has been offered by Russia, the
time for compromise is running out, he warned.
Kiev is
about to face a “catastrophic scenario,” Medvedev, who currently serves as
deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, said in a statement published
on social media. The former Ukrainian territories Kiev still lays claim to have
officially become part of Russia as a result of referendums in 2022, he noted.
“And
this is forever,” the former president said, adding that Moscow will only agree
to peace talks if this fact is taken into account.
Medvedev
was referring to the latest peace proposal put forward by President Vladimir
Putin during a meeting with senior Russian diplomats on Friday. Moscow is
demanding that Kiev withdraw its troops from all the regions that voted to join
Russia in 2022 and forgo its plans to join NATO. In exchange, Russia is ready
to order a ceasefire and start talks the moment Ukrainian officials agree to
these terms.
Medvedev
described this weekend’s Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland as a “summit
of the doomed” that will end in “total failure.”
Kiev has
been actively promoting the conference, to which Russia has not been invited,
to push its own peace plan. It includes the withdrawal of Russian troops from
territories it claims as its own, a war crimes tribunal, and reparations.
Medvedev
dismissed Kiev’s peace proposal as a “stillborn formula,” commenting that its
only purpose is to provide legitimacy to Vladimir Zelensky.
Zelensky,
whose presidential term officially expired in May, is nothing but an “usurper,”
a “nobody” with “no real authority,” according to Medvedev. He has now seized
power and “took the entire population hostage” while still “sending soldiers
forth to die,” the Russian official said.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/599323-ukraine-russia-ultimatum-medvedev/
--------
Moscow
reveals further steps after Putin’s Ukraine offer
14 Jun,
2024
Russia’s
diplomats will communicate President Vladimir Putin’s latest Ukraine peace
proposal to Western leaders “in meticulous detail,” Foreign Minister Sergey
Lavrov told journalists on Friday. Earlier the same day, the head of state set
conditions for peace negotiations with Kiev.
The
Russian president’s initiative includes a demand that Kiev withdraw its troops
from all former Ukrainian territories that joined Russia following referendums
in the fall of 2022 and abandon its plans to join NATO. Moscow is ready to
order a ceasefire and start negotiations “the minute” Ukraine agrees to those
terms and starts the withdrawal, he told Lavrov and other senior Russian
diplomats at a meeting.
Following
the event, Lavrov told journalists that he believes the world is already
well-aware of the president’s proposal. Moscow has no plans to issue the offer
in a formal document, the minister said. Russia’s ambassadors will nevertheless
hand the text of Putin’s speech to the relevant foreign officials and clarify
the Kremlin’s stance, he said.
“We
won’t chase after anyone,” Russia’s top diplomat said, adding that Moscow would
simply make its position clear and “look at the reaction” of the foreign
nations. He stated that his ministry plans to raise the issue at the meetings
of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as well as in talks with
China and the Latin American and African nations.
The
minister also expressed his hope that the initiative would be discussed at the
ongoing G7 summit in Italy and at the conference on Ukraine which Switzerland
is set to host this weekend.
When
further asked by journalist Pavel Zarubin if he believes the latest peace
initiative could lead to some meaningful dialogue with the West, Lavrov
responded by saying that “hope is the last to die.”
“Those
that have ears to hear, let them hear. Those that have brains, let them
understand,” the minister said, adding that, although he was “not sure that
everything is alright with those organs” when it comes to the Western
politicians, he still hopes that some good can come of it.
Putin’s
proposal was also lauded by Valentina Matvienko, the head of the Russian
Federation Council – the upper house of the national parliament. She described
the initiative as a “real peace offer” opening the “only possible path towards
the end of the Ukraine conflict.” The Russian president’s words also made it
clear that “the lack of will and responsibility on part of the Western elites
is the main obstacle on the road towards a durable peace,” she said.
The
initiative came just a day before the start of the Swiss-hosted summit
supposedly meant to further peace in Ukraine. Kiev insisted that Moscow could
not have been invited to the event because it would try to “hijack” the agenda
by presenting alternatives to the plan being proposed by the Ukrainian government.
Putin stated that the meeting was only meant to distract the public opinion
from the real roots of the conflict.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/599321-further-steps-putin-ukraine-offer/
--------
South Asia
Amnesty
International urges Taliban to reopen girls’ schools immediately
June 15,
2024
After a
thousand days of girls’ schools being closed by the Taliban’s orders, Amnesty
International has called on the group to reopen these schools.
The
organization said on Friday, June 14 on its social media platform X that Afghan
girls have lost their right to education because of the Taliban’s
“discriminatory and unjust policies.”
Amnesty
International added that the Islamic Taliban’s policies break international
laws.
With the
hashtag “Education is not a crime,” this human rights body wrote that the
Taliban must immediately reopen all secondary and high schools for girls.
A month
after regaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban reopened schools that were
closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they shut the doors of girls’ schools
above sixth grade.
This
comes amid a dire humanitarian crisis and severe human rights issues in the
country. The current regime’s suppressive policies have severely impacted
women’s rights, including education and employment.
Women
are also restricted from working with aid agencies and domestic organizations.
Additionally, their free movement is heavily controlled, further limiting their
opportunities.
Media
restrictions have worsened the situation, making it difficult for the public to
stay informed and for the international community to understand the full extent
of the crisis.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/amnesty-international-urges-taliban-to-reopen-girls-schools-immediately/
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Congratulatory
Message of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on the occasion
of the blessed Eid al-Adha
June 15,
2024
Translation:
Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are dedicated solely to
Allah Almighty, the Lord of all worlds (Aziz al-Tafasir, Volume 4, p. 403).
Translation: And perform the Hajj and Umrah with utmost sincerity, solely for
the sake of pleasing Allah Almighty… and fear from Allah, and be aware that
indeed, Allah Almighty is severe in punishment (Tafsir Kabuli, Volume 1, p.
163-166). Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the
Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) sacrificed two rams with
horns (whose horns were long or not broken) and a speckled (black and white)
sheep. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) slaughtered
them with his hand Mubarak, saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.” Hazrat Anas (may
Allah be pleased with him) said that he saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and
blessings be upon him) placing his foot Mubarak on their sides or necks while
saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (Bukhari and Muslim). In short, the Messenger
of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) sacrificed two speckled rams with
horns, personally slaughtered them, recited “Bismillah,” proclaimed the Takbir,
and placed his foot Mubarak on their sides. Bibi Ayesha (may Allah be pleased
with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon
him) said: “There is no act performed by the offspring of Adam on the Day of
Sacrifice that is more beloved to Allah than the shedding of blood (through
sacrifice). Indeed, the sacrificed animal will come on the Day of Judgment with
its horns, hair, and hooves. The blood of the sacrifice reaches the acceptance
of Allah before it falls into the ground (i.e., at the moment of intention).
Therefore, find contentment in your act of sacrifice. To the Faithful and
Mujahid Nation of Afghanistan and all Muslims around the World! Assalamualaikum
Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh First of all, I extend my heartfelt congratulations
to all of you on the occasion of the auspicious Eid-ul Adha. May Allah Almighty
accept your sacrifices, charitable acts, pilgrimages, and all virtuous deeds.
As these days of worship and sacrifice come upon us while we are blessed with a
Sharia-based system and comprehensive peace, therefore, we must all express our
gratitude to Allah Almighty, so that we may be deemed worthy of further divine
blessings. Praise be to Allah Almighty, with the advent of the Islamic Emirate,
the Sharia system has been established across Afghanistan. The sacred Islamic
Sharia is being enforced, and significant measures have been taken to elevate
religious practices and to expand and strengthen religious centers. These
achievements represent the goals and values for which our devout people have
long struggled and made immense sacrifices. In our homeland, Islamic brotherhood
and unity have been reinforced. Public assets, such as mines, land, forests,
and other properties, are safeguarded as part of the public treasury. Under the
governance of the Islamic Emirate, the Sharia rights of all citizens are
ensured and protected. No individual can commit injustice or aggression against
others; oppression is prevented, and the rights of the oppressed are upheld.
Through the functioning of Sharia courts, the sacred Sharia is being
implemented, and the great duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil is being
practically fulfilled. In this regard, actions are taken in accordance with
Sharia principles to achieve societal reform. With the help and grace of Allah
Almighty, significant steps have been taken, and continue to be taken, in
various sectors such as reconstruction, agriculture, irrigation, road
construction, and mineral extraction, and these are all as a result of the
Islamic Emirate’s wisdom, clear policies, sincerity, and transparency,
ultimately fostering significant progress and a promising future for all. The
Islamic Emirate calls upon all investors and traders to invest in various
sectors for further economic development and to alleviate the economic
difficulties faced by our people. The Islamic Emirate is committed to ensuring
the security and upholding the rights of investors and is dedicated to creating
the necessary facilities for them to promote Afghanistan’s prosperity and
economic development. All Emirate institutions are mandated to create
environment conducive and to address and fulfill the needs of investors in this
regard. The Islamic Emirate is firmly dedicated to securing the rights and
providing assistance to orphans, widows, the disabled, and the impoverished. We
also call upon affluent Afghans to remember the underprivileged and orphans and
to give full attention to their care and support. Significant measures have
been taken to address begging, with thousands of identified needy individuals
receiving assistance from the Islamic Emirate. The Islamic Emirate seeks to
establish political and economic relations within the framework of Sharia,
particularly with Islamic countries, and has fulfilled its obligations in this
regard. I advise the officials of the Islamic Emirate to diligently fulfill
their responsibilities in serving the people, ensuring security, and enhancing
their well-being. They should keep the doors open to the public, execute their
duties efficiently and promptly, and never treat the people in a manner that
makes them feel alienated from the authorities. I instruct the security
officials to pay special attention to the well-being, service, and safety of
the people, especially during the days of Eid. All necessary measures should be
taken to ensure their happiness and peace. They should also visit the families
of martyrs, the disabled, and orphans, providing assistance to the best of
their ability. Esteemed Citizens! It is our shared responsibility to protect,
nurture, and serve our Sharia-based system. This system has been established
through the sacrifices of our martyrs and the immense efforts of our Mujahidin
and Muslim nation. Let us stand united and committed to its preservation,
working together in solidarity to thwart the schemes and conspiracies of our
enemies, and valuing the security, prosperity, development, and Sharia
governance we enjoy. It is incumbent upon us to foster an environment conducive
to progress and prosperity, thereby ensuring the well-being of all
constituents. Praise be to Allah Almighty, this year, up to thirty thousand pilgrims
from Afghanistan have traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform the great duty of
Hajj. The Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs of Afghanistan, along with
other relevant institutions, are providing them with comprehensive care and
necessary facilities. I urge pilgrims from around the world gathered at the
Holy Mosques (Mecca and Medina) to pray for the entire Islamic Ummah,
especially the oppressed Muslims of Palestine and our suffering people, so that
Allah Almighty grants them success and honor in this world and the hereafter.
In recent weeks, Afghanistan has faced severe challenges due to floods, rains,
and other disasters, resulting in significant losses and hardships for our
people. We extend our deepest condolences to all Afghans affected by these
tragedies and pray for the martyrs to be granted the highest ranks in Paradise,
the wounded to recover swiftly, and for patience and rewards to be bestowed
upon the families of the victims. We commend all the institutions, ministries,
and Mujahedeen of the Islamic Emirate for their unwavering efforts in rescuing
and serving our people to the best of their abilities during these difficult
times. We also implore upon the business community, the affluent, and the
general public to contribute towards alleviating the suffering and pain of
their fellow Afghans with their resources, and to not withhold any form of
financial and moral support. The relevant government institutions, and
Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate have been assisting forcibly repatriated refugees
from neighboring countries in areas such as identification, transportation,
health, and more, as well as plan to distribute land to them is underway. I
call upon traders, the wealthy, and all Afghans to support these refugees
within their means and not to withhold any assistance from them. During the
auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha, please visit the homeless families and
include them in the joy of Eid. We strongly condemn the Israeli Zionist attacks
and oppression on women, children, and innocent Muslims in Gaza and other
regions of Palestine. We call on other countries to fulfill their obligations
effectively to prevent these heinous crim es and brutal atrocities. In
conclusion, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations on the arrival of
Eid al-Adha. May Allah Almighty grant us the joy of celebrating future Eids in
complete independence, peace, and under the shadow of an Islamic system, and
may our Islamic principles flourish in an environment of stability and
contentment. Sheikh-ul Quran and Hadith, Mawlavi Hebatullah Akhundzada, the
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://thekabultimes.com/congratulatory-message-of-supreme-leader-of-the-islamic-emirate-of-afghanistan-on-the-occasion-of-the-blessed-eid-al-adha/
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WFP: 12
million Afghans face hunger before Eid al-Adha
June 14,
2024
On the
eve of Eid al-Adha, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced that 12 million
Afghans do not know where their next meal will come from.
The
organization added that Eid is a time for joy and celebration with friends and
family, but for many Afghans, it is just “another hard day.”
On
Friday, June 14, the WFP shared a video on the social media platform X, calling
for assistance for those in need during the days of Eid.
The
UN-affiliated organization stated: “As Eid al-Adha approaches, millions
celebrate and gather with their families over food, while a quarter of
Afghanistan’s population goes to bed hungry every day.”
The
video released by the WFP also highlighted that 12 million people in
Afghanistan do not know where their next meal will come from.
Recently,
the UN humanitarian aid coordinator reported that 23.7 million people,
including 9.2 million children in Afghanistan, require humanitarian assistance.
The
World Food Programme has also requested $650 million to continue its operations
in Afghanistan.
This
comes amid the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan,
which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Thousands of refugees are being
sent back to Afghanistan, where they face dire conditions and lack basic
necessities, adding to the burden on already stretched resources.
Deadly
floods and Taliban restrictions on women working with aid organizations further
compound the challenges.
The
floods have destroyed homes and infrastructure, leaving many homeless and
without access to clean water. Meanwhile, the Taliban’s restrictions on women
working in aid organizations have severely limited the ability to provide
essential services and support to the most vulnerable populations, including
women and children.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/wfp-12-million-afghans-face-hunger-before-eid-al-adha/
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Italy
donates over $3 million to Afghanistan
June 14,
2024
The
United Nations Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan announced that Italy has
contributed $3.1 million to various sectors in Afghanistan.
The fund
disclosed this initial contribution from Italy to Afghanistan via its X page on
Thursday, June 13.
The UN
Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan emphasized that these funds will support efforts
to empower women, address climate change, and provide durable solutions for
refugees and returnees in the country.
Global
aid contributions have increased in recent days following humanitarian needs
and requests from international organizations to assist those in need in
Afghanistan.
Previously,
the UN Trust Fund for Afghanistan had reported Denmark’s $7.29 million
contribution to the country.
The
European Union has allocated approximately €125 million to humanitarian and
relief organizations in Afghanistan to prevent famine risks.
According
to the United Nations, nearly 25 million people in Afghanistan are in need of
humanitarian aid.
It is
worth noting that humanitarian needs in Afghanistan have increased due to the
return of over one million Afghan migrants and recent floods in the country.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/italy-donates-over-3-million-to-afghanistan/
--------
Arab World
Road-cooling
tech will provide Hajj pilgrims with respite from heat
June 14,
2024
RIYADH:
Innovative road-cooling technology is set to make pilgrims’ experience of Hajj
safer and more comfortable as temperatures soar to 46 degrees Celsius in the
summer heat.
A
spokesman for the Roads General Authority, Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, told Arab News:
“When roads are exposed to sunlight, they absorb heat, reaching up to 70
degrees Celsius of temperature retention once the sun sets.”
As a
result, he added, the road begins to emit heat — leading to something known as
a heat island phenomenon. To counter this, a cooling material that absorbs less
solar radiation than traditional substances is being applied to pavements
around holy sites.
“The
material we have developed is most effective during sunny weather as it
reflects the sun’s rays, which helps lower the temperature of the road by
reducing heat absorption,” said Al-Otaibi.
This
helps reduce heat build-up, keeping the road cooler and making it more pleasant
for pedestrians.
The
road-cooling technology is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance
infrastructure and services for the millions of pilgrims from around the world
who visit Makkah for their spiritual Hajj journey.
Al-Otaibi
added: “Data shows that this cooling material helped decrease the temperature
of asphalt surfaces by 12 to 15 degrees Celsius, which is equivalent to a 20
percent reduction compared to roads without this material.”
By
implementing the technology in key areas of Makkah, the Saudi government aims
to create a more hospitable environment for pilgrims and ensure their journey
to the holy city is as smooth as possible.
“Last
year, we tested the application of this road-cooling material for the first
time during the Hajj season in the Jamarat corridors and it was a success,”
said Al-Otaibi.
The RGA
is now expanding the project to areas in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The
material is also being applied to 25,000 square meters near Namira Mosque in
Arafat.
The
innovative substance was developed in partnership with organizations including
the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and
Housing, the Pilgrim Experience Program, and the Quality of Life Program. It is
made in the Kingdom under the RGA’s research center umbrella.
The
road-cooling technology is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s proactive measures to
improve the infrastructure and services provided during Hajj, setting a
precedent for other countries in ensuring the safety and comfort of religious
visitors.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2530731/saudi-arabia
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Muslim
pilgrims converge at Mount Arafat for daylong worship as Hajj reaches its peak
June 15,
2024
MOUNT
ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia: Following the footsteps of prophets beneath a burning
sun, Muslims from around the world congregated Saturday at a sacred hill in
Saudi Arabia for intense, daylong worship and reflection.
The
ritual at Mount Arafat, known as the hill of mercy, is considered the peak of
the Hajj pilgrimage. It is often the most memorable for pilgrims, who stand
shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet, asking God for mercy, blessings, prosperity
and good health. The mount is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of
Makkah.
It’s
believed that Prophet Muhammad delivered his final speech, known as the
Farewell Sermon, at the sacred mount 1,435 years ago. In the sermon, the
prophet called for equality and unity among Muslims.
“It’s
indescribable,” Ahmed Tukeyia, an Egyptian pilgrim, said on his arrival Friday
evening at a tent camp at the foot of Mount Arafat.
Hajj is
one of the largest religious gatherings on earth. The rituals officially
started Friday when pilgrims moved from Makkah’s Grand Mosque to Mina, a desert
plain just outside the city.
Saudi
authorities expect the number of pilgrims this year to exceed 2 million,
approaching pre-coronavirus pandemic levels.
The
pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. All Muslims are required to
make the five-day Hajj at least once in their lives if they are physically and
financially able to make the demanding pilgrimage.
The
rituals largely commemorate the Qur’an’s accounts of Prophet Ibrahim, his son
Prophet Ismail and Ismail’s mother Hajjar — or Abraham and Ismael as they are
named in the Bible.
The time
of year when the Hajj takes place varies, given that it is set for five days in
the second week of Dhu Al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Most of
the Hajj rituals are held outdoors with little if any shade. When it falls in
the summer months, temperatures can soar to over 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
The Health Ministry has cautioned that temperatures at the holy sites could
reach 48 C (118 F). It urged pilgrims to use umbrellas and drink more water to
stay hydrated.
After
Saturday’s worship in Arafat, pilgrims will travel a few kilometers (miles) to
a site known as Muzdalifa to collect pebbles that they will use in the symbolic
stoning of pillars representing the devil back in Mina.
Pilgrims
then return to Mina for three days, coinciding with the festive Eid Al-Adha
holiday, when financially able Muslims around the world slaughter livestock and
distribute the meat to poor people. Afterward, they return to Makkah for a
final circumambulation, known as Farewell Tawaf.
Once the
Hajj is over, men are expected to shave their heads, and women to snip a lock
of hair in a sign of renewal. Most of the pilgrims then leave Makkah for the
city of Medina, some 340 kilometers (210 miles) away, to pray in Prophet
Muhammad’s tomb, the Sacred Chamber. The tomb is part of the prophet’s mosque,
which is one of the three holiest sites in Islam, along with the Grand Mosque
in Makkah and the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
In
recent years, Saudi authorities have made significant efforts to improve access
and avoid deadly accidents. Tens of thousands of security personnel were
deployed across the city, especially around the holy sites, to control the
crowds, and the government built a high-speed rail link to ferry people between
holy sites in the city, which has been jammed with traffic during the Hajj
season. Pilgrims enter through special electronic gates.
Saudi
authorities have also expanded and renovated the Grand Mosque where cranes are
seen around some of its seven minarets as construction was underway in the holy
site.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2530886/saudi-arabia
--------
How
Saudi Arabia aims to make Hajj 2024 an eco-friendly pilgrimage
June 14,
2024
JEDDAH:
Hajj draws about 2 million people each year. However, this monumental event
places a significant strain on the environment through waste, water and energy
consumption, and carbon emissions.
That is
why measures have been put in place to encourage pilgrims to minimize their
waste, use resources judiciously, and reduce their overall carbon footprint
while fulfilling their Hajj obligations.
Various
government bodies are collaborating to manage solid waste, promote
environmentally conscientious behaviors, and mitigate the adverse effects of
litter on the environment.
In a
statement posted on X, the National Waste Management Center said: “With
integrated efforts to safeguard the environment of the holiest places on earth,
MWAN inspection teams are conducting rounds to ensure safe waste management,
facilitating the performance of Hajj rituals with ease and peace of mind.”
Its
teams inspected 49 operational facilities in the waste management sector across
Makkah and Madinah in May to ensure their compliance with waste management
regulations.
MWAN
says that it aims to roll out several initiatives to serve pilgrims, optimize
natural resource use, and promote public health and environmental
sustainability.
The
National Center for Environmental Compliance plays a crucial role in gathering
data and monitoring air quality before, during and after the Hajj season.
“These
figures are sent directly to the central monitoring station, where national
experts analyze them and issue daily reports provided to the Hajj Committee,”
Saad Al-Matrafi, the center’s spokesperson, told Arab News.
“Quick
responses from field committees and appropriate decisions are made upon
observing significant deviations to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.”
The
center also conducts inspection rounds of sites and facilities to ensure
compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
“The
first phase of this year’s operational plan has been completed, which includes
inspection rounds of sites and facilities in the health, municipal, industrial,
agricultural, fuel stations, and roads used by pilgrims,” Mohammed Ammar Ameen,
the head of the center’s Hajj Operations Room, told Arab News.
Ameen
said that any facility found to be non-compliant during these visits was reported
to the relevant authorities to ensure the quality of environmental conditions
before the start of Hajj rituals.
In the
second phase, the center will intensify its field visits around Makkah and the
holy sites, monitoring water, soil and air samples to ensure their safety.
“This
year’s monitoring plan includes monitoring environmental violations and
responding to environmental emergencies in the holy site camps,” Ameen said.
“The
center’s team of inspectors and environmental specialists work around the clock
to ensure the comfort of guests through continuous environmental monitoring and
instant detection of any violations in environmental standards and noise
pollution.”
Clean
water for drinking and for carrying out ablutions is provided at dispensing stations
around the holy sites and along connecting routes to keep pilgrims and
performers of Umrah cool and hydrated.
The
Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has initiated 10 projects to
enhance water infrastructure, with 2,000 employees dedicated to providing
services to pilgrims.
Abdulrahman
Al-Fadley, minister of environment, water and agriculture, said that there was
an average daily pumping volume of more than 750,000 cubic meters per day to
Makkah and the holy sites, rising to more than one million cubic meters per day
on the day of Arafa and the days of Eid Al-Adha.
Water
storage has reached 3.2 million cubic meters. There are also about 4,100 daily
laboratory tests carried out to ensure water quality.
Meanwhile,
the National Center of Meteorology is monitoring weather conditions in the
event of extreme heat events.
Al-Matrafi
of the National Center for Environmental Compliance said that he and other
departments had devised a set of environmental performance metrics to help
encourage improvements.
“Through
strategic analysis of environmental performance and challenges during the Hajj
seasons, we aim to pinpoint areas for improvement and innovation,” he said.
“This
approach enables us to develop sustainable environmental standards and introduce
forward-looking initiatives, including implementing smart cities, adopting
alternative energy sources, promoting recycling, and integrating
environmentally friendly transportation systems.”
These
include electric trains, a fleet of electric buses, a rollout of brand new
e-scooters, and even a pioneering, all-electric, self-driving aerial taxi
service — the world’s first to be licensed by a civil aviation authority.
Despite
its many environmental challenges, Hajj presents an opportunity for pilgrims to
embrace sustainable practices — be that choosing to travel by electric vehicle,
to reuse garments rather than buy new clothing, or simply by carrying a
reusable bottle.
By
adopting these sustainable practices, pilgrims can contribute to a greener Hajj
journey and minimize their environmental impact.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2530736/saudi-arabia
--------
Young
Saudi volunteers step up to serve pilgrims in Makkah, holy sites
June 14,
2024
MAKKAH:
Each year, large numbers of Saudi youths from all regions of the Kingdom come
together to support Hajj pilgrims on their spiritual journey, with a wide range
of initiatives ensuring that worshippers are treated as honored guests.
Pilgrims
witness the creativity and dedication of the volunteers as they work
tirelessly, utilizing their expertise, skills, and talents, alongside the
accumulated experience of their supervisors, to deliver high-quality services
to worshippers.
As part
of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is encouraging volunteer activity with the
goal of reaching 1 million volunteers by 2030.
Volunteering
in Makkah involves a wide range of services, including guiding pilgrims to and
from the Grand Mosque, airport transportation, distributing water bottles and
free meals, translation for non-Arabic speakers, and overseeing all pilgrim
services.
Nawaf
Khayyat, chairman of the Makkah Guests Association, told Arab News that over 30
associations serve pilgrims.
The
association, in its fourth year, has the support of Saudi authorities and
provides wide-ranging services to pilgrims. It has launched more than 40
initiatives, with the number volunteers on the national platform rising to more
than 1,700.
Khayyat
said that the focus during this year’s Hajj season is on three key programs.
The first, “Qiladah,” aims to educate bus drivers transporting pilgrims with
the participation of university academics. The second is an enrichment program
designed for tour guides, offering various educational initiatives.
The
third program involves cultural guides working with domestic pilgrim companies
in cooperation with the Coordination Council for Domestic Pilgrims. This
program is developed in partnership with Umm Al-Qura University, the Hajj and
Umrah Gift Association, and several other entities. It is designed to equip
cultural guides with extensive knowledge and skills for interacting with the
pilgrims, with over 200 cultural guides in attendance.
Year-round
programs also focus on training tour guides and qualifying female workers to
serve pilgrims during Hajj.
Ali
Al-Youbi, a member of Al-Houda Charitable Association, said that their
activities are centered at Al-Juhfah, a designated location for pilgrims
entering a sacred state of Ihram. Preparations began at the end of May to
welcome worshippers arriving from King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Over 150
buses, carrying pilgrims from Iraq, Syria, and African countries such as Niger
and Nigeria, were received by the association. They provided essential services
to pilgrims, including water distribution, refreshments such as coffee and tea,
as well as flowers, sun-protective umbrellas, and containers to keep water
cool.
Al-Youbi
said that the association has constructed a photography gate based on a
proposal from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The gate serves to commemorate
the memories of arriving pilgrims, and features greetings in English, French,
Arabic, and Persian.
During
the Hajj season, the association focuses on feeding and providing water to
pilgrims in Muzdalifah, Arafat, and Mina, in coordination with the Sqaia and
Rvada Committee in Makkah. Their goal is to distribute 1 million water bottles
and an equal number of meals over the course of six days. Additionally, they
offer guidance and assistance to lost pilgrims.
Many
professionals, such as doctors, teachers and engineers, join voluntary
associations during Hajj to serve pilgrims in Makkah, attending to their needs,
treating health issues, and providing the necessary amenities for a comfortable
pilgrimage.
Jameela
Al-Hathli, a female volunteer, said that voluntary work in Makkah has its own
special character. She has been volunteering for three years, caring for
pilgrims, providing gifts, attending to their health, educating them about
rituals, and working in tourist guidance.
She said
that initiatives designed to serve pilgrims provide round-the-clock care,
guidance, and support. This includes answering queries, taking worshippers on
tours inside and outside Makkah, and directing and helping them overcome
obstacles they may face in the holy sites. Volunteer teams also provided
courses in first aid and CPR, she added.
By
offering this comprehensive assistance, the initiatives aim to enrich the
pilgrimage experience, and extend a helping hand throughout the journey.
Al-Hathli
said that voluntary work should come from a place of love and not merely for
appearance or recognition. Volunteers focus on creating a warm and welcoming
atmosphere for the pilgrims, ensuring that they feel appreciated and cared for.
To
bridge language barriers and showcase authentic Saudi hospitality, the
initiatives rely on volunteer translators proficient in various languages. This
enables effective communication, and demonstrates the genuine spirit of welcome
and hospitality that pilgrims can expect to receive. From the moment they
arrive until their departure, pilgrims are accompanied, supported, and treated
as honored guests.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2530726/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
authorities foil drug smuggling attempts in Eastern Province
June 15,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s drug control authority arrested a Bangladeshi national on
Saturday after allegedly finding him in possession of 2.8 kilograms of
methamphetamine, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
According
to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, the confiscated items have
been submitted to the Public Prosecution.
The
public have been encouraged to report drug smuggling and sales to the General
Directorate of Narcotics Control and can share information they have by calling
911 for Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 for other regions.
Alternatively, information can be emailed to 995@gdnc.gov.sa.
All
reports are treated confidentially.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2530796/saudi-arabia
---------
North America
Marine
Le Pen Calls for Islamist Dual Nationals to Be Stripped of Citizenship and
Deported
Ack
Montgomery
In her
first speech since her National Rally (RN) party won the European Parliament
elections in France, populist leader Marine Le Pen has vowed to strip Islamist
dual nationals of their French citizenship and deport them.“Bi-nationals
connected to Islamist ideology must be stripped of their nationality and
expelled. The French who adopt the ideology of the enemy must be brought before
justice and punished. The laws exist; they just need to be applied,” Le Pen
vowed.
“Radical
mosques will be shut down, hate preachers expelled,” she continued.
“[A]ssociations connected with Salafism and the Muslim Brotherhood will be
dissolved. With me, be assured that the rights of women, today challenged by
the Islamist obscurantism, will be granted to all the women of France. With me,
the security will not go against liberty, in any case, not against the liberty
of honest people.”
President
Emmanuel Macron called a snap national election after National Rally placed
first in the European elections, securing 31.4 percent of the vote against 14.6
percent for Macron’s Renaissance party.Raheem Kassam, Editor-in-Chief of The
National Pulse, believes Macron is gambling RN lacks the resources to fight
another election campaign on such short notice. For a majority in the National
Assembly, RN need to secure 289 seats—a significant increase from their current
88.Macron’s stunt may be backfiring. RN is projected to win the election even
if it fails to secure an outright majority. Meanwhile, a coalition of far-left
parties is projected to beat Renaissance into third place.However, the French
right is also experiencing difficulties. The establishment-right Republicans
and populist Reconquest are both imploding after failed attempts to establish
an electoral pact with Le Pen.
Source: thenationalpulse.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thenationalpulse.com/2024/06/14/marine-le-pen-calls-for-islamist-dual-nationals-to-be-stripped-of-citizenship-and-deported/
--------
Two
Senior Islamic Jihad Gunmen Killed in IDF Counterterrorism Operation
Israeli
commandos exchanged fire and killed “two senior terrorists” barricaded in a
building during a counterterrorism operation in the northern West Bank city of
Qabatiya on June 13, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The two gunmen,
identified as Muhammed Shalabi and Muhammed Fayyad, were members of Palestinian
Islamic Jihad’s branch in Jenin. Three Palestinian deaths have been reported,
while one IDF soldier was lightly wounded in the operation.
Israeli
forces launched the raid based on intelligence provided by the Aman and the
Shin Bet intelligence agencies. During the operation, “fighters engaged in an
exchange of fire with the wanted persons that included firing shoulder-fired
missiles at the building,” the IDF said. IDF engineering forces also uncovered
buried IEDs that were intended to harm troops.
Expert
Analysis
“Israeli
counterterrorism operations against Palestinian terror groups in the West Bank
are necessary to contain the threat but are not sufficient to reduce it, let
alone defeat these groups. With robust smuggling networks that continue to
provide weapons, improved infrastructure, and no dearth of recruits, the threat
posed by Palestinian groups based in the West Bank is increasing even as
Israeli forces conduct counterterrorism operations regularly. Israeli forces
are merely mowing the grass in the West Bank, and this is not sustainable.” —
Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow and Editor of FDD’s Long War Journal
“It has
been three years since the surge of violence in the West Bank began, and
despite their success in dismantling terrorist infrastructure, Israeli forces
have been conducting near-daily counterterrorism raids against Palestinian
terrorist groups. However, the latter continue to operate and improve their
military capabilities, casting some doubt on the effectiveness of the current
Israeli approach. As a result, Israel may need to reconsider its strategy to shift
the momentum in its favor.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s
Long War Journal
Iran is
Smuggling Weapons to the West Bank
The New
York Times reported on April 9 that Iran is employing a clandestine network of
operatives to smuggle weapons into the West Bank. Unnamed high-ranking
officials from Iran, the United States, and Israel said that Tehran has
established supply routes crisscrossing the Middle East. Two primary routes, it
is alleged, run from Syria and Jordan and the other through Syria and Lebanon.
In
Jordan, Iranian operatives transfer weapons to Bedouin smugglers, who then
transport the caches to criminal gangs operating along the Israeli border. The
more perilous route involves smugglers navigating Israel’s heavily fortified
northern border, where they must evade detection to deliver the weapons to the
West Bank.
Iranian
officials revealed that Tehran’s primary objective is to stoke unrest against
Israel, the Times reported. When confronted about this allegation, Iran’s
ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, countered that
“Palestinian resistance forces possess the capability to manufacture and
acquire the necessary arms and ammunition for their struggle.”
Source: fdd.org
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2024/06/14/two-senior-islamic-jihad-gunmen-killed-in-idf-counterterrorism-operation/
--------
CAIR-MA
Launches Survey to Track Bullying Among Muslim Youth Amid Rising Anti-Muslim
Incidents in Massachusetts
June 14,
2024
(BOSTON,
MA – June 14, 2024) – The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA) today announced the launch of its biennial
survey aimed at monitoring the bullying of Muslim youth in Massachusetts public
schools.
This
survey, following the inaugural 2019 survey and its revealing 2021 report, aims
to track changes over the years. CAIR-MA seeks responses from Muslim students
in grades 6-12 attending public schools in Massachusetts. The survey is a
crucial tool in CAIR-MA’s ongoing efforts to redress the systemic Islamophobia
across the state.
TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
This
initiative comes on the heels of the publication of CAIR-MA’s 2023 Civil Rights
Report, which documented a 40 percent uptick in hate crime reports and a 385
percent increase in employment discrimination cases in 2023. These challenges
were exacerbated following the onset of the war in Gaza, with a substantial and
continuing impact into 2024, reflecting a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim
violence both locally and nationally. “The context of the domestic fallout of
the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and its impact on Muslims
domestically cannot be overlooked,” said Corey Saylor, CAIR National’s Research
and Advocacy Director.
“We know
from our civil rights report that there is an increase in Islamophobia across
the Commonwealth,” says Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, executive director of CAIR-MA.
“And we know from our community-facing work that Islamophobia doesn’t happen in
a vacuum. It impacts Muslims of all races, genders, and ages, including Muslim
youth.”
CAIR-MA
urges community members, allies, and policymakers to stand in solidarity
against Islamophobia. “With the worsening crisis in Gaza, we see an increase in
Islamophobia here at home,” says Amatul-Wadud. “The youth are our future and
they’re growing up amidst unprecedented violence and hate. Together, we can
tackle these challenges and advocate for dignity and respect for all.”
The
results of the survey will be used to compile a report that will be distributed
to the public, with a focus on getting this data to schools, educators and
administrators who work directly with Muslim youth, and those who experience
bullying themselves.
“Anti-Muslim
discrimination is so normalized that by the time we get to middle and high
school, we’re desensitized to it,” says Fatuma Mohamed, Director of Youth
Advocacy &Community Outreach at CAIR-MA. “This survey empowers Muslim youth
to not accept discriminatory behaviors. The data is a tool for them to advocate
for themselves and contextualize their experiences within the larger statewide
issues.”
The
survey results will be used to develop targeted educational programs and policy
recommendations; empower community advocacy and enhance legal protections; and
build a sense of community, solidarity, and resilience among Muslim youth.
CAIR-MA
will collect survey data during the United Boston Eid prayer at Reggie Lewis
Track Center on June 16th. If you would like to volunteer with this effort,
please reach out to Fatuma Mohamed. If you would like CAIR-MA to administer the
survey in your school, community group, or organization, please contact Fatuma
Mohamed at f-mohamed@cair.com. To participate in the survey, please click here.
To participate in the survey, please click here.
NOTE:
Last year, CAIR’s national office released a new guide for Muslim students and
families in support of National Bullying Prevention Month
The
Council on American-Islamic Relations – Massachusetts (CAIR-MA) is a chapter of
America’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. CAIR-MA’s mission is to
enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties,
empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote social justice and
mutual understanding. For more information on how you can support CAIR-MA’s
efforts, visit https://www.cairma.org/.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ma-launches-survey-to-track-bullying-among-muslim-youth-amid-rising-anti-muslim-incidents-in-massachusetts/
--------
Islamic
State-Linked Rebels in East DR Congo Kill Dozens: Local Authorities
JUNE 14,
2024
An
attack blamed on Islamic State-linked rebels has left dozens of people dead in
eastern DR Congo’s Beni region, local authorities said on Thursday.
Colonel
Alain Kiwewa Mitela, a local official in Lubero territory where the overnight
attack struck, told AFP that 42 bodies had been found.
It
brings to nearly 150 the number of people killed since the start of the month
by rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), according to figures from
local authorities and civil groups.
A civil
society leader, Seba Paluku, told AFP there were 41 bodies including some that
were “tied up” and “decapitated.”
He said
he had gone to the site with soldiers. “The bodies are lying still on the
ground, there’s no means of transporting them because vehicles can’t get
there.”
Samuel
Kakule, a civil society leader in Mangurujipa, not far from the site of the
attack, said that “around 2:00 pm yesterday, we were told of the presence of
the enemy” and that later “they fired on the peaceful population and the bodies
began arriving at the hospital.”
Between
June 1 and 11, the Islamic State group claimed about 15 attacks on villages and
roads near Beni that have killed 125 people, almost all of them civilians.
A local
official estimated the number to be 109 while a security official said it stood
at 138.
The ADF,
historically a Ugandan Muslim majority rebel coalition, has established a
presence over the past three decades in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,
killing thousands of civilians.
It
pledged allegiance in 2019 to the Islamic State group, which portrays the ADF
as its central African branch.
Since
the end of 2021, the Congolese and Ugandan armies have conducted joint
operations against the ADF in North Kivu and neighboring Ituri province but
have so far failed to stop the deadly attacks on civilians.
The east
of the country has been plagued by violence by armed groups for decades.
The
Rwanda-backed M23 (March 23 Movement) resumed its armed campaign in the region
at the end of 2021, seizing swathes of territory in North Kivu, as intensified
fighting continues to displace tens of thousands of people.
Source: thedefensepost.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/06/14/adf-attack-east-dr-congo-2/
--------
US Navy
says faces 'most intense' combat since World War II against Yemenis
14 June
2024
The
US-led campaign to protect Israeli interests in the Red Sea has escalated into
the "most intense" running sea battle the Navy has faced since World
War II, according to an AP report quoting American military commanders and
experts.
The
report says the US Navy has been exhausted after confronting non-stop naval
operations by Yemen’s Armed Forces for over seven months, with commanders
warning that the situation there is perilously dangerous for them.
“I don’t
think people really understand just kind of how deadly serious it is what we’re
doing and how under threat the ships continue to be,” Cmdr. Eric Blomberg told
the AP aboard the USS Laboon warship in the Red Sea.
“We only
have to get it wrong once,” he said. “The Houthis (Yemen’s Ansarullah movement)
just have to get one through.”
Bryan
Clark, a former Navy submariner and a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute,
told the AP, “this is the most sustained combat that the US Navy has seen since
World War II.”
“We’re
sort of on the verge of the Houthis being able to mount the kinds of attacks
that the US can’t stop every time, and then we will start to see substantial
damage. … If you let it fester, the Houthis are going to get to be a much more
capable, competent, experienced force,” he said.
“It is
every single day, every single watch, and some of our ships have been out here
for seven-plus months doing that,” said Capt. David Wroe, commodore overseeing
the guided missile destroyers.
Yemen
initiated its naval operations in the Red Sea in October to help bring the
US-Israeli genocide in Gaza to a halt.
Nearly
every day, the Yemenis have launched missiles, drones or some other type of
attack in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait
that connects the waterways and separates Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.
The Arab
nation says its operations are meant to prevent the passage of Israeli-linked
ships through waters around Yemen, a campaign to make Israel pay a cost for its
brutal bombing campaign against Gaza, which has so far killed over thirty-five
thousand people, including over 15 thousand children.
Yemen
has also targeted American and British vessels and warships in January as a
response to the strikes conducted by the UK and US on Yemen in defense of
Israel.
The AP
report mentioned that one round of fire on Jan. 9 saw the Laboon, other vessels
and F/A-18s from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower shoot down 18
drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles and a ballistic missile launched by the
Yemenis.
The
report noted that the US Navy experienced periods of combat during the “Tanker
Wars” of the 1980s in the Persian Gulf, but that largely involved ships hitting
mines. The Yemeni assaults involve direct attacks on vessels and warships.
Yemen’s
Ansarullah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said on Thursday they’ve attacked 145
ships linked to Israel, the US and UK as part of their retaliatory naval
operations so far.
The
Yemeni leader vowed that they will continue to target American warships in the
Red Sea and beyond, including the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/06/14/727469/US-Navy-faces-most-intense-combat-since-World-War-II-against-Yemen-report
--------
Pakistan
LHC
chief justice expresses full faith that ‘establishment’s interference’ in
judiciary will end soon
June 14,
2024
Lahore
High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad on Friday said he has
received complaints and letters — many verbally — of interference in judicial
matters by “institutions”.
Addressing
an event in Rawalpindi, Justice Ahmad asserted, “I have full faith that this
interference of the establishment in the judiciary will come to its end very
soon.”
He
explained he was saying so not just because it was “part of my faith but also
includes my experience”.
“To get
rid of the establishment’s interference, we have to face it with bravery, courage
and without any fear, and with the belief that this interference, God-willing,
will end soon,” the chief justice said.
“We
receive letters, complaints and oral complaints that interference is being done
in the judiciary in which a few institutions — naming them is not appropriate —
are involved,” Justice Ahmad said.
He added
he was glad that the judiciary was “fulfilling its responsibilities without any
fear or greed”.
“We have
received other such complaints as well. Many complaints are not in written
[form] as they say evidence would be demanded, which would be difficult to
provide,” the LHC top judge said.
Referring
to recent claims of a sessions judge of a Sargodha Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC)
about interference in judicial matters by the Inter-Services Intelligence
(ISI), Justice Ahmad said the judge in his complaint had stated he was not
afraid of any of the incidents he allegedly faced.
“I am
ready for any sacrifice that I might have to make but I would not do injustice
to anyone,” Justice Ahmad quoted the ATC judge as saying.
Addressing
his subordinate judges, he said, “Temporary worries do come but you have to
face them eye to eye and not be a target of any of their blackmailing. Do not
be hesitant to make any kind of sacrifice.”
Praising
former LHC chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry for being the “only judge
to initiate efforts against a military dictator”, he recalled that the lawyers’
movement back then resulted in his restoration as a judge.
Justice
Ahmad highlighted that Pakistan was currently “going through one of the longest
periods of a civil government”, adding that the 2007 lawyers’ movement “closed
the doors for martial law forever”.
The
judge urged lawmakers to play their role in improving the country, noting that positions
were a temporary thing.
Claims
of Sargodha ATC judge
On
Wednesday, Justice Ahmad summoned Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Usman Anwar and other officials on a complaint by a presiding judge of a
Sargodha ATC, alleging harassment by the intelligence and law enforcement
agencies.
The LHC
registrar office had received a special report on June 7 from District &
Sessions Judge (DSJ) Muhammad Abbas, wherein he said that on May 25 — the first
day of his new charge as Sargodha ATC judge — a message was conveyed to him
that some authority of the ISI wanted to meet him in his chamber.
Upon
refusing to meet the said authority, DSJ Abbas alleged that ever since then, he
had been encountering various incidents, such as firing outside his ATC and
questioning from family members, among others.
A day
ago, the Punjab IG informed the LHC that an investigation had been launched
into the alleged threats.
“If
excuses are to be made, then the courts should be closed,” Justice Ahmad
remarked, reserving the verdict on the matter.
Earlier
in March, six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges — out of a total strength of
eight — had written a startling letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC)
members, regarding attempts to pressure judges through the abduction and torture
of their relatives as well as secret surveillance inside their homes.
It led
to the Supreme Court taking suo motu notice of the matter, with high courts
submitting their responses and recommendations as proceedings continued.
Imran
calls for Supreme Court to look into matter
Meanwhile,
a message from PTI founder Imran Khan on his X account said the letter by the
Sargodha ATC judge and the letter by the IHC judges had revealed the “massive
level of involvement of ISI in judicial matters”.
“I
request the superior judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, to look into the
matter and, in light of the observations of the LHC chief justice and IHC
judges, save the justice system by curtailing the ISI and the establishment’s
intrusion in the judicial system,” he said.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1839870/lhc-chief-justice-expresses-full-faith-that-establishments-interference-in-judiciary-will-end-soon
--------
Amid
budget debate, JUI-F senator calls for ‘civil supremacy’
June 15,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
Calling for civilian supremacy, the JUI-F’s parliamentary leader in the Senate
on Friday called for sending the armed forces “back to barracks”.
Taking
part in the discussion on the Finance Bill 2024-25 in the Senate, Maulana
Attaur Rehman said the civilian government was helpless and all key decisions
on foreign policy, internal security and economy were being taken by someone
else.
“They
cannot even transfer a commissioner and deputy commissioner without
permission,” he remarked.
Terming
the general elections 2024 a fraud, the JUI-F leader said that lists of those
to be declared winners had been handed over to respective authorities two days
before the polls.
PML-N
legislator deplores lack of policy consistency; PPP lawmaker rails against GST
on newsprint
He said
the people were brought to the parliament on the basis of pick and choose and
it is not parliament that represents the people.
He also
regretted that Senate elections were yet to be conducted and the upper house
continues to be incomplete, while the Senate standing committees had been
distributed.
“Where
are we heading when we are not demanding Senate elections in KP,” he asked.
He said
that nobody agreed to lend money to Pakistan unless a general is part of the
official delegation as they know with whom real power rests with in Pakistan.
He also
voiced concern over the forces’ role in commercial and business activities.
Seven
ministers in as many years
PML-N
Senator Saadia Abbasi speaking on her turn said that since 2018, the country
has had seven finance ministers. She questioned how there would be consistency
in policies of a country where seven finance ministers served over the last six
years.
“Some of
these finance ministers were called blue-eyed boys of IMF and some were not,
but none of them could sustain his position,” she said.
Ms
Abbasi emphasised that all of them had a “myopic” view that the people didn’t
pay taxes, hence the country was not progressing. As a result, they burdened
the people by imposing more taxes, she added.
She said
that none of these finance ministers ever gave a programme for formulating
policies that could take the country out of its innumerable problems and could
have meaningful impact on the lives of the people.
She said
that the auditor general office in its recent report has pointed out wasteful
expenditures, non-compliance with the rule of law, non-adherence to rules and
ad hocism as the main problems of the country’s governance.
She
questioned that why no government took notice of these issues, adding that the
vision of all finance ministers was regressive taxation and burdening people
with import duties, higher sales taxes, and levies on all utilities but they
never talked about controlling expenditures or increasing revenues.
Call for
withdrawing GST on newsprint
PPP’s
Sarmad Ali said that indeed there was a massive gap between available resources
and problems in the country. He noted there had always been just rhetoric that
allocation for education should be 4 per cent of the GDP, but GST had been
proposed in the budget on pencils, colour pencils, erasers, sharpeners,
calculators and exercise books.
“We just
have no idea what is to be achieved by taxing such educational instruments,
used by children. This would also increase financial hardships of parents,” he
said and pointed out that 10 per cent GST had been proposed on newsprint at a
time when newspapers were already struggling despite being considered so
effective in checking fake news and disinformation.
Newspapers,
he said, were so handy in ensuring the people’s right to know and safeguarding
democratic values, promoting democracy and transparency. He called for
withdrawal of GST on newsprint, which has already been called death knell for
newspapers.
He said
the government should withdraw 10 per cent General Sales Tax on import of
newsprint, saying this is important for survival of newspapers.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1839978/amid-budget-debate-jui-f-senator-calls-for-civil-supremacy
--------
8 held,
policeman hurt as anti-Israel protest turns violent
June 15,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
A number of police officials were injured and at least eight activists of a
religio-political party taken into custody after an anti-Israel protest outside
a well-known fast food chain in the capital turned violent on Friday.
The
Islami Jamiat Talba (IJT) had called for a demonstration against Israel outside
the McDonald’s outlet in Sector F-9, a spokesperson for the Jamaat-i-Islami
told Dawn.
Islamabad
police said that they had received information on the 15 helpline regarding a
group that was beating up women near a restaurant.
When
police reached the scene, the protesters attacked them as well, leading to a
physical confrontation that resulted in injuries to some personnel, including a
superintendent of police.
The
Islamabad police public relations officer told Dawn that over 100
baton-wielding activists gathered outside McDonald’s at F-9 Park, during which
they entered the premises of the outlet and created a disturbance.
According
to JI Pakistan Media Coordinator Rashid Umer Aolakh, IJT’s activists were
staging a protest against ‘Jewish products’ at the multinational fast food
outlet, adding that police arrived at the protest and started rounding up their
activists.
He
confirmed that a number of IJT activists had been arrested, but did not give an
exact number.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1839976/8-held-policeman-hurt-as-anti-israel-protest-turns-violent
-------
Police
officer gunned down in Quetta
June 14,
2024
QUETTA:
A police head constable was gunned down by unknown armed men in the Nawan Killi
area of the provincial capital on Thursday.
According
to police, the armed men raiding motorbikes targeted the police official when
he was passing through the bypass area. He received multiple bullet injuries
and died on the spot.
Following
the incident, police rushed to the site and shifted the body to Civil Hospital.
He was identified as Ziaur Rehman. The body was later handed over to his family
after completing medico-legal formalities. He was posted at the Jinnah Town
police station.
It was
the third killing of police personnel by unknown armed men this month, with no
one claiming responsibility.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1839776/police-officer-gunned-down-in-quetta
--------
CTD
foils attempt to establish TTP centres in Balochistan
June 14,
2024
QUETTA:
Security forces have foiled an attempt to establish centres of the banned
Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Balochistan by arresting a most wanted
commander and several other members of the outlawed outfit in different areas
of the province.
A
spokesman for the Counter Terrorism Department said on Thursday that the CTD
had received information that the commander, who is also a member of TTP Shura,
and other members of the outlawed outfit were attempting to establish their
centres in different areas of the province.
The CTD,
along with other law enforcement agencies, conducted operations and arrested
several militants, including the wanted TTP commander.
“With
the arrest of the TTP commander and other terrorists, their efforts to
establish centres in the province have been foiled,” the CTD spokesman said,
adding that one of the facilitators has also been taken into custody.
“The
arrested commander was involved in various terrorist activities in different
areas of the country,” the spokesman said, adding that further investigation
was underway.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1839777/ctd-foils-attempt-to-establish-ttp-centres-in-balochistan
--------
US envoy
Andrew Schofer visits Karachi to strengthen cultural ties, maritime security
June 14,
2024
KARACHI:
Andrew Schofer, the Chargé d'affaires (CDA) of the United States Mission in
Pakistan, shed light on the strong US-Pakistan partnership and Washington’s
commitment to enhance maritime security, support religious freedom, and
cultural heritage preservation on his visit to Karachi on Friday.
CDA
Schofer visited Mazar-e-Quaid in the honour Pakistan's founder Quaid-e-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah to conclude his two-day visit to the port city, a statement
from the consulate issued on Friday said.
"This
visit symbolised the United States’ long and steadfast relations with Pakistan,
reminding us of Jinnah’s vision for a unified, democratic Pakistan, one in
which equality, social justice, and economic opportunity prevail. Both our
nations hold the ideas dear and continue to perfect them through our many areas
of cooperation."
A
highlight of CDA Schofer's Karachi visit was attending the launch of the $1
million Global Maritime Crime Program (GMCP) Phase-2.
Funded
by the US government’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
Affairs (INL), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) leads this
initiative, which will enhance maritime security and combat transnational
maritime crime in Pakistan.
The
programme also develops technologies to improve Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
for effective maritime activity monitoring and management.
In
Karachi, CDA Schofer also visited the shrine of Sufi saint Manghopir, honouring
Pakistan's rich cultural and religious diversity. He had the unique opportunity
to observe and participate in the traditional ritual of feeding crocodiles at
the adjoining ponds.
This
centuries-old practice is a significant cultural and spiritual ritual for the
local community. The visit emphasised the US priority of promoting religious
tolerance and support for Karachi's Sheedi community.
CDA
Schofer stated: “Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right essential for
global stability and security.”
With the
goal of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), the
DCM also met with various individuals from the transgender community.
They
talked about their experiences, challenges, and their work to improve social
and economic inclusion and opportunities for their community in Pakistan.
CDA
Schofer's visit to Makli Necropolis, one of the world's largest and oldest
funerary sites, demonstrated the US commitment to preserving Pakistan’s
cultural heritage and fostering mutual respect.
Through
the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the US government has
supported more than 32 projects in Pakistan since 2001, investing $7.6 million
to restore sites like Varun Dev Temple, Frere Hall, tombs of Sultan Ibrahim and
Amir Sultan Muhammad at Makli Necropolis, Mehrgarh Museum in Balochistan, and
many more across Pakistan.
CDA
Schofer visited Aisha Islamic Academy, a madrassah affiliated with Jamia
Islamia Clifton’s madrassah for boys that educates 300 girls as well, including
more than 100 orphans who reside on the property.
This
visit marks the first official US delegation visit to the girls’ madrassah, underscoring
the US government’s dedication to inclusive education and women’s empowerment.
CDA
Schofer's trip to Karachi reflects the US government's broader approach to
strengthening its partnership with Pakistan.
By
promoting climate resilience, human rights, maritime security, women's
empowerment, religious tolerance, and cultural heritage preservation, the US
Mission in Pakistan supports sustainable development and deepens bilateral
ties.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1200414-us-envoy-andrew-schofer-visits-karachi-to-strengthen-cultural-ties-maritime-security
--------
Google
accepts invitation of Pakistan to explore tech cooperation
June 14,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
A high-level and advanced team from the American tech giant Google is set to
visit Pakistan soon in a bid to explore areas of mutual cooperation in
technology and education, announced the Federal Ministry of Education and
Vocational Training Friday.
The purpose
of the Google team's visit to Pakistan, the ministry said, is to improve
educational outcomes and increase access to quality education, especially for
out-of-school children.
The
visit follows a request from the Ministry of Federal Education to Google to
support Pakistan's efforts to create a digitally enabled education system.
"Advance
teams from Google have already conducted preliminary work and are excited about
the potential for collaboration," it added.
The
ministry also said that a national workshop was organised with stakeholders to
explore technology solutions for out-of-school children.
Similarly,
discussions were held on possible cooperation in the fields of education and
technology.
"We
are thrilled to welcome the Google team to Pakistan and explore ways to
leverage technology to improve education outcomes. This collaboration has the
potential to transform the education landscape in Pakistan and expand access to
quality education for all," said the Minister for Federal Education and Professional
Training.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1200375-google-accepts-invitation-of-pakistan-to-explore-tech-cooperation
--------
Pakistan
issues visas to pilgrims on Ranjeet Singh’s death anniversary
June 14,
2024
Pakistan
High Commission in New Delhi has issued 509 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India
to attend the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh.
The
death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh will be observed from June 21.
Extending
his heartfelt felicitations to the pilgrims, Pakistan Charge d’Affaires Saad
Ahmad Warraich underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment to extend all
possible facilitation to Sikh Yatrees.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/14-06-2024/pakistan-issues-visas-to-pilgrims-on-ranjeet-singhs-death-anniversary
--------
Mideast
G7 says
UNRWA, UN agencies must work unhindered in Gaza
June 14,
2024
BARI,
Italy: G7 leaders said Friday the UN Palestinian refugee agency must be allowed
to work unhindered in war-torn Gaza, in a statement at the end of their talks
in Italy.
“We
agree it is critical that UNRWA and other UN organizations and agencies’ distribution
networks be fully able to deliver aid to those who need it most, fulfilling
their mandate effectively,” the Group of Seven nations said.
They
called for all parties to facilitate “rapid and unimpeded passage of
humanitarian relief for civilians in need” in Gaza, particularly women and
children.
“Securing
full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access in all its forms —
consistent with international humanitarian law, and through all relevant land
crossing points, including the Rafah crossing, through maritime delivery
routes, including through Ashdod Port — and throughout all of Gaza remains an
absolute priority,” they said.
UNRWA,
which coordinates nearly all aid to Gaza, has been in crisis since January,
when Israel accused about a dozen of its 13,000 Gaza employees of involvement
in the unprecedented October 7 Hamas attack that sparked the war.
That
prompted many governments, including top donor the United States, to suspend
funding to the agency, threatening its efforts to deliver aid in Gaza, although
several have since resumed payments.
An
independent review of UNRWA, led by French former foreign minister Catherine
Colonna, found some “neutrality-related issues” but said Israel had yet to
provide evidence for its main allegations.
In a
draft statement, the G7 leaders repeated concern at the “unacceptable number of
civilian casualties” in the Hamas-Israel war, now into its ninth month. They
again endorsed a truce and hostage release deal.
The Gaza
war began after Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in
the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based
on Israeli official figures.
Militants
also seized 251 hostages. Of these, 116 remain in Gaza, although the army says
41 are dead.
Israel’s
retaliatory offensive has killed at least 37,266 people in Gaza, also mostly
civilians, according to the Hamas-ruled territory’s health ministry.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2530616/middle-east
---------
Iran-Iraq
synergistic ties benefit Islamic world
Jun 15,
2024
TEHRAN,
Jun. 15 (MNA) – The leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement Sayyid Ammar
al-Hakim has stated that the synergistic relations between Iran and Iraq are
advantageous for the Islamic world and the countries of the region.
Al-Hakim
made the remarks during a meeting with Iran’s acting Foreign Minister, Ali
Bagheri Kani, in Baghdad, Iraq.
He
emphasized the importance of strong ties between Iraq and Iran in all fields
and expressed hope that Bagheri Kani’s visit to Iraq would further strengthen
the bilateral ties.
Al-Hakim
also lauded the resistance of the Palestinian nation, describing it as a bright
spot in the Islamic world, and appreciated the support of the Islamic Republic
of Iran for the Palestinian resistance.
Iran-Iraq
synergistic ties rooted in the history of the two nations with many
commonalities that benefit the Islamic world and the region's countries.
Additionally,
the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement lauded Iran's good neighborliness
policy under martyred president Ebrahim Raeisi and expressed hopes that the
policy would continue.
Bagheri
Kani arrived in Baghdad on Thursday morning on a two-day trip.
He met
with top Iraqi officials, including President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime
Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein among
others.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/216504/Iran-Iraq-synergistic-ties-benefit-Islamic-world
--------
Palestinian
national, Islamic forces reject Blinken’s statements to obstruct deal
[14/June/2024]
GAZA
June 14. 2024 (Saba) - The Follow-up Committee for Palestinian National and
Islamic Forces on Friday rejected statements by US Secretary of State Anthony
Blinken in which he exonerates the Zionist enemy and holds the resistance
responsible for obstructing a deal.
In a
statement seen by Sanad News Agency, the Committee called on the American
administration to reconsider its Secretary, who proved to the whole world the
United States’ complete complicity with the killers of children and women who
were blacklisted by the United Nations.
The
Committee affirmed its full support for the Palestinian negotiating delegation,
and its support for it in the negotiation battle.
The
Committee called on the international community and the American administration
to put pressure on the occupation government to stop the genocidal war it is
waging against Gaza Strip, in violation of all international laws and treaties.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3340372.htm
--------
Islamic
Resistance targets sites & settlements of Zionist enemy with dozens of
missiles
[14/June/2024]
BEIRUT
June 14. 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, led by Hezbollah,
targeted today, Friday, the settlements of “Kiryat Shmona” and “Kfarsold” with
dozens of “Katyusha” and “Falak” rockets.
The
Lebanese Resistance also targeted buildings used by soldiers from the Zionist
enemy army in “Metulla” settlement, using appropriate weapons, achieving a
direct hit.
The
resistance confirmed that the two operations came in response to the Zionist
enemy’s attacks on the steadfast southern villages and safe houses, the most
recent of which was the attack on the town of Janata, which led to the
martyrdom and injury of civilians.
The
Islamic Resistance in Lebanon destroyed the spy systems in the “Miskav Am” and
“Jal al-Deir” sites belonging to the occupation, after targeting them with
appropriate weapons.
The
resistance confirmed in its statements that its operations come in support of
the steadfast Palestinian people in Gaza Strip, and in support of their
resistance.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3340334.htm
--------
About 30
thousand perform Friday prayers in Al-Aqsa Mosque
[14/June/2024]
OCCUPIED
QUDS June 14. 2024 (Saba) - Thousands of Palestinians performed Friday prayers
in the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, in light of the strict military measures imposed
by the Zionist enemy forces on access to the mosque.
The
Islamic Endowments Department in Al-Quds estimated that about 30,000 citizens
performed Friday prayers inside Al-Aqsa Mosque.
During
the Friday sermon and prayer, the Zionist enemy forces stormed Al-Aqsa,
prevented a large number of worshipers from entering, and arrested a
Palestinian boy.
Enemy
forces continue to impose severe restrictions on the entry of worshipers into
Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially during Fridays , holidays, and prevent many
Palestinians from performing prayers.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3340332.htm
--------
Tunisia
sentences five over missing migrants
June 15,
2024
TUNIS: A
Tunisian court has sentenced five people to prison for organizing an illegal
migrant sea crossing that resulted in 18 deaths or disappearances, a spokesman
said Friday.
The boat
carrying the migrants, all Tunisians, went missing off the coast of the
southeastern city of Zarzis during an attempt to reach Italy in September 2022.
The five
Tunisian defendants, including two still at large, received prison terms
ranging from four to 10 years on Thursday night, said Lassad Horr, spokesman
for the Medenine court.
The
incident sparked protests and a general strike in Zarzis. President Kais Saied
later ordered an investigation to uncover what happened.
The
court spokesman said Friday that a boat, two cars and a GPS device had been
seized as part of the investigation.
Tunisia
and neighboring Libya are major departure points for migrants attempting
perilous sea crossings to Europe.
Each
year, tens of thousands of migrants — mainly Sub-Saharan Africans — attempt to
cross the Mediterranean from Tunisia, whose shores are about 150 kilometers (90
miles) from the Italian island of Lampedusa.
On May
19, the Tunisian National Guard said 23 people had been missing for two weeks
off Nabeul in the northeast. On May 29, four others disappeared off Mahdia on
the central coast, while 17 were rescued.
More
than 1,300 people died or went missing last year in shipwrecks off the North
African country, according to the Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic
Rights, a non-governmental organization.
The
International Organization for Migration has said more than 27,000 migrants
have died in the Mediterranean in the past decade, including more than 3,000
last year.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2530776/middle-east
--------
US Navy
faces its most intense combat since World War II against Yemen’s Iran-backed
Houthi rebels
June 15,
2024
ABOARD
THE USS LABOON IN THE RED SEA: The US Navy prepared for decades to potentially
fight the Soviet Union, then later Russia and China, on the world’s waterways.
But instead of a global power, the Navy finds itself locked in combat with a
shadowy, Iran-backed rebel group based in Yemen.
The
US-led campaign against the Houthi rebels, overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas war
in the Gaza Strip, has turned into the most intense running sea battle the Navy
has faced since World War II, its leaders and experts told The Associated
Press.
The
combat pits the Navy’s mission to keep international waterways open against a
group whose former arsenal of assault rifles and pickup trucks has grown into a
seemingly inexhaustible supply of drones, missiles and other weaponry.
Near-daily attacks by the Houthis since November have seen more than 50 vessels
clearly targeted, while shipping volume has dropped in the vital Red Sea
corridor that leads to the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean.
The
Houthis say the attacks are aimed at stopping the war in Gaza and supporting
the Palestinians, though it comes as they try to strengthen their position in
Yemen. All signs suggest the warfare will intensify — putting US sailors, their
allies and commercial vessels at more risk.
“I don’t
think people really understand just kind of how deadly serious it is what we’re
doing and how under threat the ships continue to be,” Cmdr. Eric Blomberg with
the USS Laboon told the AP on a visit to his warship on the Red Sea.
“We only
have to get it wrong once,” he said. “The Houthis just have to get one
through.”
Seconds
to act
The pace
of the fire can be seen on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, where the paint
around the hatches of its missile pods has been burned away from repeated
launches. Its sailors sometimes have seconds to confirm a launch by the
Houthis, confer with other ships and open fire on an incoming missile barrage
that can move near or beyond the speed of sound.
“It is
every single day, every single watch, and some of our ships have been out here
for seven-plus months doing that,” said Capt. David Wroe, the commodore
overseeing the guided missile destroyers.
One
round of fire on Jan. 9 saw the Laboon, other vessels and F/A-18s from the
aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower shoot down 18 drones, two anti-ship
cruise missiles and a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis.
Nearly
every day — aside from a slowdown during the holy Muslim fasting month of
Ramadan — the Houthis launch missiles, drones or some other type of attack in
the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects
the waterways and separates Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.
The Navy
saw periods of combat during the “Tanker Wars” of the 1980s in the Arabian
Gulf, but that largely involved ships hitting mines. The Houthi assaults
involve direct attacks on commercial vessels and warships.
“This is
the most sustained combat that the US Navy has seen since World War II —
easily, no question,” said Bryan Clark, a former Navy submariner and a senior
fellow at the Hudson Institute. “We’re sort of on the verge of the Houthis
being able to mount the kinds of attacks that the US can’t stop every time, and
then we will start to see substantial damage. … If you let it fester, the Houthis
are going to get to be a much more capable, competent, experienced force.”
Dangers
at sea and in the air
While
the Eisenhower appears to largely stay at a distance, destroyers like the
Laboon spend six out of seven days near or off Yemen — the “weapons engagement
zone,” in Navy speak.
Sea
combat in the Mideast remains risky, something the Navy knows well. In 1987, an
Iraqi fighter jet fired missiles that struck the USS Stark, a frigate on patrol
in the Arabian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq war, killing 37 sailors and nearly
sinking the vessel.
There’s
also the USS Cole, targeted in 2000 by boat-borne Al-Qaeda suicide bombers
during a refueling stop in Yemen’s port city of Aden, which killed 17 on board.
AP journalists saw the Cole patrolling the Red Sea with the Laboon on
Wednesday, the same day the Houthis launched a drone-boat attack against a
commercial ship there that disabled the vessel.
That
commercial ship was abandoned on Friday and left adrift and unlit in the Red
Sea, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center
said.
Rear
Adm. Marc Miguez, the Navy’s commander for its Carrier Strike Group Two, which
includes the Eisenhower and supporting ships, said the Navy had taken out one
underwater bomb-carrying drone launched by the Houthis as well during the
campaign.
“We
currently have pretty high confidence that not only is Iran providing financial
support, but they’re providing intelligence support,” Miguez said. “We know for
a fact the Houthis have also gotten training to target maritime shipping and
target US warships.”
Asked if
the Navy believed Iran picks targets for the Houthis, Miguez would only say
there was “collaboration” between Tehran and the rebels. He also noted Iran
continues to arm the Houthis, despite UN sanctions blocking weapons transfers
to them.
Iran’s
mission to the United Nations told the AP that Tehran “is adept at thwarting
the US strategy in a way that not only strengthens (the Houthis) but also
ensures compliance with the pertinent resolutions.”
The risk
isn’t just on the water. The US-led campaign has carried out numerous
airstrikes targeting Houthi positions inside Yemen, including what the US
military describes as radar stations, launch sites, arsenals and other
locations. One round of US and British strikes on May 30 killed at least 16
people, the deadliest attack acknowledged by the rebels.
The
Eisenhower’s air crews have dropped over 350 bombs and fired 50 missiles at
targets in the campaign, said Capt. Marvin Scott, who oversees all the air
group’s aircraft. Meanwhile, the Houthis apparently have shot down multiple
MQ-9 Reaper drones with surface-to-air missile systems.
“The
Houthis also have surface-to-air capabilities that we have significantly
degraded, but they are still present and still there,” Scott said. “We’re
always prepared to be shot at by the Houthis.”
A
stalemated war
Officers
acknowledge some grumbling among their crew, wondering why the Navy doesn’t
strike harder against the Houthis. The White House hasn’t discussed the Houthi
campaign at the same level as negotiations over the Israel-Hamas war.
There
are several likely reasons. The US has been indirectly trying to lower tensions
with Iran, particularly after Tehran launched a massive drone-and-missile
attack on Israel and now enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade
levels.
Meanwhile,
there’s the Houthis themselves.
The US
directly fighting the Houthis is something the leaders of the Zaydi Shiite
group likely want. Their motto long has been “God is the greatest; death to
America; death to Israel; curse the Jews; victory to Islam.” Combating the US
and siding publicly with the Palestinians has some in the Mideast praising the
rebels.
While
the US and European partners patrol the waterways, Saudi Arabia largely has
remained quiet, seeking a peace deal with the Houthis. Reports suggest some
Mideast nations have asked the US not to launch attacks on the Houthis from
their soil, making the Eisenhower’s presence even more critical. The carrier
has had its deployment extended, while its crew has had only one port call
since its deployment a week after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Meanwhile,
the Houthi attacks continue to depress shipping through the region. Revenue for
Egypt from the Suez Canal — a key source of hard currency for its struggling
economy — has halved since the attacks began. AP journalists saw a single
commercial ship moving through the once-busy waterway.
“It’s
almost a ghost town,” Blomberg acknowledged.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the
text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2530771/middle-east
--------
Food
supplies in southern Gaza at risk, says UN official
June 14,
2024
GAZA:
Supplies of food to southern Gaza are at risk after Israel extended its
military operations, and those displaced by the offensive there face a public
health crisis, a senior UN official said on Friday.
While
hunger and the risk of famine have been most acute in northern Gaza in recent
months, the situation is now deteriorating in the south, said Carl Skau, deputy
director of the UN World Food Programme.
The main
pipeline for aid earlier in the eight-month-old war was from Egypt into
southern Gaza, but this was largely cut off when Israel expanded its campaign
in the city of Rafah, where much of Gaza’s population was sheltering, from
early May.
“We had
stocked up before the operation in Rafah so that we had put food into the hands
of people, but that’s beginning to run out, and we don’t have the same access
that we need, that we used to have,” Skau said after a two-day trip to Gaza.
When
Israel advanced in Rafah, many of those who had taken refuge there were
displaced again northward and toward an evacuation zone in Al-Mawasi, an area
on the coast.
“It’s a
displacement crisis that brings a protection catastrophe, that a million or so
people who have been pushed out of Rafah are now really crammed into a small
space along the beach,” said Skau.
“It’s
hot. The sanitation situation is just terrible. We were driving through rivers
of sewage. And it’s a public health crisis in the making.”
Distribution
of aid has been hampered by military operations, delayed Israeli
authorizations, and increasing lawlessness within Gaza.
Skau
said that although more food was reaching northern Gaza, basic healthcare, water,
and sanitation were needed to “turn the curve in the north on famine
completely.” Israel needed to let more healthcare goods into Gaza, he said.
Israel
says it puts no limit on humanitarian supplies for civilians in Gaza and has
blamed the UN for slow or inefficient deliveries. The Health Ministry in Gaza
said on Friday that at least 37,266 people had been killed in the territory
during more than eight months of war.
The toll
includes at least 34 deaths during the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said,
adding that a total of 85,102 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since
the war began on Oct. 7.
Israel’s
response has left more than 37,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health
officials, and reduced much of the Hamas-ruled territory to ruins.
Skau
said he was taken aback by the level of destruction and said Gazans had been
worn down by conflict.
“When I
was there in December, they were angry, frustrated. There was tension,” he
said.
“Now I
more felt that people were tired, they were fed up. They just want this to be
over with.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2530706/middle-east
--------
Africa
Nigerian
Emir Sanusi Condemns Federal Govt Interference in State’s Matters
14 June
2024
Sanusi
stressed the importance of upholding constitutional principles and maintaining
a clear separation of powers to ensure accountable governance.
Speaking
during an interview with Vanguard, the monarch also stated that regionalism and
parliamentary system of government are not solutions to Nigeria’s problem.
He
questioned the necessity of a bicameral legislature and the rationale behind
appointing ministers from every state, even when not required.
He noted
that it contributes to bureaucratic inefficiencies and does not necessarily
serve the best interests of the nation.
Speaking
further, the monarch asserted that regionalism will exacerbate the issues in
the country rather than resolve existing tensions.
He said,
“I think there are several things we can do to address those structures because
at the end of the day if you allow the state governors to run, the thing with
devolution is we have 36 states, if only half of the governors are good, at
least half of Nigeria has a good government.
“There
is too much power at the centre, too much of the resources. The centre does not
do primary education or primary healthcare, and that is where the vast majority
of Nigerians are.
“Shouldn’t
those resources come to the state? Instead of everybody going to Abuja, what is
happening in Abuja? There are several issues that we need to look at. And also
simple constitutionalism and federalism, just even the respect of separation of
separation of power. If you take the example of what is happening in Kano
today, chieftaincy matter is 100 per cent a state matter.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/06/14/emir-sanusi-condemns-federal-govt-interference-in-states-matters/
--------
Sexual
Harassment Allegations Mount As Three More Women Testify Against Suspended
PermanentSecretary, Ibrahim Lamuwa
14 June
2024
Naija
News earlier reported that Fajemirokun-Ajayi had accused the permanent
secretary, Ibrahim Lamuwa, of sexual harassment, prompting an investigation by
the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
The
allegations against Lamuwa were brought to the attention of the Head of Service
by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, through a petition submitted
on behalf of a staff member, Simisola Ajayi.
Lamuwa,
who has been suspended, denied the allegations, stating that the complainant
misunderstood the instances of sexual harassment mentioned in her petition.
However,
PRNigeria’s findings revealed that at least three more women have approached
the probe panel to file similar sexual harassment allegations against the
Permanent Secretary.
Meanwhile,
the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), the labour union in the Ministry, accused
the permanent Secretary of high-handedness, maladministration, favouritism, and
financial improprieties. According to them, these actions had significantly
affected the welfare and rights of the workers.
The
staff union, in a petition dated June 11, 2024, and directed to Minister
Ambassador Tuggar, accused the Permanent Secretary of pushing staff welfare,
allowances, emoluments, training, and related issues to the background.
They
specifically pointed out the denial of various benefits that the workers were
entitled to, which had been a source of their discontent for months.
In the
petition obtained by PRNigeria, the union detailed the various benefits workers
were entitled to but had been denied by Ambassador Lamuwa for months.
They
accused him of unduly and illegally favouring a certain category of people and
victimizing those who did not comply with his wishes in the areas of posting,
training, and other benefits such as Hajj seats.
The
petition listed several alleged offences by the Permanent Secretary against the
labour union, including delays in payment of benefits, promotion, and staff
conversion; lack of transparency in posting exercises; delays in clothing
allowance payments; discrimination in the First 28 Days Allowance; unfair
distribution of 2024 Hajj seats; inadequate posting of Batch B officers to
foreign missions; poor sanitation and hygiene due to insufficient water supply;
lack of work tools; dilapidated office buildings; and refusal to pay the 25th
regular course allowance for nine months, among other issues.
The
petition, signed by JNC Chairman Comrade Ali Seidu and Assistant General
Secretary Comrade Akpana S.E, called on the Minister to address their
complaints and the series of alleged injustices by the Permanent Secretary to
avoid drastic measures from the workers.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/06/14/sexual-harassment-allegations-mount-as-three-more-women-testify-against-suspended-foreign-affairs-ministrys-perm-sec/
--------
UN
demands halt to siege of Sudan
The
United Nations Security Council on Thursday, June 13 adopted a resolution
demanding that Sudan’s paramilitary force immediately halt its siege of the
only capital in the vast western region of Darfur that it doesn’t control and
where more than a million people are reportedly trapped.
The
British-sponsored resolution, which was approved by a vote of 14-0 with Russia
abstaining, also calls on the paramilitary Rapid Support Force and Sudanese
military “to seek an immediate cessation of hostilities” leading to an end to
their more than year-long war.
It
expresses “grave concern” at the spreading violence and credible reports that
the Rapid Support Forces are carrying out “ethnically motivated violence” in El
Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, as well as last year in El Geneina in West
Darfur.
Britain’s
U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward told the council after the vote that the
resolution sends a clear message: the RSF must “immediately stop the siege of
El Fasher and that all sides step back from the brink.”
“An
attack on the city would be catastrophic for the 1.5 million people sheltering
in the city,” she warned. “This brutal and unjust conflict must end.”
Sudan
plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023 when long-simmering tensions between
its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital Khartoum and
spread to other regions including Darfur. The U.N. says over 14,000 people have
been killed and 33,000 injured.
Two
decades ago, Darfur became synonymous with genocide and war crimes,
particularly by the notorious Janjaweed Arab militias, against populations that
identify as Central or East African. Up to 300,000 people were killed and 2.7
million were driven from their homes.
That
legacy appears to have returned, with the International Criminal Court’s
prosecutor, Karim Khan, saying in January there are grounds to believe both
sides may be committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide in
Darfur.
The RSF
was formed from Janjaweed fighters by former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir,
who ruled the country for three decades before being overthrown during a
popular uprising in 2019. The ICC wants him on charges of genocide and other
crimes during the conflict in Darfur in the 2000s.
The
resolution demands that the RSF and government forces ensure the protection of
civilians, including allowing those wishing to move within El Fasher or leave
the city for safer areas to do so.
It also
calls on all nations to halt interference fomenting conflict and instability
instead of peace efforts. It reminds countries supplying weapons to the
combatants that they are violating a U.N. arms embargo and could face
sanctions.
U.N.
political chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the council on April 19 that the war has
been fueled by weapons from foreign supporters who continue to flout U.N.
sanctions aimed at helping end the conflict. “This is illegal, it is immoral,
and it must stop,” she said.
She
didn’t name any of the foreign supporters.
However,
Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, who led a military takeover of Sudan in 2021, is a
close ally of neighbouring Egypt and its president, former army chief
Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. In February, Sudan’s foreign minister held talks in
Tehran with his Iranian counterpart amid unconfirmed reports of drone purchases
for government forces.
Mohammed
Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the RSF, has reportedly received support from
Russia’s Wagner mercenary group. U.N. experts said in a recent report that the
RSF has also received support from Arab allied communities and new military
supply lines running through Chad, Libya and South Sudan.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/14/un-demands-halt-to-siege-of-sudan/
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Isolated
protests as South Africa parliament holds first sitting
A group
of political parties including South Africa former president Jacob Zuma’s
uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), The African Restoration Alliance (ARA), and Allied
Movement for Change expressed their discontent with May’s elections on Friday
and alleged fraud.
“We are
making our voices known today and we’ve done it the previous two weeks because
not just ARA but the people of Cape Town, the people of South Africa is not
happy with the outcome of the election,” said Grant Claasen, Cape Town
councillor for African Restoration Alliance.
All
members of the National Assembly will be sworn in with the exception of MK
Party members at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The
Constitutional Court has dismissed MK’s application to interdict the swearing
in of members of parliament.
On
Friday the leader of South Africa’s second-biggest party has said it will back
Cyril Ramaphosa for President – almost guaranteeing he will be elected for a
second term.
Democratic
Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said his party has now formally signed a
coalition agreement with Mr Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC), and
part of the agreement stipulates that Mr Ramaphosa will be President.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/14/isolated-protests-as-south-africa-parliament-holds-first-sitting/
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Niger
lifts immunity of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum
Niger’s
highest court lifted the immunity of the country’s democratically elected president,
Mohamed Bazoum, nearly a year after he was overthrown by mutinous soldiers, his
lawyer said Friday, opening the door for the army junta to prosecute him for
alleged high treason.
Bazoum
and his family have been under house arrest since a military coup that
overthrew his rule last summer. The junta authorities said they planned to
prosecute him for “high treason” and for undermining national security, and
earlier this year initiated legal proceedings to lift his immunity in a newly
created State Court, which became the country’s highest judicial authority.
Before
Bazoum was forcibly removed from power, Niger was the West’s last major
security partner in the Sahel, the vast region south of the Sahara Desert that
has become a hot spot for violent extremism.
But the
military junta ordered the withdrawal of Western troops from the country and
turned to Russia for security assistance. U.S. forces are poised to leave by
the middle of September, the Pentagon said earlier this month.
The
proceedings before the State Court have been marred by serious irregularities,
including violations of Bazoum’s rights to present evidence in his defense, to
communicate with his legal counsel, and to be heard before an independent
court, according to Human Rights Watch, a leading rights group.
Bazoum’s
lawyer, Reed Brody, criticized the ruling as a “mockery” of the rule of law in
Niger. “We never even got to speak to our client,” Brody said. “This is a
travesty of justice.”
Bazoum’s
lawyers have been unable to communicate with him since last October and have
had restricted access to case material, according to HRW.
Late
last year, the highest court of West African regional bloc ECOWAS ruled that
Bazoum and his family were arbitrarily detained and called for him to be
reinstated as President.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/14/niger-lifts-immunity-of-deposed-president-mohamed-bazoum/
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Graft
charges against 3 ruling party MPs rattle Uganda Parliament
JUNE 14
2024
Ugandan
President Museveni has flagged corruption as a major impediment to the
country’s full socio-economic transformation.
Speaking
shortly after Finance Minister Matia Kasaija unveiled Uganda’s $19.1 billion
budget for 2024/25 on Thursday, the President reiterated his vow to fight
graft.
“We are
going to stamp out corruption…I don’t know how they [the corrupt] forget that
we have got a lot of power [and] capacity, which we shall use, if
necessary…these corrupt people insult our heroes,” he said.
“Now
that they (the corrupt) don’t listen to our advice, they have now attracted our
full attention, you will see. We shall crush this treachery. This is really
betrayal and we are going to finish it,” he added.
His
terse remarks came a day after the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala remanded
three Members of Parliament – all from his ruling National Resistance Movement
(NRM) party – to Luzira Prison on corruption charges.
They are
Lwengo District Woman representative Cissy Namujju, Bunyole East MP Yusuf
Mutembuli, and his Busiki South counterpart Paul Akamba.
Prosecution averred that the trio offered to
lobby Parliament’s Budget Committee to increase the annual allocations of the
Uganda Human Rights Commission, the statutory rights body, on condition that 20
percent of the increment was passed back to them.
"Mutembuli,
Akamba and Dionizia ... solicited an undue advantage ... by asserting that they
were able to exert improper influence over the decision-making of the budget
committee of parliament of Uganda to increase the UHRC budget," the charge
sheet, seen by Reuters, read.
The
accused denied the joint charge and were sent to prison, pending a bail
hearing.
Mr
Museveni said he had been prompted to deploy “harsh” measures to tackle corrupt
bureaucrats because they failed to heed his previous “soft methods”.
Last
week, during his State-of-the-Nation Address Mr Museveni said he received
intelligence that some lawmakers were conniving with officials from government
departments to inflate their budgets in exchange for a commission.
Detectives
picked the lawmakers on Monday after President Museveni ordered the police and
prosecutors to go after thieving officials.
On
Wednesday, Ramathan Ggoobi, the finance ministry permanent secretary and
secretary to the treasury admitted that MPs have been tampering with the budget
for years, moving government priorities and replacing them with other needs in
their constituencies.
“Uganda
has a lot of budget games...Some (MPs) tell the accounting officers 'Do you
want more money, yes come and talk to us, we shall put in more money but you
must return some',” he said.
Earlier
in her remarks, Parliament Speaker Anita Among urged accounting officers of
various government entities to openly report all instances of influence
peddling by legislators or parliamentary staff.
“Previously
we have urged accounting officers to share with the leadership of the
legislature any incidences of influence peddling,” she said, adding: “However,
we haven’t received any such information. We urge accounting officers to
maintain open channels of communication and coordination with the leadership of
the legislature in pursuit of greater transparency and accountability.”
She also
rallied MPs to desist from corrupt tendencies, including soliciting
“inducements from anybody”.
Hours
before the budget reading, Deputy Parliament Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said they
were working “very closely with the President and we hope that we can continue
cleaning up” the House.
The
opposition has long criticised Museveni's government for failing to prosecute
top officials for graft, saying the government was prioritising political
loyalty over accountability in public finances.
The
Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, called for expanded
corruption investigations to include the Parliamentary Commission, accusing it
of lacking transparency.
This
comes when a section of parliamentarians led by Theodro Ssekikubo are seeking
about 170 signatures to censure four commissioners accused of awarding
themselves $449,060.
The four
include former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Nyendo-Mukungwe MP,
Mathias Mpuuga; Bukooli County Central MP Solomon Silwany; Zombo District Woman
MP Esther Afoyochan; and Rubanda District Woman MP Prossy Akampurira.
Some MPs
told this publication that the ongoing police investigations have sent
shockwaves within the House with some legislators opting to take trips abroad
briefly and some staying away from Parliament.
According
to several Auditor General reports Uganda loses about 40 percent of its budget
financing to corruption.
Sources
within the Uganda police criminal investigations department said that
detectives will also target accounting officers of government ministries and
departments, civil service and district accounting officers.
Source: theeastafrican.co.ke
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/graft-charges-against-3-mps-rattle-uganda-parliament-4657902
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslims-earth-intelligence-sources-six/d/132517