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Islamic World News ( 11 Apr 2023, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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'Against Teaching Of Prophet': Shiite Body, Days After Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Moves SC Against Same-Sex Marriage

New Age Islam News Bureau

11 April 2023

The council has moved the present application for being heard before a five-judge Constitution bench from April 18 which will take up a batch of 30-odd petitions relating to same-sex marriage.

Sourced by the Telegraph

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• Will Muslim Population In India Be Growing If Their Lives Were Made Difficult: Union Finance Minister Sitharaman

• Iran Calls for Islamic Unity Against Israeli Crimes Against Palestine

• Johor Islamic Religious Department Issues 85 Notices To Muslims Who Eat, Drink, Smoke In Public

• Man Charged Over Hate Crime After Islamophobic Attack In Canada

 

India

• Houses of Muslims set on fire after murder of Hindu man in Meerut: Police

• Section of Muslims sore with CM Bommai as he eyes caste equation

• Armed men assault six Muslims inside Haryana mosque; 10 held

• SC To Hear OnApril 14 Muslim Side's Plea For 'Wuzu' In Gyanvapi Mosque

• Muslim man assailed, thrown in gutter over suspected theft in Khandwa

• Jamshedpur communal clash: Over 50 arrested, internet suspended

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Mideast

• Aggression, Occupation Take Zionist Regime Closer To Collapse, Says Senior Hezbollah Official

• Spokesman Underscores Failure of Iranophobia Policy

• Iranian President: Israeli Crimes Sign of Decline, Desperation

• Iran's Military Chief Downplays Israeli War Rhetoric

• Spokesman: Iran to Send Delegation to Saudi Arabia for Mission Reopening

• Iran: Pentagon Movements in West Asia Part of US Struggling to Conceal Defeats

• One Palestinian killed by Israeli forces in West Bank raid: Health ministry

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Southeast Asia

• With Draft Law On Muslim Prayer Rooms, Filipino Legislator Seeks To Attract Middle East Tourists

• PermatangPauh MP gives statement to cops over alleged anti-non-Muslim remarks

• PM Anwar: Al-Azhar University alumni the fortress of Islamic faith

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North America

• Man Charged Over Hate Crime After Islamophobic Attack In Canada

• Suspect arrested in knife attack on New Jersey imam during Fajr prayers

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Pakistan

• Four Dead, 18 Injured As Blast Rocks Pakistan’s Quetta

• 'Ruler of a Gulf nation cautioned me of Gen Bajwa's conspiracy to oust my government': Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan

• President Alvi exhorts political leadership to sit together for country’s future

• ECP seeks changes to elections law to save ‘eroding writ’

• News presenter generated with AI appears in Kuwait

• Tirah tribesmen protest ‘armed intrusion’ of peace committee

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South Asia

• Turkey Deports 365 Undocumented Afghan Migrants

• Afghanistan ranks fourth on list of countries with highest crime rate in 2023

• 4.6 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Hindu Kush, Afghanistan

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Arab World

• Egyptian Minister To Visit Turkey As Ties Improve: Ankara

• Saudi envoy says in Yemen’s rebel-held capital to ‘stabilize’ truce

• Yemen government supports fresh Saudi peace efforts

• Saudi authorities brace for rain in Makkah during last 10 days of Ramadan

• Saudi ambassador to Yemen says talks with Houthis aim to revive Yemeni ceasefire

• Daesh landmine kills at least 6 civilians in Syria’s Deir Ez-Zor

• Egyptian community creates giant iftar table for Ramadan

• Egypt’s foreign minister, UN special envoy discuss Syria peace push

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Europe

• Afghan Pilot At Center Of UK Deportation Row A ‘Special Case’ For Asylum, Former Army Head Says

• Top Russian, Syrian, Turkish, Iranian diplomats to meet in near future: Moscow

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Africa

• UN Chief Guterres On Visit To Conflict-Ridden Somalia

• 2 aid workers killed in Ethiopia: Humanitarian group

• Tunisian protesters demand release of govt. opponents, call for national dialogue

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/jamiat-ulama-i-hind-same-sex-marriage/d/129538

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'Against Teaching Of Prophet': Shiite Body, Days After Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Moves SC Against Same-Sex Marriage

Apr 11, 2023

The council has moved the present application for being heard before a five-judge Constitution bench from April 18 which will take up a batch of 30-odd petitions relating to same-sex marriage.

Sourced by the Telegraph

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NEW DELHI: A Shiite religious body on Monday moved the Supreme Court, days after Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, opposing petitions seeking same-sex marriage rights for members of LGBTQ+ community on the ground that such marriages are prohibited in Islam and that homosexuality is against the Prophet’s preaching.

Telangana Markazi Shia Ulema Council through advocate Ejaz Maqbool said the idea of same-sex marriage is in teeth of the injunctions of Islamic faith. “Marriage in Indian society has deep roots in religion and therefore, religious prohibitions on same-sex marriage ought to be considered while examining the question of the legal validity of same-sex marriages,” it told the SC.

Countering the petitioners’ reference to judgments from western world courts legitimizing same-sex marriage, the Shiite body said the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) had held in ‘Joslin vs New Zealand’ that New Zealand had not violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) by denying same-sex couples the right to marry and that the ICCPR envisaged marriage as a purely heterosexual arrangement.

“The European Court of Human Rights held in ‘Schalk and Kopf vs Austria’ that the European Convention on Human Rights does not impose an obligation on the Respondent Government therein to grant a same-sex couple access to marriage. This ruling was reaffirmed in ‘Olivieri vs Italy’,” the Shia Ulema Council said, while seeking to be a party in the proceedings before a 5-J bench.

“In the light of the judgments delivered by the European Court of Human Rights and the decision of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, that there is no right to same sex marriage in international law,” it said.

Quoting western research papers, the Shiite body said they show that children raised by homosexual parents lag children raised by heterosexual couples in most areas of human development.

Source: Times Of India

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/against-teaching-of-prophet-shiite-body-moves-sc-against-same-sex-marriage/articleshow/99394286.cms

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Will Muslim Population In India Be Growing If Their Lives Were Made Difficult: Union Finance Minister Sitharaman

Apr 11, 2023

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the state of Muslims in India. (File photo)

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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday defended the state of Muslims in India and said that their population would not be growing if their lives were made difficult in the country.

Responding to a question on 'violence against Muslims' in India and on ‘negative Western perceptions' of India, Sitharaman said, “India has the second largest Muslim population in the world and that population is only growing in numbers. If there is a perception or in reality, their lives are difficult or made difficult with the support of the State, which is what is implied in most of these write-ups, will the Muslim population be growing than what it was in 1947 as opposed to Pakistan, which was formed at the same time?”

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday defended the state of Muslims in India and said that their population would not be growing if their lives were made difficult in the country.

Responding to a question on 'violence against Muslims' in India and on ‘negative Western perceptions' of India, Sitharaman said, “India has the second largest Muslim population in the world and that population is only growing in numbers. If there is a perception or in reality, their lives are difficult or made difficult with the support of the State, which is what is implied in most of these write-ups, will the Muslim population be growing than what it was in 1947 as opposed to Pakistan, which was formed at the same time?”

Expanding her reply, Sitharaman said, “Come have a look at what's happening in India rather than listen to perceptions being built by people who have not even visited the ground and produce reports.”

Speaking at the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), Sitharaman also spoke on the resilience and growth of the Indian economy.

Talking about the revival of the Indian economy post-pandemic, the Union Finance minister said, "It's the resilience of Indian people to take it upon themselves, to take the challenge and come out in their businesses despite tragedies at home."

Source: IndiaToday

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

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/muslim-population-in-india-nirmala-sitharaman-counters-west-perception-2358407-2023-04-11

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Iran Calls for Islamic Unity Against Israeli Crimes Against Palestine

2023-April-10

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi strongly deplored the increasing Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian people, and urged the Muslim nations to forge a united front against the Zionist regime.

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"Iran and Algeria have close and common positions on regional and global issues, especially on the issue of Palestine and the rights of the oppressed people of this country," Rayeesi said in a phone conversation with his Algerian counterpart AbdelmadjidTebboune on Sunday.

Iran's president stressed that Muslim nations should strengthen cooperation and form a united front against Israel to support the Palestinian people.

"Today more than ever before, establishment of a Unified Islamic Front against that regime and to support Palestinians in needed," he stated.

Tebboune, for his part, expressed hope that by relying on Islamic countries' cooperation they will manage to liberate the Palestinian nation from the oppressor reign of the Zionists.

Israeli troops stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on successive days last week, firing tear gas and stun grenades and preventing Palestinian worshippers from entering the mosque for dawn prayers. Israeli troops also beat worshipers with batons and riot guns, wounding many, before arresting hundreds.

Several Muslim countries and organizations have strongly condemned the latest aggression, calling on international bodies to stop Israeli crimes and protect the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

Source: Fars News Agency

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

https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020121000131/Iran-Calls-fr-Islamic-Uniy-Agains-Israeli-Crimes-Agains-Palesine

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Johor Islamic Religious Department Issues 85 Notices To Muslims Who Eat, Drink, Smoke In Public

10 Apr 2023

The Johor Islamic Religious Department issued a total of 85 notices against Muslims who disrespect the month of Ramadan by eating, drinking and smoking publicly in operations held statewide today. — Picture by Devan Manuel

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Johor Baru, April 10 — The Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) issued a total of 85 notices against Muslims who disrespect the month of Ramadan by eating, drinking and smoking publicly in operations held statewide today.

State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the notices were issued in accordance with Section 15 (b) of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997.

He said a total of 97 JAINJ enforcement officers were involved in the three-hour operation beginning 11 am.

“JAINJ also issued four notices in accordance with Section 15 (a) of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997 to individuals who sell to Muslims any food, drink, cigarette or other form of tobacco,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, a total of 12 arrests in accordance with Section 106 of the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Johor) Enactment 2003 were made against those collecting ‘khairat’ (benevolent funds) without permission from the State Islamic Religious Council.

Source: MalayMail

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/04/10/johor-islamic-dept-issues-85-notices-to-muslims-who-eat-drink-smoke-in-public/64122

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Man charged over hate crime after Islamophobic attack in Canada

SeyitAydogan

10.04.2023

TORONTO

A man was apprehended by Canadian police after he rammed his car into a Muslim person in Toronto, officials said Sunday.

The attacker has been detained pending trial for a hate crime.

The incident took place in the parking lot of the Markham Islamic Society Mosque, the oldest and largest mosque in the region, during the early morning prayer, according to a statement from York Regional Police.

The suspect was identified as 28-year-old Sharan Karunakaran.

"Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged a suspect with several criminal offences after a suspected hate-motivated incident at a mosque in the City of Markham," the police said in the statement.

"Witnesses reported that a male suspect had attended in a vehicle and drove directly at one of the worshippers and yelled threats and religious slurs. The suspect drove dangerously in the parking lot before leaving the property," the officials from the York police also added in the statement.

"Members of the #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau were notified and worked cooperatively with the Intelligence Unit and Hate Crime Unit to identify the suspect."

"Members of the Hate Crime Unit attended the mosque to offer support to its members.

Shortly after midnight, on April 7, members of York Regional Police arrested the suspect in Toronto.

In the statement, the Markham Islamic Society said before the attack, Karunakaran entered the mosque hurled curses at the congregation and tore a copy of the Quran to pieces.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/man-charged-over-hate-crime-after-islamophobic-attack-in-canada/2868290

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India

 

Houses of Muslims set on fire after murder of Hindu man in Meerut: Police

By S Raju, Meerut

Apr 11, 2023

At least two houses belonging to Muslims were allegedly set on fire in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district on Monday after a Hindu man was reportedly shot dead on Sunday evening, police said.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the murder. A huge posse of policemen have been deployed at Palda village, where the two incidents took place, to avoid any flare-up, police added.

Providing details, superintendent of police (rural) Kamlesh Bahadur said 24-year-old Vishu was allegedly shot dead by two motorcycle-borne men on Sunday evening.

“His family alleged that he was murdered by some Muslim youngsters with whom he reportedly had an altercation during Holi,” Bahadur said.

Tension erupted in the village on Monday morning when the deceased’s body arrived for the final rites after a post-mortem.

Speaking to news agency PTI, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rohit Singh Sajwan said that as 500-600 people arrived for Vishu’s funeral, “three-four youngsters” set fire to the houses of the people from the side of the accused, but the police present on the spot immediately chased them away.

Those who attempted arson will be identified and a case registered against them, he said.

“The situation is under control. A senior policeman is camping in the village with a police team,” Bahadur said.

Source: Hindustan Times

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

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/muslim-houses-set-on-fire-in-meerut-after-hindu-man-shot-dead-four-arrested-101681152688507.html

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Section of Muslims sore with CM Bommai as he eyes caste equation

Apr 11, 2023

Haveri: Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai is likely to face the heat from Muslim voters in the Shiggaon-Savanur assembly seat owing to his party’s decision to scrap the 4% reservation quota for Muslims and distribute it among certain sections of Vokkaligas and VeerashaivaLingayats, though there are members from the minority community who are quick to point out the development work spearheaded by the CM.

Some political observers also feel that while the recent rejigging of reservations quota may have left some Muslims with an axe to grind with the ruling party, by proposing to bring VeerashaivaLingayats under the 2D category of reservations and by increasing their quota from 5 to 7 per cent, Bommai has ensured that he and the BJP shall benefit by placating the sentiments of the dominant community in Shiggaon-Savanur – thereby serving as an antidote to any likely Muslim backlash at the hustings.

Section of Muslims sore with CM Bommai as he eyes caste equation

In the last three assembly elections, a section of the Muslim community had voted in favour of Bommai and the minority community continues to be a crucial factor in Shiggaon-Savanur.

The assembly segment has nearly 60,000 Muslim voters and on the last three occasions, Bommai had managed to come up trumps against Sayyad AjjampeerKhadri of the Congress. It remains to be seen whether the CM manages to convince Muslims to once again stand by him.

Bommai had cut his teeth in politics as a member of the Janata Parivar and his socialist leanings have held him in good stead among the electorate, across the religious and caste divide.

“This time around, with the state government led by CM Basavaraj Bommai proposing to scrap the 4% reservation for Muslims under the 2B category, many of our community voters are upset,” said NoorahmedSavanur, a resident of Shiggaon.

Bommai, however, insists that no injustice has been done to the Muslim community. “Muslims will get better benefits under the EWS quota. Members of the community are aware of it and there is no dissidence over reallocation of reservation quotas,” Bommai said.

Talk of Muslim voters feeling let-down has only been orchestrated by the opposition, the CM said, adding that members of the community were being educated on the benefits of inclusion under EWS quota.

A section of Muslims, who had earlier voted for Bommai, cited the fact that the CM had approved funds to the tune of Rs 3 crore for the construction of eight Shaadi Mahals and two residential schools in the constituency.

Source: Times Of India

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/section-of-muslims-sore-with-cm-bommai-as-he-eyes-caste-equation/articleshow/99394129.cms?from=mdr

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Armed men assault six Muslims inside Haryana mosque; 10 held

April 11, 2023

As many as six Muslims in a mosque were attacked by a group of armed men in a Haryana village on Sunday evening, the police said. The assailants also vandalised the property in the mosque, said an injured person.

The police have arrested ten people and filed a First Information Report (FIR) against 19 people in connection with the incident at Sandhal Kalan village in Sonipat district. It is learnt that the attackers also hail from the same village. The police personnel are camping in the area to ensure law and order. The victims said that the worshipers who were performing Ramadan prayers in a small mosque received injuries on their heads, legs and hands. “Even children and women were also not spared by the group who were armed with hockey sticks, swords and other sticks. Some of the injured people have been admitted to Sonipat government hospital,” said an injured person.

Meanwhile, a police officer told The Indian Express that six people have received blunt injuries in the incident. “The injured have lodged a complaint against 19 people while 18 of them have been named in the complaint,” the officer said.

Another victim told local reporters that there was no previous enmity or provocation for the incident. “The assailants were from the same village and drunk. They not only attacked us but also caused damage to the property,” he said. Sonipat Police Commissioner B Satheesh Balan–who visited the village–said that some hooligans, who are from the same village, barged into the mosque, beat up the faithful, including children, who were offering namaz. “It was unprovoked. No such dispute or tension was reported in the village earlier. There are only 15-20 families (of the affected community). The police immediately reached the spot. The villagers also cooperated. I want to make it clear that the police will take stern action in such cases,” Satheesh Balan said.

The affected community members however said that they were satisfied with the police intervention. “The policemen are doing their duty. They kept sitting in the village for the entire night. There are over 30 families from our community in the village,” said a member of the community. The villagers have condemned the incident and have decided to ensure the safety of the community and the mosque, the Sonipat police officer said.

A police officer said that the ten arrested persons are in the age group of 20-25. They were produced before a local court Monday. Three of them were sent to the police remand for one day while the remaining seven were sent to judicial custody.

Source: Indian Express

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

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/haryana-armed-men-assault-muslims-inside-mosque-8548297/

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SC to hear on April 14 Muslim side's plea for 'Wuzu' in Gyanvapi mosque

Apr 10, 2023

A bench of Chief Justices of India DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala said it would hear the matter on April 14.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on April 14 a fresh plea by the Muslim side in the Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath Temple dispute case of Varanasi seeking alternative arrangement for 'Wuzu' or ablution where the Shivling was reportedly found, in view of more rush during Ramzan.

A bench of Chief Justices of India DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala said it would hear the matter on April 14.

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi for the Muslim side mentioned the matter before the bench for an urgent hearing saying the court order has already said that adequate arrangements should be made.

Arrangements are not made yet, there are more worshipers due to Ramzan, Ahmadi told the bench, adding that they are requesting for arrangements to be made for 'Wuzu'.

He requested the apex court to hear the case today itself but the CJI said the matter will be heard on April 14.

On Thursday last week, the apex court allowed the Muslim side to file an application before it regarding their request to carry out the practice of 'Wuzu' inside the mosque premises during the month of Ramzan.

The bench then said it will hear the case on April 14 after Ahmadi had said during the month of Ramzan worshippers should be able to carry out the practice of 'Wuzu' inside the premises.

The 'Wuzu' area of the Gyanvapi mosque is the centre of the Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple dispute between Hindus and Muslims since the Hindu parties claim that 'Shivling' has been found in that spot, however, the Muslim side disputed the same and said that it is only a water fountain.

The top court is seized of an appeal filed by the Committee challenging an order of Allahabad High Court permitting a court-appointed commissioner to inspect, conduct survey and videography of the Gyanvapi mosque to which Hindus and Muslims have laid claim for the right to worship.

Source: Hindustan Times

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

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-to-hear-muslim-plea-for-wuzu-in-gyanvapi-mosque-on-april-14-101681113449625.html

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Muslim man assailed, thrown in gutter over suspected theft in Khandwa

10th April 2023

A 28-year-old Muslim man succumbed to his injuries after he was thrashed by a Hindu mob over suspicion of theft. The incident took place in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh.

Sheikh Firoz, a resident of Khanshahwali, was found in an unconscious state in a drain on Sunday with multiple stab wounds and bruises all over his body.

On information, officials from the Chhaingoan Makhan police station took Firoz to a nearby hospital for treatment where he died.

Khandwa Superintendent of Police Satyendra Shukla told Times of India, Firoz was a habitual offender and had eight cases against him.

Police investigations said that Chhaigoan Devi village, where the assault took place, had been reporting a large number of thefts for some time.

“Villagers were on high alert. They spotted three people moving in a suspicious manner. While two escaped, Firoz was caught and beaten up,” the SP said.

Meanwhile, Firoz’s relatives have refused to conduct the funeral. placing the body in front of the Moghat police station.

Source:Siasat Daily

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

https://www.siasat.com/muslim-man-assailed-thrown-in-gutter-over-suspected-theft-in-khandwa-2565463/

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Jamshedpur communal clash: Over 50 arrested, internet suspended

10th April 2023

Jamshedpur: Following a communal clash between Hindus and Muslims after an alleged desecration of a saffron flag, over 50 people have been arrested while internet services were suspended in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur, police said.

Arson and stone pelting between the two groups were reported on Sunday evening from the Shastri Nagar area and there were reports of damage to properties in the Kadma police station area.

The heavy police force has been deployed and the Jamshedpur police conducted patrolling in the violence-hit Shastri Nagar, police said.

“A total of 55 people from both communities were arrested in the case. One Abhay Singh has also been arrested in the case, whose supporters came to the police station and misbehaved. Action will be taken against them,” K Vijay Shankar, Superintendent of Police, Jamshedpur City said.

Heavy deployment of forces including a Rapid Action Force (RAF) company has been made in the entire area.

According to reports, a religious flag was tied to the pole of a street light near a temple in the area on the occasion of Ram Navami. Some miscreants hung meat pieces on the same rope which was used for the flag.

The following day, members of the Hindu community held a protest on the matter and demanded police take action against the accused within 24 hours.

Heavy stone pelting was reported from both sides and half a dozen small shops and two-wheelers were set on fire all belonging to Muslims, by protestors shouting slogans of Jai Shri Ram.

The police had to fire in the air to pacify the aggressors. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel fired six rounds of tear gas shells at the miscreants to disperse them.

Currently, the situation is tense but under control.

Muslim organisations appeal to CM

Various Muslim organisations in the city have appealed to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren for strict action against the perpetrators, failing which they will come to the streets to protest.

“We are hopeful to CM Soren will bring peace and harmony to the region. We are still recovering from riots that took place in Bihar Sharif during the Ram Navami festival on March 30 and now this. We are disappointed by the police’s lack of timely action and instead encouraging the rioters who vandalised our mosques and torched nearby vehicles,” said one of the representatives of Muslim organisations.

Source:Siasat Daily

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

https://www.siasat.com/jamshedpur-communal-clash-over-50-arrested-internet-suspended-2565500/

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Mideast

 

Aggression, occupation take Zionist regime closer to collapse, says senior Hezbollah official

10 April 2023

A high-ranking official with the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has censured Israeli forces’ raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and violent attacks on Palestinian worshippers, saying such futile attempts only bring the Tel Aviv regime closer to the brink of collapse.

“While Palestinians are in possession of the secret to victory, which is faithful struggle and resistance, Israelis hold the key to downfall, which is oppression and occupation,” Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem said in a tweet published on his Twitter page on Monday.

“We are now at a stage where the stability and legitimacy of the occupying Israeli regime are unthinkable,” He pointed out.

Earlier, Sheikh Nabil Qaouk, deputy head of the executive council of Hezbollah, reiterated his group’s unwavering support for Palestine, saying the Lebanese resistance movement will remain at the forefront of the campaign defending the oppressed nation.

“Hezbollah is in the front line of the campaign defending the Palestinian nation and resistance, and, undoubtedly, it will stick to the path until the end. No threats can undermine our resolve and determination,” he addressed an event in southern Lebanon on Sunday.

Sheikh Qaouk also condemned Israel’s “intolerable” attacks against Palestinian worshipers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of al-Quds.

“Every honorable Muslim should do whatever at their disposal to support al-Aqsa Mosque… It is a moral and religious duty, and we have no hesitation to fulfill it. The Israeli enemy is having its worst days since 1984 because of the equations created by the resistance,” the high-ranking Hezbollah official noted.

The Israeli forces have wounded and rounded up hundreds of Palestinians during the attacks that have seen a rise since the beginning of Ramadan. Illegal Israeli settlers have been freely violating the compound under the Israeli military and police force’s protection.

Since the start of the holy month of Radadan, the Israeli regime has imposed strict restrictions on the entry and exit of Palestinians to and from the gates of al-Aqsa Mosque. Amid heightened tensions with Palestinian worshipers, Israeli settlers also press ahead with their frequent incursions and provocative rituals at the holy site.

On Thursday, at least 30 rockets were reportedly launched from southern Lebanon into the Israeli-occupied territories in retaliation against the Israeli aggression against al-Aqsa. Resistance fighters based in Gaza also fired several rockets toward the occupied territories.

Palestinian sources said the regime’s Iron Dome failed to intercept most of the retaliatory rockets. Following the rocket attack, Israeli warplanes hit targets inside Gaza and positions of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in Lebanon.

Source: Press TV

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

https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/04/10/701313/Aggression,-occupation-won%E2%80%99t-help-Israel-evade-collapse,-Senior-Hezbollah-official-says

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Spokesman Underscores Failure of Iranophobia Policy

2023-April-10

"Nowruz and the blessed month of Ramadan simultaneously occurred with the failure of the Iranophobia policy," Kana'ani tweeted.

"The two events took place concurrent with the development of ties with different countries and nations," he added.

The occasions also happened at the time of the escalation of the crisis and domestic division and public protest on the Anti-Iranian Zionist-Western Front, the increasing solidarity and authority of the Resistance Front, and the disappointment of West-based anti-revolutionary elements.

The official concluded the comment with a proverb that “April and May are the keys of the year."

In a relevant development last month, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeed Iravani strongly condemned violence against persons based on religion or belief, and said that the time has come for the international community to combat Islamophobia and take action against hatred towards Muslims, who constitute a large portion of the world population.

Iravani made the remarks at a UN General Assembly event in commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, which takes place on March 15 every year.

 “Today’s meeting represents the strong determination of the participants to address the issue of Islamophobia, including hatred, discrimination, terrorist attacks and violence against Muslims and their religious principles, beliefs and rituals,” the senior Iranian diplomat stated.

“Currently, the world continues to witness the relentless aggression of the occupying Zionist regime against al-Quds and Muslims across the occupied Palestinian territories. Moreover, the Holy Qur'an is desecrated in some European countries under the pretext of freedom of expression,” he said.

“Over the past few decades, we have seen a wide network of media outlets, which under the guise of news dissemination, have established a hostile and offensive atmosphere against Muslims in violation of their human rights,” Iravani added.

The Iranian diplomat said the time has come for the international community, especially world bodies and the countries calling themselves advocates of human rights, to fight against hatred against Muslims, who constitute a large portion of the world population.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns any violence against persons based on their belief and religion, and expresses sympathy with the victims of Islamophobic attacks anywhere in the world.

“It also underscores the importance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in drawing attention to the culture of tolerance and peace on the basis of respect for human rights and diversity of religions and beliefs at all levels,” Iravani noted.

On March 15, 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 76/254, designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. 

The resolution invites all member states, relevant organizations of the United Nations, other international and regional organizations, and civil society, private sector and faith-based organizations to observe the international day in an appropriate manner.

It recognizes “with deep concern an overall rise in instances of discrimination, intolerance and violence, regardless of the actors, directed against members of many religious and other communities.”

The resolution maintains that terrorism “cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group," and calls for "strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels.”

Source: Fars News Agency

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

https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020121000130/Spkesman-Underscres-Failre-f-Iranphbia-Plicy

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Iranian President: Israeli Crimes Sign of Decline, Desperation

2023-April-10

President Rayeesi made the remarks in a telephone coversation with his Syrian counterpart Bashar Al-Assad on Sunday amid intensification of the Zionist regime's aggression against the Palestinian people.

"The crimes of this regime (Israel) are a sign of its weakness and desperation and it is proof that the future is bright and promising for the resistance front," Rayeesi stated.

The Iranian president also underscored the importance of respecting Syria's territorial integrity.

Assad, for his part, said Damascus and Tehran have successfully resisted against common enemies over the past four decades.

The Syrian president added that signs of the Israeli regime's collapse are evident which is the result of the Palestinian people's resistance.

Israeli troops stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on successive days last week, firing tear gas and stun grenades and preventing Palestinian worshippers from entering the mosque for dawn prayers. Israeli troops also beat worshipers with batons and riot guns, wounding many, before arresting hundreds.

Several Muslim countries and organizations have strongly condemned the latest aggression, calling on international bodies to stop Israeli crimes and protect the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

In response to the Israeli aggression, dozens of rockets were fired towards the occupied territories from Southern Lebanon on Thursday, with the Zionist regime targeting the Gaza Strip and Lebanon on Friday.

Source: Fars News Agency

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

https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020121000112/Iranian-Presiden-Israeli-Crimes-Sign-f-Decline-Desperain

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Iran's Military Chief Downplays Israeli War Rhetoric

2023-April-10

Maj. Gen. Mousavi stated on Monday the Israeli military, which heavily relies on sophisticated Western-built munitions, is no match for Iran’s Armed Forces, dismissing hostile remarks by the Israeli Army’s Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, that Tel Aviv is ready to attack Iran even without US support.

He underscored that such comments are merely meant to boost the morale of the Israeli soldiers and fix the internal problems of the regime.

“Anyone already familiar with the military capabilities of both sides knows well that the updated size and scale of the Zionist regime’s military would maximally correspond only to one of the plentiful operations that Iran’s Armed Forces undertook during the 1980-1988 Iraqi-imposed war on the Islamic Republic,” the chief commander of the Iranian Army stated.

“The Zionist regime, which is sinking and the signs of its collapse are now becoming more evident than before, is too feeble to be viewed as a threat to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The actions of its leaders, which are far from rationality and prudence, will only accelerate the downfall of the regime,” the top General added.

Iranian officials have warned that any mistake by the US and Israel will be met with Tehran's crushing and decisive response. They say Washington and Tel Aviv are well aware of Tehran’s capabilities and capacities, and caution that Tehran does not compromise or joke with its national security.

Iran says the Israeli regime is just playing mouth as it lacks the power and needed capability to take real action against Tehran, but, meantime warns that it won't be hesitant to devastate Israel in case of the slightest move by Zionist regime.

Source: Fars News Agency

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

https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020121000453/Iran's-Miliary-Chief-Dwnplays-Israeli-War-Rheric

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Spokesman: Iran to Send Delegation to Saudi Arabia for Mission Reopening

2023-April-10

Kana'ani told reporters on Monday that in line with a recent deal between Tehran and Riyadh to restore diplomatic ties, a Saudi delegation arrived in Iran on Saturday and is now pursuing the reopening of their embassy in Tehran and their consulate in Mashhad.

According to the same accord, an Iranian delegation will visit Saudi Arabia to pave the way for reopening Tehran’s embassy and consulate in the Arab country as well as the Iranian representative office to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, the spokesperson added, addressing the press in his weekly conference.

Iran and Saudi Arabia announced on March 10 a Chinese-brokered deal to restore ties seven years after they were severed. In a joint statement after signing the agreement, Tehran and Riyadh highlighted the need to respect each others’ national sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of one another.

On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud met in China in the first formal meeting of the two countries’ top diplomats in seven years.

Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi has also accepted an invitation from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman to visit the kingdom.

Touching on recent political initiatives to end Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen, Kana’ani said Iran supports the extension of a truce that would lead to the lifting of the blockade on the impoverished country and the sending of humanitarian aid to its people.

“Since the beginning of this crisis, the Islamic Republic of Iran … has emphasized that the only solution is a political one with the presence of all Yemeni sides to decide the fate of the country and the formation of a government in line with the interests of the Yemeni nation,” he added.

The Iranian spokesman also noted that Tehran has helped the Omani government pursue peace plans regarding the Yemen conflict. He stressed that Iran will play a role wherever the Yemeni parties, regional sides or the UN need it as a facilitator.

“Given new conditions in the region, we hope to witness a sustainable ceasefire and … a stable political process … with the participation of all Yemeni parties, in a way that Yemen’s interests and security and those of neighboring countries are safeguarded,” the senior official continued.

On Sunday, Saudi and Omani envoys held talks with officials from Yemen’s Ansarullah resistance movement in Sana’a as part of preparations for negotiations to reach a final ceasefire agreement to end the eight-year Saudi war.

Saudi Arabia launched a devastating war on Yemen in March 2015 in collaboration with its Arab allies and with arms and logistics support from the US, the UK and other Western states.

The objective was to reinstall the Riyadh-friendly regime of Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, and crush the Ansarullah resistance movement, which has been running state affairs in the absence of a functional government in Yemen.

While the Saudi-led coalition has failed to meet its objectives, the war has killed hundreds of thousands of Yemenis and spawned the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

Source: Fars News Agency

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

https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020121000515/Spkesman-Iran-Send-Delegain-Sadi-Arabia-fr-Missin-Repening

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Iran: Pentagon Movements in West Asia Part of US Struggling to Conceal Defeats

2023-April-10

Kana'ani made the remarks in reaction to a decision by the US to send a nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine to the region and its relocation of a warship in the Mediterranean to the coast near Syria.

"Periodical reports about [the US] dispatching a submarine, moving warships or sending bombers to West Asia, under conditions when the new regional equations point to the emergence of a new order in which there is no need to extra-regional military forces, are part of the US government's attempt to cover up the decline of its global power," the spokesperson wrote on Twitter on Sunday.

"Through frequent warmongering and [efforts to] foment instability and discord in the West Asia region, the American regime is moving against the will of regional nations," the senior official emphasized.

"Washington had better come to grips with the new realities [on the ground] and refrain from any effort to intervene in the West Asia region and the Persian Gulf in line with the interests of the shaky Zionist regime," he concluded.

Last Monday, the US announced it is relocating an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean to the coast near Syria as tensions are rising between Tehran and Washington over fatal attacks on Iranian military advisors in the war-ravaged country.

The Pentagon's deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, has stated that the relocation of the carrier was in response to what she claimed to be increasing attacks on American service members in the region.

On Saturday, the US military announced it has deployed a cruise-missile submarine in the Middle East, boosting its naval fleet in the region amid rising tensions with Tehran.

Military officials have warned that any mistake by the US and Israel will be met with Tehran's firm response. Iranian officials say Washington and Tel Aviv are well aware of Tehran’s capabilities and capacities, and caution that Tehran does not compromise or joke with its national security. They stress the Iranian Armed Forces’ deterrent power dissuades the United States and Israel from implementing its threats against the country.

Tehran has repeatedly cautioned that any plan aimed at increasing US presence in the Middle East will only foment insecurity and instability and spread terrorism, urging the neighboring countries to be extremely vigilant about any US-Israeli plan that clearly aims to disturb the stability and order of the region.

Iranian officials have repeatedly underlined the necessity for the settlement of the crises and problems in the region through collective cooperation among the regional states, and underscored that the presence of foreigners is harmful.

Source: Fars News Agency

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

https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14020121000282/Iran-Penagn-Mvemens-in-Wes-Asia-Par-f-US-Srggling-Cnceal-Defeas

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One Palestinian killed by Israeli forces in West Bank raid: Health ministry

10 April ,2023

Israeli forces killed one Palestinian and injured two others in a raid on a refugee camp near Jericho in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the Palestinian health ministry said.

The Israeli army said its forces were operating in the Aqabat Jaber camp near Jericho, without providing further details.

In a brief statement, the Palestinian ministry confirmed that one person had been killed “by occupation [Israeli] bullets in Jericho.”

It had earlier said that “two people were injured by live bullets in the lower extremities” and taken to hospital.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had transferred one person to hospital with a bullet wound to the head.

Source: Al Arabiya

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

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/04/10/Two-Palestinians-injured-in-Israeli-army-West-Bank-raid-Health-Ministry

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Southeast Asia

 

With draft law on Muslim prayer rooms, Filipino legislator seeks to attract Middle East tourists

April 10, 2023

MANILA: A new bill seeking to establish Muslim prayer rooms in public and private facilities across the Philippines is aimed at attracting more tourists from the Middle East, a Filipino lawmaker told Arab News recently.

In the predominantly Catholic Philippines, Muslims constitute roughly 5 percent of its nearly 110 million people. Most members of the sizable minority live on the island of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago in the country’s south, as well as in the central-western province of Palawan.

The bill was filed in the Philippine Congress on Feb. 8 by lawmaker MujivHataman from Basilan in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region — an autonomous, largely Muslim area of the southwestern portion of the island of Mindanao.

The proposed legislation No. 7117 seeks to mandate the allocation of at least one Muslim prayer room in every public facility, including airports, transport terminals, hospitals, military camps, as well as privately-owned malls, factories, and other big business establishments.

For Muslims, such prayer rooms are “imperative for the free exercise of their Islamic faith,” Hataman said in a note accompanying the bill’s introduction, arguing they should therefore be available in facilities intended for public use.

But there is also an economic factor to consider, Hataman told Arab News in an exclusive interview, as such prayer rooms may attract international Muslim travelers.

“There are a lot of Muslim businessmen and travelers,” Hataman said.

“One of the things that encouraged me to file a bill (is) so that we can also attract more visitors because we also have many friends who visit us and sometimes that’s one of their problems, finding halal restaurants and prayer rooms.”

“Middle Eastern visitors, like during this time of Ramadan, many of them choose to go to Malaysia and Indonesia because of the availability of prayer rooms and they also have a strong halal industry,” he said.

Source: Arab News

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284446/world

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PermatangPauh MP gives statement to cops over alleged anti-non-Muslim remarks

10 Apr 2023

BUKIT MERTAJAM, April 10 — PermatangPauh member of parliament Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan has given his statement to police over investigations into his alleged inflammatory statements against non-Muslims.

Muhammad Fawwaz said that he gave his statement at the North-East district police headquarters at 3pm last Friday.

“The issue is under police investigation. I have given my statement so let the police investigate. Insya-Allah, there’s nothing to it.

“I do not want to comment any further as the case is under investigation. I can’t even remember myself when the posting was made and when it was taken down by my Facebook administrator. There’s nothing to this issue actually, it was deliberately raised. It is not a new issue,” he said when contacted today.

Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have opened investigation papers on statements allegedly issued by two members of parliament deemed prejudiced against non-Muslims.

Besides Muhammad Fawwaz, who is Penang PAS youth chief, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang is also being investigated.

Both MPs are being investigated under Section 505 © of the Penal Code for issuing statements with intent to incite and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.

In a Facebook post in January, Muhammad Fawwaz was alleged to have claimed that infidels were working towards bringing down Islam.

Source: MalayMail

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/04/10/permatang-pauh-mp-gives-statement-to-cops-over-alleged-anti-non-muslim-remarks/64093

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PM Anwar: Al-Azhar University alumni the fortress of Islamic faith

08 Apr 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Islamic education, understanding and ‘fikrah’ (philosophy of thinking) pioneered by the alumni of Al-Azhar University, Egypt have become the fortress of the Islamic faith.

In a video message in conjunction with today’s International Day of Al-Azhar celebration, he said it has become a tradition for the most prestigious university for Islamic learning to produce scholars who make great contributions not only to Malaysia but the whole world.

Anwar said that he hoped Al-Azhar University scholars would be able to continue to expand the preaching of awareness and the filling of knowledge, especially among the Madani community.

“That’s why at Seri Perdana, I organise events attended by either sheikh who are from Al-Azhar or mufti or scholars, the majority of whom are graduates or alumni of Al-Azhar,” he said.

The International Day of Al-Azhar was organised by the World Organisation for Al-Azhar Graduates (WOAG Malaysia) at the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Mosque here.

Anwar also expressed his appreciation for the success of WOAG in organising the event and launching the book entitled ‘MemahamiPemikiranMelampau’ (Understanding Extreme Thinking).

The Prime Minister also prayed that the event could raise the dignity of Muslims through cultural intelligence and literacy based on understanding of Islam.

Source: MalayMail

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/04/08/pm-anwar-al-azhar-university-alumni-the-fortress-of-islamic-faith/63868

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North America

 

Suspect arrested in knife attack on New Jersey imam during Fajr prayers

RAY HANANIA

April 11, 2023

CHICAGO: The imam of a New Jersey Mosque was seriously injured during a knife attack early on Sunday morning by a suspect who joined some 200 worshippers for Fajr prayers.

Paterson, New Jersey prosecutors said that the victim, Imam Sayed Elnakib, 65, of the Omar mosque, 501 Getty Avenue, was attacked by a suspect who had knelt with other worshippers during the prayers in the mosque. Imam Elnakib was immediately taken to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson for treatment of “non-fatal” injuries.

The prosecutor’s office said that the suspect was immediately restrained at the mosque. He was identified as 32-year-old Serif Zorba. Worshippers said that Zorba had been to the mosque many times but was not a member of it.

Zorba rushed at Imam Elnakib while he was leading the prayers at about 5:37 a.m. After stabbing Imam Elnakib several times, Zorba turned to escape by running through worshippers who police said immediately subdued and held him until police arrived.

“Upon arrival, police officers encountered a 32-year-old suspect inside of the mosque who was subdued by congregants,” said Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes.

“Mr. Zorba is charged with attempted murder, first degree; possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, third degree; and unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth degree.”

Valdes said that if convicted, Zorba could face up to 20 years in prison. “The sentencing exposure for Serif Zorba on first degree attempted murder is 10 to 20 years at a New Jersey state prison with 85 percent of the term to be served before parole eligibility, pursuant to the ‘no early release act’ and five years of parole supervision upon release.”

The charges for unlawful possession of a weapon could add an additional six years to the sentence, the prosecutor’s office said.

Zorba appeared at Central Judicial Processing Court in Paterson on Monday afternoon where the charges were formally filed and “pretrial detention” was granted, denying the suspect bail release.

The hearing was held before the New Jersey superior court judge.

Imam Elnakib is married and the father of three boys. He is expected to make a full recovery, police said.

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, who is Roman Catholic and Arab American, visited Imam Elnakib at the hospital on Monday morning, city officials said.

Sayegh told reporters at a press conference that he would assign additional police to all the mosques in the region to ensure people’s safety in the remaining days of Ramadan.

“You should not be afraid to pray, you should feel safe to pray,” Sayegh said.

Paterson Council member, Al Abdel-aziz, joined worshippers at the mosque on Sunday night to pray for the imam’s health and full recovery.

“I was deeply saddened to hear about the stabbing incident that took place during prayer at Omar’s mosque earlier this morning, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragic event,” councilman Abdel-aziz wrote on his Facebook page.

“While it is unclear what motivated the attacker, there is no justification for violence of any kind, especially in a sacred space.

I am relieved to hear that Imam Sayed Elnakib is in stable condition, and wish him a full and speedy recovery. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.”

Councilman Al-Abdel-aziz added: “As a community, it is important that we come together to support one another and denounce all forms of hate and violence. I encourage everyone to reach out to each other for comfort and support, and to work toward creating a safe and welcoming environment for all who enter your mosque.”

Source: Arab News

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284731/world

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Pakistan

 

Four dead, 18 injured as blast rocks Pakistan’s Quetta

Apr 11, 2023

ISLAMABAD: At least four people, including two policemen, were killed and 18 injured in a blast in Quetta, the provincial capital of Pakistan’s volatile southwestern Balochistan province, on Monday. This was the second attack on police in Balochistan in less than 24 hours after two cops were gunned down by unknown assailants in Killi Spine area of the province’s Kuchlak district.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying two police officers were killed because of their involvement “in inhumane treatment of Baloch civilians under the pretext of investigations”.

Senior security officials said the target of Monday’s blast was a police vehicle. “The explosives planted in a motorcycle were detonated by remote control,” said Zohaib Mohsin, senior superintendent of police. He said the deceased included a minor girl while women and children were among the injured.

“According to initial information, three to four kilos of explosives were used in the blast,” the police official said, adding, “Due to the blast, two vehicles, including the police van, were damaged.” TV footage showed a damaged police automobile surrounded by several personnel.

Last week, the National Security Committee (NSC), Pakistan’s top decision-making body for national security and major foreign policy matters, had decided at a high-level meeting to kick start an all-out comprehensive operation against militant outfits.

For the past few months, Pakistan has been gripped by a spate of terror attacks with even the country’s bigger urban centres such as Karachi and Peshawar under the radar of militants targeting security forces.

Source: Times Of India

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/four-dead-18-injured-as-blast-rocks-pakistans-quetta/articleshow/99392693.cms

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'Ruler of a Gulf nation cautioned me of Gen Bajwa's conspiracy to oust my government': Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan

Apr 10, 2023

LAHORE: A year after his ouster as the prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan on Monday said that he was cautioned by the ruler of a Gulf nation last year that the then Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was conspiring to topple his government.

Last year in April, Khan was ousted as the prime minister of Pakistan and his government toppled through a no-confidence motion brought in Parliament by the opposition parties led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

On Sunday, Khan, who is the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), issued a white paper on the one-year performance of the PML-N-led coalition and termed it the worst in the country's history.

"Before the no-confidence motion against me was tabled in April last year, the ruler of a Gulf country told me that my Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was conspiring against my government to get his extension (from the PML-N and its allies). Bajwa was a mastermind of this conspiracy," Khan claimed.

He criticised Bajwa for destroying Pakistan merely for his extension which he could not get despite a promise by (prime minister) Shehbaz Sharif.

"Things have revealed later that the conspiracy to overthrow my government was not hatched by the US. Gen Bajwa hired former envoy to US Hussain Haqqani to launch propaganda that Gen Bajwa was pro-America and Imran Khan was anti-America," Khan said.

Following his removal, Khan had initially blamed the US for playing a role in his government's toppling.

However, later he held Gen. Bajwa responsible for the 'conspiracy' which resulted in his ouster.

Months before his retirement in November last year, Gen Bajwa had repeatedly said that he was not seeking another extension in service. He also made it clear that the Pakistan Army has decided to distance itself from the country's politics.

While Khan did not precisely take any Gulf leader's name, he last month said that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is still in contact with him.

Talking about the current status of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, Khan said that the PML-N-led government destroyed the economy, attacked free speech and media, and imposed restrictions through “unidentified people," a reference to the powerful intelligence agencies.

He also talked about the ban on his speeches and media interviews.

Khan said that during its one-year rule, the PML-N-led coalition government also desecrated the fundamental rights of people by unleashing torture on PTI leaders and workers.

In his message during the release of the white paper, the cricketer-turned-politician said that his message to the “all-powerful Army chief Gen Asim Munir” and PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif that Pakistan's biggest political party (PTI) could not be crushed by "violence, torture, and harassment tactics".

Source: Times Of India

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/ruler-of-a-gulf-nation-cautioned-me-of-gen-bajwas-conspiracy-to-oust-my-government-pakistan-ex-pm-imran-khan/articleshow/99383817.cms

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President Alvi exhorts political leadership to sit together for country’s future

MATEEN HAIDER

April 11, 2023

ISLAMABAD    -     President Dr Arif Alvi on Mon­day said that considering the current challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah, it was impera­tive to draw strength from the Islamic values and qualities.

The president said that be­sides, focusing on economic stability, the Muslim countries should also concentrate on seek­ing the knowledge, enabling them to address the contempo­rary challenges. The president was addressing at Paigham-e-Is­lam Conference as a chief guest.

The event was attended by a large number of ambassadors, ulema, parliamentarians and scholars. He further empha­sized that all political leader­ship of the country should show magnanimity by burying their bitterness and come forward for the country’s progress and prosperity. Pakistan was once a fast-developing country in the region, but now other countries were leading the path which re­quired serious retrospection, he opined. The president said that he was appalled at the specta­cles of macabre aggression and violence unleashed on the in­nocent people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine.

A danger of genocide was lurk­ing over the Muslims in India as the mosques were being demol­ished with suppressed religious identity and freedom, he added. He said that it was indeed a dif­ficult time for the Muslim Um­mah, but he was optimistic that through collective efforts, coop­eration and unity, they would overcome all these challenges. The president further regret­ted that from human history, it was evident that mankind had not learnt from its bitter experi­ences of wrangling and tussles. The human race had witnessed large-scale massacre.

He said the teachings of the Holy Quran were eternal in na­ture which provided guidance to the human beings. The presi­dent stressed upon the teaching of certain Islamic values to the coming generations including the supreme quality of forgive­ness, adding our Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was an embodiment of this quality who forgave all his tormentors.

Source: Nation Pakistan

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

https://www.nation.com.pk/11-Apr-2023/president-alvi-exhorts-political-leadership-to-sit-together-for-country-s-future

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ECP seeks changes to elections law to save ‘eroding writ’

Iftikhar A. Khan

April 11, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Raising alarm over judicial overbearing diluting its writ, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed legislation to do away with president’s role in determining date for general polls.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja has written letters to National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, proposing amendments to Sections 57 (1) and 58 of the Elections Act, 2017, sources told Dawn.

Letters on similar lines, signed by ECP Secretary Omar Hamid Khan, were also sent to the principal secretary to the prime minister and secretary for parliamentary affairs.

Under the proposed amendments, the ECP wants its power back to announce and alter election schedule at any stage without any intervention by a third party.

“Section 11 of the original (peoples’ representation) Act of 1976 empowered the Commission to announce poll date unilaterally without any trace of intervention by a third party. The Section was amended through Ordinance No. 11 of 1985 (12.1.1985) with the sole object to create the role of the President to hold the elections at the whims of one man,” say the identical letters, seen by Dawn.

CEC asks NA speaker, Senate chairman to end president’s role in setting poll date; blames ‘judicial overbearing’ for hampering commission’s work

“The role of the president to appoint a date for poll in case of dissolution of the National Assembly on the advice of the prime minister or the dissolution of the National Assembly on expiry of the term, is not supported by any constitutional provision,” one of the letters points out.

Amendment to Section 11 of ROPA 1976 introduced in 1985 was subsequently replicated in Section 57 of the Elections Act, 2017. Therefore, Section 57(1) of the Act to the extent of role of the president to announce poll date is against the spirit of the constitution and ultra vires of proviso of Article 222, as it has abridged and taken away the ECP powers mandated under Article 218(3) and 219. It said supplanting the amendments resulted in dilution of the authority of the constitutional mandate vested in the ECP on account of Article 218(3).

It mentions that the Supreme Court, while interpreting Article 224(2), held that the conduct of general elections within 90 days was a constitutional imperative.

“It is settled and trite law that Constitution shall be read as a whole document for harmonious interpretation and no provision should be read in isolation, lest it may result in redundancy of some other important provision of the Constitution. However, due weightage has not been given to another constitutional imperative provided in Article 218(3) which, if not implemented in letter and spirit, may result in abnegation of the standards set under it,” it says.

The CEC said conduct of election was dependent upon the necessary arrangements to be made by the ECP to ensure that the standards of honesty, justness, fairness provided in Article 218(3) are met.

ECP writ

The CEC noted the March 1 and April 5 judgements divested the ECP of its constitutional powers to determine as to whether conducive environment in fact and circumstances, existed for the conduct of elections in a given time, to meet the standards mentioned in Article 218(3) in letter and spirit.

He argued that the writ of the ECP had systematically been challenged on several occasions. “In practice, ECP’s authority has been eroded,” he remarked.

He cited the examples of the case involving mysterious disappearance of 20 presiding officers during Daska by-polls in February 2021 and the contempt proceedings initiated by the ECP against PTI leaders and suspension of its orders by high courts, effectively binding ECP’s hands in the face of brazen attacks. The ECP writ was compromised severely, he added.

Currently, when Punjab elections were around the corner and civil servants have been appointed as district returning officers, returning officers and assistant returning officers, why they would look up to the ECP in such circumstances, the CEC wondered.

Source: Dawn

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1747062/ecp-seeks-changes-to-elections-law-to-save-eroding-writ

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News presenter generated with AI appears in Kuwait

April 11, 2023

KUWAIT CITY: A Kuwaiti media outlet has unveiled a virtual news presenter generated using artificial intelligence, with plans for it to read online bulletins.

“Fedha” appeared on the Twitter account of the Kuwait News website as an image of a woman, her light-coloured hair uncovered, wearing a black jacket and white T-shirt.

“I’m Fedha, the first presenter in Kuwait who works with artificial intelligence at Kuwait News. What kind of news do you prefer? Let’s hear your opinions,” she said in classical Arabic.

The site is affiliated with the Kuwait Times, founded in 1961 as the Gulf region’s first English-language daily.

Abdullah Boftain, deputy editor in chief for both outlets, said the move is a test of AI’s potential to offer “new and innovative content”.

In future Fedha could adopt the Kuwaiti accent and present news bulletins on the site’s Twitter account, which has 1.2 million followers, he said.

“Fedha is a popular, old Kuwaiti name that refers to silver, the metal. We always imagine robots to be silver and metallic in colour, so we combined the two,” Boftain said.

The presenter’s blonde hair and light-coloured eyes reflect the oil-rich country’s diverse population of Kuwaitis and expatriates, according to Boftain.

“Fedha represents everyone,” he said.

Source: Dawn

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1747043/news-presenter-generated-with-ai-appears-in-kuwait

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Tirah tribesmen protest ‘armed intrusion’ of peace committee

Ibrahim Shinwari

April 11, 2023

KHYBER: The residents of Tirah took serious exception to ‘unauthorised intrusion’ of an armed group from Bazaar-Zakhakhel area into the valley to spread fear among them with open display of lethal weapons.

Scores of Tirah residents, who were holding white flags, held a protest demonstration at Lar-Bagh Malakdinkhel Markaz, the valley’s main business centre. They also chanted slogans against the law enforcement agencies for their failure to stop armed men from entering the local market and roaming around in different parts of the valley.

Speakers in the protest demonstration questioned as to how scores of armed men managed to enter Tirah while locals could not carry even a knife while passing through various checkposts.

They said that they would not allow anyone to disturb the hard earned peace of Tirah at any cost no matter how powerful those people were.

Say they will not allow anyone to disturb hard-earned peace in the area

A group of the protesting tribal elders later met with the local security officials and convey to them their serious reservations about the entry of armed men belonging to a so-called peace committee from Bazaar-Zakhakhel area into the valley.

A local elder, who was present on the occasion, told Dawn that the security officials termed the ‘incident’ a misunderstanding as they too were conveyed a message that the Bazaar-Zakhakhel peace committee activists would come to Tirah without arms.

The elders, who wished not to be named, said that security officials promised that the matter would be discussed at ‘high’ level and would ensure that no such incident took place again.

Earlier, on Monday evening, video clips of heavily armed Bazaar-Zakhakhel peace committee volunteers went viral on social media that invited immediate anger and resentment of Tirah and Bara residents.

At first sight, local residents mistook the armed men as Taliban while a local resident, filming their ‘parade’ at Lar-Bagh Markaz and speaking in the back ground, said that Taliban had once again entered Tirah.

Sources in Tirah told Dawn by telephone that more than 24 armed men affiliated with the so-called Bazaar-Zakhakhel peace committee had come to Tirah to settle an issue related to narcotics trade.

They said that the armed men had not informed local elders about their visit to the valley, which was a violation of the local customs and traditions.

Haji Sher Mohammad, president of TirahTajir Union, too was not happy with the open display of sophisticated weapons by the Zakhakhel armed men at local market place. He said that the unlawful action had both angered and disappointed locals in general and traders in particular.

He said that such brazen display of weapons by an armed group could again disturb the peace of the valley while their trade would also be affected as Eidul Fitr was approaching.

He said that people of Tirah reserved the right to question the ability of the law enforcement agencies for their failure to check the unauthorised movement of such armed groups.

The so-called Bazaar-Zakhakhel peace committee is a splinter group of banned Lashkar-i-Islam, which was considered a sign of terror in Khyber from 2005 to 2012.

The group dissociated itself from LI around 2007-8 after developing differences with its chief Mangal Bagh and named itself as Tauheedul Islam. The two rival groups then fought some fierce battles against each other, which claimed lives of more than 100 people from both sides.

Source: Dawn

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1746989/tirah-tribesmen-protest-armed-intrusion-of-peace-committee

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South Asia

 

Turkey Deports 365 Undocumented Afghan Migrants

By Fidel Rahmati

April 10, 2023

365 Afghan migrants were reportedly deported in the previous two days from Turkey.

Turkish media reported on Monday that 365 illegal migrants who were recently deported from Turkey, 138 of them on Saturday and 277 of them on Sunday, arrived at Kabul from Aghra City by an Afghan plane.

Earlier in January, over 68290 Afghan nationals were deported from Turkey, out of 124,441 illegal immigrants during the past year, said the General Directorate of Migration in Turkey.

Most Refugees flee the country due to the fear of prosecution, security threats, poor economic and unemployment.

Since the return of the Taliban to power, most Afghan refugees have immigrated to neighbouring countries, including Iran, Pakistan and Turkey, due to economic purposed or to flee from prosecution by the de facto regime.

Most Afghan immigrants chose illegal entry, and after they arrived at their destination, after months of uncertainty, they must now live in fear of being forcibly deported and imprisoned.

Similarly, Iran and Pakistan also deport Afghan refugees or put them in jail due to a lack of travel documents. Meanwhile, Pakistan has imprisoned hundreds of Afghan refugees, including women and children, and even the matter was viral on social media.

Source: Khaama Press

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https://www.khaama.com/turkey-deports-365-undocumented-afghan-migrants/

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Afghanistan ranks fourth on list of countries with highest crime rate in 2023

10 April, 2023

Kabul [Afghanistan], April 10 (ANI): Afghanistan is ranked fourth on the list of countries with the highest crime rate in 2023, according to the World Population Review (WPR), Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported.

The country has the fourth-highest crime rate. More than 76 crimes are committed in Afghanistan for every 100,000 people.

The crime has various forms, including corruption, assassinations, drug trafficking, kidnapping and money laundering.

Afghanistan in 2020 provided 85 per cent of the illicit opium consumed worldwide, the report claimed.

The report also added that since the Taliban regained control of the Country in 2021, despite their promise to eliminate the opium industry, it will be difficult since it is such a vital part of the Country’s struggling economy, Khaama Press reported.

The report also said that the other form of crimes could be robbery and assault due to the high unemployment rate in the country.

Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, and South Africa lead Afghanistan as the countries with the first, second and third highest crime rates respectively.

As per Khaama Press, the total number of crimes of any kind reported divided by the total population, then multiplied by 100,000, yields the overall crime rate (because the crime rate is typically reported as X number of crimes per 100,000 people).

Source: ThePrint

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https://theprint.in/world/afghanistan-ranks-fourth-on-list-of-countries-with-highest-crime-rate-in-2023/1509544/

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4.6 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Hindu Kush, Afghanistan

By Fidel Rahmati

April 11, 2023

An earthquake of 4.6 magnitudes jolted the Hindu Kush region, 30 km Jurm district of Badakhshan, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, reported by US Geological Survey.

According to the US Geological Survey, the tremor of 4.6 magnitudes occurred at 8:07 am local time on Tuesday with the epicentre of the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, 30 km Jurm district of Badakhshan.

This is the fifth earthquake within the past seven days in the northeast province of Afghanistan Badakhshan.

No causalities have been reported so far.

The frequency of natural disasters, notably earthquakes, has increased the worry of local people and the need to be cautious.

The region is seismologically active and prone to natural disasters since it is approximate to the Chamman fault.

Last month, a strong earthquake hit Afghanistan and Pakistan with a magnitude of 6.5, killing at least 19 people and more than 200 injured.

The earthquake had financial damages, destroyed more than 656 residential buildings, and triggered landslides.

Source: Khaama Press

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https://www.khaama.com/4-6-magnitude-earthquake-rocks-hindu-kush-afghanistan/

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Arab World

 

Egyptian minister to visit Turkey as ties improve: Ankara

10 April ,2023

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is likely to visit Turkey again this week, the government in Ankara said on Monday, adding that progress could be made towards reinstatement of envoys after relations ended a decade ago.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told private broadcaster A Haber that his counterpart would come soon, hopefully this week, with details to be given on Wednesday.

“It is time to take concrete steps,” he said. “During Shoukry's visit, we can take steps to appoint ambassadors.”

Cavusoglu visited Cairo last month, a decade after diplomatic links were cut by the overthrow of Egypt's then president and Ankara's ally Mohamed Mursi.

Shoukry also visited Turkey two weeks ago to show solidarity after the massive earthquakes that killed more than 50,000 people in Turkey and Syria.

Shoukry said last month talks with Turkey on the possibility of restoring ambassadors would happen at the appropriate time.

Consultations between senior foreign ministry officials in Ankara and Cairo began in 2021 as Turkey sought better ties with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

But normalization between Ankara and Cairo accelerated after Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan shook hands in Doha at the World Cup.

Source: Al Arabiya

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https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/04/10/Egyptian-minister-to-visit-Turkey-as-ties-improve-Ankara

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Saudi envoy says in Yemen’s rebel-held capital to ‘stabilize’ truce

10 April ,2023

Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Yemen said on Monday he had travelled to the country's Houthi-held capital to strengthen a truce and push dialogue that could end the country's eight-year-old war.

“I visit Sanaa along with a delegation from the brotherly Sultanate of Oman to stabilize the truce and ceasefire,” Mohammed Al-Jaber said on Twitter in the first official comment from Saudi authorities about the trip.

He added that he also wants to “support the prisoner exchange process and explore venues of dialogue between Yemeni components to reach a sustainable, comprehensive political solution.”

The Saudi delegation's visit to Sanaa is part of a flurry of diplomatic activity to end the conflict pitting the Iran-backed Houthis against the internationally recognized government which is supported by a Saudi-led coalition.

A truce announced roughly a year ago has significantly reduced active hostilities within Yemen, and is still largely respected even though it officially expired in October.

A Yemeni government source, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said at the weekend that the Saudis and Houthis had agreed in principle on a new six-month truce to pave the way for talks on establishing a two-year “transition”.

On Sunday, Houthi media showed Al-Jaber shaking hands with the rebels' political leader, Mahdi al-Mashat.

Saudi officials have not provided details or responded to requests for comment about the meetings in Sanaa, which the Houthis seized in 2014.

A surprise rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, brokered by China and announced a month ago, has fuelled hopes for a cessation of fighting that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and triggered what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Source: Al Arabiya

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https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2023/04/10/Saudi-envoy-says-in-Yemen-s-rebel-held-capital-to-stabilize-truce-

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Yemen government supports fresh Saudi peace efforts

SAEED AL-BATATI

April 10, 2023

AL-MUKALLA: The internationally recognized government of Yemen has welcomed Saudi Arabia’s extensive diplomatic efforts to end more than eight years of war between the government and Houthi militia.

Muammar Al-Eryani, Yemen’s minister of information, said that his government applauds Saudi efforts to end the conflict in Yemen and restore peace and stability in the country, and that it would support any peace initiative that would end the suffering of Yemenis.

“We express our appreciation for the exceptional efforts made by the brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to bring peace to Yemen, as well as our full support for their efforts to achieve peace in the region and move it from a stage of conflicts and internal strife to one of stability and security,” the Yemeni minister said.

He added that the Arab coalition military intervention in Yemen in March 2015 had put a halt to Houthi military advances and shifted the balance of power in the government’s favor, allowing them to expel Houthi forces from about 80 percent of Yemeni territory.

In addition to military assistance to the Yemeni government, Al-Eryani said that for more than a decade, Saudi Arabia sponsored the GCC peace initiative — which resulted in the resignation of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh — sponsored many rounds of peace talks between political parties in Yemen, offered a peace initiative in 2021 to end the war, supported Yemeni-Yemeni consultations in Riyadh in 2022 and injected billions of dollars into the Yemeni economy.

“We greatly value the political, economic, and humanitarian assistance provided to the Yemeni government and people by the Saudi-led Legitimacy Support Coalition.”

The Yemeni minister’s remarks were made after the Saudi ambassador to the country, Mohammed Al-Jaber, met on Sunday with Houthi leader Mahdi Al-Mashat in Sanaa to discuss the final text of a peace agreement to end the conflict.

The proposal contains a six-month extension to the UN-brokered truce, an end to all combat on all fronts, direct UN-sponsored negotiations between the Yemeni government and the Houthis and a two-year transitional period. After approval by the Yemeni government, delegates from Oman and Saudi Arabia who arrived in Sanaa over the weekend brought the proposal before top Houthi officials.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Monday reaffirmed Iran’s support for extending the truce in Yemen and ending the war, expressing hope that his country’s reconciliation with Saudi Arabia will open a path to peace.

Source: Arab News

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284596/middle-east

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Saudi authorities brace for rain in Makkah during last 10 days of Ramadan

April 11, 2023

JEDDAH: Authorities in Saudi Arabia said that they were implementing “emergency plans to confront the rain” in the holy city of Makkah, amid early preparations to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque during the last ten days of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the Environmental Protection Services and Achievement Agency, in cooperation with other government agencies working in the Grand Mosque, recruited more than 200 supervisors and observers, 4,000 workers, and used more than 500 pieces of equipment to deal with the rain that swept the Grand Mosque on Monday.

The General President for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, directed the Agency for Security, Safety, Confrontation of Emergencies and Risks to prepare and activate field plans to confront the rain in preparation for the rainy situation that had been forecast by the National Center of Meteorology.

The center warned of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds and dust, with hail showers that could lead to torrential rains in several parts of the Kingdom, including Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders region, Hail, Najran, Jazan, Asir, Al-Qassim, Riyadh and the southern parts of the Eastern Province.

It also warned of the need for caution, particularly due to the high numbers of pilgrims and worshippers visiting the holy capital during Ramadan, the number of which has exceeded 950,000 since the start of the month, according to the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

Al-Sudais stressed the importance of exerting maximum efforts, harnessing all capabilities and adhering to alertness and readiness to ensure the safety of pilgrims and worshipers, efficient cooperation with all relevant authorities, and intensifying the efforts of the presidential agencies operating in the Grand mosque.

The National Center of Meteorology later on Monday issued an “advanced alert” for the continuing dust situation over a number of governorates in the Makkah region, accompanied by active surface winds, almost zero visibility, and high waves over the coastal areas.

The center said that those areas affected included the holy capital, Jeddah, Jamoum, and Bahra, in addition to open areas and highways, adding that it would begin from 9:00 a.m on Tuesday and continue until 3:00 p.m..

Source: Arab News

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284756/saudi-arabia

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Saudi ambassador to Yemen says talks with Houthis aim to revive Yemeni ceasefire

April 10, 2023

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber said recent talks held with the Houthis in Sanaa aimed to revive a ceasefire and end conflict in the country.

“Continuing the Kingdom’s efforts to end the Yemeni crisis, and in support (of) the Saudi Initiative of 2021 to reach a comprehensive political solution in Yemen, I visit Sanaa along with a delegation from the brotherly Sultanate of Oman to stabilize the truce and ceasefire,” Al-Jaber tweeted on Monday.

A truce announced roughly a year ago has significantly reduced active hostilities within Yemen, and is still largely respected even though it officially expired in October.

The envoy said he also wants to “support the prisoner exchange process and explore venues of dialogue between Yemeni components to reach a sustainable and comprehensive political solution.”

He added that Saudi Arabia has always stood with Yemen during dire political and economic circumstances and crises.

“Since 2011, these brotherly efforts have continued to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly people of Yemen to restore security, stability, and economic prosperity,” Al-Jaber said.

The UN described the talks with the Saudi and Omani delegations and officials from the Houthis as “a welcome step toward the de-escalation in tensions.”

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric was responding to questions from reporters in New York, following reports that progress had been made toward a permanent cease-fire, the UN said in a statement.

“Neighbouring Oman has been involved in peace talks with the warring parties in Yemen, running in parallel with UN efforts, led by Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, who Mr. Dujarric said was continuing to ‘explore options to extend and expand’ an UN-brokered six-month truce, which expired last October,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s government has welcomed Saudi Arabia’s extensive diplomatic efforts to end more than eight years of war between the government and the Houthi militia.

Muammar Al-Eryani, Yemen’s minister of information, said that his government applauds Saudi efforts to end the conflict in Yemen and restore peace and stability in the country, and that it would support any peace initiative that would end the suffering of Yemenis.

Source: Arab News

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284556/saudi-arabia

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Daesh landmine kills at least 6 civilians in Syria’s Deir Ez-Zor

April 11, 2023

DAMASCUS: A deadly landmine explosion in Syria killed at least six people, according to media reports.

News agency SANA said the explosion hit civilians who were foraging for truffles in the countryside, and blamed the incident on a land mine planted by Daesh in the southern Deir Ez-Zor province.

The area is a former stronghold of the militants.

A day earlier, SANA reported six people — also heading to search for truffles — were killed by an anti-tank mine left by Daesh in the desert of Homs’ eastern countryside.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, put the number killed on Sunday at nine. The monitor said the incident brings to 139 the number of civilians reported killed this year as a result of the explosion of mines and other explosive objects left over from the war, including 30 children.

The truffles are a seasonal delicacy that can be sold for a high price. Since truffle hunters work in large groups in remote areas, Daesh militants have repeatedly preyed on them, emerging from the desert to abduct them, kill some and ransom others for money.

Source: Arab News

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284656/middle-east

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Egyptian community creates giant iftar table for Ramadan

LAILA MOHAMMAD

April 10, 2023

CAIRO: The people of Al-Matariyya, east of Cairo, are celebrating Ramadan in a special way once again this year, by creating a huge iftar table.

The wondrous creation, which is surrounded by lights, balloons and other decorations, took a week to put together and involved people from all across the community.

Ahmed Khalaf, one of the organizers, said: “We divided the roles, with the young men taking charge of buying the table supplies and the women preparing all the different types of food.

“On the day of iftar, the children participated in cleaning and decorating the streets to welcome the fasting people.

“We do not care about the cost, as all the residents of the neighborhood participate in financing the table in order to bring joy and happiness to the people of the region and other neighboring areas.

“Each person contributes according to their income and financial situation,” he said. “Some gave 50 Egyptian pounds ($1.60), while others gave up to £5,000.”

Alaa Saqr, one of the founders of the Ramadan table in Al-Matariyya, told Arab News the event had been held for the past nine years.

“There is a state of harmony and understanding between the participants and the organizers,” he said.

Hundreds of residents, including photographers and social media users, gathered round the iftar table to “document an event that embodies the spirit of love and social cohesion between Egyptians,” Saqr said, adding that the event caused such a stir online that it inspired other neighborhoods to organize similar events.

Source: Arab News

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284621/middle-east

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Egypt’s foreign minister, UN special envoy discuss Syria peace push

GOBRAN MOHAMED

April 10, 2023

CAIRO: The Egyptian government is seeking to work more closely with the UN to bring peace and stability to Syria, with an end to all terrorism and foreign interference in the country.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry recently held discussions over the telephone with UN Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen to seek further cooperation and express Cairo’s sentiments, according to the spokesperson of the ministry, Ahmed Abu Zeid.

The minister affirmed Egypt’s full support for the efforts of the UN envoy to reach a comprehensive political settlement in line with Security Council Resolution No. 2254, said Abu Zeid recently.

Shoukry previously held talks with Pedersen in Cairo in March 2023.

A spokesperson for Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in a message posted on Twitter that there is “continuous coordination between Egypt and the UN for advancing the political solution in Syria and alleviating the suffering of the Syrian brotherly people.”

The minister reiterated the importance of reviving the political process, within the framework of Egypt’s desire to resolve the Syrian crisis as quickly as possible, in accordance with international resolutions.

He also briefed the UN envoy about the aid and support provided for Syria following the devastating earthquakes that hit the country and neighboring Turkiye in February.

Cairo and Damascus had agreed to strengthen cooperation and communication during Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad’s visit to Cairo this month.

Shoukry visited Syria in February following the earthquakes to convey a message of solidarity from Cairo.

Source: Arab News

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284576/middle-east

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Europe

 

Afghan pilot at center of UK deportation row a ‘special case’ for asylum, former army head says

April 10, 2023

LONDON: The Afghan pilot in the UK at the center of a deportation row is a “special case” for asylum, a former head of the British Army has told The Independent.

The veteran, who traveled to the UK through Europe from Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban takeover in 2021, has been threatened with deportation to Rwanda — a policy that the government claims is targeting economic migrants.

Sir Richard Dannatt warned that policy is unduly overlapping, describing the planned deportation of the pilot as a “flaw.”

He said: “Clearly there is a flaw in evolving British policy. While the pressure is on to reduce small boat crossings, Afghans who have worked with the British, like this pilot, must be a special case.”

The Afghan pilot, who took part in missions against the Taliban alongside Western-led forces, should be made eligible for the UK’s Afghan relocations and assistance policy, or Arap, Dannatt added.

During an investigation by The Independent, it was revealed that the pilot, who was described by his US supervisor as a “patriot to his nation,” was facing deportation as a result of UK Home Office policy.

He was warned that his journey via Europe to the UK could have “consequences for whether your claim is admitted to the UK asylum system,” resulting in his possible deportation to Rwanda in line with new policy targeting small boat arrivals.

Dannatt added: “Those in touch with him must advise him to apply for the Arap scheme and not take no for an answer.

“The Home Office should be passed his details in order to lift him out of the general mass of small boat illegal entrants.”

The pilot said that he has been “forgotten” by Britain, adding: “What safe and legal way was there after the fall of Afghanistan?”

Despite mounting criticism over the pilot’s potential deportation, the UK Home Office has refused to comment on individual cases.

However, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to “make sure the Home Office has a look” at the case.

Former Conservative Cabinet minister David Davis told The Independent: “We have a moral responsibility to people who are our allies. There must be a mechanism for looking at his case.

“It demonstrates we don’t have a workable policy at the moment. Until you have safe and legal routes it’s hazardous to do what the government is doing.”

A campaign by The Independent newspaper to encourage the granting of asylum for the former pilot has been backed by figures across the political spectrum, as well as charities and military veterans.

Former army captain Mike Crofts, who served two tours in Afghanistan, said: “The government’s abandonment of Afghan soldiers who served the UK cause in Afghanistan is further indictment of a failed approach to immigration.”

Source: Arab News

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2284476/world

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Top Russian, Syrian, Turkish, Iranian diplomats to meet in near future: Moscow

10 April 2023

Russia's deputy foreign minister says a quadrilateral meeting among the top diplomats of Russia, Syria, Turkey, and Iran will be held in the near future as part of efforts made to normalize relations between Ankara and Damascus.

"[The meeting] is in the works. We are setting a date," Mikhail Bogdanov was quoted by Russia's TASS news agency as saying on Monday.

"The sooner the better," Bogdanov said, when asked whether the quadrilateral meeting would take place in early May or before that.

Stressing that the date of the meeting should make sense for each of the four ministers, the Russian diplomat said, "There was no official date, so we didn’t postpone anything. We are coordinating [the date] now. There have been various proposals, but each of the four ministers has his own schedule.”

The senior diplomats from the four countries were reported earlier to have discussed preparations for a four-party ministerial meeting in Moscow on April 3-4.

Turkey severed its relations with Syria in March 2012, a year after the Arab country found itself in the grip of rampant and deadly violence waged by foreign-backed militants, including those allegedly supported by Ankara.

The two neighboring countries are currently taking steps toward reconciliation after 11 years.

The process of normalizing ties between Ankara and Damascus kicked off on December 28, 2022, when the Russian, Syrian and Turkish defense ministers met in Moscow, in what was the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the outbreak of the Syria conflict.

Source: Press TV

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/04/10/701322/Russian-deputy-foreign-minister-Mikhail-Bogdanov-meeting-normalizing-relations-

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Africa

 

UN chief Guterres on visit to conflict-ridden Somalia

11 April ,2023

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Mogadishu on Tuesday at the start of a brief visit to Somalia, a country scarred by protracted armed conflict and climate disasters.

Pictures on social media showed Guterres being given a red carpet welcome at the capital city’s airport by Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Huruse and other leaders.

Somalia has imposed a security lockdown on Mogadishu for the unannounced visit, with most roads closed, and public transport restricted.

Guterres’s arrival comes as the country is in the grip of a calamitous drought that has driven many to the brink of famine, while the government is also engaged in a major offensive to put down a bloody militant insurgency.

The UN has launched a $2.6 billion appeal for humanitarian aid for the troubled Horn of Africa nation, but it is currently only 13 percent funded.

Five straight failed rainy seasons in parts of Somalia as well as Kenya and Ethiopia have led to the worst drought in four decades, wiping out livestock and crops and forcing at least 1.7 million people from their homes in search of food and water.

While famine thresholds have not been reached in Somalia, the United Nations says about half its population will need humanitarian assistance this year, with 8.3 million affected by the drought.

“The crisis is far from over -- needs remain high and urgent,” the UN’s resident coordinator for Somalia,” Adam Abdelmoula, said last week in Geneva.

Source: Al Arabiya

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

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/04/11/UN-chief-Guterres-on-visit-to-conflict-ridden-Somalia

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2 aid workers killed in Ethiopia: Humanitarian group

Hassan Isilow

11.04.2023

JOHANNESBURG

Two aid workers with the humanitarian group Catholic Relief Services (CRS) have been killed in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, the group said in a statement Monday.

CRS said ChuolTongyik, 37, a security manager, and Amare Kindeya, 43, a driver, were shot and killed in a CRS vehicle on Sunday as they were returning to the capital Addis Ababa from an assignment.

The Amhara region has witnessed huge protests in the last five days against government plans to dissolve a regional force that would be integrated into the national army or police.

The move has drawn strong opposition in Amhara, with huge protests taking place in towns across the region.

In Ethiopia, each region has their own forces tasked with protecting regional borders and to fight rebels, but the government now wants these forces to be integrated into the federal army or police force in order to promote national unity.

The humanitarian group said the details of the murders are still unknown but the depth of their shock and sorrow is difficult to measure and they are saddened over the senseless violence.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/2-aid-workers-killed-in-ethiopia-humanitarian-group/2868762

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Tunisian protesters demand release of govt. opponents, call for national dialogue

10 April 2023

Tunisians have taken to the streets in the capital Tunis demanding the release of opponents of President Kais Saied who have been arrested in recent months amid anti-government protests.

Demonstrators from opposition parties waved the country's flags and carried signs with the images of those arrested. Sunday's rally that was organized by the main opposition coalition, the National Salvation Front, reports said.

Speaking at the rally, Samir Ben Amor, an official with the Al-Joumhouri (Republican) party, called for a "national dialogue in order to draw up a roadmap to save Tunisia and return to the democratic path."

Among those currently languishing in government jails are more than 20 political opponents, including politicians, former ministers, businessmen, trade unionists and the owner of Tunisia's most popular radio station, Mosaique FM, who have been kept in detention since early February.

Government critics say the arrests were made as part of the government's efforts to consolidate power by means of clamping down on the opposition.

Local and international human rights groups, including the United Nations Human Rights Office, have strongly condemned the arrests and called for the immediate release of detainees.

Saied, who has consolidated his power since he froze parliament and sacked Tunisia's government in a controversial move in July 2021, has dubbed those arrested as "terrorists" who he alleges were involved in a "conspiracy against state security".

Saied insists his policies are meant to save the country from civil war but his opponents accuse him of bringing back autocratic rule in the North African country.

The country's economy is failing with an acute shortage of staple goods, and the government struggling to secure an international bailout.

Source: Press TV

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/04/10/701280/Tunisia-Tunis-politics-protest-rally

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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/jamiat-ulama-i-hind-same-sex-marriage/d/129538

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