Convert to Islam or die: The 20 year long nightmare of a Punjabi Christian family in Pakistan

Photo: The battle for the heights in Tirah Valley of Khyber tribal region. (Reuters)

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Pakistan

•  Convert to Islam or die: The 20 year long nightmare of a Punjab Christian family

•  Islam allows marriage by choice, no room for control or force in marriage: Islamic Scholar

•  30 Soldiers, 97 Militants Killed In Clashes in Northwest Pakistan

•  LHC Judge Washes hands of blasphemy case, referred the petition to the CJ

•  Four killed in Karachi; Rangers conduct operations

•  90% potential suicide bombers arrested: IG Islamabad

•  Malala Yousafzai inspires Canadian filmmaker

•  ‘Attacks won’t stop us from educating our children’

•  Pakistan Supreme Court adjourns Pervez Musharraf treason hearing

•  Musharraf was advised not to return home: Report

•  Mehsud vows jihad to implement Sharia in Pakistan

•  69 vying for 10 reserved seats of non-Muslims

•  Nawaz advised against JI, JUI-F alliances in Punjab, Balochistan

•  Taliban threats: QWP’s Fata candidates forsake party affiliation

Southeast Asia

•  Islamic extremists and local authorities target Ahmadis in West Java

•  Almost Half of Indonesia’s Prisons Are Filled with Drug Offenders

•  Religious Minorities in Indonesia Band Together for Tolerance

•  Police Arrest Five Suspected of Raping a Teen for Two Days

•  6 Types of People You Meet at Indonesian Wedding Party

•  Transparency questioned in high-profile molestation case

•  Malaysia arrests 32 Filipinos trying to join incursion

•  Presidential Insult Ban to ‘Instill Respect’

•  Indonesian Family Planning Program a Failure: Minister

Mideast Asia

•  7 dead as tribesmen, army deserters clash in Yemen

•  Iran announces uranium mining after nuclear talks fail

•  600,000 'tricked and trapped' into labour in Middle East: ILO

•  Al-Qaida denies its number 2 in Yemen was killed

•  Islamic Jihad prisoner freed from Israeli jails

•  Earthquake hits near Iran's nuclear city Bushehr, many feared dead

Arab World

•  Egypt tense after sectarian clashes claim 7 lives

•  Saudi Arabia denies paralysis punishment

•  Video shows Syrian Sunni cleric’s exact moment of death

•  Iraqi al-Qaida and Syria militants announce merger

•  Syria rejects 'broadening' of UN chemical weapons probe

•  Saudi beheaded after killing 3 in car chase

•  Egyptian President Morsi’s imitative to support women’s rights

•  Jihad Erupts On Egypt’s Christians, Again

•  Egypt's Christian Pope blasts Morsi for his handling of sectarian violence

•  Massive development of holy sites to ease Haj

•  AIDS awareness campaign kicks off in Jeddah

•  Exhibition chronicles Prophet’s life

•  Son of UAE coup plot suspect jailed for tweets

India

•  Antony warns Army against threats from China, Pakistan

•  Wikileaks shows PoK as part of Pakistan

•  Islam is the most perfect message to mankind: rector of Darul Uloom Deoband

•  Nixon sought to repair Indo-US ties after 1971 war

•  Pakistani man, two others get ten years of jail for spying

•  India, Pak must step in to revive Afghanistan: Report

•  Witness suicide: ATS denies allegation of harassment

•  Five Indian peacekeepers killed in South Sudan

•  Iran was critical of India’s 'negative policies’ towards Pak post-71 war: Wikileaks

•  Indian workers to get legal assistance in Saudi Arabia

•  Repatriated from Pakistan, Ram Kumar joins family after 21 years

Europe

•  UNHCR asked to quickly resettle Rohingyas in third country

•  Nuke talks: Kazakhstan as the ‘n’ factor

•  EU won’t monitor polls in Balochistan, Tribal Areas

•  UN reopens Gaza food centres after compound attack

Africa

•  Muslim clerics meet to discuss friction in religions

•  Mali becomes first African country to give away domain for free

•  Decision on Qaddafi kin extradition appealed

•  Police detain Nigeria reporters over story: Newspaper

•  How Changing Cultural Attitudes Will Give Senegal's Street Children a Voice

•  Mali crisis: French troops 'begin withdrawal'

North America

•  Muslim Fraternity Confronts Negative Stereotypes

•  Obama approves US military assistance to Somalia

•  Bin Laden 'aide' trial may be delayed by US budget row

•  Ex-US soldier who 'fought in Syria' could face execution

South Asia

•  Bangladeshi Islamists Protest Amid Demand for Blasphemy Law

•  Violence during Bangladesh strike leaves one dead

•  Two US troops killed in Afghanistan copter crash

•  Bangladesh: They rise above all political rivalry to fight social evils

•  Buddhist Monks Incite Muslim Killings in Myanmar

•  Maldivian State F M requests S C review legitimacy of 11 opposition MPs

•  Foreign workers locked in house for “refusing to work and attempting to flee” in Maldives

•  Bombs explode as shutdown disrupts city life in Dhaka

•  Last Royal Marines leave Afghanistan

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/new-age-islam-news-bureau/convert-to-islam-or-die--the-20-year-long-nightmare-of-a-punjabi-christian-family-in-pakistan/d/11072

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Pakistan

Jibran Khan

04/08/2013 

Islamabad (AsiaNews) - For more than 20 years, a Pakistani Christian family has been living in a constant state of fear, the victim of threats from extremist groups and under constant pressure from the radical fringe to convert to Islam. A tragic story in a country increasingly hostage to the Islamists, in which young people prefer Sharia law and the military to the democratic model proposed by the West and branded as "corrupt." In recent times, threats and pressures against the Zafar family have increased. And the father has been forced to lock one of his daughters indoors for fear she will become a victim of kidnapping, as was the case in 1998 when her older sister was abducted and subjected to torture.

Sadiq Masih Zafar, born in Muridke, a town in the district of Shaikhupur, in the province of Punjab, was appointed to oversee the construction of a church between 1988 and 1989, by the Lahore Church Council that had previously purchased the land. Since then Islamic extremist groups have showered him with threats and injunctions, ordered him to stop building places of worship and convert - with his family members - to Islam.

In 1990, a raid of fanatics led to the demolition of the structure and the confiscation of the land. In the context of the assault, the Islamists also violently attacked Zafar and some relativesHis reporting of the incident to police proved futile, who closed the case without proceeding to any investigation. A similar result, a few months later, when the man filed a complaint against the daily threats of fundamentalists who want him to convert to Islam.

In 1998, Zafar's daughter, Sarwat Naheed was kidnapped while returning home and subjected to violence and torture that resulted in the breaking of her legs and deep wounds to the head. The girl also had signs of strangulation and was found abandoned and unconscious in a field. A few days later his son Azeem Zafar was stopped by a group of people, who beat him up.

These two incidents prompted the Zafar family to flee to Lahore, in search of a quiet place. However the extremists hunted them down, and discovering their new home, continued to threaten them with death. On 27 March 2004 the threats became facts: masked men burst into the house and took the family members hostage, threatening them with death. The raid ended with no casualties or injuries, but even this time the police refused to open an investigation.

After a few years of relative calm, the nightmare of the extremist threat returned to haunt the Zafar family, forcing the father to isolate his daughter Asma Tosheeba at home for fear that she too could be kidnapped by criminals and suffer the same violence as her brother and sister. Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr. Suleman John, priest and activist in Lahore, appeals to the authorities to protect the safety of the family. "It's a very serious case - says the priest - and result of religious intolerance. Extremists do what they want, knowing they will go unpunished. Punjab remains the epicenter of sectarian persecution."

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Punjab,-convert-to-Islam-or-die:-The-20-year-long-nightmare-of-a-Christian-family-27597.html

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30 Soldiers, 97 Militants Killed In Clashes in Northwest Pakistan

Apr 09 2013

Islamabad: At least 30 soldiers and nearly 100 militants have died in heavy fighting in a remote tribal region of northwest Pakistan as security forces battled pro-Taliban rebels to gain control of strategic heights, according to media reports today.

The battle for the heights in Tirah Valley of Khyber tribal region intensified yesterday as fighter jets and gunship helicopters targeted militant positions.

Reports from the region said the death toll for both security forces and the Lashkar-e-Islam was "very high".

At least 30 security personnel and 97 militants had died in the fighting, military sources were quoted as saying on the website of Dawn newspaper.

The militants were killed in strikes by ground forces backed by artillery and mortar fire.

Lashkar-e-Islam and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan positions at several places in Tirah Valley were overrun by troops and a fierce battle was continuing.

The militants were putting up stiff resistance since the offensive was launched on Friday, the military sources said.

Security forces had taken their "heaviest toll in one of the bloodiest and most difficult operations in Tirah Valley", unnamed security officials were quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper.

The officials acknowledged that officers, including one from the Special Services Group, were among the dead.

The death toll could not be independently confirmed as journalists are barred from reporting from the tribal region.

"Fighting has been heavy on the first two days. Resistance is still there. (But) security forces are making steady progress," a security official was quoted as saying.

The elite Special Services Group has been pressed into the battle for the strategic Tirah Valley, which sits astride the famed Tora Bora mountain range in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province.

Pro-Taliban fighters fleeing an operation in Orakzai Agency had overran Tirah Valley last month and taken control of the region from the pro-government Ansar-ul-Islam militant group and causing an exodus of over 40,000 people.

Over 500 militants from Orakzai, Waziristan, Mohmand and Bajaur tribal regions and the Swat Valley and some Uzbeks were present in Tirah Valley.

"The fall of Tirah was a huge setback for us. Just when we thought the militants were all holed up and had nowhere to run to, they managed to break the siege and take control of Tirah," a senior unnamed government official said.

Tirah's fall set alarm bells ringing in Peshawar, which is a short distance from Bara, a plain area in the foothills of Khyber Agency.

"Peshawar is just an hour's drive. This will make (the security) situation (in the city) all the more precarious," one official said.

Meanwhile, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan said the Lashkar-e-Islam was fighting security forces and the Taliban would support the group when needed.

He claimed only five Lashkar-e-Islam cadres, including a commander, had been killed.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/30-soldiers-97-militants-killed-in-clashes-in-northwest-pakistan/1099753/

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LHC Judge Washes hands of blasphemy case, referred the petition to the CJ

April 9, 2013

LAHORE: Justice Khalid Mehmood of the Lahore High Court refused to pass judgement on Monday after hearing arguments on the bail petition of a Christian woman accused of blasphemy and referred the petition to the chief justice for fixing it before another judge. 

Investigating Officer SP Chaudhry Hanif told The Express Tribune that Ghazala Khan had been accused of conspiring with Zafar Bhatti, the main accused in the case, to send blasphemous text messages and make phone calls from a SIM registered under Khan’s name. SP Hanif said it appeared that Bhatti had sent all the texts and made all the phone calls, but the fact that the SIM was registered in Khan’s name pointed towards her connivance. He said phone records showed that they had been in touch during the period.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/533013/delaying-tactics-judge-washes-hands-of-blasphemy-case/

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Four killed in Karachi; Rangers conduct operations

 April 9, 2013

KARACHI: At least four people were killed in different incidents of violence in the city, whereas 33 people were detained in a targeted operation led by Rangers and police personnel in Sherpao Colony, Patel Para and Jehangir Road Baloch Para, DawnNews reported on Tuesday.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2013/04/09/four-killed-in-karachi-rangers-conduct-operations/

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90% potential suicide bombers arrested: IG Islamabad

 April 9, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Ninety percent of the potential suicide bombers in the Capital have been arrested and the police was keen to dismantle terrorist networks, claimed IG Islamabad, Bani Amin. He said police mobiles were ready all the time to provide emergency help to the citizens of Islamabad. The federal capital was distributed in three zones for making security measures against terrorist activities, he said. He said that 22 police check posts were established in red zone area of the capital to ensure peace. The IG said that Anti Terrorism Law would help with strict action against militants. The police force was functioning effectively with the resources at its disposal, he added.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\09\story_9-4-2013_pg11_3

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Malala Yousafzai inspires Canadian filmmaker

Barbara Brown   

2013/04/09

Pakistan-Canadian journalist Mohsin Abbas is soaring high on the wings of a new passion – a documentary film he is making about the remarkable courage of a 15-year-old school girl from his native Pakistan.

“Malala: A Girl from Paradise” tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot last October while on a school bus with classmates.

Abbas recently spent four months in Pakistan with a four-member film crew. They interviewed friends and family of Malala for their documentary. He said insurgency in the volatile tribal regions make it one of the most dangerous areas in South Asia for working journalists.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2013/04/09/malala-yousafzai-inspires-canadian-documentary-filmmaker/

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‘Attacks won’t stop us from educating our children’

2013/04/09

KARACHI: A week after losing its principal to a hand grenade attack by extremists, the Nation Secondary School in Baldia’s Ittehad Town reopened on Monday. However, on Tuesday, there were not many students and the school had to be closed earlier than the usual time.

With half of its structure reconstructed after three hand grenades were lobbed on the school building on March 30, there is an apparent calm as school staff goes about their work like any other day. However, the men inside the school are conscious and aware of the threat that looms around them.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2013/04/09/attacks-wont-stop-us-from-educating-our-children-be-they-of-any-gender/

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Pakistan Supreme Court adjourns Pervez Musharraf treason hearing

AFP | Apr 9, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's top court on Tuesday granted former dictator Pervez Musharraf a breathing space in his battle against treason allegations dating back to his time in power.

Lawyers are petitioning the Supreme Court to have the 69-year-old retired general put on trial for treason for subverting the constitution during his 1999-2008 rule.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistan-Supreme-Court-adjourns-Pervez-Musharraf-treason-hearing/articleshow/19458515.cms

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Musharraf was advised not to return home: Report

PTI | Apr 9, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's powerful security establishment had advised former military ruler Pervez Musharraf not to return to the country just days before he ended his self-imposed exile of nearly four years, according to a media report today.

"No one wanted him (Musharraf) to come back," an unnamed official was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

The primary reason that the military opposed Musharraf's return was threats to his life, and the army feared his homecoming could lead to other political controversies, the official said.

There was consensus among all stakeholders - including the civil leadership and the military establishment - that Musharraf should not have returned home at this stage.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Musharraf-was-advised-not-to-return-home-Report/articleshow/19456381.cms

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Mehsud vows jihad to implement Sharia in Pakistan

 April 9, 2013

WITH a little more than a month to go for Pakistan’s general election, Tehrik- e- Taliban Pakistan chief Hakimullah Mehsud has described democracy as “ a system of kafirs ( nonbelievers)” and vowed to wage jihad to implement Islamic law in the country.

In a video message issued on Monday, Mehsud said the “ Taliban want the enforcement of Shariah ( or Islamic law) in Pakistan”. Pakistan’s Geo News channel quoted Mehsud as saying that he does not favour democracy.

Full report at: Mail Today

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69 vying for 10 reserved seats of non-Muslims

 April 9, 2013

Non-Muslim members are elected in proportion to the number of general seats won by political parties.

ISLAMABAD: Sixty-nine candidates, seven of them women, are vying for 10 seats reserved for non-Muslims in the National Assembly, according to the final list issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) here on Monday.They have been nominated by 18 political parties in order of preference under Section 47A of the People’s Representation Act, 1976.The ECP had received 161 nomination papers from all over the country, but rejected 92 because the candidates had not been nominated by any political party.Non-Muslim members are elected in proportion to the number of general seats won by political parties in the elections.Article 51(6e) of the constitution says: “The members to the seats reserved for non-Muslims shall be elected in accordance with law through proportional representation system of political parties’ lists of candidates on the basis of total number of general seats won by each political party in the National Assembly.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2013/04/09/69-vying-for-10-reserved-seats-of-non-muslims/

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Nawaz advised against JI, JUI-F alliances in Punjab, Balochistan

 April 9, 2013

LAHORE: Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders have warned their party chief Nawaz Sharif against forming an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in Punjab and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in Balochistan and Hazara division.

In stark contrast, however, they endorsed a seat adjustment pact reached with other political parties in Sindh, sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune.

Nawaz, his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif and other senior leaders of the PML-N central parliamentary board held a meeting on Monday in Lahore, during which they discussed reports of the party’s expected alliance with other political parties.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/533054/pml-n-parliamentary-board-nawaz-advised-against-ji-jui-f-alliances-in-punjab-balochistan/

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Taliban threats: QWP’s Fata candidates forsake party affiliation

 April 9, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Following death threats issued by the Tehreek-e-Taliban, Qaumi Watan Party activists in Fata have decided not to contest the upcoming polls under their party’s banner. Instead, they will now stand as independent candidates.

“All our activists in Fata are avoiding party tickets, due to Taliban threats,” said Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) President Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao. “The party leaders who contest as independents, due to the fear of Taliban reprisal, will rejoin the QWP after winning elections.”

Sherpao, who has survived two suicide attacks in the past, cited the example of Asghar Wazir, a candidate for a National Assembly seat from South Waziristan, who returned his ticket after TTP intimidation.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/533057/taliban-threats-qwps-fata-candidates-forsake-party-affiliation/

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Southeast Asia

Islamic extremists and local authorities target Ahmadis in West Java

Mathias Hariyadi

April 09, 2013

In Tasikmalaya Regency, hundreds of fundamentalists storm a school causing serious damage to the building. Before that, Bekasi authorities sealed off the al Misbaq mosque where a group of Ahmadis are holding out against its closure.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Extremist groups and local authorities in West Java province have again targeted the Ahmadi Muslim minority. Deemed heretical by mainstream Muslims, Ahmadis have had two of their facilities, a school and a mosque, shut down. In one case in Tasikmalaya Regency, hundreds of Islamic fundamentalists attacked yesterday a religious school, causing major damage to the building. Before that, the authorities in Bekasi, under pressure from fundamentalists, blocked the al Misbaq mosque in Jatibening sub-district.

Extremist groups took aim at the Ahmadi Islamic Boarding School in Tasikmalaya, a facility that teaches Islam to boys and girls. The boarding school (Pesantren in Indonesian) suffered heavy damage and the students are still in shock. During the attack, the angry mob called for the ouster of the school's teacher (guru), Ridwans, who runs the facility.

Full report at:

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/West-Java:-Islamic-extremists-and-local-authorities-target-Ahmadis-27592.html

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Almost Half of Indonesia’s Prisons Are Filled with Drug Offenders

April 09, 2013

Drug offenders make up more than 40 percent of the 150,000 people detained in jails across the country, according to the deputy justice and human rights minister.

Denny Indrayana, the deputy justice and human rights minister, said that the composition of detainees in jails across the country showed that drug-related crime was on the rise.

“This affects the capacity of existing penitentiaries,” Denny said when he was in Kupang to address candidates for employees of the Justice and Human Rights Ministry's East Nusa Tenggara Regional Office, as quoted by Antara news.

While the deputy minister admitted that jails across Indonesia were quickly reaching capacity, he said that expanding facilities was not the answer to the problem. Instead, Denny said that authorities needed to work on lowering crime rates.

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/almost-half-of-indonesias-prisons-are-filled-with-drug-offenders/584597

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Religious Minorities in Indonesia Band Together for Tolerance

Sandra Siagian & Rebecca Lake | April 09, 2013

So often the victims of intolerance in Indonesia, Christians, Ahmadiya and Shia Muslims on Monday marched together in Central Jakarta to urge the government to take a stand against religiously motivated violence and discrimination.

The 300 protesters held a shared prayer service before singing the national anthem as the marched along Jalan Gerag Pemuda toward the gates of the House of Representatives.

Pastor Torang Simanjuntak, from the HKBP Taman Sari church in Bekasi, which was demolished after an order from the regional government on March 21, was among the demonstrators.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/religious-minorities-band-together-for-tolerance/584509

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Police Arrest Five Suspected of Raping a Teen for Two Days

Fana F.S. Putra | April 09, 2013

East Jakarta Police have arrested five out of the seven people who allegedly gang-raped a 14-year girl for two days in East Jakarta.

Police said that based on the victim’s testimony, the rape was likely premeditated.

“If [you] look at the chronology, they must have conspired [to commit the rape],” East Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Mulyadi Kaharni said after a media conference on Monday.

Mulyadi said that the five detainees denied planning the crime, but that investigators were still developing the case.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/police-arrest-five-suspected-of-raping-a-teen-for-two-days/584504

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6 Types of People You Meet at Indonesian Wedding Party

April 09, 2013 | by Awis Mranani

1. People who come to the party with empty stomach and they are so ready to eat

 This type of people believe that it is their right to eat every single food available at the party. So they would gorge themselves with foods. The thing is that if they can finish them, it’s fine. But most of the time, they can’t. They just take a bunch of food on their plate because they probably think they would run out of food if they didn’t take them as soon as possible.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/talkback/6-types-of-people-you-meet-at-indonesian-wedding-party/584603

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Transparency questioned in high-profile molestation case

Fikri Zaki Muhammadi

 April 09 2013

Cleric Hasan Ja’far Assegaf’s molestation case might have escaped the national and local media spotlight, but anxiety among the victims and their families remain, thanks to the sluggish pace of the police investigation.

The Jakarta Police claim that cases of molestation are difficult because most of the testimonies can only be gathered from victims and suspects.

Hasan, leader of the Nurul Musthofa group, was accused of sexually abusing some of his male students in December 2011 and is said to have abused students since 2002, groping his disciples and performing oral sex on them in what he claimed was “therapy”. The victims filed reports with the Jakarta Police in December 2011.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/04/09/transparency-questioned-high-profile-molestation-case.html

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Malaysia arrests 32 Filipinos trying to join incursion

9 April 2013

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian security forces yesterday stopped a boat carrying 32 armed Filipinos who were trying to join a two-month-old incursion into the east Malaysian state of Sabah, police said.

Sabah police chief Hamza Taib said the group, armed with guns and machetes, was arrested about 12 nautical miles from the state's east coast, less than an hour away by boat from the southern Philippines.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/news/447460

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Presidential Insult Ban to ‘Instill Respect’

Markus Junianto Sihaloho | April 08, 2013

Legislators have come out in defense of a controversial push by the government to reinstate criminal charges for insulting the president, a provision that was previously struck down for being unconstitutional.

Nurhayati Ali Assegaf, the chairwoman of the Democratic Party at the House of Representatives, said on Sunday that it was essential to restore the article to the Criminal Code to protect the presidency.

“This article will provide protection to the president and protect his human rights,” she said during a discussion as quoted by Detik.com.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/presidential-insult-ban-to-instill-respect/584244

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Indonesian Family Planning Program a Failure: Minister

Jakarta Globe | April 09, 2013

Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi has called Indonesia’s family planning program a failure for its inability to control the country’s fertility rate.

“In 2012, the fertility rate in Indonesia was still at 2.6, which means our family planning program over the last 10 years has failed,” Nafsiah said on Tuesday in Batam, as quoted by the state-run Antara news agency.

http://www.antaranews.com/berita/367900/menkes-program-kb-gagal

As mentioned in the country’s Millennium Development Goals, Indonesia aimed to reduce its fertility rate to 2.1 by 2014. The rate indicates the average amount of births per Indonesian woman.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/indonesian-family-planning-program-a-failure-minister/584639

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Mideast Asia

7 dead as tribesmen, army deserters clash in Yemen

9 April 2013

SANAA: Seven people were killed in clashes between army deserters and tribesmen in south Yemen yesterday, officials and residents said, in another sign of disorder in a country of multiple conflicts.

In a separate incident, tribesmen blew up the main Maarib oil pipeline in south Yemen only two weeks after it was repaired, the Interior Ministry said.

Local officials and residents reported the clash between deserters and tribesmen in the southern province of Al-Bayda.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/news/447486

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Iran announces uranium mining after nuclear talks fail

April 09, 2013

Iran said on Tuesday operations had begun at two uranium mines and a milling plant and that Western opposition would not slow its nuclear work, days after talks with world powers made no breakthrough. Iran opened the Saghand 1 and 2 mines in the central province of Yazd and the Shahid

Rezaeinejad yellowcake plant in the town of Ardakan in the same region to mark the country's National Nuclear Technology Day, state news agency IRNA said.

Yellowcake can be further processed into enriched uranium to make fuel for nuclear power plants, Iran's stated aim, or to provide material for atomic bombs if refined much more, which the West fears may be the Islamic Republic's ultimate goal.

Full report at:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/restofasia/Iran-announces-uranium-mining-after-nuclear-talks-fail/Article1-1039704.aspx

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600,000 'tricked and trapped' into labour in Middle East: International Labour Organisation

AFP | Apr 9, 2013

AMMAN: An estimated 600,000 people are "tricked and trapped" into both forced employment and sexual exploitation in the Middle East, the UN's labour agency said today.

The International Labour Organisation, issuing the findings of a two-year study based on 650 interviews, called for an overhaul of employment practices in the region, notably an end to the "kafala" system of sponsorships.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/600000-tricked-and-trapped-into-labour-in-Middle-East-International-Labour-Organisation/articleshow/19460693.cms

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Al-Qaida denies its number 2 in Yemen was killed

AP | Apr 9, 2013

SANAA (YEMEN): Al-Qaida in Yemen has posted a statement on militant websites saying that its second-most senior commander has not been killed. It's the second time the group has denied Saeed al-Shihri's death.

The Saudi national, who fought in Afghanistan and spent six years in the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, is "alive and in good health," according to a senior al-Qaida cleric in Yemen and the group's media arm, al-Malahem.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Al-Qaida-denies-its-number-2-in-Yemen-was-killed/articleshow/19452116.cms

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Islamic Jihad prisoner freed from Israeli jails

By Thomas Whittle

08/04/2013

GAZA, April 8 — Israel on Monday released a Palestinian prisoner from the Gaza Strip after he ended 27 years imprisonment in Israeli jails.

Palestinian security sources in Gaza said that Ibrahim Baroud was brought by an Israeli police vehicle early Monday to Eerz Crossing between northern Gaza Strip and Israel and was handed to the Palestinian side.

Full report at:

http://www.nzweek.com/world/islamic-jihad-prisoner-freed-from-israeli-jails-58511/

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Earthquake hits near Iran's nuclear city Bushehr, many feared dead

 Apr 09 2013

Dubai : Three people were killed by a powerful earthquake in southern Iran on Tuesday, close to the country's only nuclear power station, state television reported.

The magnitude 6.3 quake struck 89 km (55 miles) southeast of the port city of Bushehr at 1152 GMT at a depth of 10 km, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported. It was felt strongly on the other side of the Gulf.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/earthquake-hits-near-irans-nuclear-city-bushehr-many-feared-dead/1099860/

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Arab World

Egypt tense after sectarian clashes claim 7 lives

PTI | Apr 9, 2013

CAIRO: Egypt was tense on Monday after sectarian violence claimed seven lives over the weekend.

Police was deployed outside the cathedral in the central neighbourhood of Abbassiya, where two people were killed in clashes on Sunday.

Mourners had packed the cathedral on Sunday for prayers to honour four Copts who had been killed in sectarian clashes late on Friday in a town north of the Egyptian capital that had also left one Muslim dead.

The number of policemen injured in the violent incidents at Abbassiyah Cathedral increased to 25, said a well-placed source at the Interior Ministry. Nine of them were injured with bird shot pellets, a security source told MENA news agency.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Egypt-tense-after-sectarian-clashes-claim-7-lives/articleshow/19451637.cms

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Saudi Arabia denies paralysis punishment

Apr 9, 2013

Saudi Arabia has denied reports that a court in the kingdom has ordered a punishment of paralysis for a man who caused the paralysis of a friend.

A Saudi justice ministry spokesman said the reports about the sentence were completely false.

The justice ministry said on its twitter account that the judge in the case decided to dismiss demands for such a sentence.

Reports of the sentence sparked widespread condemnation.

Amnesty International, the human rights organisation, called for the sentence to be annulled.

Britain's Foreign Office described it as "grotesque" and a spokesman insisted that such punishments were prohibited under international law.

Full report at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22080539

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Iraqi al-Qaida and Syria militants announce merger

AP | Apr 9, 2013

BEIRUT: Al-Qaida's branch in Iraq said it has merged with Syria's extremist Jabhat al-Nusra, a move that shows the rising confidence of radicals within Syria's rebel movement and is likely to trigger renewed fears among its international backers.

A website linked to Jabhat al-Nusra confirmed on Tuesday the merger with the Islamic State of Iraq, whose leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi first made the announcement in a 21-minute audio posted on militant websites late Monday.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Iraqi-al-Qaida-and-Syria-militants-announce-merger/articleshow/19460904.cms

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Video shows Syrian Sunni cleric’s exact moment of death

Tuesday, 9 April 2013

A video uploaded on Monday night shows the exact moment when a prominent Sunni cleric in Syria was killed in a Damascus mosque in March.

Syrian activists uploaded the video on YouTube, which shows Sheikh Mohammed Saeed Ramadan al-Bouti preaching from his chair when a loud explosion was heard.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/09/A-video-proves-Bouti-was-assassinated-by-gunfire-not-explosion-.html

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Syria rejects 'broadening' of UN chemical weapons probe

Apr 9, 2013

Syria has rejected what it calls an attempt by the UN to broaden a probe into the alleged use of chemical weapons in the country's conflict.

The investigation was prompted by an incident in the village of Khan al-Assal in Aleppo province last month.

A UN inspection team is in Cyprus waiting for permission to enter Syria to investigate the claims.

But state-run media said Syria had rejected moves by the UN to broaden the probe to cover the whole country.

Full report at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22071201

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Saudi beheaded after killing 3 in car chase

Apr 9, 2013

RIYADH: Saudi authorities beheaded a citizen in the northern town of Hael today after he was convicted of intentionally causing the deaths of three people during a car chase, the interior ministry announced.

Talal bin Fayez al-Shemmari "intentionally hit the car" carrying three men — Abdelkarim al-Shemmari, Mufawaz bin Falhi al-Shemmari and Walid bin Radi al-Shemmari — during a high-speed car chase "due to a dispute between them," the ministry said.

The three men being pursued were killed in the crash, said the statement carried by the official SPA news agency.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Saudi-beheaded-after-killing-3-in-car-chase/articleshow/19459721.cms

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Egyptian President Morsi’s imitative to support women’s rights

Anwaar Abdalla

April 8, 2013

CAIRO, Egypt, April 7, 2013 - On March 25, 2013, President Morsi invited over 100 women to meet with him to support his initiative on women’s rights and freedom. The invitees spanned a diverse cross-section of civil society, syndicates, organizations and political parties.

President Morsi announced to the group his primary objective was to support women’s rights and freedoms. He listed illiteracy, unemployment and sexual harassment as the primary problems currently facing Egyptian women. He noted that according to the latest statistics, 61% of women in Egypt are illiterate. Unemployment among women, especially single mothers, is more than 27%. Finally, he explained that sexual harassment not only is a current problem, but also threatens the future of women’s political/social participation. Acc

The main goal of Morisi’s initiative is to empower women, validate their role and resolve their most pressing challenges. Morsi said that the revolution of 25 January brought democracy to the country, which gives women the chances to participate in politics.

Full report at:

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/tahir-square-tales-

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Jihad Erupts On Egypt’s Christians, Again

By: Raymond Ibrahim        

4/8/2013

Over the weekend, Muslims launched yet another all-out jihad, replete with cries of “Allahu Akbar,” on Egypt’s Coptic Christian minority — the inhabitants of Egypt before Muslims invaded in the 7th century. Different reports are citing different sources as prompting this latest Islamic assault: some say Muslim children drew swastikas on a mosque, which prompted the imam and others to scapegoat and attack Christians; some say the source of the conflict is a feud between a Christian family and a Muslim family (over the latter’s sexual harassment of Christian girls).

Full report at:

http://www.humanevents.com/2013/04/08/jihad-erupts-on-egypts-christians-again/

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Egypt's Christian Pope blasts Morsi for his handling of sectarian violence

 April 9, 2013

The leader of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church on Tuesday blasted the country’s Islamist President over his handling of the recent deadly sectarian violence, including an attack on the main cathedral in Cairo.

The remarks by Pope Tawadros II underscore rising Muslim - Christian tensions in Egypt. They were Tawadros’ first direct criticism of President Mohammed Morsi since he was enthroned in November as the spiritual leader of Egypt’s Orthodox Christians. They are also likely to fuel the political turmoil roiling the country for the two years since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak.

Tawadros said Mr. Morsi had promised him in a telephone conversation to do everything to protect the Coptic cathedral, “but in reality he did not.”

Full report at:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/egypts-christian-pope-blasts-morsi-for-his-handling-of-sectarian-violence/article4598377.ece

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Massive development of holy sites to ease Haj

 9 April 2013

Studies are under way to set up 60,000 fireproof tents in Arafat at a cost of SR 2 billion, and expand Mina to house seven million pilgrims as part of government’s efforts to improve services to the guests of God.

Interior Minister Prince Muhammad bin Naif has instructed the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs to conduct studies on setting up permanent fireproof tents in Arafat, prepare its designs and estimate its cost.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/news/447529

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AIDS awareness campaign kicks off in Jeddah

9 April 2013

The Saudi Charitable Association for AIDS Patients (SACA) has conducted an awareness campaign in Jeddah amidst efforts to create awareness about the disease.

The first phase of the three-month campaign ended on Saturday, where it conducted various programs including social, psychological, religious and health forums that consisted workshops and lectures, in addition to clinical testing and patient-counseling.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/news/447516

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Exhibition chronicles Prophet’s life

 9 April 2013

An exhibition on Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Madinah has attracted a large number of visitors. The show is staged as part of festivities marking the selection of Madinah as the capital of Islamic culture.

The exhibition features models and posters portraying life during the time of the Prophet (pbuh). Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman opened the show organized by the mayoralty.

There are more than 150 posters giving insights into the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), highlighting his relation with God and the family and his migration to Madinah.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/news/447517

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Son of UAE coup plot suspect jailed for tweets

AP | Apr 8, 2013

DUBAI: An activist says a court in the United Arab Emirates has sentenced to 10 months the son of one of 94 suspects on trial for alleged anti-state conspiracies because of his Twitter posts from the courtroom.

Today's decision could lead to further restrictions on attendance at the mass trial, which started last month. Only hand-picked media has been allowed to attend and others, including rights groups, have been blocked.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Son-of-UAE-coup-plot-suspect-jailed-for-tweets/articleshow/19446844.cms

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India

Antony warns Army against threats from China, Pakistan

Rajat Pandit, TNN | Apr 9, 2013

NEW DELHI: India's deep unease over China's growing military might and assertiveness as well as intransigence about the boundary dispute resonated at a military brass conclave on Monday, with defence minister AK Antony also underlining the threat posed by the expansive nexus forged between Beijing and Islamabad.

China's approach to India on the long-standing boundary dispute and other issues, even after the recent leadership change in Beijing, "is not likely to change" in the foreseeable future. Consequently, the Indian armed forces need to "constantly develop" their capabilities to achieve "minimum credible deterrence" against China, said Antony.

The minister, addressing the closed-door Army commanders' conference, did point out the government was trying to resolve issues with China in a "peaceful" manner, and also cited the new bilateral boundary management mechanism as "a positive development".

But Antony also stressed it was crucial to modernize the armed forces to counter China's "military assertiveness", including its massive development of military infrastructure along the 4,057-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) as well as in other neighbouring countries, like the Gilgit-Baltistan areas of Pakistan, said MoD sources.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Antony-warns-Army-against-threats-from-China-Pakistan/articleshow/19450161.cms

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Wikileaks shows PoK as part of Pakistan

PTI | Apr 9, 2013

WASHINGTON: Whistleblower website Wikileaks has shown Pak-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) as part of Pakistan in it's recently released global map.

There is no mention of the Line of Control as is the common practice to refer to the two sides of LoC as India-controlled Kashmir and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

The interactive map was released by Wikileaks yesterday, so as to help people to search into it's 1.7 million cables in a user-friendly manner.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Wikileaks-shows-PoK-as-part-of-Pakistan/articleshow/19454275.cms

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Islam is the most perfect message to mankind: rector of Darul Uloom Deoband

 April 09, 2013

JEDDAH — Islam is the most perfect message to mankind for which we should be thankful to the Almighty Allah.

Islam as a way of life can save humanity from the decadence and decline.

Humanity can progress if it adopts the path shown by Allah’s beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The human psychology and the history of the civilizations are an example of renewal and progress.

And Islam is the most progressive religion and to progress, God has shown us some principles.

Many ancient religions lost their pivotal position they earlier had due to amendments made by humans, but Islam is still leading the human race and it will continue to lead because it’s not the religion of the Muslims as it’s generally known but the Qur’an and the Islam is for the whole humanity.

Islam believes in the peaceful coexistence and progress due to its continued emphasis on the learning and self-control and love of God and the humanity. Salim advised Muslims to refrain from “Takfeer ideology” and pointed out this fact of history that different schools of thought emerged from the progress of knowledge.

He gave many examples of the early Islamic era when continued learning of the Qur’an and the Sunnah paved the way for “Ijtehad” and “Qayas,” progress and development.

The difference of opinions never bothered scholars and the Ummah and in that golden era the humanity progressed under the standard of Islam.

The standard-bearers of Islam and its followers had the respect of other religions because the Muslim Ulema were righteous and God-fearing.

Muhammad Salim Qasimi is the great grandson of Muhammad Qasim Nanotavi, founder of Darul Uloom Deoband.

Qasimi is the rector of Darul Uloom Deoband (Waqf), the vice president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, president of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat and the permanent Member of the Fiqh Council of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt.

Qasimi is also the chairman of Imam Muhammad Qasim Al-Nanotavi Educational Foundation.

He recently spoke at a special gathering of Ulema and intellectuals at the residence of Rafiq, a respected Pakistani community figure.

Qasimi advised Ulema to be a model of learning, God-fearing and patience for the Ummah.

He gave examples of Qasim Nanotavi, the founder of Darul Uloom Deoband and Mahmoodul Hasan in this regard.

The persecution of the British colonials didn’t deter these grand Ulema to spread the knowledge of Islam.

The reason for their success was their sincerity. Qasimi lauded the role of All India Muslim Personal Board in uniting and leading Indian Muslims.

His answer to a question regarding the reservation for Indian Muslims was that the Muslim community is already reserved for man-made calamities and the communal riots but he was optimistic that the Muslims are facing the hostile circumstances with grace and courage due to their faith in the Almighty God and Islam’s golden principles.

He said that his famous seminary Darul Uloom Deoband (Waqf) has the traditions of famous Madrsah Rahimiya Delhi, Lucknow and Khairabad in serving the Qur’anic and Hadith knowledge.

He warned the attendee scholars that the knowledge is always famous for changing its centers.

He gave many examples of Baghdad, Cordoba, Delhi and Lucknow in this regard.

If the ancients centers of knowledge face decline due to their lack of respect then they can face this crisis too.

The scholars should pay respect to knowledge because the Prophet (PBUH) had taught this valuable principle, he said.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130409160530

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Nixon sought to repair Indo-US ties after 1971 war

TNN | Apr 9, 2013,

NEW DELHI: Whatever then US President Richard Nixon and secretary of state Henry Kissinger may have thought of Indira Gandhi within two years after the Bangladesh war, Washington was reaching out to India. Nixon had sent his first letter to Gandhi through the US ambassador to India, Daniel Patrick Moynihan. "We wish now to resume relations that were interrupted in mid-1971 on the basis of this new situation," he had said.

Accepting the "new situation" in South Asia — with Bangladesh as a sovereign nation — Nixon's letter was at pains to assure India that the US's military ties with Pakistan would not affect New Delhi. It's another matter that a few years down the line, the US reverted to arming Pakistan once again.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Nixon-sought-to-repair-Indo-US-ties-after-1971-war/articleshow/19450496.cms

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Pakistani man, two others get ten years of jail for spying

PTI | Apr 8, 2013

BHOPAL: A Pakistani national and his two Indian associates have been sentenced to ten years rigorous imprisonment by a local court today on charge of spying for the neighbouring country.

The court also imposed a collective fine of Rs 20,000 on the trio.

The Pakistani spy, identified as Imran Qureshi from Karachi, had rented a house in Mangalwara area and was sending secret information through internet and other means to Pakistan. Based on a tip-off, the local police arrested him in January 2008, the prosecution said.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pakistani-man-two-others-get-ten-years-of-jail-for-spying/articleshow/19447457.cms

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India, Pak must step in to revive Afghanistan: Report

Apr 09 2013

New Delhi : A new report on the future of Afghanistan has suggested that efforts be made by India and Pakistan to revive the region. The report, authored by Radha Kumar and Kailash Prasad, and published by Delhi Policy Group, a think-tank, has said that such an effort needed to be “propelled” by culture and backed by infrastructure. It has called for joint initiatives by three countries to organise common cultural activities, that could be developed into structured events after some time.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/india-pak-must-step-in-to-revive-afghanistan-report/1099604/

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Witness suicide: ATS denies allegation of harassment

Apr 09 2013

Pune: The state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Monday denied allegations that Mirza Rizwan Baig, a witness in the 2012 Pune serial blasts, had committed suicide due to harassment by the agency. Baig had hanged himself at his residence in Chaush Colony, Aurangabad, on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Baig’s family claimed his body after the Aurangabad police assured them of an in-depth probe.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/witness-suicide-ats-denies-allegation-of-harassment/1099707/

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Five Indian peacekeepers killed in South Sudan

AFP | Apr 9, 2013

NEW DELHI: Five Indian peacekeepers escorting a United Nations convoy in South Sudan have been killed in an ambush by rebels, the Indian foreign ministry announced on Tuesday.

"Five peacekeepers from India with UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) killed in ambush in Jonglei," foreign ministry spokesman SyedAkbaruddin wrote on Twitter.

He confirmed the deaths to AFP and said the soldiers had been killed while "escorting a UN convoy".

Jonglei has been the scene of widespread ethnic conflict since South Sudan became independent in July 2011. Much of the trouble has been in Pibor county, where the UN peacekeeping force is based.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Five-Indian-peacekeepers-killed-in-South-Sudan/articleshow/19459820.cms

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Iran was critical of India’s 'negative policies’ towards Pak post-71 war: Wikileaks

TNN | Apr 9, 2013

NEW DELHI: Iran was extremely critical of India's "negative policies" towards Pakistan in the aftermath of the creation of Bangladesh, even warning that any further "territorial ambition" against Islamabad would be treated by Iran as an act of war. The disclosure has been made by a newly-released Wikileaks cable, dated March 8, 1973, which quotes then Iranian deputy foreign minister Mir Fendereski criticizing New Delhi for its aggressive policies in the region.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Iran-was-critical-of-Indias-negative-policies-towards-Pak-post-71-war-Wikileaks/articleshow/19451114.cms

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Indian workers to get legal assistance in Saudi Arabia

 9 April 2013

Indian workers facing problems legalizing their status in Saudi Arabia will be given the services of local attorneys to help them avert deportation or prison sentences, Sibi George, deputy chief of the Indian mission, said here yesterday.

“The embassy will shortly set up a panel of legal firms to assist those workers who seek initial legal assistance for correcting their status,” said Geroge.

He said Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao had a meeting with social workers on Sunday.

Amid worries that Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat policy would affect thousands of workers in the Kingdom, Rao urged workers to use the three-month grace period announced by Saudi Arabia to correct their status.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/news/447520

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Repatriated from Pakistan, Ram Kumar joins family after 21 years

Yudhvir Rana, TNN | Apr 9, 2013

AMRITSAR: It was like reincarnation of 46-year-old Ram Kumar when someone of his blood relation embraced him and took him to his native village after 21 years of disappearance.

Ram Kumar was one among 19 Indian nationals who were repatriated by Pakistan on August 14, 2007, after completion of their jail terms. Since most of them were mentally-challenged and didn't remember their addresses, they were admitted in Amritsar's Institute of Mental Health for treatment. It was believed that Ram Kumar and others was subjected to physical and mental torture by Pakistan police as well as jail authorities.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Repatriated-from-Pakistan-Ram-Kumar-joins-family-after-21-years/articleshow/19456984.cms

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Europe

UNHCR asked to quickly resettle Rohingyas in third country

 April 09 2013

A number of Rohingya refugees currently living in the Pasar III temporary shelter on Jl.Jamin Ginting, Medan, North Sumatra, have asked the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to immediately resettle them in a third country.

M.Habib, 43, one of Rohingya refugees in Medan, said on Monday that he had never made a problem out of which third country they would be resettled to. This issue would fully depend on the UNHCR’s policy because it was the only institution that had been dealing with issues concerning the Rohingya refugees so far, he added.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/04/09/unhcr-asked-quickly-resettle-rohingyas-third-country.html

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Nuke talks: Kazakhstan as the ‘n’ factor

New York Times

Apr 09 2013

David M Herszenhorn

Plopped in a chair in a fifth-floor suite at the Rixos Hotel here, his eyes red from exhaustion, Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov of Kazakhstan spoke humbly about playing host to international negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

“To put it in a nutshell, our role is very simple and very modest,” Idrissov said. “We have to prepare a nice coffee and nice tea, for the parties to be happy and have a really good atmosphere to focus on the issues of substance.” As if to illustrate the point, he sat in front of a lavish spread of pastries and finger cakes, but left them untouched in favour of an electronic cigarette.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/nuke-talks-kazakhstan-as-the-n-factor/1099386/

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EU won’t monitor polls in Balochistan, Tribal Areas

By Farooq Awan

 April 9, 2013

ISLAMABAD: The European Union on Monday launched its observation mission to monitor general election in Pakistan due to be held on May 11, but announced that none of its 110 observers will be posted in Balochistan and the Tribal Areas due to security concerns.

“It is with regret that I must say that we are not able to have observers in important parts of the country such as FATA and Balochistan. While we will still follow events in these areas, we will not be able to have observers on the ground seeing things directly,” Michael Gahler, head of the mission, told journalists. He, however, hoped that his team would still be able to work effectively and get a good sample nationally.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\09\story_9-4-2013_pg1_6

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UN reopens Gaza food centres after compound attack

Apr 9, 2013

The UN says it is reopening its food distribution centres in the Gaza Strip after they closed following violent protests over aid cutbacks.

The UN Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa) closed the centres on 4 April after a compound was stormed by protesters.

The protests came as the agency said a budget deficit was forcing it to cut cash payments to some of Gaza's poorest families.

Unrwa confirmed it was reopening all of its centres on 9 April.

But it warned that they could shut again if there was further unrest.

Unrwa spokesman Chris Gunness said the decision was based on assurances "received from different local parties'' that its property and staff would be safe.

Full report at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22078020

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Africa

Muslim clerics meet to discuss friction in religions

BY CORRESPONDENT DAVID

8th April 2013

The Foundation of Sheikhs and Islamic Scholars of Tanzania has said that religious leaders should put concerted efforts to ensure that lasting solutions are found for the ongoing religious intolerances in the country.

Secretary General of the Foundation of Sheikhs and Islamic Scholars of Tanzania Sheikh Khamis Mataka made the remark in a press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Mataka told journalists that the ongoing religious differences in the country should be addressed by all people in the country regardless of religious beliefs.

He said for many years Tanzanians have been living together in peace regardless of their religious beliefs but presently religion has became the subject and source of conflicts.

“It is high time for religious leaders from both religions to discuss and come up with an everlasting solution to these religious based conflicts,” he said.

Full report at:

http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=53292

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Mali becomes first African country to give away domain for free

Mali has announced its little known .ML domain will be free from July, a move it hopes will put the country on the map

Afua Hirsch, West Africa correspondent

 8 April 2013

Its domain currently ranks 177th in the world, less than half of the country have mobile phone coverage, and only 4% of the population are online. But Mali could be set to become one of the world's most popular internet destinations after it became the first African country to give its domain away for free.

Mali announced on Monday that its little known .ML domain – which is currently used by fewer than 50 active websites – will be free from July, in a move which it hopes will bring much needed outside investment, and give a boost to Malian businesses.

Full report at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/08/mali-first-african-country-free-domain

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Decision on Qaddafi kin extradition appealed

9 April 2013

TRIPOLI: Libya has appealed an Egyptian court decision barring the extradition of a cousin of Muammar Qaddafi, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said, adding Tripoli was also seeking the handover of the ousted dictator’s former foreign minister elsewhere.

Last week, an Egyptian court ruled Qaddafi’s cousin Ahmed Gaddaf Alddam should be tried in Egypt. Alddam, who is wanted in Libya for alleged counterfeiting, forgery, fraud and money laundering, is also under investigation on suspicion of attacking Egyptian police during his arrest.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/447483

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Police detain Nigeria reporters over story: Newspaper

AP | Apr 9, 2013

LAGOS, NIGERIA: Two journalists were detained on Monday by police after their newspaper published a story about supposed plans by the nation's presidency to disrupt opposition parties and potentially raise the price of subsidized gasoline in the country, the publication said.

The detention of journalists from the Abuja-based daily newspaper Leadership comes as security agencies still routinely harass and hold reporters over the stories they publish, despite the democratic nation's laws clearly calling for civil trials over libel claims. Meanwhile, other underpaid journalists have been threatened, killed, beaten by thugs or succumbed to the enticement of bribes to color the stories they write, despite the nation having a largely unshackled free press.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Police-detain-Nigeria-reporters-over-story-Newspaper/articleshow/19452266.cms

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How Changing Cultural Attitudes Will Give Senegal's Street Children a Voice

 09/04/2013

Jane Labous

Five year-old Ngagne is filthy; his shorts, two sizes two big, crusted with grime; the slogan on his t-shirt completely obliterated by stains and dirt; snot running out of his nose, face smeared with dust and dirt. The little boy misses his parents and, he whispers in Wolof as flies buzz and crawl around us, gets scared at night.

The marabout in charge won't let me take photos of his daara, or Koranic school, or of the 25 or so girls and boys like Ngagne who live there in his care. I can only describe how angry and depressed I feel looking around at the rusting corrugated iron shacks where the children sleep; the rubble and dirt, the sheep enclosure made of wooden sticks; the wall where someone has scrawled: MARABOUT and a telephone number. The air smells of woodsmoke cut through with the tang of urine and sheep wool. A woman stirs the cooking pot on the fire with a clang. But the dish is for the marabout. Boys like Ngagne must beg for their supper or starve.

Full report at:

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jane-labous/senegal-street-children_b_3021122.html

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Mali crisis: French troops 'begin withdrawal'

Apr 9, 2013

France has begun to withdraw troops from Mali where they have battling Islamist militants, the French defence ministry has said.

Around 100 of the 4,000 sent to the West African nation in January have been withdrawn to Cyprus, it said.

France intervened after saying the al-Qaeda-linked militants who had taken over northern Mali threatened to march on the capital, Bamako

A regional African force is in Mali to help its army provide security.

The French-led operation drove Islamist groups out of northern cities and towns, but some fighters have retreated to desert hideouts in the vast northern region.

Full report at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22079290

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North America

Muslim Fraternity Confronts Negative Stereotypes

By EMILY DERUY (@emily_deruy )

April 8, 2013

A Muslim fraternity at the University of Texas at Dallas recently took to the streets in protest of domestic violence against women.

Members of Alif Laam Meem, the founding chapter of the new Alpha Lambda Mu Fraternity, held signs that said "Muslims Say No to Domestic Violence" and "Muslims Say Yes to Women's Rights" at the Men's Rally Against Domestic Violence in Dallas on March 24 to protest the abuse of women and to put a positive face on a religion they say is often misunderstood.

"Muslims are always on defence," fraternity president Ali Mahmoud said in a phone interview on Monday morning. "We usually get called in to explain ourselves and instead we decided to take the offense and tell people what Islam is instead of what it isn't."

A sophomore who was "born and raised in Dallas" on Spongebob and the occasional fast food meal just like a lot of other young Americans, Mahmoud thinks people often have the wrong idea when it comes to Islam and domestic violence.

Full report at:

http://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/News/muslim-fraternity-confronts-negative-stereotypes/story?id=18906879&page=2

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Obama approves US military assistance to Somalia

Apr 9, 2013

President Barack Obama has cleared the way for the US to provide military assistance to Somalia as it rebuilds itself following years of conflict.

Mr Obama issued a memo to Secretary of State John Kerry saying it would "strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace".

The move now gives Mr Kerry the option to provide defence aid to Somalia.

Last month, the UN Security Council agreed to partially lift its ban on selling arms to Somalia for a year.

The decision allows Somalia's new government to buy light arms to help it in its fight against the al-Qaeda-aligned al-Shabab Islamist militant group.

Full report at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22077833

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Bin Laden 'aide' trial may be delayed by US budget row

Apr 9, 2013

US budget cuts are threatening to hold up a terrorism trial for Osama Bin Laden's son-in-law, a court in New York has heard.

A judge said it was "stunning" that lawyers might not be ready for the case because of unpaid leave imposed by the so-called sequester.

Sulaiman Abu Ghaith last month denied charges in New York that he helped plot the 9/11 attacks on the US.

Full report at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22075101

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Ex-US soldier who 'fought in Syria' could face execution

Apr 9, 2013

They told a court that Eric Harroun, 30, could face execution if his actions are found to have caused a death.

During interviews with the FBI, Mr Harroun allegedly said he had shot 10 people in Syria, but was not sure if he had killed anyone.

He was denied bail at Monday's hearing in Alexandria, Virginia.

Mr Harroun, who has been charged with using a weapon outside the US, allegedly fought in Syria with the al-Nusra Front.

Full report at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22073042

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South Asia

Bangladeshi Islamists Protest Amid Demand for Blasphemy Law

By Arun Devnath

April 08, 2013

A Bangladeshi Islamic group bid to enforce a shutdown across the country today as it demands the government introduce new anti-blasphemy laws to punish bloggers it says have defamed Islam.

Hefajat-e-Islam, a radical group based in the southern seaport city of Chittagong, rallied as many as half a million supporters in central Dhaka on April 6. Roads in the capital were almost empty today and some bus services to the city weren’t operating. Private businesses were shut, while government offices opened. Clashes were reported in Chittagong.

Hefajat’s protest is backed by another Islamist outfit, the Jamaat-e-Islami, whose leaders are on trial for war crimes committed during the country’s independence struggle in 1971.

Full report at:

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-04-08/bangladeshi-islamists-vow-shutdown-amid-demand-for-blasphemy-law

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Violence during Bangladesh strike leaves one dead

April 09, 2013

Rock-throwing protesters enforcing a general strike in Bangladesh on Tuesday clashed with police, detonated home-made bombs and attacked vehicles, leaving one person dead and dozens injured.

A local police official said a truck driver died early Tuesday from fatal head injuries after being hit by rocks. The attack that killed the driver and injured several other people occurred in Bogra district, 175 km (110 miles) north of the capital, Dhaka.

The police official spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly.

Full report at:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/violence-during-bangladesh-strike-leaves-one-dead/article4598462.ece

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Two US troops killed in Afghanistan copter crash

April 09, 2013

A NATO helicopter crashed in a field in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, killing two American service members.

The U.S.-led International Security Assistance Force said the cause of the crash is under investigation but initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area at the time.

It did not immediately identify the nationalities of those killed. But a senior U.S. official confirmed they were Americans. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorised to release the information ahead of a formal announcement.

Full report at:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/two-us-troops-killed-in-afghanistan-copter-crash/article4598709.ece

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Bangladesh: They rise above all political rivalry to fight social evils

 April 9, 2013

A committee comprising local leaders of ruling Awami League and main opposition BNP jointly organise a human chain in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat district yesterday demanding stern action against stalking, illegal drug peddling and other crimes in the area. PHOTO: STAR

The leaders, activists and supporters of ruling Awami League (AL) and main opposition BNP in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat at a human chain programme yesterday vowed to jointly fight stalking, illegal drug trade and other crimes in the bordering upazila.

 Full report at:

http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/they-rise-above-all-political-rivalry-to-fight-social-evils/

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Buddhist Monks Incite Muslim Killings in Myanmar

Jason Szep | April 09, 2013

Meikhtila, Myanmar. The Buddhist monk grabbed a young Muslim girl and put a knife to her neck.

“If you follow us, I’ll kill her,” the monk taunted police, according to a witness, as a Buddhist mob armed with machetes and swords chased nearly 100 Muslims in this city in central Myanmar.

It was Thursday, March 21. Within hours, up to 25 Muslims had been killed. The Buddhist mob dragged their bloodied bodies up a hill in a neighbourhood called Mingalarzay Yone and set the corpses on fire. Some were found butchered in a reedy swamp. A Reuters cameraman saw the charred remains of two children, aged 10 or younger.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/buddhist-monks-incite-muslim-killings-in-myanmar/584593

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Maldivian State F M requests S C review legitimacy of 11 opposition MPs

By Neil Merrett | April 9th, 2013

State Finance Minister Abbas Adil Riza has asked the Supreme Court to determine the legitimacy of 11 opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs he alleges are in breach of the constitution.

Citing clause 74 of the constitution, Abbas told Minivan News he had filed a case invoking the Supreme Court’s authority to decide on the legitimacy of the opposition MPs, claiming that there was evidence to support allegations they had breached it.

The nature of the 11 MP’s alleged offences remain unknown, with Abbas declining to detail the exact charges at time of press.

Full report at:

http://minivannews.com/politics/state-finance-minister-requests-supreme-court-review-legitimacy-of-11-opposition-mps-55939

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Foreign workers locked in house for “refusing to work and attempting to flee” in Maldives

By Minivan News | April 8th, 2013

Police have discovered six foreign workers locked in a house after they were reportedly accused “of refusing to work and attempting to flee”.

All six of the male workers were found in a house located in the Male’ neighbourhood of Henveiru, according to local media.

While responding to a report made by a foreigner, the police discovered the the workers at approximately 10:30am Monday (April 8).

Full report at:

http://minivannews.com/politics/foreign-workers-locked-in-house-after-allegedly-refusing-to-work-and-attempting-to-flee-55920

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Bombs explode as shutdown disrupts city life in Dhaka

 April 9, 2013

Several crude bombs were blasted Tuesday morning at different parts of the capital as the country stepped into the first day of the opposition-enforced 36-hour hartal (shutdown).

To add further to the woes of the city dwellers, especially the poor ones, Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, called for another day of shutdown on Thursday.

The BNP-led 18-party alliance called the 36-hour shutdown demanding immediate release of its leaders and activists while Shibir complimented it with Thursday’s hartal for what it said “in protest of torture” on its president Delwar Hossain during remand.

Full report at:

http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/shutdown-continues-amid-blasts/

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Last Royal Marines leave Afghanistan

Apr 9, 2013

The last group of Royal Marines to serve in Afghanistan is returning to the UK, after more than 10 years of deployments there.

Members of 40 Commando Royal Marines leave the Nahr-e Saraj district as the UK continues the winding down of operations in the country.

The 7,200-strong Royal Marine Corps has deployed units there 12 times.

The UK government is committed to a timetable of withdrawing most of its troops from Afghanistan by 2014's end.

Full report at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22075772

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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/new-age-islam-news-bureau/convert-to-islam-or-die--the-20-year-long-nightmare-of-a-punjabi-christian-family-in-pakistan/d/11072