Mathura School Headmaster Suspended After Being Accused Of Forcing Children To Offer Namaz: Villagers, Students support him

By New Age Islam News Bureau

04 February 2026 

Intro:

·         The National Investigation Agency’s Kashmir crackdown: Govt employee, former militant’s homes raided in fresh terror link probe

·         Palestinians wait at border between Gaza and Egypt as uncertainty clouds reopening of Rafah crossing

·         Erdogan to Asharq Al-Awsat: Our ties with Saudi Arabia are strategic for regional peace, stability, prosperity

·         Blackburn's new £5m mosque is set to be 'a place to bring people together'

·         Republicans launch caucus to stop spread of shariah in U.S.

·         Nigeria At Risk Of Christian‑Muslim Violence – Witnesses Warn

·         Key Outcomes of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s Meeting With Islamic Groups on Board of Peace

·         Takhar province of Afghanistan Hosts Seminar on Strengthening Religious Values Through Islamic Culture

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

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Inside Page:

New Age Islam News Bureau

04 February 2026

·         Mathura govt school headmaster suspended after being accused of forcing children to offer namaz

·         The National Investigation Agency’s Kashmir crackdown: Govt employee, former militant’s homes raided in fresh terror link probe

·         Palestinians wait at border between Gaza and Egypt as uncertainty clouds reopening of Rafah crossing

·         Erdogan to Asharq Al-Awsat: Our ties with Saudi Arabia are strategic for regional peace, stability, prosperity

·         Blackburn's new £5m mosque is set to be 'a place to bring people together'

·         Republicans launch caucus to stop spread of shariah in U.S.

·         Nigeria At Risk Of Christian‑Muslim Violence – Witnesses Warn

·         Key Outcomes of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s Meeting With Islamic Groups on Board of Peace

·         Takhar province of Afghanistan Hosts Seminar on Strengthening Religious Values Through Islamic Culture

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India

·         Olypub waiter Nasimuddin gets bail, his restaurant and his city behind him

·         Mirwaiz slams ‘forced’ shutdown of Jamia Masjid on Shab-e-Barat: ‘Naya Kashmir needs explanation’

·         Top Jaish commander among two terrorists killed in gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur

·         Jammu and Kashmir MLAs protest attacks on Kashmiris, seek statehood in Assembly

·         Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind moves Supreme Court against Assam CM over remarks on Miya Muslims

·         Mumbai: Prayer and halwa offerings to mark Muslim festival of Shab E' Baraat

·         Uttarakhand police step up security in ‘Mohammad Deepak’s’ town as row pits BJP against Congress

·         Uttarakhand attacks on shawl sellers rock J&K House

·         Supreme Court pulls up UP for not filing FIRs in Noida hate speech assault case

·         Shia Ismailis in Mumbai to celebrate first ascension anniv of Aga Khan V

·         EC plotting with BJP to delete 1 crore Muslim, PDA votes in UP SIR, will move court: Akhilesh Yadav

·         Equality under Bhagwant Mann: AAP inaugurates Guru Ravidas, Muslim dharamshalas

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Mideast

·         Israeli forces kill 24-year-old Palestinian in Jericho

·         Iran president confirms talks with US

·         Palestinian ministry says Israeli forces kill man in West Bank

·         Qatari emir visits LNG exhibition in Doha

·         Denmark supports Palestinian refugees’ UN agency with over $16m

·         Syria’s Interior Ministry foils drug smuggling attempt into Jordan

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Arab World

·         Saudi Cabinet welcomes ceasefire between Syrian government and SDF, condemns Gaza ceasefire violations

·         Saudi crown prince holds telephone call with Russian president

·         Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

·         New Saudi ambassador to UK presents credentials to Britain’s King Charles III

·         Saudi-Turkiye forum signals deepening of strategic partnership

·         Saudi crown prince receives written message from Senegal president

·         KSrelief chief meets Polish twins separated 21 years ago

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Europe

·         New Islamic faith centre taking shape at chapel in this city

·         Man arrested after arson attack on Iran-funded Islamic centre in Maida Vale

·         Putin ‘kept his word’ on Ukraine ceasefire – Trump

·         NATO nations to deploy troops in Ukraine after peace deal – secretary-general

·         Harefield Community Centre to become Islamic studies centre

·         Greek Migrant Minister announces crackdown on illegal mosques in Athens

·         Watford mosque plan for church being decided tonight

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North America

·         ‘As an American Muslim, I felt compelled’: PA Democrat slams antisemitic rally glorifying Hamas

·         A Bad Idea Whose Time Should Never Come: A U.S. War on Iran

·         Muslim state senator introduces Virginia bill defining Islamophobia as hate crime in assault cases

·         A thriving Muslim school in Alabama looked to expand, but was met with Islamophobia

·         Diana Moreno’s Assembly win marks first electoral victory for Mamdani as mayor

·         CAIR-Florida Celebrates Successful 2026 Muslim Day at the Capitol, Muslim-American Heritage Resolution

·         CAIR, CAIR-NJ Demand Apology and Retraction from Rep. Gottheimer After Defamatory Letter on Iran Protests

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Africa

·         Bandits Kill 20 In Fresh Katsina Bloodbath Despite Peace Deal

·         Son of Moammar Gadhafi, Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, killed in Libya

·         ‘God Bless You’ – US Lawmaker Commends Nigerian Governor For Protecting Christians

·         Coup Plotters Can’t Be Tried By Court-Martial – Falana

·         ICPC Arrests Former NIMASA Director-General

·         Ethiopian PM accuses Eritrea of committing atrocities during Tigray War

·         DR Congo: authorities call for calm after drone attacks on airport

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Southeast Asia

·         Zahid proposes salary deduction scheme for Quran Waqf, urges contributions ahead of Ramadan

·         Indonesia allocates $765 million stimulus for Ramadan, Eid

·         Malaysia to champion rare diseases at Asean level, Dzulkefly highlights funding, research and patient rights

·         Dzulkefly unveils National Policy for Rare Diseases as 12,000 Malaysians battle nearly 500 conditions

·         Second chance: Malaysia’s first inmate to earn PhD meets Selangor Sultan after full pardon

·         Anwar denies ceding land to Indonesia, says Sabah border based on historical treaties

·         Singapore’s ST Engineering powers into next-gen aviation with new cargo drone and AirFish rollout

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South Asia

·         India Raises Financial Assistance to Afghanistan to 1.5 Billion Rupees

·         Canada Went Beyond U.S. Expectations in Afghanistan Mission, Academic Says

·         Faculty of Prophetic Traditional Medicine to Be Built at Kabul Medical University

·         Discussions Made on Sending Afghan Workforce to Russia, Official

·         Commission Reviews and Updates Public Notice Boards in Kabul

·         Afghan Consulate in Istanbul Hosts Students from 22 Turkish Universities

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:

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Mathura govt school headmaster suspended after being accused of forcing children to offer namaz

Namita Bajpai

03 Feb 2026

LUCKNOW: The headmaster of a government primary school in Mathura has been suspended after a local BJP leader lodged a complaint accusing him of allegedly forcing students to offer namaz and discouraging them from singing the national anthem.

Headmaster Jaan Mohammad, 52, who has been posted at the primary school in Naujheel since 2007, refuted the allegations saying that he had been working there for so many years and no one had ever made such allegations against him.

However, Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) of Mathura, Ratan Kirti, who took the action against the headmaster, said that a two-member committee was constituted to inquire into the matter.

In fact, two serious allegations were made against the headmaster. Firstly, he brainwashed children studying in the school describing Islam as a better religious option than Hinduism. Secondly, he forcibly makes them offer Namaz (Islamic prayer) in school and does not get the national anthem recited.

Within 24 hours of the complaint by BJP's Bajna Mandal President Durgesh Pradhan through a letter to BSA Ratan Kirti on January 30, Jaan Mohammad was suspended.

The complainant also alleged that on the school campus, in the presence of the headmaster, people from Tablighi Jamaat were called from outside, and they pressured children to adopt Islam.

Durgesh, a former village Pradhan, claimed that he was informed about the activities of the headmaster by the villagers repeatedly, following which he sent a letter to the Block Education Officer.

“I neither have any personal enmity with the headmaster, nor have I ever met him,” Durgesh said, adding that he sent the complaint to the Block Education Officer solely based on complaints received from residents. “I only raised the issue in the interest of the children and the school,” he added.

The Block Education Officer, in turn, sent the letter to the BSA and the headmaster was suspended on January 31 without any verification or inquiry being carried out.

The school is affiliated with Primary School Nagla Humayun, Mant.

In the meantime, the BSA formed a team of BEO Chhata and BEO Mant for a detailed investigation. This team will submit its report after the investigation. The school has a total strength of 235 children.

Of those, 89 are Muslim, and the rest are Hindu. There are eight persons deployed as school staff, seven of whom are Hindu.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Feb/03/mathura-govt-school-headmaster-suspended-after-being-accused-of-forcing-children-to-offer-namaz

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The National Investigation Agency’s Kashmir crackdown: Govt employee, former militant’s homes raided in fresh terror link probe

Naveed Iqbal

Feb 2, 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Monday conducted raids in several districts of Kashmir in connection with terror conspiracy cases that the agency is investigating, The Indian Express has learnt.

The raids were conducted in Srinagar, Baramulla and Bandipora districts of the Valley, accompanied by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force. The raids were conducted at the homes of an individual allegedly associated with the Jamaat-e-Islami, a government employee and a former militant among others, sources said.

In December, the NIA conducted simultaneous raids at eight locations in Kashmir and Lucknow as part of its investigation into the blast near Red Fort in Delhi in November.

The raids focused on premises connected to those arrested from the “terror module” linked to the blast on November 10 that killed 13 people and wounded 32.

“Various digital devices and other incriminating material were seized during the searches conducted at the premises of several accused and suspects in the two states,” the NIA had said in a statement in December. “A total of eight locations were searched in the districts of Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama and Awantipora of J&K, and one location in Lucknow,” it said.

The agency has not so far clarified if any arrests were made Monday.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nia-raids-kashmir-srinagar-baramulla-bandipora-red-fort-blast-terror-conspiracy-10509765/

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Palestinians wait at border between Gaza and Egypt as uncertainty clouds reopening of Rafah crossing

February 04, 2026

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip: Palestinians gathered on both sides of Gaza’s border with Egypt on Tuesday hoping to pass through the Rafah crossing, after its reopening the previous day was marred by delays, interrogations and uncertainty over who would be allowed to cross.

On the Egyptian side were Palestinians who fled Gaza earlier in the Israel-Hamas war to seek medical treatment, according to Egypt’s state-run Al-Qahera News television. On the Gaza side, Palestinians in need of medical care that is unavailable in Gaza gathered at a hospital before ambulances moved toward Rafah, hoping for word that they would be allowed to cross the other way.

The office of the North Sinai governor confirmed Tuesday that an unknown number of patients and their companions had crossed from Gaza into Egypt.

The bus with about 40 Palestinians that entered Gaza via Rafah on Tuesday arrived at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis early Wednesday morning, where their families welcomed them after spending the entire day waiting.

Though hailed as a step forward for the fragile ceasefire struck in October, it took more than 10 hours for only about a dozen returnees and a small group of medical evacuees to cross in each direction on the first day Rafah reopened.

Three women who crossed into Gaza on Monday told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Israeli troops blindfolded and handcuffed them, then interrogated and threatened them, holding them for several hours before they were released.

The numbers permitted to cross on Monday fell well short of the 50 people that officials had said would be allowed each way and barely began to address the needs of tens of thousands of Palestinians who are hoping to be evacuated for treatment or to return home.

The import of humanitarian aid or goods through Rafah remains prohibited.

’Not a solution to the crisis’

Evacuation efforts on Tuesday morning converged around a Red Crescent hospital in Khan Younis, where a World Health Organization team arrived and a vehicle carrying patients and their relatives rolled in from another hospital. Then the group of WHO vehicles and Palestinian ambulances headed toward Rafah to await crossing.

As the sick, wounded and displaced waited to cross in both directions, health officials said the small number allowed to exit so far paled beside Gaza’s tremendous needs. Two years of fighting destroyed much of its medical infrastructure and left hospitals struggling to treat trauma injuries, amputations and chronic conditions like cancer.

In Gaza City, Shifa Hospital director Mohamed Abu Selmiya called the pace “crisis management, not a solution to the crisis,” imploring Israel to permit the importing of medical supplies and equipment. He wrote on Facebook: “Denying the evacuation of patients and preventing the entry of medicines is a death sentence for them.”

UN and WHO officials said the trickle of patients allowed out and restrictions on bringing in desperately needed supplies are prolonging a disastrous situation in Gaza.

“Rafah must function as a real humanitarian corridor so we can have a surge in aid deliveries,” said Tom Fletcher, the UN’s top relief official.

Palestinian Red Crescent spokesperson Raed Al-Nims told AP that only 16 patients with chronic conditions or war wounds, accompanied by 40 relatives, were brought from Khan Younis to the Gaza side of Rafah on Tuesday — less than the 45 patients and wounded the Red Crescent was told would be allowed.

After days of anticipation over the reopening, hope lingered that it might mark a meaningful first step. In Khan Younis, Iman Rashwan waited for hours until her mother and sister returned from Egypt, hoping others would soon see their loved ones again.

Waiting on both sides

Officials say the number of crossings could gradually increase if the system works, with Israel and Egypt vetting those allowed in and out. But security concerns and bureaucratic snags quickly tempered expectations raised by officials who for weeks had cast reopening as a major step in the ceasefire deal.

There were delays on Monday over disagreements about luggage allowances. Returnees were carrying more than anticipated with them, requiring additional negotiations, a person familiar with the situation told the AP, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the diplomatic matter.

“They didn’t let us cross with anything,” Rotana Al-Regeb said as she returned around midnight Monday to Khan Younis. “They emptied everything before letting us through. We were only allowed to take the clothes on our backs and one bag per person.”

The initial number of Palestinians allowed to cross is mostly symbolic. Israeli and Egyptian officials have said that 50 medical evacuees would depart — along with two caregiver escorts — and 50 Palestinians who left during the war would return.

At that pace, long waits are facing most of the roughly 20,000 sick and wounded people who Gaza’s Health Ministry has said need treatment abroad. About 150 hospitals across Egypt are ready to receive patients, authorities said.

Who and what would be allowed through Rafah was a central concern for both Israel and Egypt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that anyone who wants to leave will eventually be permitted to do so, but Egypt has repeatedly said the Rafah crossing must open in both directions, fearing Israel could use it to push Palestinians out of Gaza.

Reopening the crossing is considered key as the ceasefire agreement moves into a complicated second phase. That calls for installing a new Palestinian committee to govern Gaza, deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas and taking steps to begin rebuilding.

In a meeting Tuesday with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Jerusalem, Netayanhu repeated Israel’s “uncompromising demand” that Hamas be disarmed before any reconstruction begins, the prime minister’s office said.

A 19-year-old killed in southern Gaza

Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said Ahmed Abdel-Al, 19, was shot and killed by Israeli troops on Tuesday morning in a part of the southern Gaza City, some distance away from the area under the Israeli military’s control.

Israel’s military said it was not immediately aware of any shootings in the area.

Abdel-Al was the latest of the 529 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since the Oct. 10 start of the ceasefire, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. They are among more than 71,800 Palestinians killed since the start of the war, according to the ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians.

The ministry, part of Gaza’s Hamas-led government, keeps detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by UN agencies and independent experts.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2631666/middle-east

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Erdogan to Asharq Al-Awsat: Our ties with Saudi Arabia are strategic for regional peace, stability, prosperity

Asharq Al-Awsat

February 03, 2026

RIYADH: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed on Tuesday that his country was prepared to mediate between Iran and the US to ease tensions between them, warning against any step that may spark war in the region.

Erdogan arrived in Riyadh on an official visit on Tuesday. In an interview to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said relations between Riyadh and Ankara have strategic importance for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

He revealed that his visit aims to expand bilateral consultations on regional issues, especially the situation in Gaza and Syria, as well as elevate bilateral ties to broader horizons.

Erdogan said: “Turkiye and Saudi Arabia are two friendly countries with deep historical ties, strong state traditions, and a shared sense of regional responsibility. We have never viewed this relationship through a narrow lens confined solely to bilateral matters. This is because the valuable friendship between our two countries also carries a strategic significance for the peace, stability, and prosperity of our region as a whole.”

“As a natural outcome of this understanding, Turkiye-Saudi Arabia relations constitute a line of stability that goes beyond economic cooperation alone, encompassing consultation, coordination, and the strengthening of common wisdom. Indeed, in our previous meetings with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, we addressed not only bilateral relations but also regional and global issues, and reaffirmed our mutual determination to further deepen our cooperation in the period ahead,” he added.

On his visit to Saudi Arabia, he said: “We aim to both deepen consultation on regional issues and advance our bilateral relations in concrete areas. In this regard, the inclusion of the business community in the program clearly reflects our commitment to elevating economic cooperation.

“This visit brings consultation and a positive agenda together at the same table. Our agenda includes Palestine, a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and Syria,” Erdogan stated. “There is, of course, also an economic aspect, namely how we can expand our trade, investments, and joint projects, which we will address as well. Thus, we will strengthen consultation while also broadening the positive agenda.”

“Regarding new steps of cooperation, we do not view the matter solely through the lens of signing documents. What truly matters to us are sustainable and concrete projects that deliver tangible results on the ground and generate mutual benefit. We seek initiatives that will open new horizons for our business communities, create employment, and improve the lives of our people,” he went on to say.

“We see significant potential not only in the economy, trade, and investment, but also in fields such as energy, tourism, transportation, and logistics,” he noted. “We have no intention of leaving this potential merely on paper. Our objective is to expand this cooperation through concrete projects based on a mutual win-win approach and to elevate our relations to a more advanced level.”

“In the defense industry, our primary goal is to establish cooperation based on mutual trust that builds capacity and strengthens technological and production capabilities. I believe that steps to be taken in areas such as joint production, technology sharing, and training will not only strengthen the defense capacities of both countries, but also further consolidate the foundations of our strategic partnership,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

On the possibility of the eruption of a war between the US and Iran, he said: “Let me begin by stating that experience has proven that scenarios which fail to grasp the values, identity, history, and future of this geography have inflicted far greater suffering on the region than peace. The wounds inflicted by the implementation of such scenarios in Gaza, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan remain vivid in our collective memory.”

“For this reason, as Turkiye, we categorically oppose a new war or a new wave of destruction in our region,” he declared.

“We advocate resolving issues through dialogue, reason, prudence, and sound judgment. We have openly and consistently expressed our opposition to any military intervention against Iran on every platform. In this regard, we advise our counterparts to refrain from any steps that could escalate tensions, exercising due restraint.

“We informed our counterparts that we are closely following developments in Iran, attach importance to the country’s peace and stability, and do not support any external intervention that would bring suffering to the Iranian people,” he said.

“Moreover, we emphasize that Turkiye is ready to assume a facilitating role between Iran and the US in order to de-escalate tensions and help resolve issues through diplomatic means. In this context, our diplomatic engagement continues. We stand against every step that would plunge the region into flames, and we stand with every step that strengthens peace,” he added.

“We view the consultations and coordination we are conducting with regional countries within this framework. Our contacts with friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, are ongoing,” he remarked.

“We do not view the matter through the lens of bloc alignment or alliances. What our region needs is not new divisions, but a foundation for cooperation shaped by common wisdom and shared responsibility. Our aim is not to manage conflict but to jointly strengthen the diplomatic groundwork that will prevent it from arising in the first place. For this reason, the establishment of regional security mechanisms would be beneficial in preventing crises.”

On the challenges hindering the success of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan after the Israeli Prime Minister’s rejection of Turkish and Qatari involvement in Gaza, Erdogan said: “The main issue in Gaza is to make the ceasefire permanent, to ensure the protection of civilians, to deliver humanitarian aid without interruption or obstruction, and to bring forced displacement to a complete end.”

“Any discussion held without securing these fundamental points would miss the essence of the matter,” he said.

“Moving on to the second phase of the Peace Plan is important; however, the greatest obstacle to this phase is, first and foremost, the continuing fragility of the ceasefire. At this point, it is essential that recovery and reconstruction efforts begin without delay, that urgent and basic needs in Gaza are met, that public services are provided, and that Israeli forces withdraw gradually from Gaza in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803. As a member of the Board of Peace, Turkiye will actively contribute to these processes,” he added.

“Without establishing trust on the ground and ensuring lasting calm between the parties, it is impossible for this process to proceed in a sound manner. In addition, the destroyed infrastructure, the collapsed healthcare system, the water and electricity crises, the need for shelter, and the sheer scale of reconstruction all represent serious obstacles to the second phase. Therefore, success depends on establishing a framework that addresses both the security and humanitarian dimensions.”

“As for the debates on a peacekeeping force or an international mission, our approach is clear. Such mechanisms only make sense if they serve to protect civilians, guarantee humanitarian assistance, and support lasting peace. Regardless of the label attached to it, any arrangement that fails to serve peace on the ground lacks real meaning,” he continued.

“Once the necessary conditions are in place, Turkiye is ready to shoulder responsibility in contributing to peace in Gaza, including the possibility of a military contribution. And let me repeat: reducing this matter to a debate over ‘which country should or should not be involved’ will not produce a solution. The solution lies in a peace architecture shaped by the right conditions, the right mandate, and the right objectives,” he stressed.

“In any arrangement concerning Gaza’s future, the source of legitimacy is the will of the Palestinian people. A lasting solution cannot be established without taking into account the consent and expectations of the Palestinian people,” he stated.

“For Turkiye, our goal in Gaza is to contribute to establishing the conditions necessary for a lasting ceasefire, a just peace, humanitarian assistance, reconstruction, and a fair political solution,” he added.

On the efforts to reach an agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Erdogan replied: “For many years, Syria has paid the heavy costs of war and fragmentation. The positive developments now emerging both on the ground and in diplomacy show that a new political horizon is possible.”

“This path seeks to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity, consolidating national unity, and re-establishing state authority across the country. The way towards a lasting and just peace lies in strengthening a partnership that nurtures common wisdom and common will and acts with a sense of responsibility.”

“The narrowing of conflict zones in Syria, along with the agreements reached and the steps taken toward integration, shows that progress can be made in the right direction. However, for these gains to become permanent, developments on the ground alone are not sufficient; social reconciliation must also be established by strengthening a shared sense of belonging around the central government. Whether in the northeast, the south, or the coastal region, the same applies across Syria,” he noted.

“Our benchmark is clear: a Syria that does not threaten its neighbors, denies safe haven to terrorist organizations, and embraces all segments of society on the basis of equal citizenship is essential for regional stability,” Erdogan told Asharq Al-Awsat

“For Turkiye, we state that Syria’s future will be shaped by the will of the Syrian people. In this vein, alongside friendly and brotherly countries, foremost among them Saudi Arabia, we will continue to stand by every constructive step that strengthens Syria’s unity, integrity, and stability, both on the ground and at the negotiating table,” he stressed.

On Sudan, Erdogan noted: “The war there has reached its 1,000th day. Unfortunately, our Sudanese brothers and sisters are entering yet another Ramadan amid conflict. Sudan has suffered heavy losses due to this war. The brotherly people of Sudan are striving to survive under the devastating conditions brought about by the civil war.”

“We have supported every diplomatic effort to bring an end to this dire situation as soon as possible and to help Sudan achieve stability and prosperity. We have expressed our readiness to mediate between the conflicting parties,” he said.

“As a highly trusted external actor in Sudan, Turkiye has chosen not to launch separate diplomatic initiatives or add new tracks to existing efforts, but rather to strengthen ongoing processes and contribute to a peaceful resolution. However, I regret to say that, to date, no outcome has been reached that would put an end to the bloodshed and ongoing suffering,” he lamented.

“The Sudanese government and the brotherly people of Sudan have expectations from us. In response to these expectations, and with the participation of all relevant institutions, we have taken steps to restore peace and stability in Sudan and normalize daily life, ensuring the reopening of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency office and the Ziraat Bank branch in Port Sudan.”

“To strengthen our Sudanese brothers’ and sisters’ connection with the outside world, we have launched Turkish Airlines flights to Port Sudan. Since 2024, nine aid vessels that we have dispatched have delivered a total of 12,600 tons of humanitarian aid and 30,000 tents to our Sudanese brothers and sisters. Our cooperation in the fields of agriculture, mining, and energy continues. We are also conducting the necessary assessments regarding the reconstruction of destroyed cities, particularly the capital, Khartoum,” Erdogan said.

“We undoubtedly value the constructive efforts of Saudi Arabia, the US, and Egypt within the established mechanism, and Turkiye will stand by every step taken towards peace and prosperity and will do whatever is necessary in this regard,” he vowed.

“Furthermore, we will steadfastly continue to advance our concrete proposals and diplomatic initiatives in all international and regional organizations, including the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union.”

“Africa’s problems should be solved by Africans. Turkiye will do its utmost under all circumstances to foster constructive dialogue. The people of Sudan can rest assured that Turkiye stands by them,” he added.

Commenting on Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, Erdogan told Asharq Al-Awsat: “During President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia’s visit to our country at the end of last month, we clearly and unequivocally expressed our views on this matter. We emphasized that preserving Somalia’s unity under all circumstances is a priority for us.”

“I would like to underscore that our position remains unchanged,” he added.

“Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland is an illegitimate one and, in our view, null and void. Turkiye will continue to fully defend Somalia’s territorial integrity in accordance with UN resolutions,” he vowed.

“Our stance on this matter is entirely principled. Decisions regarding the future of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Somaliland region should be made in a way that reflects the will of all Somali people.”

“The Netanyahu Government, committing genocide in Gaza, and, after its attacks against Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Qatar, and Syria, now intends to destabilize the Horn of Africa. This is a major threat not only to the Horn of Africa but to the entire continent,” warned Erdogan.

“Any step that fails to contribute to resolving the disputes in the region only exacerbates the crisis. For this reason, I highly value statements by regional countries, foremost Saudi Arabia and Egypt, promptly rejecting this decision,” he added.

“Similarly, it is important to note that international organizations such as the EU, the OIC, and the Arab League, as well as officials such as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, have expressed their rejection of the decision. I would like to reiterate that we attach great importance to these statements, which highlight Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Blackburn's new £5m mosque is set to be 'a place to bring people together'

Rachel Smith

04 Feb 2026

Lancashire's newest mosque is set to become 'a place to bring people together' Blackburn with Darwen's council leader said, following a weekend tour. Cllr Phil Riley visited Masjid E Vali, which opened in January on the former site of Westholme Junior School in Preston New Road, in Blackburn.

After five years in the planning and construction, the new £5million mosque has been funded by the Issa Foundation, a charity established by Blackburn with Darwen born brothers and founders of EG Group Zuber and Mohsin Issa. It is named in memory of their father, the late Vali Issa.

Zuber said: “Masjid E Vali stands as a tribute to my father’s values of compassion, humility and service to others. He believed in the power of community, in opening doors rather than closing them, and in bringing people together regardless of faith, ethnicity or background.

“I hope that Masjid E Vali becomes not only a place of prayer, but also a place of unity, learning, understanding and lasting friendships for generations to come.”

The new mosque blends classic, contemporary Islamic design with high-quality local materials. Solar panels installed on the roof help power the building, and extensive landscaping enhances the surrounding environment.

During their visit, representatives of Masjid E Vali’s management team took council leaders - including chief executive Denise Park and growth boss Cllr Quesir Mahmood - on a tour of the building.

Cllr Riley said: “Zuber and Mohsin Issa have always been proud of their Blackburn with Darwen roots. Transforming this former school site into such an impressive and welcoming place of worship and education demonstrates a strong commitment to the town and its people.

“What impressed me most during the tour was not only the quality of the architecture and final build, but the clear ambition for Masjid E Vali to be a place that brings people together and be a space that all the residents of Blackburn with Darwen can be proud of.”

Masjid E Vali includes dedicated prayer spaces for both men and women, as well as a crèche and children’s play area. An adjacent community building provides flexible space for events and wider community use.

Cllr Mahmood said: “While the mosque will serve worshippers locally and from further afield, the message from the Issa family and the management team is clear that everyone is welcome at Masjid E Vali.

The facility is designed not only as a place of worship, but as a community hub for people of all faiths and none.”

Source: .lancs.live

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Republicans launch caucus to stop spread of shariah in U.S.

February 3, 2026

A group of House Republicans launched the Shariah-free America caucus on Tuesday as an effort to prevent the spread of radical Islamization within the U.S. criminal justice system and American culture.

The caucus, led by Reps. Keith Self and Chip Roy of Texas said they wanted to form the caucus after years of Shariah-pushing Muslims have made their way into Texas society and the rest of the country.

“Here’s what’s happening right now. In the Lone Star State, there are multiple Muslim-only housing developments that already exist or in the planning stages, including the Meadows, Epic City right there in my district,” Mr. Self said.

“It’s currently under investigation by the state of Texas. An Islamic imam in Dallas called the police on a fellow Muslim for simply talking to a Christian pastor. An imam in the Houston area was filmed threatening to occupy stores that sold goods that are incompatible with Shariah,” he added.

Shariah is the stringent adherence to Islamic law governing interpersonal conduct and Muslim ritual behavior.

Mr. Self said he is seeing more similar actions in his district every day. One of the more recent examples involved a booth set up at a public high school to distribute Qurans.

“The spread has gotten so serious that on March 3, a proposition to ban Shariah will appear on the Texas primary ballot, and I encourage all Texans to go to and vote for that proposition, because as Texas goes, so goes the nation. And as the nation goes, so goes the world.”

Back in November, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott launched a full investigation into the Islamic Tribunal of Dallas, which was founded in 2014 as a “volunteer mediation service.” By 2024, it was deciding about 300 cases a year in mosque back rooms and law offices.

The panel of three or four male scholars, trained at institutions such as Al-Azhar and Omdurman, openly follows rules in which a woman’s testimony is worth half that of a male in financial and inheritance matters.

Women are reportedly being urged to accept religious divorces that strip them of their mahr (dowry), leaving them financially destitute.

Other Republican lawmakers in the newly launched caucus say they are seeing similar instances in their districts.

Rep. Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma said that Shariah has managed to manifest itself so much in Western Europe that other Muslim leaders refuse to send their children to be educated there.

“Here’s a few things you cannot scoff at. The United Arab Emirates … is no longer funding its students to study in the United Kingdom for fear of them being radicalized by the United Kingdom’s Muslim Brotherhood,” Mr. Brecheen said. “They’re afraid of what’s happened in Europe and the direct adherence to Islam that they’re seeing in Europe.”

He continued, “In that same country, in England, an English detective chief inspector witnessed a young girl in a car subsequently being ordered by a supervisor to drop the matter to avoid antagonizing the local Muslim community … an Austrian court ruled that Shariah law can be used for arbitration in private contracts.”

He noted, “What about the United States? A U.S.-based Muslim cleric teaching ’having sex with a nine-year-old girl’ is not considered sexual harassment and is permissible in Islam.”

Some of the lawmakers have already proposed legislation related to the cause of their caucus, including Rep. Randy Fine of Florida, who introduced a bill to ban Shariah in the U.S. court system.

Other legislation noted is a bill that removes the tax-exempt status from the Council on American Islamic Relations and legislation that pauses the U.S. immigration system, so foreign nationals can be vetted for adherence to Shariah.

Source: washingtontimes.com

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https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/3/republicans-launch-caucus-stop-spread-shariah-us/

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Nigeria At Risk Of Christian‑Muslim Violence – Witnesses Warn

February 4, 2026

Witnesses appearing before the United States Congress Foreign Affairs Committee have cautioned that Nigeria is at risk of descending into widespread Christian–Muslim violence, describing the country as a key flashpoint in a growing global crisis of religious freedom.

The warning, contained in written testimonies released ahead of a joint congressional hearing scheduled for Wednesday (today), cited recurring killings, mass displacement and deepening insecurity as early signs of broader conflict along religious lines.

The hearing, titled “Defending Religious Freedom Around the World”,  is being convened jointly by the House Subcommittee on Africa and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere to assess what US lawmakers describe as mounting threats to religious liberty globally.

Among those slated to testify is former US Ambassador‑at‑Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, whose prepared testimony paints a stark picture of rising religious persecution.

“Radical, militant Islam continues its purification efforts throughout the MENA region and beyond,” Brownback wrote.

He singled out Nigeria and Syria as “key focus areas” for militant expansion, warning that violence targeting religious communities in Nigeria could spill over beyond its borders.

“The people of faith being targeted by this persecution are America’s greatest allies in the spread of freedom around the world. We should see and treat them as such,” he said.

Brownback described religious freedom as a growing fault line in global politics and a tool in the struggle against authoritarianism.

“Religious freedom is now one of our primary weapons against the dark alliance gathered against us,” he stated.

He also painted Nigeria as “the deadliest place on the planet to be a Christian,” adding that “early warning signs of a Muslim‑on‑Christian war are brewing across Africa,” with Nigeria “at the centre of that danger.”

Foreign Influence Could Worsen Nigeria’s Instability — Brownback

The ex‑envoy flagged foreign involvement by countries such as China, Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia as potential exacerbators of Nigeria’s security challenges if left unchecked.

He urged US policymakers and international partners to act decisively to prevent violence from escalating into mass atrocities akin to those experienced in Iraq.

In his own testimony, former chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Dr. Stephen Schneck, warned that religious freedom worldwide is in a historic crisis caused by rising authoritarianism, religious nationalism and failing states.

“Freedom of religion or belief is in crisis in the contemporary world,” he wrote.

Schneck identified Nigeria, Syria and Sudan as countries where weak governance and insecurity have created perilous conditions for communities of faith.

“Both Nigeria and Syria are experiencing high levels of societal insecurity … their governments have been unable to halt widespread violence against communities of faith,” he said.

He expressed concern about the US government’s performance under the International Religious Freedom Act (1998), saying Washington’s actions have not matched its rhetoric.

“We have been long on rhetoric and short on substance, consistency and effectiveness,” Schneck said.

Nigeria Unique In CPC Designation, Schneck Notes

Schneck criticised delays by the US State Department in issuing updated designations under the International Religious Freedom framework, noting that, “apparently, Nigeria … is the only country in the world currently designated as a Country of Particular Concern.”

He warned that focusing advocacy narrowly on Christian persecution undermines the universality of religious freedom.

“International religious freedom, as defined in human rights law, is universal. Selective advocacy undermines both effectiveness and legitimacy,” he stated.

Last year, former US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations, a move followed by a US military strike on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto.

The Federal Government has repeatedly rejected claims of systemic persecution, maintaining that insecurity affects citizens of all faiths.

In an ongoing diplomatic engagement, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the Pentagon in November 2025 to discuss coordinated strategies.

In December, Ribadu also hosted a US congressional delegation in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between both countries. Last month saw a plenary session of the Nigeria‑US Joint Working Group on Nigeria’s CPC designation.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/02/04/nigeria-at-risk-of-christian-muslim-violence-witnesses-warn/

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Key Outcomes of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s Meeting With Islamic Groups on Board of Peace

February 4, 2026

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto invited several Islamic community organizations to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The meeting discussed Indonesia's decision to join the Board of Peace and its impact on the Palestinian people's struggle.

Several leaders of Islamic organizations attended the meeting, including the Muhammadiyah Central Board, the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (NU), and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that the President explained the reasons and considerations for joining the Board of Peace. He stated that the forum would provide a forum for conveying policy points so that they could be understood and accepted by various groups.

"I think this afternoon's meeting also provides an opportunity for the President to convey these points, hoping they can be understood by all parties," Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday.

MUI Agrees on Peace Council: Fighting for the Ummah

The Indonesian Ulema Council expressed its support for President Prabowo Subianto's decision to bring Indonesia into the Board of Peace. This stance was conveyed by the Chair of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Anwar Iskandar, after attending a meeting between Islamic organizations and the President at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Anwar emphasized that the MUI's support is given as long as the move benefits the people and humanity. "As long as it's for the benefit, of course, because the MUI fights for the people, for the benefit of the nation, and for the benefit of humanity," Anwar said.

Minister of Religious Affairs Likens Prabowo's Move to the Treaty of Hudaibiyah

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar assessed that President Prabowo Subianto's decision to join the Board of Peace is reminiscent of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, a peace agreement between the Prophet Muhammad and the Quraysh, who at that time ruled Mecca.

"What Mr. Prabowo did actually reminds us of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, signed by the Prophet Muhammad," said Nasaruddin at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The Treaty of Hudaibiyah established a 10-year ceasefire and paved the way for Muslims to perform the Umrah pilgrimage, although it initially raised doubts. Nasaruddin believes the agreement has actually proven to be beneficial.

He likened the situation to Indonesia's decision to join the Board of Peace, which was also accompanied by doubts from some parties regarding the benefits of the organization initiated by United States President Donald Trump.

Four Notes on Palestine

Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Cholil Nafis, said that Islamic leaders discussed with President Prabowo the benefits of the Board of Peace for Palestine. "We just discussed it, and the President explained why he joined the Board of Peace," Cholil said after the meeting at the Presidential Palace.

Cholil said the leaders conveyed several points. First, they agreed that colonialism must be abolished because it contradicts the values of humanity and justice. This principle, he said, is also affirmed in the Indonesian constitution.

Second, the figures emphasized the Muslim community's rejection of colonialism and murder, as they violate humanitarian values and religious teachings. Third, Cholil stated that the figures did not want Indonesian peacekeeping forces in Palestine to face Hamas or other forms of Palestinian resistance.

Fourth, the figures rejected any false peace. "We don't want just false peace while Palestine remains under occupation. We want a peaceful and independent Palestine," Cholil said.

Source: tempo.co

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https://en.tempo.co/read/2084891/key-outcomes-of-prabowos-meeting-with-islamic-groups-on-board-of-peace

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Takhar province of Afghanistan Hosts Seminar on Strengthening Religious Values Through Islamic Culture

February 4, 2026

KABUL: A one-day academic seminar titled “The Role of Islamic Culture in Strengthening Religious Values” was held in Takhar province on Tuesday, organized by the provincial Directorate of Information and Culture with the participation of a large number of youth, students, and cultural figures.

The seminar discussed the role of Islamic culture and the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in shaping a healthy and ethical society, the Ministry of Information and Culture said in a statement.

The participants emphasized that Islamic culture plays a vital role in the moral and social upbringing of individuals and can effectively promote religious values when grounded in Quranic guidance and prophetic traditions.

“Proper use of cultural and media tools can help embed these values into people’s daily lives, enabling society to move toward reform, growth, and refinement,” the statement quoted them as saying.

They also highlighted the importance of unity within the Islamic community, describing it not only as a value but as a religious necessity rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet (PBUH).

Source: thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/takhar-hosts-seminar-on-strengthening-religious-values-through-islamic-culture/

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India

 

Olypub waiter Nasimuddin gets bail, his restaurant and his city behind him

Tanusree Bose

Feb 4, 2026

For generations, his family has been working at Olypub. First his father, his uncle and then him. Last week, close to 10 years after he joined the iconic Kolkata restaurant-cum-bar, Sheikh Nasimuddin found himself behind bars on the complaint of a customer that he had been served beef instead of his order of mutton.

On Tuesday, when Nasimuddin appeared virtually before Chief Judicial Magistrate Payel Banerjee and was granted bail, his colleagues were present in the court while the Olypub owner asserted that there was no threat to the 34-year-old’s job.

The restaurant-cum-bar, famous for its beef steak, reopened after two days Monday, to bigger crowds than usual.

Nasimuddin was arrested on Saturday on the charge of hurting religious sentiments, a day after vlogger Sayak Chakraborty posted a video, complaining that he and his companions had been served beef steak instead of mutton steak he had ordered. He said he realised he had eaten beef only after a second plate of mutton steak arrived at their table. The video showed him confronting Nasimuddin and the restaurant manager, alleging “a deliberate attempt” to hurt his religious sentiments.

Originally from Jajpur in Odisha, Nasimuddin considers Kolkata his home, having come to the city following in the footsteps of his now-deceased father and uncle. He shares a paying guest accommodation near the restaurant. His housemates include his uncle and some others who also work at Olypub.

As Nasimuddin appeared for bail virtually from a correctional home, his colleagues, who didn’t want to be identified, regretted what had happened, calling it a genuine error on his part. “This is an unfortunate incident…we never thought it would end like this,” said one colleague.  “Mistakes happen,” said another.

The public prosecutor sought custody of Nasimuddin for further investigation. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, who represented him on behalf of Olypub, however, submitted there had been no progress in the investigation.

After hearing both sides, the Chief Judicial Magistrate granted bail to Nasimuddin.

Olypub owner Azmeen Tangri, whose three generations have been running the establishment, told The Indian Express: “We are relieved… and happy that Nasimuddin has got bail. Of course, it was a very unfortunate situation… but we are very grateful.” Set up in 1947, Olypub was initially known as Olympia Bar and Restaurant, and changed its name to the current one in 1981.

Tangri also called it “humbling” that “so many well-wishers have come forward” to support the restaurant-cum-bar. “We are thankful to the police authorities too.”

There was no question of them sacking Nasimuddin, Tangri added. “It (removing him) has not even occurred to us.”

On Monday, Olypub issued a statement describing the incident as “an unintentional error” and “a genuine mistake with no harm intended”. “We are truly sorry for his mistake and apologize profusely for inadvertently hurting our customers’ sentiments. Olypub is built on a foundation of respect for all – irrespective of caste, creed, religion, or gender,” it said.

On Tuesday, customers at Olypub said coming there was their way of showing solidarity with the restaurant as well as Nasimuddin.  A “patron” of Olypub, Rohini Joseph said: “I wanted to show my support. Mistakes happen and an apology was sought, and given.”

Members of the Association for Protection of Democratic Rights came for the court hearing Tuesday. Its general secretary Ranjit Sur asked why only Nasimuddin had been arrested, but no action was taken against Chakraborty who is also facing complaints. Chakraborty is facing three cases under Sections dealing with provocation with intent to cause riot, promotion of enmity or disharmony between groups based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, or language, and statements causing public mischief, police sources said.

One of the complainants against him, Chitosree Mukherjee, told The Indian Express: “He should be arrested for deliberately doing this and creating  disturbance. The safety of the waiter was put into danger.”

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/olypub-waiter-nasimuddin-gets-bail-his-restaurant-and-his-city-behind-him-10512257/

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Mirwaiz slams ‘forced’ shutdown of Jamia Masjid on Shab-e-Barat: ‘Naya Kashmir needs explanation’

Naveed Iqbal

Feb 3, 2026

Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said Tuesday that he was detained at his residence as he was set to lead prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid to mark Shab-e-Barat, an important night of prayer in the Islamic calendar.

Posting pictures of the locked gates at the Jamia masjid and his own residence, Mirwaiz said: “As mosques across the region light up in devotion on this sacred night, Jama Masjid Srinagar stays shut under watch. Yet another closure, and I remain detained at home. Shab-e-Baraat joins a long list since 2019 when prayers at the Valley’s largest mosque have been stopped by force”.

Underscoring the need for an explanation for closing the mosque, he said: “No reason offered, just locked gates and silence. For those who beat the drums of ‘normalcy’ and ‘naya Kashmir’, this contrast needs an explanation”.

Mirwaiz was not allowed to lead Friday prayers through three Fridays in January. He addressed congregational prayers at the mosque on Jan 30 and was barred from leaving his house again on Feb 3.

On Monday, Mirwaiz had announced his plan to lead Shab-e-Barat prayer at the mosque through social media.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mirwaiz-forced-shutdown-jamia-masjid-shab-e-barat-naya-kashmir-needs-explanation-10511826/

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Top Jaish commander among two terrorists killed in gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur

04.02.26

Two Pakistani terrorists, including a self-styled top commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit, were killed on Wednesday after they were trapped inside a cave in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Several powerful blasts were heard when the forces stormed the cave around noon.

Officials said one of the deceased terrorist is Rubani alias Abu Mavia, a top self-styled commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit, who was active in the area for the last several years.

While body of one of the terrorists was lying on the mouth of the cave, another was found lying deep inside it.

The terrorists were located by joint troops of Army, police and CRPF amid intensified search operations in the higher reaches of Ramnagar-Basantgarh area around 4 pm on Tuesday, leading to a fierce gunfight, the officials said.

Army named the over 20-hour long operation as "Kiya" and said though it is over, the area still remains under surveillance.

"Based on specific intelligence input provided by police, troops of Counter-Intelligence Force Delta, White Knight Corps planned and executed a focused joint counter-terror operation in the general area of Jophar Forest, Basantgarh in coordination with police and CRPF reinforcing the cordon, ensuring effective area domination to prevent escape of terrorists.

"Contact with terrorists was established yesterday and since then, terrorists were prevented from breaking contact. Following a calibrated and coordinated response, two terrorists have been successfully neutralised. The operation highlighted seamless inter-agency coordination, tactical precision and high standards of professionalism," the Army's White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

A large quantity of arms and ammunition, including an M4 carbine and an ak assault rifle, were recovered from the slain terrorists, the officials said.

The officials said intense gunfight and deafening explosions initially rocked the Jaffer, Gujrada and Chigla Balotha forests for over an hour, resulting in injuries to one of the terrorists who along with his associate managed to retreat into the cave, the officials said.

Heavy gunfire and explosions was reported for a brief period around 7.30 pm when the terrorists attempted to flee under the cover of darkness, the officials said, adding Army reinforcements, including paratroopers and dog squads, were rushed in to further tighten the cordon.

The night passed without any firing, and security forces maintained a tight vigil over the area, particularly around the cave, using drones for surveillance, before launching a final assault on the cave this morning, the officials said.

This was the second encounter in Udhampur since December 15 when a policeman was killed in an encounter at Soan village. However, the terrorists had managed to escape taking advantage of thick foliage and darkness.

A series of encounters -- three in Kathua district and four in Chatroo forest belt in Kishtwar --also occurred in January, resulting in the killing of top JeM terrorist, Usman of Pakistan, in Kathua and a paratrooper in Kishtwar amid intensified operations to hunt down terrorists hiding in the upper reaches of Jammu region.

Usman was part of the same group eliminated in Udhampur district and got separated following the Soan encounter, the officials said.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/top-jaish-commander-among-two-terrorists-killed-in-jks-udhampur-after-gunfight-with-security-forces/cid/2145787

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Jammu and Kashmir MLAs protest attacks on Kashmiris, seek statehood in Assembly

Muzaffar Raina

04.02.26

Ruling National Conference MLAs and legislators from other parties on Tuesday staged a protest in front of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly against the attacks on Kashmiris in several states and demanded restoration of statehood.

The immediate trigger for the protests appeared to be the absence of any reference to statehood in lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha’s budget-session address a day earlier.

The protests came after pandemonium in the Assembly over region-specific demands raised by Kashmir- and Jammu-based parties.

The BJP legislators demanded a National Law University in Jammu. Other parties, including the NC and the Opposition Peoples Democratic Party, protested against the attacks on Kashmiris and demanded statehood and special status.

Repeated attacks on Kashmiris have triggered outrage in the region, with former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday claiming the attackers enjoy the patronage of their respective states. She shared a video where an elderly Kashmiri was allegedly harassed in Uttar Pradesh.

"First, it was young Tabish, nearly beaten to death in Uttarakhand. Now, an elderly Kashmiri is being harassed while the perpetrators roam free. Where are the MPs of J&K who should be raising their voices (in Parliament) as such attacks become routine?" she asked on X.

"Instead of upholding Raj Dharma, the state governments appear to be granting silent patronage to mob violence, treating hatred as a shortcut to political success. The rule of law has been replaced by politics of fear."

PDP legislator Waheed ur Rahman Para moved an adjournment motion in the House to discuss the incidents of “hate crime” against Kashmiris but it was dismissed by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather. This caused an uproar in the Assembly.

The Speaker said the issue can be taken up through other means in an appropriate manner without disrupting Question Hour, which could be used to make the government accountable. He said the Jammu and Kashmir government had taken up the issue of harassment of Kashmiris with various state governments.

NC MLAs, joined by a PDP legislator and some Independents, led a protest outside the Assembly, holding placards demanding statehood and an end to the attacks on Kashmiris. Such incidents have been reported from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and several other states.

“Restore statehood and constitutional guarantees” and “Stop harassing Kashmiris outside J&K”, read the placards.

NC legislator Tanvir Sadiq said they were against injustices, including the denial of constitutional guarantees and statehood. He said it was an appropriate time to return to statehood and special status.

The NC leader alleged it had become a fashion in the country to target Kashmiris and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah to direct states to stop these attacks.

An 18-year-old Kashmiri youth was seriously injured in an attack in Uttarakhand, prompting chief minister Omar Abdullah to call his counterpart Pushkar Singh Dhami, following which the assailants were arrested.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-protest-over-attacks-on-kashmiris-and-statehood-demand-prnt/cid/2145696

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Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind moves Supreme Court against Assam CM over remarks on Miya Muslims

February 04, 2026

Ziya Us Salam

The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has moved the Supreme Court against some public statements made by BJP leader and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling them “communal, deeply divisive, and contrary to the spirit of the Constitution”.

Mr. Sarma is said to have made the allegedly offensive remarks asking for harassing the Miya Muslims of Assam in various ways, including asking them to “cast their vote in Bangladesh, not India”.

The plea filed on behalf of Mahmood Madani, president, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, through senior advocate M.R. Shamshad, urged the court to frame strict and enforceable guidelines for persons holding constitutional positions, so that public offices are not misused to spread hatred or target any community. Mr. Madani’s application was filed in a pending petition of Jamiat in which an order was reserved by the top court on January 20 this year.

The petition refers in particular to a speech delivered by the Assam Chief Minister on January 27 in which he claimed that four to five lakh Miya voters would be removed from the electoral rolls. The remark came even before the SIR campaign has started in Assam. He is said to have further stated that he and his party were “directly against the Miya community”. The plea pointed out that the term ‘Miya’ is widely used in Assam as a derogatory reference to Muslims.

‘Damages social harmony’

The Jamiat, which is the oldest Muslim body in the country, submitted that such statements, especially when made by a person occupying a high constitutional office, cannot be dismissed as political rhetoric or free speech. “Instead, they amount to a deliberate attempt to spread hatred, create hostility, and stigmatise an entire community,” the petition said. Such remarks “seriously damage social harmony” and “violate the dignity and responsibility attached to a constitutional office”, it added.

The application also requested the top court to lay down regulatory guidelines for constitutional functionaries, ensuring that no one is allowed to take shelter behind their position to promote communal hatred, incite public animosity, or vilify any group.

Incidentally, the Jamiat petition follows a police complaint lodged against the Assam Chief Minister by noted peace and justice activist Harsh Mander. In a complaint filed in New Delhi, Mr. Mander alleged that Mr. Sarma’s remarks “promote hatred, harassment and discrimination against Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam”.

Source: thehindu.com

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https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jamiat-ulama-i-hind-moves-sc-against-assam-cm-over-remarks-on-miya-muslims/article70587801.ece

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Mumbai: Prayer and halwa offerings to mark Muslim festival of Shab E' Baraat

Feb 3, 2026

MUMBAI: The Muslim festival of Shab E' Baraat or the Night of Forgiveness will be celebrated tonight on the intervening night of Feb 3-4.

"Laylat ul' Baraat is when Allah Almighty writes the Book of Deeds for the following year, including birth, marriage, death and significant life events," said Maulana Shahabuddin Shaikh of Andheri West.

"Muslims seek Allah's forgiveness by reciting verses from the Holy Quran, and send Durood Sharif blessings upon Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Thousands of people visit graveyards to pray for peace for the souls of their dear departed," said Maulana Mohammed Saad of Andheri Muslim Qabrastan Masjid, Four Bungalows.

The festival of Shab E' Baraat occurs on the 15th night of the Muslim holy month of Shaban. Since the Islamic date changes at sunset, 15 Shaban will begin on the evening of Feb 3 and last until dusk Feb 4. Some people observe a fast on both days, others opt for Feb 4.

The intervening night of Feb 3-4 will see thousands of men stream into mosques and graveyards. They bring sacks full of flowers and loose petals to sprinkle upon each grave, not just those of their own relatives and friends. Large cans are used to shower water upon the graves.

Four Bungalows Qabrastan is the final resting place of film industry stalwarts like Kaifi Azmi, Shaukat Kaifi, Khayyam, Farooque Shaikh and Ishan Arya.

Four Bungalows Qabrastan had received 18,000 visitors at Shab E' Baraat in 2025, says Maulana Saad. This year too the numbers could cross 15,000. Police permission has been sought and volunteers are preparing to regulate traffic once the crowds build.

On Monday volunteers at the mosque finished applying a fresh coat of paint to each of the 1,676 individual graves located here. White drapes and floral bouquets were being hoisted and the premises was cleaned thoroughly. The 130 children studying at the affiliate Madarsa Talimul Quran located inside the compound too were looking forward to the festival with eagerness.

Charity and gifting is a prominent feature of Shab E' Baraat. People line up to donate cooked meals and sweet delicacies to children in madrassas, mosques, orphans and underprivileged families. Bookings are made well in advance and last-minute donors often have to seek other alternatives. Women prepare chana dal halwa or suji halwa at home and offer it as Esaal E' Sawaab to the souls of departed relatives.

The holy month of Ramzan follows Shaban so another excitement is in the air as Muslims prepare to launch the annual fast likely Feb 18.

Source: indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mumbai-prayer-and-halwa-offerings-to-mark-muslim-festival-of-shab-e-baraat/articleshowprint/127881329.cms

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Uttarakhand police step up security in ‘Mohammad Deepak’s’ town as row pits BJP against Congress

Aiswarya Raj

Feb 4, 2026

Amid communal tension in Kotdwar after a man named Deepak Kumar stood up to a mob harassing a 70-year-old shopkeeper, the police Tuesday deployed further force across major routes, markets, and public areas.

In a bid to “strengthen peace, security, and law and order in the Kotdwar municipal area”, Pauri Garhwal Police said that they are exercising “continuous, sustained, and effective vigilance”.

“Police teams are conducting regular patrols and intensive checking drives, thoroughly examining vehicles, suspicious individuals, and activities, so that any undesirable or law-and-order–disrupting activity can be identified in time and necessary legal action ensured,” a statement said. As Kumar celebrated his birthday Tuesday, police increased the force and deployed security at his gym and officials as personal security.

Kotdwar police station house officer Pradeeep Negi said that they have restricted the entry of people after social media influencers entered the town. “We are trying to avert any untoward situation,” he added.

Facing protests, FIR, ‘Mohammad Deepak’ says: No regrets, someone has to speak up In a viral video of the incident, Kumar was seen confronting the mob and telling them, “My name is Mohammad Deepak.”

On January 26, Deepak, 37, stood up to a group of men who were harassing a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, to drop the word “Baba” from his shop’s name. A video of the confrontation went viral, thrusting Deepak into the limelight but also bringing unwanted attention. On Saturday, several members of the Bajrang Dal gathered to confront Deepak, but were restrained by the police.

Three FIRs have been filed so far – one on the complaint of Vakeel Ahmed, the shopkeeper who was harassed; one on the complaint of a resident of Kotdwar against Deepak and his friend Vijay Rawat, who was with him on January 26 and is also seen in the video; and one by the police against unknown persons of Bajrang Dal.

Speaking to The Indian Express on Monday, Deepak had said, “I said my name was Mohammad Deepak because it was the right thing to do. I am accountable only to God, and standing up for a man who was being attacked for his religion was a humane thing. I’m not fazed by these protests.”

The police have amped up surveillance at key and sensitive locations in the city. “The police administration is also ensuring that citizens do not face any inconvenience and that peace and a harmonious atmosphere are further strengthened through public cooperation,” it said.

Kumar said that things were getting back to normal on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the BJP and the Congress have attacked each other for attempting to disturb peace in the state. Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s comments on Kumar, BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt called the incident unfortunate and said that Congress leader Gandhi’s remarks on the matter are a deliberate attempt to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of “Devbhoomi”.

“The negative role played by local Congress leaders in the incident, and their attempts to unnecessarily escalate the issue, are clearly visible. The government will not show any laxity in matters related to law and order and is acting in accordance with its image of a zero-tolerance policy. All sides need to exercise patience,” he added. Referring to the social media post of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Bhatt expressed concern over whether the incident was pre-planned.

The Congress questioned why, instead of taking action against anti-social elements who protested and abused Kumar over his action, cases were registered against Deepak Kumar and Vijay Rawat, while a case against the anti-social elements was lodged against “unknown persons”.

“This clearly shows that such incidents are taking place under the patronage of the BJP government and the BJP party in the state to promote communal polarisation,” said senior vice-president of the state Congress, Suryakant Dhasmana. Referring to the murder of Tripura student Anjel Chakma and assault on Tabish Ahmed, a Kashmiri shawl seller, along with this, Dhasmana said, “These incidents prove that the ruling party and the government in the state are shamelessly indulging in the politics of religious polarisation for power, and for this purpose have given a free hand to anti-social elements.”

Source: indianexpress.com

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Uttarakhand attacks on shawl sellers rock J&K House

Fayaz Wani

04 Feb 2026

SRINAGAR: With harassment and targeted attacks on Kashmiri shawl sellers continuing outside Jammu and Kashmir, the issue was raised in the J&K Assembly on Tuesday, as MLAs demanded steps to stop the assault on traders. Members of the ruling National Conference as well as the opposition PDP and PC demanded an immediate end to the targeted attacks.

Several legislators also called for an end to the continued harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers and students. PDP MLA Waheed Para moved an adjournment motion to discuss the issue, but it was rejected by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.

CM Omar Abdullah termed the harassment of Kashmiri traders and students unacceptable. “I raised this issue at the north zone Chief Ministers’ conference and appealed to all CMs and the Union Home Minister to help stop such incidents. I thank the Uttarakhand CM for taking prompt action,” he said.

After the assault on 17-year-old Kashmiri shawl seller Mohammad Tabish and his elder brother Mohammad Danish in Uttarakhand last week, attacks on Kashmiri shawl sellers have occurred in Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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Supreme Court pulls up UP for not filing FIRs in Noida hate speech assault case

04.02.26

The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed displeasure with the Uttar Pradesh government for failing to register FIRs in connection with an alleged

hate speech and assault on a Muslim man in Noida five years ago.

The apex court granted the state two weeks to take steps to register cases under IPC Sections 153B (imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration) and 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs). Both offences carry a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment.

The petitioner, Kazeem Ahmad Sherwani, alleged that in 2021 he was abused on religious grounds and his beard was pulled by the accused. Although he lodged a complaint with the Noida police, only minor assault-related offences were registered and the police failed to invoke Sections 153B and 295A. These provisions also require

prior government sanction for prosecution.

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the petitioner, on Tuesday submitted that the Uttar Pradesh police had failed to invoke the applicable penal provisions and sought directions from the court for compliance with the mandate of law.

A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta initially questioned how the incident could be termed “religious” merely because the petitioner’s beard was pulled. Responding to this, Ahmadi argued that this was not an isolated case, but there was a general pattern in the state where persons of one community sought to be targeted. However, the bench refused to be drawn into a discussion on the general issue since the court had recently reserved its verdict on a separate batch of petitions seeking action against those resorting to vigilante justice and hate crimes.

“We are not giving it that colour (communal). There is one incident before us, no empirical evidence,” the bench said.

The bench, however, questioned additional solicitor-general K.M. Nataraj, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, on why FIRs under the relevant IPC provisions had not been registered.

The court pointed out that while the grant of sanction for prosecution was within the government’s domain, the state was nonetheless obligated to register FIRs and conduct an investigation.

Nataraj informed the court that disciplinary action had been initiated against the erring police personnel and argued that the petitioner had the alternative remedy of approaching the jurisdictional magistrate.

Rejecting this submission, the bench observed: “Initiating an inquiry is not an answer. Tell us what you have done after the issuance of the notice? Unless you register a case and investigate and seek a sanction, how will prosecution proceed?” The court added that the state must either add the relevant sections to the FIR or face appropriate directions from the court.

The Supreme Court granted the Uttar Pradesh government two weeks to clarify its stand and listed the matter for further hearing on February 16.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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Shia Ismailis in Mumbai to celebrate first ascension anniv of Aga Khan V

Feb 3, 2026

Mumbai: The Shia Ismaili Muslims in the city will celebrate the first anniversary of the ascension of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V as the 50th hereditary Imam or spiritual head of the worldwide Shia Imami Ismailis or Shia Ismailis. Prince Rahim succeeded his father Prince Karim Aga Khan IV after he passed away on February 4, 2025.

"The community is gearing up to spend the day in reflection, prayers, shared meals and acts of kindness," said Sophia Premjee, member, His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for India. "Rooted in service, pluralism and compassion, the Imamat fosters partnerships that uphold human dignity, ethical governance and sustainable development," she added.

Though this is the day that Aga Khan IV died at 88, the community is not mourning it as they believe in continuity of the Imamat or the spiritual leadership. The hereditary Imam is a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad and is not just a spiritual head, but also a guide to the community in worldly matters.

Prince Rahim worked closely with his late father for over three decades, serving on the boards of many agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). He has also given attention to AKDN's work in poverty alleviation and supporting improvement of the marginalised people's livelihood.

Mumbai has special importance for the Ismaili Imamat. After the 46th Imam, Hassan Ali Shah, married the then Shah of Iran, Fateh-Ali Shah Qajar's daughter, in 1817, the Shah of Iran bestowed the title Aga Khan (commanding chief) on him. He became the Aga Khan I.

Aga Khan I emigrated to India and settled in Mumbai in 1848. The Ismaili Imamat remained headquartered in Mumbai until Sir Sultan Mohammad Shah, the Aga Khan III, moved it to Europe in the early 20th century. It is currently headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal.

Source: indiatimes.com

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EC plotting with BJP to delete 1 crore Muslim, PDA votes in UP SIR, will move court: Akhilesh Yadav

Lalmani Verma

Feb 4, 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission is conniving with the BJP to delete the names of nearly 1 crore Muslim and PDA (Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) voters during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Uttar Pradesh, and that they will knock the doors of the court on the issue.

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Yadav said, “Voting is the biggest right in a democracy, and there should not be any fraud with it. But the EC along with the BJP has made a plan to delete the names of the PDA voters from the electoral roll through Form-7 (filled to delete names from the existing electoral roll) in the state.”

Claiming that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was facing the same situation in her state, the former chief minister said, “Some people are saying that an IAS officer posted in the chief minister’s office is exerting pressure on the divisional commissioners and the district magistrates to remove the names of PDA voters from the list.”

He will reveal the name of the officer later, he added.

The BJP, he claimed, was doing this in the Assembly constituencies where it lost in the 2022 Assembly elections. Nearly 1,200 votes of Muslim community were deleted from just one polling station in his Lok Sabha constituency Kannauj, the SP chief alleged.

Yadav demanded that all the forms 7 filed so far during the SIR should be rejected and a judicial inquiry should be initiated to probe the signatures on the ones already submitted.

Terming it a “do-or-die situation”, Yadav said the voters should understand that having their names in the electoral rolls is the evidence of citizenship.

“The names of Muslim and PDA voters from the polling booths across the state where the BJP is not winning are being removed in a targeted manner,” Yadav said.

On his party’s future course of action on the issue, he said, “The fight Mamata Banerjee ji is fighting in Bengal, she is also facing the same situation. We will also move the court. We will take every step.”

Responding to Yadav’s allegations, Union Minister and BJP state president Pankaj Chaudhary said, “Akhilesh Yadav had expressed happiness when reports came that nearly 2.88 crore names were deleted (from the draft electoral roll), saying around 75,000 votes of BJP were deleted from all every Assembly constituency. This is not an exercise undertaken by the BJP. This is being done by the Election Commission. He should complain to the EC if he has any issue.”

State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa said, “Recently, some news reports suggested that Form 7, which bears a signature, was not actually submitted by the person whose name is on it. Therefore, all district election officers and electoral registration officers have been instructed to ensure that whenever a Form 7 is received, they must verify it was submitted by the person whose signature it bears.”

Source: indianexpress.com

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Equality under Bhagwant Mann: AAP inaugurates Guru Ravidas, Muslim dharamshalas

Feb 3, 2026

Sending out a message of unity on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti, Cabinet Minister and AAP Punjab president Aman Arora on Tuesday inaugurated the Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Dharamshala and the Muslim Dharamshala in Sangrur. He stressed that the Bhagwant Mann government is committed to providing equal facilities to people of all religions and communities.

Sharing pictures from the inauguration ceremony, the Punjab unit of AAP said, "Cabinet Minister and AAP Punjab president Aman Arora inaugurated the Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Dharamshala, built at a cost of Rs 14.50 lakh, and the Muslim Dharamshala, constructed at a cost of Rs 7 lakh, in village Diyalgarh. Congratulating the villagers, he said the Mann government is committed to providing equal facilities to people of all religions and communities."

Last week, the Punjab government announced a decision of "historic significance" regarding the creation of the Sri Guru Ravidas Bani Adhayyan Centre near Dera Ballan in Jalandhar.

This step is aimed at expanding the global reach of Guru Ravidas’s teachings and ideology. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema confirmed that more than nine acres of land have been registered in the name of the Centre at a cost of Rs 10.50 crore.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, "The Punjab government stands totally committed to ensuring that the teachings and ideology of Guru Ravidas Ji reach every nook and corner of the globe." He also said, "We are fortunate to be partners in this noble cause. Our government is dedicated towards propagating the global message of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, which is centred on equality, compassion and social justice."

Cheema described the Adhayyan Centre as a guiding light for coming generations. "The motive behind this measure is to make the young generation aware of the glorious history and to take a giant step forward towards erasing social and economic gaps," he said. The main objective is to conduct research, preserve and disseminate the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji through seminars, publications, and community-based programmes.

To mark the Parkash Purb of Guru Ravidas, Cheema, along with cabinet colleague Lal Chand Kataruchak, flagged off a special train carrying devotees to Varanasi from Jalandhar railway station. After seeking blessings from Sant Niranjan Dass of Dera Ballan, Cheema said, "The Punjab government will observe the 649th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas on a grand scale with devotion and reverence."

Cheema announced that events will start on February 4 with the beginning of Sri Akhand Path Sahib at Khuralgarh Sahib and will conclude in February next year, which will mark the 650th anniversary. The celebrations will include multiple events over the span of the year.

In November 2026, gatherings such as 'Katha Kirtan Darbar' and 'Begampura' will be held at Khuralgarh Sahib, welcoming participation from religious figures and other personalities.

Cheema outlined that events related to the life, education, and travels of Guru Ravidas will take place in villages across Punjab.

He also said seminars, workshops, special kirtan events, pilgrimages, school-level competitions, documentary shows, drone shows, commemorative coins, blood donation camps, plantation campaigns, marathons, shobha yatras, and psychedelic rallies have been planned with the advice of saints, dignitaries and experts.

Monthly activities have been scheduled as part of the year-long celebrations.

During this period, four 'Shobha Yatras' will be organised from Varanasi-Khuralgarh Sahib, Faridkot-Khuralgarh Sahib, Bathinda-Khuralgarh Sahib and Jammu-Khuralgarh Sahib. Additionally, a special logo will be prepared for these events and a coin dedicated to Guru Ravidas will be released.

Source: indiatoday.in

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Mideast

 

Israeli forces kill 24-year-old Palestinian in Jericho

February 04, 2026

LONDON: Israeli forces shot and killed a 24-year-old Palestinian on Tuesday evening during a raid in the city of Jericho, east of the occupied West Bank.

The Ministry of Health said Saeed Al-Sheikh was killed by Israeli gunfire, and three other Palestinians sustained injuries of varying severity.

Earlier in the day, also in Jericho, three Palestinians were injured when Israeli forces opened fire with live ammunition during an incursion into the city. Two others were beaten during the operation and a woman was hit by an Israeli military vehicle, the Palestinian Wafa news agency reported.

Source: arabnews.com

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Iran president confirms talks with US

February 03, 2026

PARIS: Iran’s president confirmed on Tuesday that he had ordered the start of talks with the US following requests “from friendly governments.”

There has been no official confirmation from Iran on where the talks would be held, but an Arab official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP a meeting was likely to take place in Turkiye on Friday, following diplomatic interventions by Ankara, as well as Egypt, Oman and Qatar.

US President Donald Trump  has spoken of potential military action and sent an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East following anti-government protests in Iran that were met with a deadly crackdown last month.

Trump has maintained he is hopeful that Washington will “work something out” with Tehran, but also warned that “bad things would happen” if a deal was not agreed.

Tehran has insisted it wants diplomacy, while promising a decisive response to any aggression.

“I have instructed my Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided that a suitable environment exists — one free from threats and unreasonable expectations — to pursue fair and equitable negotiations,” President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote in a post on X.

He added that the talks followed requests “from friendly governments.”

On Tuesday, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said diplomacy with Iran was “continuing very intensively,” in “tandem with all our neighbors.”

Earlier, a senior official from the UAE said Iran needed to reach a deal and “rebuild their relationship with the  US.”

“I would like to see direct Iranian-American negotiations leading to understandings so that we don’t have these issues every other day,” said presidential adviser Anwar Gargash.

Iran has repeatedly stressed that any talks should remain focused solely on the nuclear issue, rejecting the possibility of negotiations over its missile program or defense capabilities.

In an interview with CNN broadcast on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had lost trust in Washington as a negotiating partner but a deal on the nuclear issue remained achievable.

“So I see the possibility of another talk if the US negotiation team follows what President Trump said: to come to a fair and equitable deal to ensure that there is no nuclear weapons,” he said.

Since his return to office in January last year, Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” policy of sanctions against Iran, piling additional pain on a floundering economy.

Protests against the rising cost of living broke out in Tehran in December before evolving into wider nationwide anti-government demonstrations that triggered a deadly crackdown by the authorities.

Iranian officials have acknowledged more than 3,000 deaths during the unrest, but insist that most were members of the security forces and innocent bystanders, attributing the violence to “terrorist acts.”

The Human Rights Activists News Agency, a US-based NGO, says it has confirmed 6,854 deaths, mostly protesters killed by security forces, with other rights groups warning the figure is likely far higher.

On Tuesday, the NGO said it had counted at least 50,235 arrests linked to the protests, with further detentions ongoing.

Meanwhile, local media reported that the authorities had detained 139 foreign nationals in central parts of the country during the protests.

Source: arabnews.com

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Palestinian ministry says Israeli forces kill man in West Bank

February 03, 2026

JERICHO, Palestinian Territories: Palestinian health officials said Tuesday that Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian man and wounded three others in the occupied West Bank city of Jericho.

“The young man Saeed Nael Saeed Al-Sheikh, 24, was martyred by occupation gunfire in Jericho, and three others were injured to varying degrees,” the Ramallah-based health ministry said.

The man’s death was confirmed to AFP by Riad Eid, director of the Jericho Governmental Hospital.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.

Violence has surged across the West Bank since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023 after an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel.

At least 1,033 Palestinians, including militants, have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the war started, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

During the same period, 45 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in Palestinian attacks in the territory, according to official Israeli figures.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967.

Source: arabnews.com

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Qatari emir visits LNG exhibition in Doha

February 03, 2026

LONDON: Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani patronized the launch of the 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas at the Qatar National Convention Center in Doha this week.

LNG2026 runs until Feb. 5 and features more than 300 companies from the global LNG value chain, including production, processing, liquefaction, storage, transport, distribution and end-use applications.

It hosts a large 800 sq. meter QatarEnergy pavilion showcasing Qatar’s significant role in the LNG industry and its status as one of the world’s leading producers and exporters. Sheikh Tamim visited the exhibition pavilions, discussing innovations and technologies in the energy sector with senior officials from international companies, according to Qatar News Agency.

Digital technology plays a crucial role in the exhibition, highlighting companies that use AI, big data analytics and intelligent systems to improve LNG operations, QNA reported.

Source: arabnews.com

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Denmark supports Palestinian refugees’ UN agency with over $16m

February 03, 2026

LONDON: Denmark announced on Tuesday the disbursement of all planned funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, amounting to over €14 million ($16.54 million) for 2026.

“UNRWA is an indispensable lifeline for Palestinians in Gaza & the region,” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen wrote on X.

He added: “Continued support is essential especially with UNRWA under intense pressure. Urge more to follow.”

In 2023, Denmark and UNRWA signed a five-year support agreement totaling $75.2 million between 2023 and 2027, with an annual contribution of around $15.2 million (DKK 105 million).

The funding comes after Israeli authorities recently demolished UNRWA’s headquarters in Jerusalem and stormed its premises in the occupied West Bank on several occasions. Britain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, and Spain condemned the demolition.

Israeli forces bombed and destroyed several UNRWA buildings in the Gaza Strip, accusing the agency of employing Hamas members involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. UNRWA stated that Israel has not provided evidence for its accusations, which have endangered UNRWA staff and harmed the organization’s reputation.

The Danish contribution will support UNRWA’s essential services for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The agency employs 12,000 people in the Palestinian territories, and its health care, education, and social protection services are vital to Palestinians.

Source: arabnews.com

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Syria’s Interior Ministry foils drug smuggling attempt into Jordan

February 03, 2026

LONDON: Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the arrest of multiple drug traffickers and the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics intended for smuggling into Jordan.

Anti-narcotics units targeted a network involved in drug trafficking and cross-border smuggling in the southern region of the country. They seized approximately 2.05 million Captagon pills and 605 packages of hashish, weighing an estimated 151 kilograms, according to the ministry.

Authorities confiscated equipment used in smuggling operations, including helium gas cylinders, balloons, plastic mortar shells, a launcher, a drone, and communication devices, according to the statement.

The anti-narcotics unit will continue operations to combat drug trafficking and dismantle smuggling networks to protect public safety and youth, they added.

Last week, authorities seized a large shipment of liquid cocaine at Lattakia on the Mediterranean Sea, intended for distribution in the region.

The Ministry of Interior announced that the cocaine shipment originated from Brazil and that it was hidden inside vegetable oil containers.

Source: arabnews.com

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Arab World

 

Saudi Cabinet welcomes ceasefire between Syrian government and SDF, condemns Gaza ceasefire violations

February 03, 2026

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday welcomed a ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces, reiterated the Kingdom’s support for resolving regional and international disputes through dialogue, and condemned Israeli violations of the Gaza ceasefire.

The Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, said breaches in the Palestinian territory undermined efforts to stabilize the truce and advance the second phase of the peace plan, stressing the need for a just and lasting settlement that enabled Palestinians to establish an independent state.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said that ministers welcomed cooperation between the Syrian government and the SDF, supported by Saudi Arabia and the US, which led to a ceasefire agreement aimed at promoting peace, stability and national unity in Syria.

The Cabinet reviewed outcomes from several major international events hosted by the Kingdom, including the second Ministerial Council meeting of the Green Middle East Initiative, which expanded membership to 35 countries and reaffirmed commitments to plant more than 22 billion trees and rehabilitate 92 million hectares of land, SPA added.

Ministers also praised the International Conference on Building Capabilities in Data and AI in Riyadh, which saw the launch of multiple initiatives and the signing of 27 agreements to strengthen academic partnerships and advance the Kingdom’s national artificial intelligence strategy.

They commended the fifth Future Real Estate Forum, which resulted in 80 agreements and memoranda of understanding, as well as the Saudi Media Forum, highlighting Riyadh’s growing role as a global hub for innovation, digital transformation and content creation.

The Cabinet reviewed progress across government sectors, welcoming the launch of the National Privatization Strategy as a key step toward diversifying the economy, strengthening private-sector participation and improving infrastructure and public services. It also noted new development projects in the industrial cities of Makkah and Jeddah aimed at boosting local manufacturing and economic growth.

Among a series of decisions, the Cabinet approved cooperation agreements and MoUs with Cyprus, Finland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, South Korea and Mexico, alongside partnerships with Harvard University and the League of Arab States.

Ministers also approved Saudi Arabia’s National Policy for the Arabic Language, endorsed the Equestrian Authority’s membership in the International Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders, and adopted Gulf Cooperation Council framework legislation on combating narcotics and responding to hazardous materials incidents.

The Cabinet further approved the state’s final accounts for the previous fiscal year, renewed and appointed members to the General Authority for Real Estate board, and authorized several senior promotions across government departments, including ambassadorial and minister plenipotentiary roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi crown prince holds telephone call with Russian president

February 03, 2026

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, the two leaders reviewed Saudi-Russian relations. They also discussed existing areas of cooperation between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, SPA added.

Regional and international developments and a number of issues of common interest were also discussed.

Source: arabnews.com

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Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

February 03, 2026

RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.

The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.

Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.

Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.

“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.

“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.

“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”

Source: arabnews.com

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New Saudi ambassador to UK presents credentials to Britain’s King Charles III

February 03, 2026

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s new ambassador to the UK Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz presented his credentials to Britain’s King Charles III at St. James’s Palace in London on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the ambassador conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the British government and people.

King Charles III reciprocated by conveying his greetings and appreciation to the Saudi leadership, wishing the Kingdom and its people further progress and development.

The ambassador’s predecessor, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, returned to the Kingdom last year after being appointed as an advisor at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in March 2025.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi-Turkiye forum signals deepening of strategic partnership

Hebshi Alshammari

February 03, 2026

RIYADH: The Saudi-Turkiye Investment Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday reflected an unprecedented level of political and economic alignment between the countries, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said, and demonstrated the determination of both leaderships to expand their partnership to new strategic horizons.

Speaking at the event, he said the scale of the Turkish participation, including a delegation of more than 200 businesses, underscored the central role of economic cooperation in the growing strategic partnership between the nations.

“Turkish direct investments in the Kingdom have surpassed the $2 billion mark, while total bilateral trade has reached approximately $8 billion, recording a notable growth of 14 percent within just one year,” Al-Falih said.

By the end of last year, the Kingdom had issued 1,473 investment registrations for Turkish companies active in the Saudi market, he added, stressing that these indicators reflect the strength of economic relations and their accelerating growth.

The Kingdom, as the region’s largest economy, and Turkiye, as a leading hub for manufacturing and exports, have complementary economies, which creates diverse investment opportunities, Al-Falih noted.

“We are no longer merely in a phase of dialogue and exploration; we are now decisively transitioning into the phase of actual implementation,” Al-Falih said.

“Thanks to our clear and stable investment environment, we have a clear pathway ahead to transform these ambitions into successful and tangible investment partnerships with our Turkish counterparts.”

Omer Bolat, the Turkish trade minister, said the joint investment forum represented a “historic moment” in the trajectory of bilateral relations, and reflected the depth of the strategic partnership and strong ties that bind the countries.

The volume of trade between Turkiye and Saudi Arabia is steadily growing, he continued, and his country aims to achieve a total value of $10 billion in the medium term, amid the expansion of economic partnerships and opportunities for investment cooperation.

“We aspire to become the largest economic partners in the region,” Bolat added while emphasizing that the growth trajectory of the Turkish economy continues and it remains an attractive environment for investment.

“We see the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with Saudi Arabia at the forefront, as an essential partner and a strong center for close cooperation,” he said.

Bolat expressed high expectations for the forum and confidence that it would yield fruitful results and ambitious agreements that would help establish a strong economic alliance between the two countries.

He predicted that deals signed during the event would translate into significant joint projects, particularly in priority sectors such as energy, manufacturing and defense, that can help enhance regional economic integration and drive shared growth. The current political and economic momentum represents an exceptional opportunity to turn this vision into a tangible reality that benefits the economies and peoples of both countries, he added.

Cuneyt Saricimen, advisor on Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of Turkiye, said the Turkish economy represents “an exceptional success story” — gross domestic product has quintupled to $1.3 trillion over the past two decades, and the country has achieved accelerated and stable growth amid a volatile global environment.

He told Arab News that Turkiye offers investors not only a vibrant domestic market of more than 86 million consumers, it also serves as a strategic launchpad to a broader network of more than 1 billion consumers through its preferential trade agreements and customs union with the EU.

Turkiye’s unique geographical location at the intersection of Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia constitutes a “major competitive advantage,” Saricimen said, enabling companies with production facilities in Turkiye to access markets worth $32 trillion within just four hours of flight time, supported by a sophisticated global aviation network.

He also highlighted Turkiye’s continuous investment in human capital, noting that half of the population is under the age of 34 and benefits from an advanced educational system that is aligned with the needs of modern industries and future technology sectors.

Saricimen said the Turkish government has worked to strengthen the business environment through a comprehensive package of investment incentives, including a competitive 20 percent corporate tax rate, generous support for research and development, and a legal framework that protects investors through 89 bilateral investment treaties.

Investment opportunities in Turkiye are diverse and dynamic, he added, and the country holds advanced global positions in renewable energy, unmanned aerial vehicles, manufacturing, agriculture, and smart infrastructure.

The Turkish presidency’s investment office acts as a “solution partner” for Saudi investors by providing comprehensive support, Saricimen said, from planning and administrative facilitation to partnership development and ongoing post-commencement assistance, to help turn opportunities into successful and tangible partnerships.

Tuesday’s forum featured presentations on investment opportunities in both countries, and panel discussions related to the enhancement of bilateral relations in various sectors.

It also provided a place for representatives of the private sectors in the two countries to meet and explore cooperation, partnership and investment opportunities.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2631634/saudi-arabia\

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Saudi crown prince receives written message from Senegal president

February 03, 2026

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a written message from Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye concerning relations between their countries on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The message was received by Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khereiji during a meeting with Senegal’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Birame Mbagnick Diagne, in Riyadh.

During the meeting, Saudi-Senegalese relations and ways to enhance them in various fields were discussed. Issues of common interest were also reviewed.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2631619/saudi-arabia

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KSrelief chief meets Polish twins separated 21 years ago

February 03, 2026

RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, recently met in Riyadh with Polish former conjoined twins Olga and Daria, who underwent a separation surgery 21 years ago at King Abdulaziz Medical City of the National Guard under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program.

During the meeting, Al-Rabeeah said the program’s high international standing would not have been possible without the unwavering support of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He noted that over 35 years, the program has performed 67 separation surgeries and provided care for 155 conjoined twins from 28 countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Rabeeah added that the program has become a destination for patients from within the Kingdom and abroad, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian values that transcend continents, borders, and races.

He emphasized that the Kingdom has become a global benchmark in humanitarian work, consistently ranking highly in international humanitarian indices.

The Polish twins expressed their profound gratitude to Saudi Arabia and the medical team led by Al-Rabeeah, affirming that the surgery was a turning point in their lives, enabling them to live independently and lead normal lives.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2631608/saudi-arabia

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Europe

 

New Islamic faith centre taking shape at chapel in this city

Richard Youle

03 Feb 2026

Listed building consent to create a youth activity centre, part-time education centre and a place of worship for the teaching of the Islamic faith has been approved by councillors in Swansea.

The development has been taking shape at Bethel Chapel, Tycoch, and concerns about unauthorised work were reported to the council in 2024. Council officers visited the grade two-listed building and found pews and entrance gates and had been removed and excavation work carried out at the rear.

A report before the council’s planning committee said this unauthorised work was stopped and the owners told to hold onto the removed pews and apply to the authority for listed building consent. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here

Committee members heard more about the Carnglas Road project at a meeting on February 3 and the 118 objections to it, some of which related to an earlier version of the application before them.

The report said: "Complaints in regard to the fact that work has already been undertaken on site is noted, however planning regulations allow for retrospective applications following unauthorised work."

Planning officers stressed the application was seeking listed building consent to retain and complete internal alterations rather than a change of use, and that things like road safety and parking weren’t material considerations for the committee.

“We are only considering (if) the proposed internal changes are acceptable to the fabric and appearance of the listed building,” said a planning officer. Some of the removed pews will be reinstated on the ground floor and new first floor of the building, he said, and the organ and pulpit will be retained.

Neil Watkins, speaking on behalf of residents and relatives of people buried in the chapel graveyard, said the applicants had shown "scant regard" for the building’s special character and were in his view neither "responsible nor considerate developers".

Mr Watkins questioned aspects of the heritage impact assessment submitted on behalf of the applicants including that the repurposed building would not lead to unacceptable parking or traffic problems.

He said local people challenged this and wondered why council highways officers hadn’t been consulted. "To sum up, this application would would certainly harm the special character of the chapel and cemetery, which are inextricably linked," said Mr Watkins.

Phillip Johnson, of Architectural Design Services (Swansea) Ltd, wrote the heritage impact assessment and said he had been working closely with council officers and that the application comprising 82 documents was "thorough and concise".

Ward councillor Mike Day addressed the committee and said the application had “attracted a great deal of tension” and that the building "clearly has a special place in people’s hearts". He requested a site visit before any decision was made.

Committee members narrowly vote against a site visit proposal and, after discussing the application and asking officers questions about things like how the work would be monitored, went on to vote in favour of the application by nine votes to one.

"If the application was rejected we have to consider what would happen to the building then," said Cllr Peter Black, who said he’d been the chapel many times in the past.

Cllr Mary Jones said she’d played in the graveyard as a child. "It’s very, very sad that we are losing these chapels but people are not going to use them," she said. The application would retain the building as a place of worship, she said, rather than it becoming flats for example.

The chapel is said to date from around 1870, replacing an earlier one from 1770, and was listed by Welsh heritage body Cadw in 1993. It has an open plan hall and modern kitchen extension.

Applicant Alaa Tahir, who wasn't at the meeting, must comply with several planning conditions, including providing details of the pews to be replaced and a requirement to relocate a boiler that has been installed behind the organ.

Source: walesonline.co.uk

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https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/new-islamic-faith-centre-taking-33358155

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Man arrested after arson attack on Iran-funded Islamic centre in Maida Vale

Megan Howe

04 Feb 2026

A man has been arrested following a suspected arson attack on an Islamic centre in Maida Vale.

Officers were called to the Islamic Centre of England just after midnight on Tuesday alongside London Fire Brigade following reports of a fire.

Police believe two flammable objects were thrown into the ground which caused fire damage to a cabin and a parked vehicle. The suspect fled left the scene in a car.

The centre itself was not damaged and the fires went out by themselves before first responders arrived, police said.

Nobody was injured in the fire, the force added.

An investigation was launched and shortly after midday officers arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The man was taken into custody, where he remains.

Enquiries into the suspected arson attack are ongoing.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “The Islamic Centre has previously been the site of protest and altercations between groups who support and are opposed to the regime in Iran.

“Tensions between those groups were already heightened given events in Iran in recent weeks, and we understand that this incident will be the cause of further community concern.

“We would urge everyone to remain calm, to allow officers to do their job through the investigation, and to avoid any sort of escalation.”

Anybody who witnessed the incident – or who has information – is urged to call 101, quoting crime reference 0069/03FEB

Source: standard.co.uk

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https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/man-arrested-arson-attack-iranfunded-islamic-centre-maida-vale-b1269465.html

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Putin ‘kept his word’ on Ukraine ceasefire – Trump

4 Feb, 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin kept his promise on a weeklong pause in strikes on Kiev and other major Ukrainian cities amid a winter power crisis, US President Donald Trump has said.

Last week, amid reports that Moscow and Kiev had reached an ‘energy ceasefire’, Trump announced that he personally asked Putin to agree to a partial pause in strikes “because of the extreme cold.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later confirmed the truce, adding that a weeklong moratorium would last until February 1 and was aimed at “creating favorable conditions for negotiations,” referring to US-brokered Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said the pause had run “Sunday to Sunday.” “And he hit [them] hard last night. No, he kept his word on that,” Trump added. “It’s a lot… We’ll take anything, because it’s really, really cold over there.”

Asked whether he was disappointed Putin did not extend the ceasefire, Trump said he wanted him to “end the war.”

Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky confirmed on Monday that Russia had not launched targeted missile or drone strikes on major energy infrastructure since the pause began, though he claimed that shelling continued in frontline areas. On February 3, Zelensky accused Russia of violating the truce with overnight strikes, despite Moscow saying the moratorium had already expired.

Ukraine’s power grid system has been under severe strain amid repeated Russian missile and drone strikes, with recurring rolling blackouts and temperatures dropping below -10 C in many regions.

Moscow has said it has been targeting energy infrastructure supporting Ukraine’s defense industry in response to Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russia, including strikes on critical infrastructure and civilian areas. Moscow maintains it never targets civilians.

Source: rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/news/631942-putin-kept-word-ukraine-ceasefire/

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NATO nations to deploy troops in Ukraine after peace deal – secretary-general

3 Feb, 2026

The NATO nations will deploy troops to Ukraine once the conflict with Russia ends, Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said.

Moscow has maintained that sending in Western military units would only escalate the conflict, and could lead to a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO. However, Kiev’s European backers have continuously lobbied to send in soldiers as a means of guaranteeing Ukraine’s security.

“Some European allies have announced that they will deploy troops to Ukraine after a deal is reached,” the NATO Secretary-General said in a speech to the Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday. “Troops on the ground, jets in the air, ships on the Black Sea. The United States will be the backstop.”

In the meantime, the US-led military bloc is “assisting, equipping and training the Ukrainian Armed Forces” and sending “billions of dollars’ worth of critical US military hardware” to Ukraine, Rutte said.

Russia has long warned that it would treat any NATO soldiers sent to Ukraine as legitimate targets for strikes.

“The deployment of Western military units, facilities, warehouses, and other infrastructure in Ukraine is unacceptable to us and will be considered a foreign intervention that poses a direct threat to Russia’s security,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists on Monday.

Moscow has long seen the conflict as a NATO proxy war against Russia, carried out using Western materiel and Ukrainian manpower.

Ukraine’s ambition to join the US-led military bloc, as well as NATO’s expansion towards Russia’s borders are among the fundamental causes of the current conflict, according to Moscow.

One of Russia’s key peace demands is that Ukraine embrace neutrality and give up its NATO membership ambitions, a goal that Moscow says it is ready to continue pursuing militarily in the event that Kiev refuses to compromise.

Source: rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/russia/631932-nato-nations-troops-ukraine-rutte/

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Harefield Community Centre to become Islamic studies centre

04 Feb 2026

An abandoned Southampton community centre is being reopened as an education centre for Arabic languages and Islamic studies.

Harefield Community Centre has stood derelict for over a decade, even after Southampton City Council transferred it to West Itchen Community Trust (WICT) for a token £1 in 2020.

This was part of a community asset transfer programme, letting community organisations to public buildings.

However, the council failed to include a buy-back clause in the sale contract, which would allow them to buy it back for the same token price.

Now, Conservative councillors for Harefield say that WICT has completed a sale in recent weeks, selling the property to Bajar Property for its market value of £300,000.

It is understood WICT is permitted to sell the site provided the proceeds are reinvested in other facilities.

Bajar Property has then given it to MAUR, they said, an Islamic education charity who offer free courses, in exchange for a face-value loan, which the charity is currently fundraising for.

Cllr Rob Harwood said: “I understand the resentment and anger in the local community that they have lost a community centre, but it shouldn’t be aimed at the people who bought it fairly, but the council.

“They bought it in good faith, we need to concentrate on how this situation arose.

“I am going to call for an independent investigation to look into all the matters involved in this.”

Cllr Harwood said that WICT did contact the council about buying it back off them, but the council did not respond for a year, at which point it was too late.

Cllr Peter Baillie said: “Councillors want some kind of dialogue, to find out what the charity’s plans are for the centre.

Councillor Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Growth and Skills at Southampton City Council, said: “Should the current owners of Harefield Community Centre wish to change the use of this site, they will need to submit a planning application to Southampton City Council.

“All planning applications are available on the council website, giving residents the opportunity to explore any plans in full and leave their comments.”

MAUR were reached out to for comment.

The new owners will need to change the planning permission if they want to make the centre faith-selective, as under its current permission, it must stay open to the whole community.

Source: dailyecho.co.uk

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https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25818538.harefield-community-centre-become-islamic-studies-centre/

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Greek Migrant Minister announces crackdown on illegal mosques in Athens

04 / 02 / 2026

Greece’s Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Thanos Plevris, has announced a nationwide “sweep” to identify and shut down all illegal mosques in the Municipality of Athens, alongside the deportation of foreign nationals operating them.

Speaking to a parliamentary committee on Public Administration during discussions on a legal immigration bill, Plevris said the measures would follow a recent case in Agios Nikolaos, where the residence permit of a Bangladeshi national was revoked for illegally running a place of worship.

“What happened in Agios Nikolaos will happen everywhere,” Plevris said.

“All illegal places of worship will be shut down, with the parallel revocation of the legal documents of those who operate them. In cooperation with the relevant ministries, illegal mosques will be sealed and those involved will be deported.”

He stressed that “those who do not comply with Greek law will be automatically deported.”

Source: greekherald.com.au

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https://greekherald.com.au/news/greece/plevris-announces-crackdown-on-illegal-mosques-and-deportations-in-athe/

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Watford mosque plan for church being decided tonight

3rd February

A decision is due this evening (February 3) on plans to turn a Watford church into a mosque.

The borough council's development management committee will meet to vote on a proposal that would see the vacant St Thomas' United Reformed Church site turned into a Muslim place of worship.

Ahead of the meeting, planning officers have recommended approval, although the final decision is in the hands of committee members.

The report said: “The proposal will provide significant benefits in respect of the reuse of the existing building and occupation as a place of worship with community facilities and no adverse harm is identified that would warrant refusal of the application.

“The development accords with the development plan overall.”

Plans include an extension and extensive refurbishment of the building, with a nursery, café, and community spaces to be provided alongside the religious use.

When the church shut in 2015, it was deemed “not fit for purpose” due to “serious structural defects”.

During the consultation phase, the application received 82 support comments and 42 objections.

St Thomas is one of two former Watford churches which are being eyed for conversion into mosques.

The plan for the other, Leavesden Road Baptist Church, was refused a week ago after officers found it would “cause substantial harm to the significance of the listed building”.

The applicant has subsequently indicated to the Watford Observer that a revised application is likely to be submitted.

Source: watfordobserver.co.uk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/25819707.watford-mosque-plan-church-decided-tonight/

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North America

 

‘As an American Muslim, I felt compelled’: PA Democrat slams antisemitic rally glorifying Hamas

February 3, 2026

A top Pennsylvania Democrat unloaded on antisemitic protesters who flooded Philadelphia's iconic Rittenhouse Square over the weekend, saying that as an American Muslim he felt compelled to speak out.

A group calling themselves the Philly Palestine Coalition amassed in the leafy square, spreading slogans like "Abu Obeida Lives" — in reference to the deceased Hamas spokesman — and a speaker declared that "martyrdom is a commitment [and] a principle," while others called for "intifada," according to the Jewish News Service.

"I forcefully condemn the antisemitic rally that took place today in Rittenhouse Square," said state Sen. Sharif Street of North Philadelphia — the first elected Muslim in the chamber, who is also running to succeed the retiring Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Pa.

"As an American Muslim, I feel compelled to say that Hamas is a terrorist organization and should be condemned — not glorified," Street said in a statement. "Anyone calling for violence in the streets of Philadelphia is not advancing peace. They're setting it back."

Street is notably the son of popular former Mayor John Street — who led the city through what he called a "neighborhood transformation" as technology and the job market evolved in the 2000s — and nephew of the late vendor-turned-activist T. Milton Street, who held the same State Senate seat in the 1980s.

Street’s comments mirror those of another prominent Pennsylvania Democrat, Gov. Josh Shapiro, who made headlines as a rare voice on the left speaking out against similar antisemitic behavior in 2025 at the University of Pennsylvania, just across the Schuylkill River from this weekend’s protest.

Street said in a statement that in light of Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg being "firebombed" and mass shootings at a Pittsburgh synagogue and AME church in Charleston, South Carolina, politicians must "unequivocally condemn antisemitism, racism and hate in all its forms."

"The small group protesting today may not wield much power in our city, but we have seen time and again the dangers of inciting violence," Street said.

He recounted that Dr. Martin Luther King said, "hate cannot drive out hate — only love can do that."

"During this time of increased violence, we must stand against the rising tide of extremism and do the hard work of building a peace where every person, Jewish and Muslim, Israeli and Palestinian, can live in safety."

In a previous interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Street offered more moderate views of the Israel-Gaza war than other Muslim lawmakers like U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., in the paper’s estimation.

"Guess what? Benjamin Netanyahu is not the only leader of a major country in the world that's committed war crimes, because Donald Trump has done the same thing. But none of us would talk about getting rid of the United States of America as a country," Street told a recent voters' event.

Meanwhile, another Democrat seeking Evans’ seat offered more pointed words to the paper:

"F--- AIPAC," said state Rep. Chris Rabb of the city’s Mount Airy neighborhood.

Pennsylvania State Rep. Martina White, R-Philadelphia — one of the city’s few Republicans in Harrisburg — echoed Street in a statement released on behalf of herself, Minority Leader Jesse Topper and GOP leadership.

"Instead of a peaceful protest, what happened in Rittenhouse Square over the weekend was overt hate heading toward acts of terrorism against our Jewish neighbors," their statement said.

"For a group to hang effigies of Israeli soldiers and call for martyrdom-style attacks is completely unacceptable and goes well beyond a civil protest. This is a clear call for terroristic attacks on people, including women and children. It cannot be tolerated."

The Philly Palestine Coalition could not be immediately reached for comment.

Source: foxnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/as-american-muslim-i-felt-compelled-pa-democrat-slams-antisemitic-rally-glorifying-hamas

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A Bad Idea Whose Time Should Never Come: A U.S. War on Iran

February 4, 2026

The U.S. and Israeli regime-change op in Iran flopped in January, to the shock of Washington and Jerusalem. Tehran was reportedly on the brink of executing over 800 traitors – CIA and Mossad spooks presumably – when Donald Trump claims to have stepped in and menaced the Iranians into ditching these plans. But, per Lawrence Wilkerson on Judging Freedom, Iran’s back is up against the wall. The Iranians know full well what the Western Empire just tried to do to them, and they also know that, under Trump, that Empire will try to do it again and again and again.

So this time it’s different. It’s worse. And one casualty, as Israeli prime minister Bibi Netanyahu knows quite well, could be his country, because Iran has enough ballistic missile firepower to obliterate the postage-stamp-sized acreage of Israel. Perhaps with this in mind, Netanyahu recently indicated that maybe this assault on Iran wasn’t such a great idea. In short, he blinked. But bad things have a way of snowballing, and with an American armada pugnaciously steaming toward the Persian nation, this time the lousy momentum could be unstoppable.

What that means is lotsa U.S. navy ships get holes shot into them, multitudes of ordinary Iranians die, numerous U.S. soldiers in the Persian Gulf die, Israel gets wiped out and Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, tanking the West’s economy – and don’t think for a minute that that closure will stop Persian oil from flowing to China. It won’t. The closure will be selective. The current Iranian regime may not survive, but in all likelihood the country will: it will not be balkanized per the fever dreams of its Israeli adversaries. And it’s also likely that any replacement regime will still champion the Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese who resist Israeli domination.

‘“This isn’t about the nukes or the missile program. This is about regime change,’ said a former U.S. official,” Drop Site news reported January 30. “He told Drop Site that U.S. war planners envision attacks that target nuclear, ballistic and other military sites around Iran, but will also aim to decapitate the Iranian government and in particular…the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.” Apparently the IRGC and the military now rule Iran, as Ayatollah Khamenei delegated all power to them before, quite sensibly, taking to his bunker.

Israel, though insufficiently alarmed at what is likely in store for it, nonetheless wants Iranian ballistic missiles destroyed. Tehran will never agree to that. Its ballistic missiles are existential, all the more so because of the religious fatwa against developing a nuclear weapon. However, if a new regime takes control and the ayatollah gets the boot – what’s to stop a NEW ruler in Tehran from saying, “Well yes, it’s obvious. Like North Korean, Russia and China, we need nukes”?

Attempts at backchannel talks, per Drop Site, include “a trilateral meeting involving Iranian, American and Turkish leaders, aimed at forestalling an expected attack.” On January 27, Saudi Arabia, in a stupendous display of backbone, “ruled out the use of its air space for a potential U.S. attack on Iran.” Presumably Saudi ruler Mohammed Bin Salman wants to avoid volcanic Iranian bombing and incineration of Saudi oil fields. The day before, the United Arab Emirates announced a similar prohibition, including its territorial waters. “The scope of the war will certainly extend across the entire region,” Drop Site quoted Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia on January 29, speaking about an “American miscalculation,” to wit, any assault on Iran. “From the Zionist regime to countries that host American military bases, all will be within range of our missiles and drones.” The U.S. boasts between 30,000 and 40,000 troops with this big black bullseye painted on their backs.

Meanwhile, according to military expert Will Schryver on X January 30, the USS carrier Abraham Lincoln has “put considerably more distance between itself and Iranian anti-ship missiles.” No surprise there. U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are sitting ducks, especially when it comes to hypersonic missiles, which Iran has loads of. Bye the way, we don’t. We here in the U.S. have zero, zip, nada, zilch hypersonic missiles and, despite the Pentagon’ much-hyped efforts have failed to develop them. And while Tehran may lack the Kremlin’s super-duper Oreshniks, you may be sure, its defense allies Moscow and Beijing have supplied it with darn near the latest in every other sort of hypersonic missile technology; and of course, they’re no slouches in this realm either. The Persians have their own formidable hypersonic missiles.

According to Schryver: “Three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers accompany the carrier (96 Tomahawk total missiles). There are now 5 additional destroyers, 2 allegedly in the Persian Gulf (those guys are playing with fire) 2 in the eastern Mediterranean, 1 in the Red Sea. (160 total Tomahawk missiles). There is also assumed to be 1 Ohio-class missile submarine. (154 total Tomahawk missiles). There are also rumors that 1 Virginia-class attack submarine is in the region. (12 Tomahawk missiles)…I would still characterize this as a relatively modest array of naval power…On the other hand, U.S. air assets have been considerably augmented in recent days.” This bolsters Wilkerson’s and Col. Douglas Macgregor’s views aired on Judging Freedom that we are looking at a bombing campaign, as it’s virtually impossible for the Empire to muster enough troops for an invasion. Well, thank the Almighty for small favors, though the U.S.’s and its friends’ bombings are still infamously God-awful. Just look at the multiple Hiroshima-level detonations Israel inflicted on nearly defenseless Gaza, a territory it tried and is still trying to turn into a total graveyard.

Schryver also notes that the “U.S. has transferred pretty much all its available THAAD and Patriot systems to the region. They’re obviously trying to prepare as best they can for an Iranian counterstrike – although both THAAD and Patriot had abysmal success during the 12-Day War, and both the U.S. and Israel effectively exhausted their stockpiles of interceptors, which was the primary motivation for them begging Iran for a ceasefire.”

Iran was too nice. Many military experts think the Persian nation, which clearly had the upper hand at the end of the 12-Day War, should not have stopped bombing Israel. Indeed, this latest U.S./Israeli escalation proves their point. Israel begged Iran to stop bombing it, and Tehran’s compliance was taken as weakness, which in fact is standard operating procedure in the west. Any restraint, any forbearance or display of human decency is taken to be weakness and a green light for renewed aggression.

So the question of the hour, of course, is how will Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping react to a Trump war on Iran? Well, on January 29, it was announced that Iran, China and Russia will hold joint military exercises in the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean. Washington cannot feign shock. These three are allies, and Russia and China supplied loads of Air Defense to Iran, which – I repeat – will never give up its ballistic missiles. And again – when Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, you may be sure oil to China will still get through, while the west’s economy tanks.

But it’s tough not to be fatalistic about Putin and Xi putting the brakes on this trainwreck. Look at their non-votes in the UN security council last fall: they abstained from vetoing Trump’s atrocious Board of Peace for Gaza. The sad truth is that so far, when it comes to saying Nyet to the U.S. Empire’s depredations, in the past, both Putin and Xi have tended to hold their fire. Still, you can hope. Maybe this time, Washington has gone too far for its peer adversaries. Because there have been murmurings in recent months of a changed attitude in the Kremlin and in Beijing. Hints and whispers. With any luck, they will step in, make their views known and at last take action to stop this stinking, looming catastrophe.

Source: counterpunch.org

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https://www.counterpunch.org/2026/02/04/a-bad-idea-whose-time-should-never-come-a-u-s-war-on-iran/

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Muslim state senator introduces Virginia bill defining Islamophobia as hate crime in assault cases

February 3, 2026

A Bengali-American state senator from Virginia has introduced a bill to criminalize Islamophobia.

The bill, introduced by state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim, would define "Islamophobia" "as it relates to the crime of assault and battery as malicious prejudice or hatred directed toward Islam or Muslims."

The summary for Salim’s bill says that the Islamophobia definition "applies regardless of whether the victim is actually a practitioner of Islam, provided that the perpetrator targeted such victim based on a perceived adherence to such faith. The bill also clarifies that religious conviction includes Islam."

The bill "directs the Department of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to include the bill's definition of ‘Islamophobia’ in its hate crime reporting central repository."

Salim represents Virginia's district 37, which includes all of Fairfax City and Falls Church City, and parts of Fairfax County.

Salim currently serves on several high-profile Virginia studies and commissions, including the Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) Blockchain Advisory Committee, Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Retail Cannabis Market, Virginia Child Support Guidelines Review Panel, Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Advisory Council, Information Technology Advisory Council, Virginia Commission on Intergovernmental Cooperation, and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission.

Source: foxnews.com

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https://www.foxnews.com/media/muslim-state-senator-introduces-virginia-bill-defining-islamophobia-hate-crime-assault-cases

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A thriving Muslim school in Alabama looked to expand, but was met with Islamophobia

February 3, 2026

A Muslim school near Birmingham, Ala., was thriving — winning academic awards, increasing enrollment and looking to expand. Then came the lawn signs, the first warning that trouble was on the way.

JUANA SUMMERS, HOST:

The Islamic Academy of Alabama was thriving, winning academic awards and drawing students from across the country. Enrollment increased so much the school needed to expand beyond their Birmingham building. But things did not go as planned. The first hint that obstacles were on the horizon were the lawn signs. Vahini Shori from WBHM reports.

VAHINI SHORI, BYLINE: The Islamic Academy of Alabama has been in Homewood for nearly 30 years.

STACY ABDEIN: We've come a long way. Currently, we go from pre-K up to 12th grade, and we have around 270 students.

SHORI: That's Stacy Abdein, one of the school's founders and assistant principals. The Academy consistently wins awards for its academic achievements. This year's graduating class' performance on the ACT was eight points higher than Alabama's state average.

YUSUF NABI: It's amazing because at the same time, I was also gaining, like, traditional knowledge, like, science, math, I'm also gaining knowledge about my religion. And it's really good for me because instead of, like, growing up isolated from my community, I grew up with it.

SHORI: Yusuf Nabi is the student council president. His family actually moved to Alabama so Yusuf and his siblings could have an Islamic education. While the Islamic Academy of Alabama continues to thrive in Homewood, it's encountered challenges accommodating its growing student body. So they looked into ways to expand and found a bigger space in an office park nearby in Hoover, another Birmingham suburb. It just needed to be rezoned for use as a school and community center. Suddenly, there were lawn signs calling people's attention to a zoning board meeting in the neighborhood where the Academy was trying to move.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: I'd like to call the December 1...

SHORI: The room was packed. People from the neighborhood came to share their thoughts. Many were anxious about increased traffic, noise and heightened activity that comes with a new school. But some concerns had nothing to do with the school at all. Johnny Padgett talked about a wedding hosted in the Airbnb next to his house while he was away.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

JOHNNY PADGETT: They parked in my driveway, without my permission, blocking my cars. They didn't know if I was there or not. They drove through my yard, waving Islamic flags out the window and screaming things in Arabic.

SHORI: And Martha Yohannes, a new resident, spoke about her observations of the Muslim community in the U.K.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

MARTHA YOHANNES: Here are a few specifics of how I watched the takeover. I have even seen elderly men hang out in libraries, cracking pistachios and talking loud for hours as if it was a coffee shop.

SHORI: Basically, the comments boiled down to this.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

YOHANNES: In reality, they're not assimilated nor integrated but rather estranged from our society. Would that not threaten our own well-being and safety?

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: Miss - ma'am (ph).

SHORI: Those kinds of comments have been echoing around the country. The governors of Texas and Florida have declared a Muslim civil rights group to be a foreign terrorist organization. U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard characterized, quote, "Islamist ideology" as the greatest threat to American freedom and security. Other conservatives have tried to ban Sharia or Islamic law in their states. According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, anti-Muslim bigotry was actually on the decline in 2021, a first in the time that CAIR has been tracking anti-Muslim bigotry. But that changed sharply after October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. This is CAIR's deputy director, Edward Ahmed Mitchell.

EDWARD AHMED MITCHELL: We saw a sharp rise in anti-Muslim bigotry, complaints of discrimination, hate crimes, bullying at schools, and that trend has continued upward for the past two years.

SHORI: According to CAIR's tracking, anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies surged in 2025, like nothing they've seen before.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

UNIDENTIFIED BOARD MEMBER #1: Aye.

UNIDENTIFIED BOARD MEMBER #2: Aye.

UNIDENTIFIED BOARD MEMBER #3: Aye.

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #3: All the votes (ph)...

SHORI: Back in Alabama, the zoning board unanimously voted not to recommend the Islamic Academy of Alabama's application to move forward. In that week, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama weighed in.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

TOMMY TUBERVILLE: There's a small school that's a Muslim school in that area. They want larger area where they can build a bigger school, infiltrate more and bring in more young people to teach them the Muslim faith. And I'll be d***ed if we're going to do that in the state of Alabama. We're going to protect the people of Alabama. We're going to protect our Constitution. We're going to protect our state, and we're going to protect our country.

SHORI: Comments on social media mirrored the same anti-Muslim sentiments. One user commented that the K through 12 school looked, quote, "flammable," while others express anxiety over a violent Muslim takeover of the country.

ABDEIN: We did not have to hire security after 9/11. We've had to hire security after Senator Tuberville's comments.

SHORI: The Islamic Academy of Alabama has hired off duty police officers for security, and the local police have increased patrols in the area. Abdein, the assistant principal, says Tuberville has not reached out to the Academy and has never visited.

ABDEIN: We would invite him. You know, he's very welcome. Senator Tuberville, come visit us. Let's see what we're all about.

SHORI: Tuberville's staff responded by linking to a tweet in which the senator says he will, quote, "never stop fighting for Americans and our constitutional values." For now, school administrators have decided not to pursue the property in Hoover, as they reevaluate how to accommodate their growing student body. For NPR News, I'm Vahini Shori in Birmingham.

Source: npr.org

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Diana Moreno’s Assembly win marks first electoral victory for Mamdani as mayor

February 3, 2026

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America racked up their first victory of the 2026 cycle on Tuesday night, as Diana Moreno handily won the special election to represent Mamdani’s old Assembly district in western Queens.

Moreno, who ran on both the Democratic and Working Families Party lines, won 74% of the vote, according to election night results from the New York City Board of Elections while her independent challengers Rana Abdelhamid and Mary Jobaida won just 17% and 8% of the vote, respectively.

“Welcome to the People’s Republic of Astoria!” Diana Moreno said at her election night party Tuesday, referencing the neighborhood’s socialist leanings. Mamdani introduced her at the event at Ecuadorian restaurant Barzola as “a fellow member of the Democratic Socialists of America.”

“What makes us special is not who we are as individuals, it’s what we’re all fighting for together,” Mamdani said.

Moreno, who moved to Queens from Florida in 2019, was previously communications manager for the New York State Nurses Association, a labor union currently on strike against three major hospital systems.

Though there was little doubt about the outcome of the race, Moreno’s victory still demonstrates the growing clout of Mamdani and NYC-DSA. Moreno is the former co-chair of NYC-DSA’s Queens chapter and campaigned on a platform of supporting Mamdani’s agenda in Albany. After DSA endorsed her, Mamdani successfully strong armed the county Democratic party organization – usually no fan of socialists – to get behind her as well. After that, endorsements from unions and other political groups poured in.

Abdelhamid, a Muslim community organizer who is a member of DSA but much less involved in the organization than Moreno, made a valiant attempt to run an independent campaign that appealed to Astoria’s significant Muslim and Arab population. She received endorsements from the Muslim Democratic Club (Mamdani’s second political home, after DSA), prominent Muslim activist Linda Sarsour and DSA’s own Rep. Rashida Tlaib.

But that wasn’t enough to overcome Moreno’s combined support from DSA, WFP, the Queens Democratic Party and the mayor.

Mamdani has been unusually politically active for a mayor in his first month. He threw his support behind Moreno, fundraising for her and filming a video ad. Mamdani has endorsed other candidates in competitive races including Claire Valdez and Brad Lander’s congressional campaigns, and is expected to back more in the coming months. NYC-DSA is also running a crowded slate of candidates in the June primaries.

Moreno’s race may have been a blowout, but it was almost competitive compared to New York’s other three special elections.

On Manhattan’s West Side, Erik Bottcher won 92% of the vote against nominal Republican opposition in the race for the state Senate seat previously held by Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. On the east side of Manhattan, Keith Powers won 82% of the vote to win election to the Assembly, taking over the seat previously held by New York City Council Member Harvey Epstein. And in Buffalo, Democratic nominee (and chair of the local Democratic party) Jeremy Zellner won 60% of the vote, according to election night results. The seat was previously held by Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan.

Source: cityandstateny.com

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https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2026/02/diana-morenos-assembly-win-marks-first-electoral-victory-mamdani-mayor/411180/

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CAIR-Florida Celebrates Successful 2026 Muslim Day at the Capitol, Muslim-American Heritage Resolution

February 3, 2026

The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida), the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today celebrated the resounding success of the 2026 Florida Muslim Day at the Capitol (MDAC) and the historic legislative recognition of February 2026 as Muslim-American Heritage Month.

A diverse delegation of interfaith leaders, students, and professionals converged on Tallahassee on February 2nd to advocate for First Amendment protections and engage directly with state lawmakers. The event culminated in a significant victory for representation as the Florida Legislature adopted House Resolution 8001, introduced by Representative Anna V. Eskamani, officially recognizing the contributions of Florida’s Muslim community.

Introduced by Rep. Eskamani, the resolution highlights the historical and contemporary impact of Muslim Americans—from early arrivals in the American colonies to modern-day leaders in medicine, business, and public service. CAIR-Florida welcomes this formal recognition as a vital step in countering Islamophobia and fostering a more inclusive Florida.

The 2026 MDAC saw significant participation from the Florida Muslim youth, who led multiple impactful meetings with legislative staff to discuss policy priorities, including concerns regarding bills that threaten constitutional rights of assembly and free speech.

“This recognition of Muslim-American Heritage Month is a testament to our community’s deep roots and unwavering contributions to the Sunshine State. However, our celebration is coupled with a demand for justice. As I recently noted in the Orlando Sentinel, the targeting of our institutions through ‘secret evidence’ and ideological labels is an assault on the very foundations of our democracy. We are here to ensure that Florida remains a place where our children and our institutions are not abandoned to discrimination but celebrated for their heritage and contributions.” —Hiba Rahim, CAIR-Florida Interim Executive Director

“Our youth were the heart of this year’s mission. Seeing young Florida Muslims confidently navigating the halls of the Capitol and holding meaningful, impactful meetings with legislative staff proves that the next generation is ready to lead in the realm of civil liberties.” —Megan Amer, CAIR-Florida Policy Director

About CAIR-Florida: CAIR-Florida is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, foster dialogue, safeguard civil liberties for all, empower American Muslims, and form coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

Source: cair.com

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CAIR, CAIR-NJ Demand Apology and Retraction from Rep. Gottheimer After Defamatory Letter on Iran Protests

February 3, 2026

The national headquarters and New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced that it has demanded an apology and retraction from New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer after he sent and publicized a letter falsely claiming that CAIR and other groups supportive of Palestinian human rights had not criticized the treatment of protesters in Iran.

Gottheimer, who has previously faced condemnation for anti-Muslim remarks and supporting Israel’s human rights abuses, claimed in his letter that the targeted anti-genocide groups were “silent” about attacks on protesters in Iran.

In reality, CAIR issued a statement on January 14th that expressed opposition to a U.S. war with Iran and also “expressed support for the right of Iranians to peacefully protest, condemned attacks on peaceful protesters, and condemned violent attacks by rioters, including arson attacks on mosques and desecrations of the Quran.”

In a statement, CAIR and CAIR-New Jersey said:

“Rep. Gottheimer must retract and apologize for his latest smear of American Muslims, which was both defamatory and idiotic.

“If Rep. Gottheimer had done one minute of research, he would know that our organization and many other supporters of Palestinian rights have indeed spoken up against attacks on protesters in Iran, as well as against attacks by infiltrators on Iranian mosques and civilians.

“Rep. Gottheimer also knows that Iran is not funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars or armed with U.S. weapons, whereas Israel is, which is why the American people have an actual opportunity to force a change in Israeli policy and why so many Americans felt a moral obligation to stand up against its genocide in Gaza.

“This is not the first time that Rep. Gottheimer has attacked the American Muslim community. He is an anti-Muslim bigot and an anti-Palestinian extremist who supported Israel’s genocide in Gaza and now wants to target American Muslims who dared to oppose that genocide. He has no right to criticize anyone’s human rights record, and if he’s going to try, he better get his facts straight.”

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

Source: cair.com

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Africa

 

Bandits Kill 20 In Fresh Katsina Bloodbath Despite Peace Deal

February 4, 2026

No fewer than 20 people have been killed in an attack on a community in Katsina State on Tuesday.

Bandits attacked the Doma community in Tafoki Ward, Faskari Local Government Area and killed at least 20 people.

Residents told Punch that the assailants stormed the area unhindered, killing villagers and setting houses and vehicles ablaze before fleeing.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Faskari Local Government Area, Surajo Aliyu, described the attack as a reprisal and the deadliest in the area in recent months.

“This attack is a reprisal one, and it is a deadly one indeed because we had never had such an attack in the last five months in this area as it is today,” Aliyu said.

He added that security operatives were alerted but could not arrive in time to prevent the killings.

“Today, they killed at least 20 people. They burnt cars and houses during the dastardly attack. We reported the incident to security personnel, but unfortunately, they could not arrive before the bandits carried out their heinous act,” he said.

Aliyu disclosed that the bodies of the victims had been evacuated for a burial scheduled for Wednesday morning in Tafoki.

“We sympathise with the people of Doma, Tafoki Ward, Faskari, and indeed the entire people of Katsina State, especially the bereaved families. May God bring an end to these senseless killings,” he said.

Faskari Local Government Area was among the councils that entered into a truce with bandits about five months ago, a development that had brought relative calm until the latest attack.

Efforts to get a reaction from the Katsina State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/02/04/bandits-kill-20-in-fresh-katsina-bloodbath-despite-peace-deal/

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Son of Moammar Gadhafi, Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, killed in Libya

February 4, 2026

Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, has been killed in the town of Zintan, Libyan officials said on Tuesday.

The circumstances of his death have not been announced but local media are reporting that he was killed by armed men in his home.

Born in June 1972, Seif al-Islam earned a PhD at the London School of Economics and was seen as the reformist face of the Gadhafi regime.

Moammar Gadhafi was toppled in a NATO-backed popular uprising in 2011 after more than 40 years in power.

He was killed the same year amid the ensuing fighting that would turn into a civil war.

Seif al-Islam Gadhafi was captured while attempting to flee to neighboring Niger. The fighters released him in June 2017 and had since lived in Zintan.

A Libyan court convicted him of inciting violence and murdering protesters, and sentenced him to death in absentia in 2015.

He was also wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity related to the 2011 uprising.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2026/02/04/son-of-moammar-gadhafi-seif-al-islam-gadhafi-killed-in-libya/

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‘God Bless You’ – US Lawmaker Commends Nigerian Governor For Protecting Christians

February 4, 2026

A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has met with Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, during the governor’s trade and security mission to the United States.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in key areas including security, economic development and bilateral relations.

Moore described the engagement as productive and forward-looking, stressing Washington’s commitment to working with Nigeria to address shared challenges.

“It was an honour to meet with the governor of Plateau State in Nigeria, Caleb Mutfwang, yesterday,” Moore wrote on X.

“We had a meaningful and productive conversation about deepening the ties between our two countries.”

The US lawmaker said the United States remains committed to collaborating with Nigeria on security and economic issues, with particular concern for vulnerable communities.

“I remain committed to working with the Nigerian government in coordination and cooperation to address these security and economic challenges, especially the persecution our Christian brothers and sisters face,” he said.

Moore also commended Mutfwang for efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable populations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

“God bless you, Governor, for what you do to protect Christians and other vulnerable populations in the Middle Belt,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government said in a statement on Tuesday that Governor Mutfwang is in the United States on a strategic economic, development and security mission targeted at attracting investments and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

According to the statement, the governor is expected to engage with institutions such as the United States Development Finance Corporation, the United States Export-Import Bank, and senior officials of the US Department of State.

In December 2025, Moore disclosed that Nigeria and the United States were close to finalising a “strategic security framework” to tackle terrorism.

He also said on January 25 that the establishment of a US–Nigeria working group was a crucial step toward addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/02/04/god-bless-you-us-lawmaker-commends-nigerian-governor-for-protecting-christians/

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Coup Plotters Can’t Be Tried By Court-Martial – Falana

February 4, 2026

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has said that military officers accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s administration cannot be subjected to court-martial proceedings, insisting that such acts must be tried in civilian courts.

Naija News reports that Falana made the remarks during an interview on national television, amid growing public debate over the appropriate legal framework for prosecuting alleged coup plotters in Nigeria’s current democratic system.

Falana argued that because Nigeria operates under a constitutional democracy, the offence of treason or treasonable felony is a matter for civilian jurisdiction.

He said, “We are under a democratic government, and as far as the constitution is concerned, we have to take them to a high court.

“The soldiers cannot be court-martialed. They are not trying to remove a military dictator. It’s an attempt to remove an elected government, a constitutional government, to disrupt the constitutional arrangement.”

According to the legal expert, court-martial proceedings are limited to offences relating to military discipline and conduct within the armed forces, and do not extend to crimes against the Nigerian state.

Falana further stated, “Court-martial proceedings are designed primarily for breaches of military discipline and offences committed strictly within the military hierarchy.

“However, when the alleged offence amounts to treason or an attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government, the matter transcends internal military discipline and becomes a constitutional crime against the state.”

Falana warned that attempting to try coup suspects in a military court could undermine constitutional supremacy and weaken public confidence in democratic processes.

“Treason and treasonable felony are offences clearly defined under Nigerian law and fall squarely within the jurisdiction of civilian courts,” he maintained.

The human rights lawyer urged the Federal Government to strictly adhere to constitutional procedures, stressing that a proper prosecution in a civilian court would serve as a stronger deterrent and reinforce the rule of law.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/02/03/coup-plotters-cant-be-tried-by-court-martial-falana/

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ICPC Arrests Former NIMASA Director-General

February 4, 2026

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly arrested a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh, in Kaduna State.

According to TVC, a family representative disclosed that Jamoh was intercepted by operatives of the ICPC while returning from a court engagement to his residence.

According to the source, Jamoh was first taken to his residence, where ICPC operatives reportedly conducted a search, before he was moved from Kaduna to Abuja.

Details of the court matter he had attended prior to the arrest were not disclosed.

The family alleged that since his arrest, the former NIMASA boss has been held incommunicado, without access to his family members or legal counsel.

They described the situation as troubling and raised concerns over his safety, insisting that the development amounts to a violation of his fundamental human rights.

As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had yet to issue an official statement confirming the arrest or clarifying the allegations against Jamoh.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/02/03/just-in-icpc-arrests-former-nimasa-director-general/

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Ethiopian PM accuses Eritrea of committing atrocities during Tigray War

February 4, 2026

In the latest twist in their volatile relations, Ethiopia on Tuesday accused its former ally, Eritrea, of committing mass killings during the two-year war in Tigray which ended in 2022.

Eritrean forces fought alongside the Ethiopian army against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front for control of Tigray, which borders Eritrea.

In an address to parliament, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for the first time said that Eritrean troops had massacred people in Axum and elsewhere.

“When we entered Adwa, they looted factories and dismantled their parts, and the conflict escalated. In Adigrat ... they destroyed pharmaceuticals and looted," he said, referring to other towns in the region,” he said.

The two countries were allies at the time, with Abiy winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for ending a 20-year military stalemate between them over a border dispute.

But relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara have deteriorated since then.

Eritrea’s information minister has described Abiy’s accusations as “cheap and despicable lies” saying they “do not really merit response”.

“[Ahmed) and his top military brass were profusely showering praises and state medals to the Eritrean army and its senior officers until yesterday -- both during the war and long after its end," said Yemane Gebremeskel.

Rights groups have documented widespread war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the war, including the systematic use of rape.

At least 600,000 people died in the Tigray war and the peace deal never fully resolved the issues, with fighting again reported in two areas in the region last week.

Flights to the region were suspended from Thursday to Tuesday due to the conflict, although the government has yet to comment on the clashes.

Tensions have been high between Addis Ababa and Asmara recently over landlocked Ethiopia’s attempts to gain access to a port on the Red Sea.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2026/02/03/ethiopian-pm-accuses-eritrea-of-committing-atrocities-during-tigray-war/

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DR Congo: authorities call for calm after drone attacks on airport

February 4, 2026

Drones targeted a strategic airport in the city of Kisangani in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo over the weekend, the provincial government said Monday.

No claim of responsibility has been made for the drone attack but local authorities accuse the armed M23 anti-governmental group and its ally Rwanda of being behind it.

The explosive drones carrying munitions targeted the airport between Saturday and Sunday, the Tshopo provincial government said in a statement seen by AFP.

"Eight enemy drones were neutralised before reaching their target," it said.

No casualties have been reported.

On Monday, security around the airport was reinforced, according to witnesses who spoke to AFP by phone. The local airline, CAA, which operates domestic flights to Kisangani several times a week, had not announced any cancellations.

The resource-rich east of the DRC, which borders Rwanda as well as Burundi, has been plagued by 30 years of violence that has drawn in several foreign powers.

In recent years, the resurgence of the M23 group has left thousands dead and triggered a spiralling humanitarian crisis. Since taking up arms again at the end of 2021, the M23 has seized swathes of the Congolese east with Rwanda's help, taking the key cities of Goma and Bukavu in a lightning offensive a year ago.

In early December, M23 fighters carried out a new offensive on the town of Uvira on the Burundi border, as the DRC and Rwanda were formalising a US-brokered peace deal. Kisangani, a city of more than 1.5 million inhabitants on the banks of the Congo River, is largely dependent on its airport due to the poor state of the roads. The civilian airport is also used by the Congolese army and its aircraft.

The runway is used for the take-off of army attack drones and fighter jets, which regularly carry out strikes on positions of the M23 militia and the Rwandan army, more than 400 kilometres (around 250 miles) from Kisangani. Explosions echoed around the airport until 2:00 am on Sunday, prompting some residents to flee, according to witnesses.

"I couldn't stand the explosions during the night," said a resident, who headed for the city centre about 20km from the airport.

The provincial government said Monday that "the situation is under control" and local people living around the airport could go home.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2026/02/03/dr-congo-authorities-call-for-calm-after-drone-attacks-on-airport/

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Southeast Asia

 

Zahid proposes salary deduction scheme for Quran Waqf, urges contributions ahead of Ramadan

04 Feb 2026

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 4 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday proposed a voluntary Salary Deduction Scheme (SPG) involving government employees, statutory bodies and private sector workers to expand the Quran Waqf programme nationwide.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also patron of the programme, said the initiative would help ensure its continuity and wider reach.

“Through this scheme, small but consistent contributions can create a significant impact,” he said when officiating the National-Level 2026 Quran Waqf Programme here yesterday.

Also present was Yayasan Restu executive chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Mirasa, who is also chief executive officer of Nasyrul Quran.

Ahmad Zahid said the scheme administrator should not impose charges on contributors, expressing hope that Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Bhd (ANGKASA), which is expected to manage the deductions, would not levy fees on Nasyrul Quran.

He also urged cooperative members nationwide to contribute through ANGKASA to increase waqf Quran production, noting that efforts are underway to translate the Quran into 30 languages and distribute copies to countries where Muslims form minority communities.

He further called on social media influencers to encourage their followers to contribute at least one copy of the Quran as waqf, adding that such contributions support the spread of the Quran and bring blessings to donors.

Ahmad Zahid also emphasised the need for strategic collaboration between Nasyrul Quran, Yayasan Restu and social media influencers, including content creators on platforms such as TikTok, to widen outreach through digital platforms.

“Let us use this opportunity, especially with Ramadan approaching, to encourage the public to contribute to the Quran waqf, as it will help sustain this programme,” he said. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/02/04/zahid-proposes-salary-deduction-scheme-for-quran-waqf-urges-contributions-ahead-of-ramadan/207933

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Indonesia allocates $765 million stimulus for Ramadan, Eid

 February 3, 2026

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has prepared Rp12.83 trillion (about US$765.4 million) in economic stimulus for the first quarter to support consumption during the Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday from February to March.

"We are preparing a stimulus package that reflects Indonesia's economic growth," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said at the Indonesia Economic Summit 2026 in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The stimulus package includes transportation ticket discounts, toll road tariff cuts, and social assistance.

Of the total budget, around Rp200 billion is allocated for transportation discounts, while approximately Rp12 trillion is set aside for social assistance.

The government will offer airline ticket discounts of up to 16 percent through value-added tax incentives borne by the government for economy-class domestic flights.

State airport operator Angkasa Pura will provide a 50 percent discount on airport service charges, while aviation fuel prices will also be reduced.

Ticket fare discounts of up to 30 percent will be applied to sea transportation and railway services.

The government is also preparing toll road tariff discounts of up to 20 percent.

Social assistance will be provided in the form of 10 kilograms of rice and cooking oil for each beneficiary household over two months.

Hartarto said the stimulus package will be distributed during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr holiday period in 2026.

Source: antaranews.com

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/402690/indonesia-allocates-765-million-stimulus-for-ramadan-eid

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Malaysia to champion rare diseases at Asean level, Dzulkefly highlights funding, research and patient rights

By Anis Zalani

04 Feb 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said Malaysia is committed to elevating rare diseases as a regional priority as the host of the Asean Health Ministers’ Meeting (AHMM) 2026.

He said the approach would be grounded in a people-centred strategy, solidarity, and practical harmony, with a focus on regional cooperation.

“As Asean Chair and host of the AHMM 2026, Malaysia is committed to elevating rare diseases as a regional Asean agenda, grounded in a people-centred approach, solidarity and practical harmony.

“I hope to see capacity-building efforts, the establishment of centres of excellence, research collaboration, clinical trials, governance strengthening, and patient empowerment reinforced at the Asean level,” he said during his speech at the launch of National Policy for Rare Diseases here today.

He said efforts to tackle rare diseases should be guided by three core principles — inclusivity, solidarity, and sustainability.

He then said that these principles were also highlighted at the South-east Asia Rare Disease Policy Forum held last year.

“At the South-east Asia Rare Disease Policy Forum held last November, I emphasised that our efforts must be guided by three core principles, namely inclusivity, solidarity and sustainability.

“Inclusivity means that no one is left behind. Solidarity reflects strong and continuous collaboration and sustainability ensures that funding and treatment can be maintained over the long term,” he added.

Looking ahead, Dzulkefly said priorities include early diagnosis, the development of a national rare disease registry, sustainable treatment financing, and cross-border collaboration to prevent fragmented or isolated approaches.

He also reiterated that rare diseases must no longer be marginalised.

“Although they are rare, this cannot and must not be used as a justification to deny treatment.

“Rare diseases must be elevated to become part of the nation’s mainstream agenda,” he said.

Source: malaymail.com

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Dzulkefly unveils National Policy for Rare Diseases as 12,000 Malaysians battle nearly 500 conditions

By Anis Zalani

04 Feb 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — More than 12,000 patients in Malaysia are currently receiving treatment for rare diseases at government hospitals, involving almost 500 different types of conditions, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.

He said the true measure of a healthcare system’s strength and capability was not how well it protected the strongest, but how firmly it upheld the rights of the weakest and most marginalised.

“In South-east Asia alone, it is estimated that more than 45 million people are living with rare diseases.

“In Malaysia, more than 12,000 patients, involving nearly 500 types of rare diseases, are currently receiving treatment at government hospitals,” he said in his speech during the launch of the National Policy for Rare Diseases here today.

At the global level, Dzulkefly said that there are nearly 8,000 known rare diseases, but only about 500 have specific treatments available.

He then expressed his appreciation to the state governments for approving an additional RM5 million allocations for rare diseases, while stressing that he would continue to advocate for increased funding throughout his tenure.

“However, I will continue to fight for more funding, God willing, throughout my tenure. Support for rare diseases should not come solely from the consolidated fund or taxpayers’ money. We must also draw on philanthropic sources.

“There are individuals and organisations with substantial resources who are willing to come forward to help, and we must harness this collective strength and make meaningful use of the wealth entrusted to them,” he added.

He then went on to say that the policy for rare diseases is anchored on three key pillars which are strengthening clinical governance for rare diseases, improving early and accurate diagnosis, as well as expanding access to treatment, including specialised medicines and nutritional support.

He said the third pillar adopts a comprehensive approach that mobilises all national stakeholders, not only the federal and state governments, but society as a whole.

“This is a whole-of-nation approach. The Health Ministry cannot address this issue alone.

“It requires cross-ministerial synergy, including education, public awareness, health literacy, social welfare, research, as well as close collaboration with clinical experts and industry,” he said.

He also added that continuity of care from hospitals to the community must be strengthened to ensure patients receive sustained and uninterrupted treatment.

Source: malaymail.com

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Second chance: Malaysia’s first inmate to earn PhD meets Selangor Sultan after full pardon

04 Feb 2026

SHAH ALAM, Feb 4 — Malik Yatam, Malaysia’s first former inmate to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) while serving time in prison, was granted an audience with Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah yesterday.

In a Facebook post by the Selangor Royal Office, the meeting — which lasted nearly an hour — was described as solemn and emotional. It was also the first time the Sultan had met a pardoned former prisoner.

Malik, now 39, was released on December 11, 2024 after serving 24 years under the Tahanan Limpah Sultan (TLS), a sentence without a release date.

He had been spared the death penalty as he was under 18 at the time of the offence.

He began serving his sentence in 2001 at the age of 14 and pursued his studies while incarcerated at Kajang Prison, eventually obtaining a PhD in business administration.

During the audience, Sultan Sharafuddin enquired about Malik’s life since his release and his plans for the future.

The Sultan was said to be deeply moved by his journey and felt he deserved a second chance.

His Royal Highness noted that the pardon had been carefully considered during the Pardons Board meeting on November 24, 2024.

He also advised Malik to uphold his family’s good name and remain determined to improve his quality of life.

Source: malaymail.com

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Anwar denies ceding land to Indonesia, says Sabah border based on historical treaties

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

04 Feb 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament today that Malaysia is still in talks with Jakarta to resolve longstanding land disputes along the Sabah–Kalimantan border, rejecting claims that Putrajaya had ceded any territory.

He reiterated that it is untrue that Malaysia ceded 5,207 hectares of land to Indonesia, saying the borders were determined in accordance with agreements dating back as early as 1891 and 1915.

“Negotiations for the redrawing of the border began in 1977 and were resolved in stages,” said the Tambun MP.

He added that the most recent round of talks started in 2019 and was finalised between 2022 and 2023, but have yet to be ratified.

“But in our opinion, it must be expedited to preserve the good diplomatic ties between the two countries based on international conventions and agreements that I mentioned previously,” he added.

Anwar then said the negotiations involved all key Sabah authorities.

“They were involved in all aspects of negotiations, and the agreement came from the Sabah government before it was finalised with the Malaysian federal government and Indonesia,” the prime minister said.

The allegation that Malaysia gave away 5,207ha of land to Jakarta first appeared on Tempo, an Indonesian-based media that claimed Sabah agreed to cede the land in return for three villages — Kampung Kabulangalor, Kampung Lepaga, and Kampung Tetagas — in Pulau Sebatik, along the Sabah-Kalimantan border.

Opposition lawmakers last week demanded that the Anwar government explain if the report was true.

Anwar told the House of Representatives this morning that the claim there was some sort of trade-off in the border negotiations was absurd, since any agreement would have been based on international conventions and agreements.

“The determination of boundaries is not based on principles of compensation, reciprocity, or profit and loss, as alleged. Instead, the determination of the boundary between Malaysia and Indonesia is based on conventions and agreements,” he said.

Two areas that were deemed as Outstanding Boundary Problems (OBPs) were Pulau Sebatik and Sungai Sinapad–Sungai Sesai.

Anwar said after prolonged negotiations, a memorandum of understanding was signed that saw Malaysia acquire 0.05 sq km of new land, or the equivalent of 5 hectares (12 acres) for OBP Pulau Sebatik.

For OBP Sungai Sinapad–Sungai Sesai, Malaysia acquired an additional area of 7.8 sq km, equivalent to 780 hectares.

The entire disputed area at OBP Sungai Sinapad–Sungai Sesai totals 5,987 hectares, but Anwar suggested there is a silent understanding that the area is within Indonesia’s administrative territory.

“If you look at the map, that area has been Indonesia’s right from the beginning, but because the map had not been finalised, we did not agree. However, all this while, since 1915, this has not been contested by any British Government or the Malaysian government,” the Tambun MP said.

As for the three villages, Anwar stated they had always been part of Sabah and Malaysia based on the 1915 treaty itself.

”The border in the OBP area is based on the principles contained — I emphasise once again — in the 1915 agreement, whereby 780 hectares belong to Malaysia. However, that 780 hectares is an additional area for Malaysia. The 5,987 hectares remain under Indonesian ownership, as it has been under by Indonesia since 1915,” he said.

“Consequently, small portions of three villages known as Kampung Kabulangalor, Kampung Lepaga, and Kampung Tetagas will naturally be included within the Malaysian territory in that upper section.”

Source: malaymail.com

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Singapore’s ST Engineering powers into next-gen aviation with new cargo drone and AirFish rollout

04 Feb 2026

SINGAPORE, Feb 4 — ST Engineering is showing off two distinct platforms at the Singapore Airshow that mark a significant expansion into next-generation aviation technologies for the world’s largest airframe maintenance and repair services provider.

At Asia’s largest aerospace and defence event, the Singapore-based company launched the DrN-600, a large all-electric vertical take-off-and-landing cargo drone, and announced partnerships with ferry operators for its crewed hovercraft-like AirFish Voyager.

Drones represent “a new market — in a way, it’s a disruptor, because that product never existed before that is viable,” Jeffrey Lam, chief operating officer of ST Engineering and president of its commercial aerospace business, told Reuters in an interview on the show’s sidelines.

The DrN-600, with a range of over 70km and a 100-kg payload capacity, is the company’s highest-capacity drone to date and aimed at medium-lift cargo operations, with certification expected by 2028, according to ST Engineering.

The expanded push into unmanned systems comes as ST Engineering, like many industry players, navigates challenges in global supply chains and seeks growth opportunities in emerging technologies.

Lam emphasised the potential for drones to overhaul commercial and industrial operations, from cargo delivery to security surveillance.

“Power lines and structures across the country had to be inspected by humans in the past. Today, we can use drones to do a much better job, faster and more efficiently,” Lam said.

He added that drones will likely replace some helicopters, ferries and seaplanes, although their market size will not immediately rival that of commercial aviation.

While initially targeting commercial uses, Lam noted the firm’s openness to exploring potential military applications.

However, regulatory frameworks remain a key hurdle for the widespread adoption of drones.

“It’s still unregulated. Countries are developing regulation,” Lam said, adding that ST Engineering was collaborating with governments globally to address air traffic management and safety challenges over populated areas.

Complementing its cargo drone ambitions, the company’s ST Engineering AirX joint venture yesterday announced two partnerships to bring its AirFish Voyager, a 10-passenger craft that glides above water at speeds up to 100 knots, to the market through ferry operators in South-east Asia and India.

While pursuing drone initiatives, ST Engineering also continues expanding its core maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations to meet surging demand.

This week, the company announced the launch of an integrated airframe and engine nacelle service centre in Singapore, the first in its global network. The facility is expected to streamline maintenance and reduce turnaround times for aircraft operators.

Lam said ST Engineering has over the past year expanded nacelle MRO capacity to the US and China, with its Singapore facilities slated to come online in the coming months. — Reuters

Source: malaymail.com

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South Asia

 

India Raises Financial Assistance to Afghanistan to 1.5 Billion Rupees

February 4, 2026

NEW DELHI: India has increased its financial assistance to Afghanistan to 1.5 billion Indian rupees in its budget for the fiscal year 2026–27.

The allocation equivalent to about $16.4 million includes an additional 500 million rupees beyond the previous annual assistance of 1 billion rupees.

Indian media reports stated that this increased support indicates an expansion of India’s development projects in Afghanistan in the coming year.

In the new budget, India has also increased aid to Bhutan and Nepal, while reducing assistance to Bangladesh.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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Canada Went Beyond U.S. Expectations in Afghanistan Mission, Academic Says

ByFidel Rahmati

February 4, 2026

A Canadian academic says Canada exceeded U.S. expectations in Afghanistan, defending Ottawa’s military role after criticism questioning NATO allies’ frontline contributions.

Eugene Lang, an adjunct professor at Queen’s University in Canada, says Canada performed beyond United States expectations during its military mission in Afghanistan over many years.

Lang made the remarks while responding to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed NATO forces contributed little and often avoided frontline responsibilities in Afghanistan.

He noted that Canadian armed forces spent more than a decade operating in dangerous areas in and around Kabul, regularly placing soldiers at significant risk during security operations.

Lang added that in 2003, then U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld officially requested Canada to lead the International Security Assistance Force mission in Kabul, which Canada accepted.

According to Lang, Canadian troops played a critical role in stabilizing Kabul and supporting preparations for Afghanistan’s 2004 elections, although several Canadian soldiers were killed during operations.

Canada deployed thousands of troops to Afghanistan between 2001 and 2014, participating in combat, stabilization, and reconstruction missions as part of NATO-led international operations across the country.

President Trump previously questioned NATO’s reliability, saying he was unsure allies would defend the United States and claiming many NATO members stayed away from frontline fighting in Afghanistan.

Lang stressed that criticism of Canada’s contribution is inaccurate, arguing that U.S. forces relied heavily on Canadian participation during critical stages of Afghanistan’s security operations.

Source: khaama.com

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Faculty of Prophetic Traditional Medicine to Be Built at Kabul Medical University

February 4, 2026

KABUL: Based on a decree from Shaikh Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate, a new faculty dedicated to Prophetic Traditional Medicine will be constructed at Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Abu Ali Ibn Sina.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Higher Education on Tuesday, the initiative aims to strengthen academic, educational, and research activities in the field of Prophetic Medicine.

The ministry emphasized that the new faculty will play a significant role in the advancement of health sciences and the preparation of professional medical cadres specializing in traditional prophetic medical practices.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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Discussions Made on Sending Afghan Workforce to Russia, Official

February 4, 2026

MOSCOW: Mawlavi Gul Hassan Hassan, the Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate to Moscow, has said that discussions have been held regarding the deployment of Afghan workers to Russia.

He stated that Afghanistan has a predominantly young population, and the Islamic Emirate seeks to send skilled and professional workers to countries in need of labor.

Speaking to Russia’s TASS news agency, the ambassador added that negotiations between the two countries on this matter have taken place and there is optimism about positive outcomes.

Highlighting bilateral trade ties, he said that once banking restrictions are lifted, Afghanistan would be able to import fuel, gas, medicine, industrial goods, grains, and cooking oil from Russia, while exporting fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, carpets, and mineral resources in return.

This announcement comes as officials of the Islamic Emirate have previously held similar discussions with Qatar and Iran on sending Afghan laborers abroad.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/discussions-made-on-sending-afghan-workforce-to-russia-official/

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Commission Reviews and Updates Public Notice Boards in Kabul

February 4, 2026

KABUL: The Commission for the Reform of Signboards and Public Announcements, under the Ministry of Information and Culture, conducted a monitoring and review campaign in the Deh Afghanan area of Kabul’s District Two.

During the program, commission members discussed the importance of the area and procedures for monitoring and improving notice boards with local media representatives and professional groups, the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

More than 220 notice boards and public announcements were examined, and non-standard boards were replaced with versions in the national languages.

Recommendations for further improvements were also shared by professional commission members.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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Afghan Consulate in Istanbul Hosts Students from 22 Turkish Universities

February 4, 2026

ISTANBUL: The General Consulate of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Istanbul hosted representatives of Afghan student unions and associations from 22 universities across Turkey.

Mufti Mohammad Akbar Azimi, the General Consul, welcomed the students and commended their efforts in pursuing specialized higher education, according to a statement from the Embassy on Tuesday.

He assured them of the consulate’s support in providing consular services and addressing their concerns.

At the conclusion of the event, Azimi encouraged the students to serve their people and country, emphasizing the importance of nationwide security and their role in Afghanistan’s development.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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