Three Muslim Men Risked Their Lives To Save Around 30 People From Drowning During The Durga Idol Immersion Ceremony In West Bengal
New Age Islam News Bureau
10 October 2022
Jalpaiguri: Rescuers attempt to stop people from
getting swept in flash floods in the Mal river, in Jalpaiguri district,
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. Idol immersion of several community Durga pujas was
being held in the river when the tragic incident happened. Photo: PTI
----
• Protests On Mahsa Amini Death In Police Custody
Continue Across Iran, Rights Group Reports 185 Deaths, Including 19 Minors
• Head of Muslim Group: Islamophobic Hate Crime Rising
as UK Government Tries to 'Appease Far-Right'
• Don’t Be Selective About Injustice, Say Malaysian
Uyghur Supporters
• Sanders And Others May Succeed In Removing Military
Support For The Saudi Monarchy
India
• AIMPLB Moves Supreme Court Opposing Pleas Against
Places Of Worship Act
• Darul Uloom To Hold Seminar To Discuss Madrasa
Education With Representatives From Kul Hind Rabta e Madaris e Islamia
• BJP MP Parvesh Verma Orders The People Of Delhi To
Financial Boycott Muslims At A Meeting Organised By Vishwa Hindu Parishad
• MP: After 3 Homes Razed Over Dispute at Garba
Pandal, 5 More Muslim Families Served Eviction Orders
• Muslims Not Getting ‘Due Share’ Despite Significant
Contribution: Sharad Pawar
• Two terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and
Kashmir's Anantnag
• Supreme Court to decide on validity of Karnataka
hijab ban this week
• Houses of Muslims being demolished over ‘petty’
charges: AIMPLB
• Muslim federation to reserve seats for women in its
panel
• Muslims Use Condoms Most, Numbers On Decline:
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi
--------
Mideast
• Two security members killed in Iran night-time
protests
• ‘Blood on your hands:’ Iran hackers interrupt
broadcast with message to Khamenei
• Iran’s Raisi says students won’t allow enemy’s
‘false’ dreams to come true
• IRGC, Army, Border Guards Kick Off Joint Naval Drill
in Persian Gulf
• Gov't Spokesman: West Engaged in Genocide Campaign
Against Iranian Patients
• Visitors to Iran should respect laws, foreign
ministry says as protests continue
• Turkey’s ‘Disinformation’ Bill To Have Pre-Election ‘Chilling
Effect’: Watchdog
• Four Yemeni soldiers killed as troops attack
Al-Qaeda stronghold in Abyan
• Normalization deals enormously benefited Israel’s
arm industry: Report
• Retaliatory armed operations will continue in
occupied al-Quds, West Bank: Palestinian resistance groups
--------
Europe
• Germany Wants Those Behind Iran Crackdown Banned
From EU, Assets Frozen: Report
• Iran-made drones used in Russian strikes against
Ukraine: Zelenskyy
• Three men face murder charge after stabbing near UK
mosque
• UN chief says West’s ‘moral responsibility’ to help
Pakistan
--------
Southeast
Asia
• Veep: Umno not against PAS’ agenda to unify Muslim
community, we're against Bersatu
• 196-year-old Jamae Chulia Mosque in Chinatown to get
$3m restoration from end-2022
• Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolves
Parliament, calls snap polls
--------
North
America
• New York Muslim Police Officers Society Sends Relief
Goods To Flood-Hit Pakistan
• US says failed rocket attack targeted American
troops in Syria
• Senator Murphy: Decades-long US-Saudi partnership is
‘broken’
• Rocket attack targets base housing US occupation
troops in northeastern Syria
• US approves $3 billion sale of air-defence missile
system to Kuwait
--------
Pakistan
• UN Should Ensure Implementation Of International Law
Everywhere Equally: Bilawal
• Pak Minister Baig’s abduction reflects growing
resurgence of Taliban in Gilgit-Baltistan
• Imran Khan claims ruling party behind audio leak
• Pak minister, two foreigners abducted by militants
in Gilgit-Baltistan freed
• Imran urges youth to study Seerat-e-Nabvi for
prosperity
• FO rejects India’s ‘unwarranted remarks’ on FM
Bilawal and German counterpart’s joint press conference
• Govt will not seek Paris Club debt restructuring:
Dar
• Muslims in Pakistan celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s
birthday
--------
South
Asia
• Acclaimed Afghan Singer Joins Hazara Protests in
Washington D.C.
• Afghans still worried over drone strikes after US
puts limits on drone use
• Unidentified Gunmen Kill Man in Northern Afghanistan
• Taliban Meets Members of Afghan Sikh and Hindu
Community
• Taliban Delegation Meets Top US Officials in Doha
--------
Arab
World
• Saudi Ports Authority Signs $170 Mln Contracts To
Develop Jeddah Islamic Port
• Lebanon expecting final draft from US mediator over
maritime demarcation within hours
• Iraqi Kurdistan lawmakers delay polls and extend
term
• British warship intercepts dhow carrying $16.6 mln
worth of meth in Arabian Sea
• Saudi leaders send condolences to Thai king over
mass shootings
• Saudi foreign minister discusses relations with
counterparts from Malta, El Salvador
--------
Africa
• 2023 Poll: Plot Against APC Muslim-Muslim Ticket
Thickens As Dogara, Lawal, Aliero Move To Adopt Consensus Candidate
• Eid el-Maulud: Sani, Bello congratulate Muslims,
urge prayer for sustained security improvement
• Greece and Egypt call Turkish-Libyan gas deal
‘illegal’
• 76 dead after boat capsizes in south-eastern Nigeria
• Algeria, France sign 11 agreements to boost
cooperation
• UN condemns ‘heinous killing’ of migrants in Libya
Compiled by New
Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-drowning-durga-idol-immersion-bengal/d/128146
--------
Three Muslim Men Risked Their Lives To Save Around 30
People From Drowning During The Durga Idol Immersion Ceremony In West Bengal
Jalpaiguri: Rescuers attempt to stop people from
getting swept in flash floods in the Mal river, in Jalpaiguri district,
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. Idol immersion of several community Durga pujas was
being held in the river when the tragic incident happened. Photo: PTI
----
Astha Savyasachi
Oct 10, 2022
In the midst of festivities, in the broad daylight of
October 4, a crowd of locals in the Kheda district of Gujarat, the home state
of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gathered to watch a group of Muslim men being
tied to a pole and flogged with canes by police personnel.
The men were accused of throwing stones at a Garba
event. They were seen begging for mercy as plain-clothes cops continued to
thrash them in full public view while the frenzied crowd chanted ‘Bharat Mata
Ki Jai’. Decades from now, when history will recollect the events from today’s
India, the crowd, even the children, relishing and cheering at the people being
flogged, would be seen as no less horrifying than the Roman Colosseum which
sponsored the shows of death.
The very next day, on the other end of India, three
Muslim men risked their lives to save around 30 people from drowning in flash
floods during the Durga idol immersion ceremony in West Bengal.
On Vijaya Dashmi, hundreds of people had gathered on
the banks of the Mal river near Malbazar town in Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district
to participate in the Durga idol immersion ceremony. All of a sudden, at around
8:30 pm, flash floods struck and scores of people were swept away.
The 20-year-old Toriful Islam and his friends were
excited about the Dussehra mela. They never miss out on Vijaya Dashmi
celebrations and the idol immersion ceremony. With his arm on his best friend’s
shoulder, Toriful was standing on his tiptoes to look further when a flood
struck the river. Within minutes, the floods wrecked havoc with people being
washed away.
Talking to The Wire, Toriful, a class 12 student and
the youngest son of a local pan seller, said he “felt terrible and jumped right
into the river”.
He dreams of being an academician and being able to
study for as long as he can. When asked if the thought of his life bothered him
before jumping right into the river, he smiled and said, “See, I only have one
life. What I saved was 10 lives. Ten is greater than one. Isn’t it?”
When asked about the crowd cheering at the Muslim men
being flogged publicly, he said, “Festivals are for everyone. If I as a Muslim
had stood there and looked at Hindus being washed away, it would have been a
sin. We are humans. We should become humans before becoming Hindus and
Muslims.”
He added, “I would ask those who discriminate: What is
the purpose of being a human? It is to help fellow humans. Where would we go if
we do bad to others? Hindus and Muslims together make up our beloved
Hindustan.”
Toriful told us about his family’s reaction, “My family
was very happy and proud. They said that you saved 10 lives. You didn’t run
away from a difficult situation. Our parents and teachers always teach us to do
good for others.”
When asked if he looks forward to any reward, he
promptly replied, “No. No. Even if they give me any reward, any money, I won’t
take it. I didn’t do it for money. I did it because I couldn’t see people dying
in front of my eyes. And till I am alive, I will keep helping those in need.”
Toriful saved the lives of at least 12 people. His
relative, the 22-year-old Foridul Islam, who works as a master mason, also
saved around 10 lives.
Another Samaritan who came to the rescue of hundreds
of people was Mohammad Manik, a 28-year-old welder, who went to attend the idol
immersion ceremony with his friends. He alone rescued around 10 people,
including two children and three women.
“I saw people, children as young as my son, being
swept away by the flood. I couldn’t just stand there and watch. So I dived in
and tried my best to rescue people,” said Manik, the father of a three-year-old
boy.
He lives in West Tesimala village, a few kilometres
from Malbazar, with his parents, wife and son. He told The Wire, ‘While I was
helping those who were clinging to the rocks, I realised that my right big toe was
badly hurt and I was bleeding. I borrowed a handkerchief from a firefighter,
tied it around my toe and continued my work. Nothing else came to my mind. All
I thought was that I have to save as many people as possible.”
At around 11:30 pm, he was taken to the district
hospital where he received first aid.
He added, “I don’t see Hindus and Muslims. I only see
humans. In Islam, they say that saving the lives of others is a deed of sabab.
I did that only. I took Allah’s name and dived in. I had to save people. Both
Hindus and Muslims have the same blood in their veins.”
He further said, “I have a message for those who
believe that Hindus and Muslims cannot celebrate their festivals together.
People of all religions should live together like brothers. In my locality, all
the workers live in harmony. There are Hindus, Muslims, Adivasis and people
from all castes. All are my brothers. On Eid, they come to our house to enjoy
the sewayin and on Diwali, we go to their place and light the diyas.”
He smiled and asked, “Isn’t that the purpose of
festivals?”
Source: The Wire
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
--------
Protests
On Mahsa Amini Death In Police Custody Continue Across Iran, Rights Group
Reports 185 Deaths, Including 19 Minors
A police motorcycle burns during a protest over the
death of Mahsa Amini. (Image: Reuters)
------
09
October, 2022
Protests
ignited by the death of a young woman in police custody continued across Iran
on Sunday despite a fierce crackdown by the authorities, as a human rights
group said at least 185 people, including children, had been killed in the
unrest.
Demonstrations
that began on September 17 at the funeral of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in her
Kurdish town of Saqez, have turned into the biggest challenges to Iran’s
clerical leaders in years, with protesters calling for the downfall of Supreme
Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“At
least 185 people, including at least 19 children, have been killed in the
nationwide protests across Iran. The highest number of killings occurred in
Sistan and Baluchistan province with half the recorded number,” said the
Norway-based Iran Human Rights in a statement on Saturday.
Denying
use of live bullets, authorities have described the protests as a plot by
Iran’s foes including the United States, accusing armed dissidents - among
others - of violence in which at least 20 members of the security forces have
been reported killed.
Videos
shared on social media showed protests continued in dozens of cities across
Iran early Sunday with hundreds of high school girls and university students
joining in despite the use of tear gas, clubs, and in many cases live
ammunition by the security forces, according to rights groups.
A
video posted on Twitter by the widely followed activist 1500tasvir showed a man
shouting “don’t hit my wife, she is pregnant,” while trying to protect her from
a dozen riot police beating the couple in the city of Rafsanjan. Other videos
showed protesters blocking some streets in southern Tehran.
Some
posts on social media said shops were closed in several cities after a call by
activists for a mass strike.
Reuters
could not verify the videos and posts. Details of casualties have trickled out
slowly, partly because of the restrictions on the internet imposed by the
authorities.
Amini
was arrested in Tehran on September 13 for wearing “inappropriate attire.” She
died three days later at a Tehran hospital.
A
state coroner’s report on Saturday said Amini had died due to pre-existing
medical conditions. Her father has held the police responsible for her death
with the family lawyer saying “respectable doctors” believe she was beaten
while in custody.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Head
of Muslim Group: Islamophobic Hate Crime Rising as UK Government Tries to
'Appease Far-Right'
Photo:
aa.com
----
2022-October-9
Anas
Altikriti, CEO of Cordoba Foundation, told Anadolu Agency that the British
Muslim community has sensed that “there is a tangible rise in far-right and
far-right groups that are now in government”.
His
comments came after the publication of statistics Thursday by the Home Office
that showed Islamophobic hate crimes in England and Wales skyrocketed last year
with Muslims the most targeted group for the year ending March 2022.
The
number of religious hate crimes recorded by police that targeted Muslims was
3,459, a 42% increase since last year.
“The
figures that came out today only go to confirm the actual feeling that is quite
tangible and quite powerful throughout the Muslim community we have been
sensing, and seeing, observing ourselves, the rise in anti-Muslim sentiments
and actions as well as the narrative, the overall overriding narrative, whether
it be official, whether it be through society -- that the classes Muslims as
almost second class citizens on the margins of society that are deserving of
being the targets of the overall rise of far-right and nationalist sentiments,”
said Altikriti, whose group tries to bridge “the gap of understanding between
the Muslim World and the West”.
“It's
something that confirms those kinds of feelings. I think that the actual
figures are far greater than what we saw will be it that they do confirm that
Muslims are the targets of the, you know, the greatest anti-religious
sentiments expressed against any religious minority. The fact is that this is
something that we've been warning about for more than a decade now,” he said.
Altikriti
underlined that “there is a tangible rise in far-right and far-right groups
that are now in government, only 15 years ago, were almost banished to the
sidelines of societies”.
He
said, “They were not entities, they didn't really matter in any election or
any. But now, less than two decades on, we see that many, throughout Europe and
even here in the UK. They have a huge impact on not only government, as we saw
in Austria, as we see in Sweden, as we see now in Italy, for instance, but also
on the narrative itself, because what happens is that with the rise of
far-right sentiments, the sort of mainstream right in our case, for instance,
the Conservative government tends to try to appease the far right by adopting
some of their positions. So all of a sudden, you have the far-right, albeit,
not actually in government, but their positions, their viewpoints, their
sentiments, their statements are actually being adopted and espoused by the
actual government.”
“What
these figures go to show is that we are at risk of the sorts of dissemination
and the breakup of the very fabric of British society and it's something that
we must pay serious attention to. I think that the Conservative government is
espousing policies that the Conservatives of 25, 30, 35 years ago would have
never even imagined, and particularly the kind of narrative in regards with the
immigrants and the minorities and the like,” said Altikriti.
“It's
something which is absolutely disgraceful in terms. I mean, only two days ago,
we heard the Home Secretary no less,” referring to Home Secretary Suella
Braverman’s recent remarks that it was her ‘dream’ to see planes taking off to
carry immigrants to Rwanda,” he said.
“And
as I tweeted, an immigrant daughter of immigrants, who expressed that her
dream, no less, her dream - not a goal, not her ambition - her dream was to see
a flight take off, carry immigrants off to the other side of the world,” he
added.
“It's
something that is quite shameful to be perfectly honest. I mean, our position,
today, we're talking about the figures in regards to the anti-Muslim sentiments
but in all, whether it be anti-religious anti-minority sorts of statements
whether it be the sorts of nationalist overtures that belittle anyone else it's
something that we see every single day,” said Altikriti.
Altikriti
said far-right examples were in pockets of societies before but they are now
“in the corridors of government and that's something which is extremely
dangerous”.
“This
replicates the kind of images we're seeing across Europe. Again, I mean, we take,
for instance, Sweden, which only a few years ago was celebrated by the entire
world as being one of the most open, one of the most tolerant, one of the most
accepting and welcoming countries and societies to minorities from across the
world,” he said.
“Now,
where the far-right is a serious player and influential player in the makeup of
the government. We've seen Italy for instance, elect a virtually fascist prime
minister. So, what we're seeing in Europe is, unfortunately, being replicated
across to the UK and even further beyond. You know, in the past we saw how the
tide of Trumpism actually reflected on many of our policies here in Europe,” he
added.
“And
that hasn't gone away. I mean, despite the fact that (Donald) Trump isn't the
(US) president, but Trumpism is very, very much present,” said Altikriti.
He
added, “And I think when we're asked about the reasons for this, I think that
it's a cumulative success of failures of governments or governments on economic
issues and social issues, on intelligence and the such and the constant usage
of in this particular case of Muslims as a viable and acceptable target to
explain or to justify these governmental political economic failures."
“So
this, with the accumulation, bit by bit, we've arrived at a stage where in the
UK we are facing one of the greatest cost of living crises -- that is in living
memory since World War II – problem, and we're looking at a recession the likes
of which we haven't seen, and with it, is this narrative about, how minorities
should shoulder the blame,” he said.
“So
once again, we're not learning from our mistakes, unfortunately,” he
added.
“The
first thing I would warn against is to ask the victims to solve the problem of
the culprits. The abuser in this particular case, you know, someone who's
racist, a government, which is Islamophobic -- I mean, what can I do?” said
Altikriti.
He
said he finds it “extremely difficult to engage in discussions whereby the
Muslim community is discussing building fences around the community trying to
isolate ourselves -- we'll secure ourselves with CCTV cameras with high fences
with bodyguards and as such, that's not what we want as Muslims”.
“We
are British citizens. We want to be part of Britain or we want Britain to be
part of our religious institutions. We want to accept our neighbors into our
mosques. We want, you know, to have the discussion about the problems and the
challenges that face all of us, whether it be about the cost of living, whether
it be about energy bills, whether it be about government budgets, and taxation
and all of that. We want -- we are part of all of this and we want to be part
of the general discussion. The issue of racism, whether it be Islamophobia,
whether it be anti-Semitism, whether it be any other targeting of any other
minority religious or otherwise, it's something that we all have to work
together in order to solve,” he added.
Altikriti
said the problem is not only Islamophobia but other religious groups targeted
by hate crimes.
“I
can't solve only my problem as a Muslim. So, the problem of Islamophobia was
for instance -- my Jewish neighbors are being attacked, or my Hindu neighbors
are being attacked, or the such or someone is trying to stir up problems such
as we're seeing in Leicester and Birmingham and as such, between Hindus and
Muslims,” he said.
“This
is something that we must work all together in order to confront and I'm not
saying here about us as minorities, I'm talking about all British people
because as we saw with the civil rights movement in America whether it be
30,40, 50 years, 200 years, there will come a time when the culprits when the
perpetrator of these discriminatory crimes will have to come to account,"
he added.
“And
we don't want our children to pay the price for the ignorance and arrogance and
stupidity of people amongst us today,” he said.
Source:
Fars News Agency
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click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Don’t
Be Selective About Injustice, Say Malaysian Uyghur Supporters
Malaysian supporters of China’s Uyghur community at
a protest rally in Kuala Lumpur in July. (Abim pic)
-----
Reshna
Reem Ganesan
October
10, 2022
PETALING
JAYA: The government has been accused of practising a double standard by
abstaining during a United Nations vote on abuse of Uyghurs and other Muslim
minorities in China.
Azmi
Abdul Hamid, president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations,
said Malaysia should not be selective when it comes to standing against
injustice.
He
said Malaysia had upheld itself as being “very principled” about human rights
and voicing the plight of the oppressed. However, the country made an exception
about taking a stand on the alleged abuses faced by the Uyghur community.
Azmi
said the government must explain its decision. Malaysia should not allow itself
to be dictated by “oppressive powers”, he said.
Last
week, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub and Terengganu Amanah chief Raja
Kamarul Bahrin Shah questioned the government’s decision, with the latter
describing it as embarrassing.
Another
group of Uyghur supporters said Malaysia had chosen, by its abstention, not to
seek truth and help those being persecuted.
Zuhri
Yuhyi, president of the Malaysia4Uyghurs group, said: “We have kowtowed to
China because our leaders don’t want it to interfere with trade relations. Our
silence is complicity.”
Malaysia4Uyghurs
is a coalition of Islamic, Christian and human rights groups advocating the
plight of Uyghurs.
On
Friday, the UN Human Rights Council voted 19-17 against holding the debate on
Xinjiang and the Uyghurs. Malaysia was among 11 countries which abstained. The
others were Argentina, Armenia, Benin, Brazil, Gambia, India, Libya, Malawi,
Mexico and Ukraine.
In
a report on Xinjiang last month, former UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet cited
potential “crimes against humanity” against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities
being carried out in the Chinese province.
Source:
Free Malaysia Today
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Sanders
And Others May Succeed In Removing Military Support For The Saudi Monarchy
US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y.,
right, sits next to Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., June 16, 2021, on Capitol Hill
in Washington. (AP photo)
-----
08
October 2022
Independent
US Senator Bernie Sanders and others may succeed in removing military support
for the Saudi monarchy, according to an American political commentator in
Oregon.
Charles
Dunaway made the remarks in an interview with Press TV on Saturday after
Sanders called for the withdrawal of American troops from Saudi Arabia and an
end to military aid to the conservative kingdom for lowering oil production.
“If
Saudi Arabia, one of the worst violators of human rights in the world, wants to
partner with Russia to jack up US gas prices, it can get Putin to defend its
monarchy,” the Vermont senator tweeted Friday after the OPEC+ bloc announced a
cut in daily oil production.
“We
must pull all US troops out of Saudi Arabia, stop selling them weapons &
end its price-fixing oil cartel,” he added.
In
a related move, a group of lawmakers has introduced a new bill that aims to end
the US military support to Saudi Arabia.
House
Representatives Tom Malinowski, Sean Casten and Susan Wild launched the motion
on Wednesday.
“We
see no reason why American troops and contractors should continue to provide
this service to countries that are actively working against us,” they said.
Several
congressional Democrats have had similar remarks on the announcement, which is
poised to counter-sanctions on Russian oil and potentially drive up gas prices
ahead of the midterm US elections.
“Once
again, a handful of US Senators are calling for an end to military aid to Saudi
Arabia. Earlier this year, the same
Senators tried and failed to reduce military support for the Saudi monarchy
because of the war against Yemen.
Similar efforts were made following the dismemberment of Jamal Ahmad
Khashoggi,” said Dunaway.
“In
each previous case, these efforts have failed but this time the US is in a far
different position. The US/NATO
provocations in Ukraine have forced Russia’s hand and triggered a war that
could result in the end of American hegemony.
Unfortunately for the US, its liberal use of illegal sanctions has
eliminated several major OPEC+ nations as suppliers,” he stated.
“With
an election only 4 weeks away, and US gas prices over $5/gallon in several key
states, the Biden regime will be under considerable pressure to take some
action, or at least give voters the perception that they are taking action,” he
added.
The
ABC News-Washington Post poll, produced by Langer Research Associates and
published on September 25, found that two-thirds of US voters think the
upcoming midterm elections in November are more important than past
midterms.
The
poll found that 67 percent of voters feel casting a ballot in the midterms is
more important than in past elections, with 35 percent saying this year is
“much” more important.
“The
neocon-dominated foreign policy establishment in Washington seems to have
eliminated diplomacy as an option because it implies a willingness to
compromise. Instead, we see continuing
pressure and threats against those who fail to obey, or outrageous demands
being made of negotiating parties. This
case is different,” the analyst noted.
“Given
the key role the Saudis play in West Asia, particularly in support for the
Israelis and opposition to Iran, it seems unlikely that Senator Sanders and
others will succeed in removing military support for the monarchy,” he
concluded.
Legislation
introduced in the House by Representatives Sean Casten (D-Ill.), Tom Malinowski
(D-N.J.) and Susan Wild (D-Pa.) would remove American troops and military
hardware from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The
number two Democrat in the Senate, Senator Dick Durbin, also demanded the
passage of the legislation this week, and voiced support for a broader
reevaluation of the Washington-Riyadh relationship, specifically seeking
“unanswered questions” about the role of the Saudi state in the 9/11 attacks.
“The
Saudi royal family has never been a trustworthy ally of our nation,” Durbin
said Thursday. “It’s time for our foreign policy to imagine a world without
this alliance with these royal backstabbers.”
US
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer rebuked Saudi Arabia. The senior Democratic
senator from New York threatened Saudi Arabia, saying Riyadh will pay the price
for what he called its “deeply cynical action” of supporting a 2 million-barrel
cut in oil supplies, which will put more pressure on the American economy.
“What
Saudi Arabia did to help Putin continue to wage his despicable, vicious war
against Ukraine will long be remembered by Americans. We are looking at all the
legislative tools to best deal with this appalling and deeply cynical action,
including the NOPEC bill,” Schumer tweeted on Friday.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
India
AIMPLB
Moves Supreme Court Opposing Pleas Against Places Of Worship Act
Oct
09, 2022
The
All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has moved the Supreme Court
opposing a batch of petitions challenging the validity of certain provisions of
a 1991 law that prohibit the filing of a lawsuit to reclaim a place of worship
or seek a change in its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947.
In
its impleadment application, the AIMPLB told the top court that the Places of
Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 is a “progressive legislation” in line
with the secular values of Indian polity and promotes harmony, public
tranquillity and peace amongst the different sections of the people.
A
bench headed by Chief Justice UU Lalit is scheduled to hear on October 11 a
batch of petitions questioning the validity of certain provisions of the 1991
law.
The
Muslim body in its application filed through advocate MR Shamshad contended
that the Act does not violate any cultural rights of any section of the people
and is based on the fundamental features of the Constitution which are
unamendable.
Therefore,
any attempt to repeal the said Act or to amend the same annihilating the basic
aims and objects or principles on which the said Act is based would be
“unconstitutional and thus void”, the AIMPLB contended.
The
impleadment application filed in the matter of ‘Vishwa Bhadra Purjari Purohit
Mahasangh’ and others claimed that hearing the petitions challenging the
validity of the law will only create problems on the ground and alleged that
the litigants have a “political agenda”.
It
added that “the Act is conceived to promote harmony amongst the different
sections of the people and prevent the breach of public order and promote
public tranquility and peace.
“The
Act, therefore, does not violate any cultural rights of any section of the
people. The Act envisages peaceful co-existence and thereby promotes the
diversity of cultures in our country. The Act achieves the objective of
promoting syncretic culture (Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb) which is the basic ethos of
Indian culture”.
The
AIMPLB claims that there are innumerable instances in history where the Jains
and Buddhist places of worship have been converted to Hindu temples as well as
Muslim places of worship have been converted to Gurudwaras and Hindu places of
worship have been converted to mosques.
The
Muslim body further said that the object and the purpose of the Act were to put
an end to ancient and stale claims relating to the places of worship.
It
said any dispute relating to a place of worship between different communities
is highly sensitive and endangers the breach of public order and disturbs the
peace and tranquility of the society.
“Our
country has witnessed blood baths after the controversy erupted in respect of
Babri Masjid”, it said and referred to the finding of the Srikrishna Commission
set up to enquire into the causes of the riots in Mumbai in December 1992 and
January 1993 and the causes of the bomb blast that occurred in March 1993.
It
said that the unequivocal finding of the Commission is that the December 1992
riots were due to the hurt feeling that the Muslims felt by the “shameful act
of demolition of Babri Masjid” on December 6, 1992.
On
September 9, the top court had said that the pleas challenging the validity of
certain provisions of a 1991 law can be referred to a five-judge constitution
bench for adjudication and had asked the Centre to file a reply to the PILs
questioning the law.
The
top court, on March 12 last year, had sought the Centre’s response to one of
the pleas filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay challenging the validity of certain
provisions of the law which maintain the status quo concerning ownership and
the character of religious places as prevailing on August 15, 1947.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Darul
Uloom To Hold Seminar To Discuss Madrasa Education With Representatives From
Kul Hind Rabta e Madaris e Islamia
10
Oct 2022
Darul
Uloom Deoband, an Islamic seminary, is all set to hold a seminar to discuss
madrasa education. At least 4,000 madrasas across India are affiliated with the
Darul Uloom. The seminar will see representatives from Kul Hind Rabta e Madaris
e Islamia, the largest madrasa management body.
The
seminary’s Vice Chancellor Abul Qasim Nomani told the Times of India that the
body was constituted to “improve the education system of madrasas and solve its
problems” and that “necessary steps will be taken to discuss the education
system and its problems.”
Meanwhile,
Darul Uloom’s spokesperson Ashraf Usmani told the publication that the purpose
of the seminar was to “discuss education quality provided by madrasas in the
country.” The publication also quoted an unnamed employee as saying that a
discussion on modernisation of madrasa education was also on the agenda.
This
is significant in light of the increased demand for modernising the syllabus of
madrasas that in popular perception are just schools that offer religious
education. Darul Uloom is headquartered in Deobandh in Uttar Pradesh, a state
where a survey of madrasas is ongoing. It was in connection with this survey
that the Jamiat e Ulema Hind had held a meeting in Deobandh itself, a few weeks
ago.
A
brief history of madrasas
In
his 2016 paper titled Modern Education in Madrasas: A Perspective Study of
Darul Uloom Deobandh, that appeared in the Asia Pacific Journal of Research,
Dr. Asjad Ansari explains the genesis of the madrasa system. “Madrasah is an
Arabic word which simply means a place of learning. Madrasa as an educational
institution is the result of historical evolution having its roots and origin
in Madina at Ashaab-e-Suffa, a pavement, near Prophet's Mosque, where Prophet
Muhammed used to disseminate religious knowledge to his companions,” writes Dr.
Ansari. He further explains, “The history of madrasa education in India is
spread over more than a thousand years. Initially, madrasa education system
came with the Arab settlers who came with Malik Ibn-e-Deenar and settled in the
western coast of Kerala.”
Dr.
Ansari goes on to say, “Post-independent India witnessed the emergence of huge
number of madrasas being established by different sections of Muslim society.
These sections were representing different schools of thought and so were the
madrasas established by them. Madrasas became the centres of higher learning
for the concerned ideology and school of thought. Naturally, the syllabus
adopted by them was to cater their ideological notions and produce such
scholars who become their ambassadors and propagate their ideology.”
Madrasa
modernisation in India
According
to the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), there are over 24,000 madrasas in
India. The Government of India launched two programs for madrasa modernisation
- Modernization of Madrasa Schemes (MOMS) and Scheme for Providing Quality Education
in Madrasas (SPQEM) to introduce modern subjects in Madrasa education to bring
Madrasa graduates at par with the graduates of public institutions.
A
2018 report by SPQEM cited a 2005 study by MK Qasmi to explain the curriculum
taught at Indian madrasas. It said, “The Curriculum of Madrasas in India is
regulated by three major Islamic institutions, namely, Darul Uloom Deoband,
Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama Lucknow and Jamiatul Hidaya Jaipur. Darul Uloom
covers syllabus for four stages like, primary, middle, high school and
specialization. It includes subjects like Urdu, Persian, Hindi, English,
Mathematics, Geography, Arabic Grammar and Composition in its curriculum. Darul
Uloom Nadwatul Ulama Lucknow covers the complete primary education as
prescribed for general schools besides giving a sound religious base to its
students. Jamiatul Hidaya Jaipur begins at the upper primary stage i.e. from
class VI and continues for a period of nine years divided into two levels of
Sanwi and Aali.it includes Hindi, English, Social Sciences and intensive
technical training in its syllabus besides Islamiyat.”
The
SPQEM report also points out how madrasas suffered due to inefficient methods
of recruitment for teachers. It says, “In all states, the recruitment and
appointment of teachers is an internal affair, as Madrasas follow their own
procedure to identify, select and appoint teachers. The teachers are recruited
mainly through the Madrasa Management Committee (MMC). In most of the cases,
MMCs do not follow the advertised procedure in filling up the vacant positions
of teachers. The common practice is to put notice on the notice board of the
Madrasa/Masjid. In some cases, announcement is made in the Friday prayer for
the vacant positions.”
But
most disturbingly, the report found, “Presently there is hardly any prescribed
format for the curriculum to be taught in the Madrasa. Therefore, the
curriculum is mainly guided by the Islamic law in addition to the prescribed
textbooks from the state education board.”
Source:
Sabrang India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://sabrangindia.in/article/darul-uloom-hold-seminar-discuss-madrasa-education
--------
BJP
MP Parvesh Verma Orders The People Of Delhi To Financial Boycott Muslims At A
Meeting Organised By Vishwa Hindu Parishad
Oct 09, 2022
Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament from west Delhi Parvesh Sahib Singh
Verma on Sunday allegedly called for a “total boycott” of Muslims while
speaking at a meeting organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in north-east
Delhi’s Dilshad Garden.
The
‘Jan Akrosh’ meeting was organised by VHP to protest against the murder of
Manish, a 25-year-old resident of Sunder Nagri, located near Dilshad Garden,
allegedly by three Muslims.
In
a purported video which was widely shared on the social media, Verma ---
without naming the Muslim community --- is heard saying, “There is no need to
buy vegetable from their stalls. They have meat shops; there is a need to close
down all the meat shops which are running without licence. If you want to set
them straight, the only solution is total boycott. Do you agree? Raise your
hands if you agree. Say with me that ‘we will boycott them’. ‘We will not buy
anything from their shops, we will not employ them’.”
In
another video tweeted by VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal, the west Delhi
MP is heard saying that “Jihadist” mindset is the reason behind Manish’s
murder. “Today, Manish is not with us because of people with jihadist
mindset.…our police is capable of taking action and we, Hindus, are also
capable of taking action. If we want today, we can teach them a lesson within
24 hours. But we follow the law and have faith in the judicial system,” Verma
said.
The
Congress slammed the BJP MP for asking people for financial boycott of the
Muslims. Congress spokesperson Dr Shama Mohamed tweeted, “BJP MP Parvesh Verma
orders the people of Delhi to financial boycott Muslims. Will @DelhiPolice act
against this man for inciting hatred amongst communities? Does PM Modi condone
this speech? Is this what BJP meant by Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas! Speak up
@narendramodi.”
Verma
did not respond to queries seeking his comment on the speech.
When
contacted, Vinod Bansal said that he wasn’t there when Verma addressed the
gathering. “I don’t know what he (Parvesh Verma) has said. But today’s meeting
was to protest against the growing attacks against the Hindu community. Five
Hindus have been killed in this area alone, and so many in other parts of the
city. We have the right to boycott people who attack us (Hindus) and play with
our religious sentiments. We are not attacking any particular community; we are
opposing the Islamist Jihadist elements, anti-social elements and anti-Hindu
mindset. No one targeted the community, but the Jihadist elements.”
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
MP:
After 3 Homes Razed Over Dispute at Garba Pandal, 5 More Muslim Families Served
Eviction Orders
Kashif
Kakvi
Oct
10, 2022
Bhopal:
There seems to be no end to ‘bulldozer injustice’ in Madhya Pradesh.
A
fresh set of demolition orders were issued to five houses belonging to Muslim
families of Surjani village in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur district on Friday
evening.
These
orders came 48 hours after the homes of three other Muslim families of the
village had been razed to the ground over an allegation of stone pelting at a
Garba pandal during a tiff that broke out over rash driving by a 14-year-old
boy.
On
October 4, the homes of three Muslims were razed to the ground by the Mandsaur
district administration for not having “building permission”.
The
action came after the names of their family members surfaced amongst the 19
people who were named for allegedly instigating an attack on 32-year-old
Shivlal Patidar and his friend outside the Garba pandal and also pelting stones
on the pandal. Their homes were demolished within 24 hours of serving notice.
In
the latest case, the ‘Bedakhli’ (eviction) order was passed on the evening of
October 7 and was pasted outside the homes of Abdul Gaffar Pathan, Abdul
Rasheed, Amjad Pathan, Faiz Mohammad Pathan and Riyaz Pathan, residents of
Surjani village.
Apart
from the ‘Bedakhli’ order, the Sitamau Naib Tehsildar court also imposed a fine
of Rs 5,000 on each family for allegedly building a pakka house encroaching
government lands. “…you were informed to remove the encroachment today from the
government land and inform the court. And also submit the penalty in the
court,” the order reads.
“If
you didn’t comply with the court order, the court will take action under
Section 248 (2-A) of the MP Land Revenue Code 1959. The expense of removing
encroachment by the district administration will be charged to you,” the order
reads.
Gulshana
Bi, wife of Amjad Pathan, who has been served a notice by the court, alleged,
“With an intention to stop us from going to higher courts or appeal to senior
officials, the administration served notices on Friday evening. We can only
reach out to the court on Monday, but by then the administration may demolish
our homes.”
She
further said, “We have nothing to do with the October 2 brawl and none of our
family members are named in the FIR. Yet, we have been targeted.”
She
alleged that dozens of members of the Patidar community had encroached
government lands in the village. “Many have encroached the prime lands
alongside the road but they were never served notices,” she said.
“Since
the members of the majority community want us to leave the village, the
district administration is deliberately targeting us. In the recently concluded
panchayat polls, we didn’t vote for the sitting sarpanch [village head]. He
threatened us with action against us. Therefore, the first demolition notice
was issued by the panchayat and signed by the sarpanch and not the revenue
department.”
Brushing
aside the allegations of targeting, sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Sandeep
Shiv told The Wire, “The Tehsildar court passed an order in July 2021 to remove
encroachment from government land. But they did not comply with it even after a
year. Therefore, ‘Bedakhli’ orders have passed.”
SDM
Shiv emphasised that the residents had been informed to produce a stay order in
the next couple of days to prevent eviction.
Surjani
village of Sitamau tehsil has over 100 homes with over 450 voters. There are 29
Muslim families in the village who are facing demolition threats.
The
villagers allege that police and revenue officials are threatening to demolish
the homes of the remaining 13 accused. “If the government demolishes the
remaining 16 homes of the accused, and five homes of other residents claiming
encroachment, only five Muslim homes will remain in the village,” said a local
requesting anonymity.
“Owing
to fear of home demolition, the villagers are moving out with their belongings.
The three families whose homes were demolished on October 4 are living in
tents,” he added.
When
contacted, Mahipal Singh, the sarpanch of the village, refused any comments on
the incident. Villagers claim that they are trying to reach out to the
collector Gautam Singh urging him to stop the demolition.
The
communal flashpoint
According
to the villagers, 32-year-old Shivlal Patidar objected to 14-year-old Salman
Khan driving his bike rashly on the evening of October 2, which ended after a
squabble between the two.
Hours
later, Shivlal complained to Salman’s grandfather Hafiz Khan (62) who was
seated meters away from the Garba pandal erected alongside the Ambe Mata temple
of the village. Salman, who was standing meters away with his teenage friends
Sohail and Rais, joined the conversation and objected to Shivlal.
“I
slapped him thrice for misbehaving with Shivlal in front of villagers. But it
did not prevent the incident,” said Hafiz Khan over a call.
In
retaliation, Salman allegedly misbehaved with Shivlal. Seeing this, Shivlal’s
friend Mahesh and others who were standing near the Garba pandal rushed to him
armed with sticks and rods sensing a brawl. After a heated argument between the
two, the busiest part of the village turned into a battlefield.
A
clash broke out and both the groups pelted stones at each other, with Shivlal’s
friend, Mahesh, suffering injuries. Around 8 pm, residents alerted the police
control room about the incident.
Many
people, including Salman, fled the spot after hearing police sirens. Dinesh
Parajapti, the town inspector of the Sitamau police station, arrived at the
scene and discovered Shivlal and his injured friends.
Three
Muslims from the village were taken into custody by police. During a late-night
search, four people were detained.
To
prevent further clashes, the district administration deployed a team of over
200 cops in the village.
“When
we arrived at the spot, we found only members of the Patidar community there.
The opposing side had left the area. Three people were detained right away, and
four more – including two minors –were detained the following day,” said
Parajapti.
On
the complaint of Shivlal, the police have booked Salman, his father and 17
others under eight sections of the Indian Penal Code, including attempt to
murder, and arrested eight accused so far.
In
the FIR, which was filed at 2 am on October 3, Shivlal claimed that Salman
crossed him while driving too fast on October 1 while he was watching Garba at
the pandal. He allegedly then complained to Salman’s father, Aklu Khan (38),
about the incident.
A
day later, on October 2, at around 9 pm, while he and his friends were standing
close to the Garba pandal, Salman and his father Aklu Khan, grandfather Hafiz
Khan, Sohail Khan and his father Jafar Khan, Raes Khan, and 13 other people
arrived at the scene armed with sticks and stones and started hurling insults
at him and his group, according to the FIR.
In
his FIR, Shivlal also claimed that Aklu Khan attacked him with a stone and then
picked up an iron bar that was nearby and beat Mahesh in the head as they were
trying to stop them. The gang started pelting stones at the Garba pandal as a
commotion erupted, injuring two other people, including a villager Mangubai.
However,
the chain of events described by Shivlal in the FIR is different from the
accounts shared by the eyewitnesses and Salman’s grandfather.
Countering
Shivlal’s allegation in the FIR, Salman’s 62-year-old grandfather, Hafiz Khan,
claimed that it was on October 2 around 6:30 pm, while he was seated a few feet
away from the Garba pandal, when Shivlal complained to him about Salman. The
brawl occurred subsequently.
“The
FIR said that my son and grandson attacked the pandal, which is not true. A
rift between Salman and Shivlal for rash driving is being given a communal
colour. We have been living here peacefully for generations but have never seen
such a communal outbreak,” said Hafiz Khan.
“When
the SP visited the site, he observed the stones were planted not pelted,”
claimed a local who was accompanying the SP.
The
message of the conflict spread like wildfire. According to a local, a WhatsApp
message, which was forwarded widely to several groups, claimed Muslims
allegedly stormed the Garba pandal in Surjani village, assaulting ladies and
destroying the deity idol.
A
mob of around 2,000 men arrived in the village within an hour, but authorities
prevented them from going into the Muslim neighbourhood known as Pathan
Mohalla.
According
to Salman’s grandfather Hafiz Khan, a truck belonging to his relative Ansar
Khan that was parked on the village’s main road and near a petrol pump was set
on fire at about 11 pm. The truck was set ablaze by several miscreants, according
to the CCTV footage of the incident.
The
mob attempted to incite Muslims by torching the vehicle and throwing things
into Muslim neighbourhoods, which were under police protection, but Muslims did
not respond, according to a resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The
resident said that the police officers threatened to add names to Salman’s FIR,
if anyone ventured to file a complaint when they attempted to file an FIR of
arson and stone pelting. “It has been six days since the truck was set on fire
but the police did not lodge an FIR,” he said.
#Mandsaur:
What happened 12 hrs before homes of 3 Muslims razed:
–
After a WhatsApp forward, over 1000+ ppl gathered in village.
–
Under police nose, stones pelted on Muslim locality, a truck of Ansar khan set
on fire.
–
“Police refused to lodge FIR, threatened on contrary.”
–
pic.twitter.com/Z7DJX9qofl
—
काश/if
Kakvi (@KashifKakvi) October 6, 2022
When
asked, Dinesh Parajapti, town inspector of Sitamau police station, replied, “We
have received the complaint but FIR has not been registered.”
The
houses of the three accused demolished
Within
12 hours after the FIR, demolition notices were pasted outside the houses of
the three accused. And within 24 hours, all the three houses were razed to the
ground.
Shama
Bi Rahman, the mother of Raes Khan, said that her home was demolished rather
than that of her son, Raes Khan, while Aklu and Jafar’s homes were torn down.
Money, jewellery, and other expensive items were either destroyed or discarded
with the rubble.
“My
house shares an entry gate with two other residences that my two sons built
separately. They posted a notice on the main gate in the evening stating that
they would be destroying Raes’s two-room home, but the next day they came and
destroyed our home instead. About 20 years ago, my son left the house,” said
Shama Bi.
When
asked about the same, SDM Sandeep Shiv said, “The demolition was carried out as
per the findings of the panchayat department as they are the authorities to
give permissions. They had been given enough time to present their side.”
Shama
Bi claimed that they weren’t given any time to vacate the houses.
Left
on the streets with her house demolished and her husband Aklu Khan and
14-year-old son Salman in jail since October 2, Channo Bi (38) was left with no
option but to take shelter under a temporary tent erected next to the rubble of
her home.
Just
like Channo Bi, the home of Sabzo Bi (40) also razed on October 4. Her husband,
accused in the case, is on the run while her two sons, one of them being a
minor, were arrested by the police for alleged stone pelting.
Left
without a roof, they have been on the streets since October 4 with their
children including two toddlers. And other villagers refused to come to her aid
fearing demolition and police action.
In
order to take shelter from the continuous rains in the region, they put
together a makeshift shelter by tying a plastic sheet to a pole, however, on
the night of October 8, Sitamau police took it down, Channo Bi alleged.
Fearing
demolition, none of the villagers offered shelter as police personnel are
continuously threatening them with similar action, especially the remaining
Muslim families in the village. It was out of necessity that we had to put up
the tent, but now I’m homeless again. We don’t know what to do,” said Channo Bi
over the call.
Source:
The Wire
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Muslims
not getting ‘due share’ despite significant contribution: Sharad Pawar
Oct
08, 2022
Nationalist
Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday called for finding ways to
provide the Muslim community their “due share”, saying they have made a
significant contribution in all fields. Addressing an event titled 'Issues
Before Indian Muslims', Pawar batted for Urdu but also stressed the importance
of the "main language" of states.
"Members
of the Muslim community have a feeling they are not getting their due share
despite being such a large part of the country, which is actually a reality.
Deliberations have to be held on how they can get their due share," he
said, as quoted by PTI.
The
event was held in Nagpur by the Vidarbha Muslim Intellectuals Forum.
On
the issue of the high rate of unemployment among Muslims, the NCP supremo noted
that unemployment was an issue across all communities in the country, but added
that complaints by minorities were genuine and needs to be looked into. He
asserted that the Muslim community can contribute hugely in the fields of art,
poetry and writing through Urdu, adding that its members have "quality and
capacity" but need "support and equal opportunity", reported
PTI.
Pawar
also said that the Muslim community has made the biggest contribution to the
Hindi film industry in taking it to the top, and one cannot ignore it. reported
news agency ANI.
"Today,
in all the fields, whether it is art, whether it is writing, or whether it is
poetry, the highest contribution has come from the Minorities and has come in
the Urdu language," the former Maharashtra chief minister said.
"We
have Bollywood in front of us, which has contributed the most in taking it to
the top, it is the Muslim minorities who have contributed the most and we
cannot ignore their contribution," he added.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Two
terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag
Oct
10, 2022
ANANTNAG
(JAMMU AND KASHMIR): A total of two terrorists were neutralised in the Anantnag
encounter by the security forces, said the officials on Monday
"#AnantnagEncounterUpdate:
01 more #terrorist killed. #Operation in progress. Further details shall.
@JmuKmrPolice," the Kashmir Zone Police informed in a tweet.
Earlier
one terrorist was killed earlier in the encounter that broke out in the
Tangpawa area of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Sunday evening, according to
the police.
"#Anantnag
EncounterUpdate: 01 #terrorist killed. #Operation going on. Further details
shall follow," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted on Monday morning. The
operation is still underway.
Last
week, four terrorists were eliminated in two separate encounters conducted in a
joint operation launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in
Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, said the police.
Three
terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Drach area of the Shopian
district on Tuesday night, police said on Wednesday.
Another
local terrorist was killed in the encounter in the Moolu area of Shopian.
"Jt
op launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice today. Area cordoned &
contact established. Firefight ensued & 01 terrorist eliminated. 01 soldier
injured, evacuated to 92 BH & stable. 01xAK Rifle & other war like
stores recovered.
One
soldier was injured in the exchange of fire between terrorist and security
forces.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Supreme
Court to decide on validity of Karnataka hijab ban this week
Oct
10, 2022
NEW
DELHI: The Supreme Court will pronounce this week its verdict on the validity
of the February 5 Karnataka government circular banning students from wearing
religious clothing, including hijab, to state-run educational institutions.
While
the Karnataka government had termed the circular a “secular decision” aimed at
preventing students from getting embroiled in religion and making them study
with an open mind, the Muslim side had invoked right to freedom of religion,
right to privacy, right to dignity, and right of choice of clothes to question
the circular’s validity.
A
bench of Justices Hemant Gupta and Sudhanshu Dhulia had reserved its verdict on
a bunch of 26 pro-hijab petitions which had challenged the Karnataka high court
order upholding the validity of the state’s decision. As many as 21 advocates
had argued for the Muslim side and only six in support of enforcing uniforms
without religious attires.
The
hearings had lasted 10 days and spanned two weeks. The Muslim side engaged 21
lawyers, including senior advocates Dushyant Dave, Rajeev Dhavan, Devadatt
Kamat, Salman Khurshid, Huzefa Ahmadi, Meenakshi Arora and Sanjay Hegde. In
contrast, the Karnataka government had engaged only three law officers —
solicitor general Tushar Mehta, state advocate general Prabhuling Navadgi and
additional solicitor general K M Nataraj — to argue that the direction to
enforce uniforms in schools did not breach any fundamental right.
The
court will resume business on Monday after a week-long Dussehra break. Justice
Gupta will retire on October 16, which gives the bench a window of five working
days (Monday to Friday), and in exceptional circumstances even Saturday, to
pronounce the verdict.
Monday
as usual would see a flurry of PILs getting listed before many benches of the
SC. Of the 53 PILs listed for adjudication, as many as 24, or 45% of them, are
listed for hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice U U Lalit.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Houses
of Muslims being demolished over ‘petty’ charges: AIMPLB
9th
October 2022
New
Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Saturday alleged
that some state governments were adopting Israel-like policies and imposing a
“bulldozer culture” to target Dalits and Muslims by demolishing their homes
over “petty” allegations.
In
a statement, AIMPLB’s general secretary Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rehmani
claimed that in several cities, houses of Muslim and Dalits have been
demolished.
He
alleged that the Centre and some state governments are adapting Israel-like
policies in the country by imposing the bulldozer culture “which is
objectionable and shameful act for the country”.
The
image of India is of a democratic country where every citizen has the right to
protest peacefully and freedom of speech, but in the recent past, governments’
attitude has been changing to “dictatorship”, Rahmani alleged.
A
person works profusely for ages and builds his or her house, and not just that
person, in many cases, his or her parents, children and sisters and brothers
live together, Rahmani pointed out.
“There
is joint ownership of the family. Now if any major or minor boy of the home
joined stone pelting agitation in any sense would it be right for the
government to give a sentence for the crime of an individual to the entire
family, old parents, innocent children,” he asked.
“Suppose
there are 50 houses of Muslims and Dalits and none of them have taken permission
to build their houses, but precisely few of them have been targeted and
demolished as they were involved in stone pelting as claimed by the police. Is
this the correct course of law?” Rahmani said.
The
governments are themselves filing complaints and giving judgements, he alleged.
Source:
Siasat Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/houses-of-muslims-being-demolished-over-petty-charges-aimplb-2430301/
--------
Muslim
federation to reserve seats for women in its panel
Ziya
Us Salam
OCTOBER
08, 2022
Two
seats each have been earmarked for women and notified Muslim OBC
representatives. This is the first time ever that seats have been reserved on
caste lines in any Muslim body in the country.
In
a development likely to have far-reaching implications for leading Muslim
organisations in the country, All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat has
announced plans to reserve seats for women and Pasmanda community
representatives to the body’s 25-member national executive. Besides, plans have
been announced to bring on board four members from southern States and one
representative of northeast India.
Two
seats each have been earmarked for women and notified Muslim OBC
representatives. This is the first time ever that seats have been reserved on
caste lines in any Muslim body in the country.
Incidentally,
the Mushawarat is the umbrella body of 12 Muslim organisations, including
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, the Muslim League, Indian National League and Jamiat
Ahl-e-Hadith. The changes have been brought in with select amendments to the
constitution of the Mushawarat. The amendments were brought in through a
referendum that took place via a postal ballot.
“The
moment the amended constitution got the consent of the members, it was
considered passed,” says Navaid Hamid, President, AIMMM. A little over 81% of
the members voted in favour of reservation for women through a referendum while
nearly 74% voted in favour of Pasmanda reservation.
The
groundbreaking changes come with a cloud of uncertainty. Three leading
organisations, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, its student wing SIO, and Indian National
League boycotted today’s deliberations. It was argued that Mr. Hamid is a
caretaker president and hence, not authorised to bring in far-reaching changes
to the constitution. They argued that Mr. Hamid’s extended tenure as the
president of the body ended in September this year. Hence, the changes he has
brought in cannot stand legal scrutiny.
Among
those who participated in today’s deliberations were representatives of Jamiat
Ahl-e-Hadith, Markazi Ahl-e-Hadith-e-Hind, All India Momin Conference, Jamiatul
Quraish and Association of Muslim Professionals, while others sent in letters
of support.
“His
elected term ended on December 31, 2019. His grace period also ended on
September 5, 2022. He is not authorised to amend the constitution. His plans to
reserve seats for women and Pasmanda are unprecedented. In Mushawarat, we have
never seen the caste of a person occupying a seat,” says Zafarul Islam Khan,
former president of the Mushawarat, adding, “When I became the president in
2008, the first choice was Maulana Abdul Haq Ansari who was the president of
Jamaat-e-Islami. He was a Pasmanda. It did not matter to any member. However,
the Jamaat’s policy was to not accept any presidency. So, he did not become the
president of the Mushawarat and I got a chance.”
Mr.
Khan contends that the Mushawarat today is a mere coterie of yes men, and Mr.
Hamid is a mere caretaker till fresh round of elections take place; the changes
go against the letter and spirit of the body.
Source:
The Hindu
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Muslims
Use Condoms Most, Numbers On Decline: Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi
Oct
10, 2022
HYDERABAD:
In a sharp riposte to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent remarks on
community-based population imbalance, AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP
Asaduddin Owaisi said the Muslim fertility rate was on the decline and Indian
Muslims use condoms the most.
“The
gap between two children is called spacing. Muslims are maintaining this space
as they are the ones using condoms the most. If Hindus and Muslims have the
same DNA, then where’s the imbalance? There’s no need for population control as
we’ve already achieved replacement rate,” Owaisi said while addressing a public
meeting here late Saturday.
Later,
taking to Twitter on Sunday, Owaisi sought to remind people that the BJP-led
Union government had submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court in 2020
stating it cannot enforce family planning. “The RSS chief is trying to scare
Hindus by saying the population of Muslims is increasing, while in fact it’s on
the decline,” he tweeted. Churning out statistics while claiming that these
were government data, Owaisi said: “There were 90lakh female foeticides among
Hindus between 2000 and 2019. For every 1,000 males born Muslim, 943 are
females. For 1,000 males born Hindu, 913 are girls.”
The
AIMIM chief went on: “The population of those in 60+ age-group will go up to
20crore by 2031 and 40crore by 2061. These senior citizens will depend on their
children for food, medicines and other needs. But the Modi government is not
giving jobs nor talking about support for the elderly. Remember the data.”
According
to Owaisi, “Bhagwat will not speak on these issues but harp on the concept of
Hindu Rashtra”. “And BJP and RSS will continue to project Muslims as
terrorists, cow-slaughterers and anti-national. The concept of Hindu Rashtra is
against nationalism and BR Ambedkar’s Constitution,” Owaisi said.
Referring
to some Muslim youths being tied to a street pole in Gujarat and thrashed by
police for allegedly hurling stones at a garba event, Owaisi said the cops
should have instead taken them to the police station. "But they chose to
insult and tear apart their self-esteem."
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Mideast
Two
security members killed in Iran night-time protests
09
October, 2022
Two
members of Iran’s security forces were killed amid protests over the death of
Mahsa Amini, state media reported on Sunday.
A
wave of unrest has rocked Iran since the 22-year-old Kurdish woman died on
September 16 after her arrest by the morality police in Tehran for allegedly
violating the Islamic republic’s strict dress code for women.
The
street violence has led to dozens of deaths, mostly of protesters but also
members of the security forces.
A
member of the Basij force was killed Saturday night “after suffering a serious
head injury following an armed attack by a mob” in the south of the capital,
state news agency IRNA said.
The
Basij is a paramilitary militia linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards
Corps, the ideological arm of Iran’s military.
The
agency added that a Guards member was also killed on Saturday during protests
in Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan province, from which Amini hailed.
The
deaths bring to at least 14 the number of security forces killed during more
than three weeks of protests, according to local media.
Fars
news agency had said on September 27 that “around 60” people lost their lives
during the protests, a figure it has not updated since.
Protests
were reported in different cities on Saturday, including Tehran and Sanandaj.
“Police
forces used tear gas to disperse the crowds in dozens of locations in Tehran,”
IRNA reported, adding that the demonstrators “chanted slogans and set fire to
and damaged public property, including a police booth and trash bins.”
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
‘Blood
on your hands:’ Iran hackers interrupt broadcast with message to Khamenei
09
October, 2022
Hackers
interrupted an Iranian state broadcast to display a photo of Ali Khamenei along
with the message “the blood of our youths is on your hands” on Saturday amid
protests over the death of Mahsa Amini.
Hacktivist
group Edalat-e Ali (Ali’s Justice) claimed responsibility for the incident that
took place around 6pm local time during a news bulletin.
The
image also showed Khamenei engulfed in flames and in a rifle’s crosshairs.
The
country has been racked by protests in recent weeks after the death of
22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody.
Amini
was arrested in Tehran on September 13 for wearing inappropriate attire, and
died three days later.
A
coroner’s report on Friday denied that Amini had died from blows to the head
and limbs, saying her death was the result of a pre-existing medical condition.
Amini’s
family, however, have denied that she had a pre-existing condition, and her
father has blamed police for her death.
Edalat-e
Ali hacked news websites and television and radio stations to broadcast
anti-regime messages earlier in the year, Iran International reported.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iran’s
Raisi says students won’t allow enemy’s ‘false’ dreams to come true
08
October, 2022
Iranian
President Ebrahim Raisi said Saturday that the country’s students won’t “allow
the enemy’s false dreams to come true,” as protests sparked by the death of
Mahsa Amini entered their fourth week.
A
wave of unrest has rocked Iran since the 22-year-old Kurdish woman died on
September 16 after her arrest by the morality police in Tehran for allegedly
failing to observe the Islamic republic’s strict dress code for women.
The
street violence has led to dozens of deaths, mostly of protesters but also
members of the security forces, and gatherings have been reported in
universities and schools across the country.
“The
enemy thought it could pursue its desires in the university, unaware that our
students and professors are awake and will not allow the enemy’s false dreams
to come true,” Raisi said, according to a presidency statement.
Raisi’s
remarks came as he attended a ceremony marking the beginning of the academic
year at Tehran’s Al-Zahra, the first all-female university in Iran, founded in
1964.
Academics
“will certainly defeat the enemy in the field of science and knowledge as well
as in other fields,” he said.
On
Sunday, Fars news agency reported on a rally at Al-Zahra University, where
female students held a protest in support of Amini.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
IRGC,
Army, Border Guards Kick Off Joint Naval Drill in Persian Gulf
2022-October-9
"The
3-day naval drill entitled 'Prophet Mohammad' started with the participation of
the border guards of the Southern coastal provinces of the country and the
Islamic Republic of Iran Army and Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) navies
on the coast of the Persian Gulf," Colonel Yadollah Sharafi said.
He
pointed out that the purpose of holding the exercise is to improve the ability
of the border guard forces and synergy with the operating forces against
foreign aggression and border confrontation on the sea coast.
In
a relevant development on Saturday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)
Navy launched a large-scale parade at the 2nd Naval District of the Persian
Gulf near the port city of Bushehr.
The
IRGC naval vessels paraded in the waters of the Persian Gulf on the occasion of
the anniversary of martyr Nader Mahdavi, a former IRGC Navy Commander, and his
companions.
On
October 8, 1987, Nader Mahdavi, along with nine of his companions from the
Marines of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, fought directly with the
American forces who trespassed the territorial waters of Iran near the Persian
Gulf region and were martyred by the US terrorist forces.
Source:
Fars News Agency
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Gov't
Spokesman: West Engaged in Genocide Campaign Against Iranian Patients
2022-October-9
Bahadori
Jahromi made the remarks in a Persian-language post on his twitter account
while projecting that 220 Iranian thalassemia patients would be the victims of
sanctions imposed by the United States against Iran by the end of the current
Persian year (March 22, 2023).
“Seventy
thalassemia patients lost their lives in the year 2018, 90 in 2019, 140 in 2020
and 180 died last year due to sanctions. According to the projections this
year, 220 patients will be the victims of cruel sanctions. Add to this
statistic, EB (epidermolysis bullosa) patients and all those [patients with
rare and refractory diseases] in need of special medicinal products,” Bahadori
Jahromi wrote.
“The
West is taking revenge on Iranians through a genocide campaign against the
patients,” he added.
In
relevant remarks on Saturday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kana’ani
censured the US sanctions against the Islamic Republic, and said that the bans
were the "backbone" of the so-called American human rights
regulations.
“The
whole Iranian people, without any distinction and discrimination, have been
struggling for many years with the brutal sanctions of the United States, which
have targeted their livelihood, jobs, health and normal life,” Kana’ani said.
“Even
EB children were not exempted from the unilateral, illegal and cruel US
sanctions. Sanctions are the backbone of American human rights,” he noted.
The
United States, under the hawkish former president Donald Trump, unilaterally
walked out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan
of Action (JCPOA), in May 2018 and reinstated crippling sanctions under the
so-called “maximum pressure” campaign.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Visitors
to Iran should respect laws, foreign ministry says as protests continue
10
October, 2022
Foreign
visitors to Iran should respect the Islamic Republic’s laws, its foreign
ministry spokesman said on Monday, as protests continue over a woman’s death in
police custody that Tehran has blamed on “foreign enemies.”
Last
month, Iran said it had arrested nine European nationals for their role in the
unrest over Mahsa Amini’s death.
“Iran
is a safe country... We expect foreigners who visit Iran for tourism and
business ... purposes to respect our laws,” foreign ministry spokesman Nasser
Kaanani told a televised news conference.
Anti-government
demonstrations that erupted on Sept. 17 at Amini’s hometown of Saqez, have
turned into the biggest challenge to Iran’s clerical leaders in years, with
many calling for the downfall of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Turkey’s
‘disinformation’ bill to have pre-election ‘chilling effect’: Watchdog
09
October, 2022
Turkey’s
proposed “disinformation” bill threatens free speech and could further harm
journalism ahead of next year’s elections, a European rights watchdog’s legal
body said, calling for Turkey’s parliament to reject it.
The
Venice Commission, which advises the Council of Europe, said prison sentences
and other fallout from the draft legislation would be disproportionate to its
aims and could lead to “arbitrary restrictions of freedom of expression.”
For
all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government says the legislation would address
misinformation in the press and on social media. His ruling AK Party and allies
have a majority in parliament and are expected to adopt it as soon as this
week.
Critics,
including opposition parties and press groups, are primarily concerned over an
article saying those who spread false information about Turkey’s security to
create fear and disturb public order would face one to three years in prison.
“The
Commission is particularly concerned with the potential consequences of such
provision, namely, the chilling effect and increased self-censorship, not least
in view of the upcoming elections in June 2023,” it said late on Friday.
It
said the bill “constitutes an interference with the freedom of expression”
protected by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). It asked lawmakers to
clarify terms in the bill and to reject the draft amendment, which was debated
last week.
There
are alternative non-criminal ways to counter misinformation and disinformation
in a democratic society, the Venice Commission said in a 23-page assessment.
The
bill would continue a decades-long crackdown on free speech and the media under
Erdogan, who faces tight presidential and parliamentary elections next year.
A
Reuters investigation recently showed how the mainstream media has become a
tight chain of command of government-approved headlines.
Parliament
is set to resume debate over the legislation on Tuesday after it passed the
first 15 articles last week.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Four
Yemeni soldiers killed as troops attack Al-Qaeda stronghold in Abyan
SAEED
AL-BATATI
October
09, 2022
AL-MUKALLA:
Four Yemeni soldiers were killed and several others injured by roadside bombs
in Yemen's southern province of Abyan after military forces attacked Al-Mafed,
Al-Qaeda's bastion.
Mohammed
Al-Naqeeb, a spokesman for the pro-independence Southern Transitional Council,
which commands military operations in Abyan, told Arab News that two bombs
exploded on Sunday as a convoy of soldiers drove through Omaran valley, an area
that once housed Al-Qaeda facilities, killing four soldiers and injuring
several others.
Al-Naqeeb
said: “We don't know if the roadside bombs were planted by Al-Qaeda today or
during the most recent military operations.”
A
military offensive against Al-Qaeda militants began last month inside their
strongholds in the southern provinces of Abyan and Shabwa. The action followed
a series of deadly attacks on military and security outposts and kidnappings,
for which Al-Qaeda claimed credit.
Southern
forces launched the fourth and final phase of the Eastern Arrows military offensive
on Saturday by attacking Al-Qaeda's last stronghold in Abyan.
Al-Naqeeb
said that forces were preparing to move toward the district's remote and rugged
mountains, which have long housed Al-Qaeda militants and military facilities.
The
province of Abyan will be declared free of militants for the first time in
years if government forces take full control of the district's urban and rural
areas.
Al-Qaeda
militants, according to local military officials, sought refuge in other
mountains in the Houthi-controlled central province of Al-Bayda, while others
fled to Wadi Hadramout and Marib.
Yemeni
military forces in Shabwa earlier drove Al-Qaeda out of Al-Mousinah and pursued
them to the province’s mountainous areas.
Separately,
local and international human rights organizations and activists have condemned
the Houthi drone attack in Taiz, which left eight civilians injured.
According
to residents, a drone struck a civilian vehicle in Al-Majasha in Maqbanah
district, west of Taiz, injuring eight.
The
Geneva-based SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties said that the civilians
were on their way to a wedding and were not close to a military location. It
called for international condemnation of the Houthis’ repeated and arbitrary
attacks.
It
added: “The civilians were not part of an armed group and were not near a
military area or site, reflecting the true intentions of the Houthis.”
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2178196/middle-east
--------
Normalization
deals enormously benefited Israel’s arm industry: Report
10
October 2022
A
report says the Israeli arms industry has disproportionately benefited from the
warming of ties between Israel and some Arab countries, as deals worth more
than $3 billion have been signed between the regime and three countries that
normalized their ties with it in the past two years.
The
Wall Street Journal on Sunday said Israel embraced its expanding acceptance by
once-wary Arab countries by signing military deals with the United Arab
Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco after it reached normalization agreements with
them.
“Few
have benefited more from the warming relations than Israel’s military
contractors,” the WSJ said.
The
Tel Aviv regime’s ministry of military affairs has announced that the Israeli
military companies have sealed over $3 billion in deals with the three
countries since the agreements were reached.
The
ministry said military sales to the Persian Gulf Arab countries hit 7% of total
exports last year, helping drive Israel’s global military sales to a record
$11.3 billion.
The
deals include supplying the UAE and Bahrain with advanced air defenses,
according to former Israeli officials and military contractors.
The
contractors have also sealed a deal with Morocco to build drone factories in
the north African country.
According
to the contractors, talks are underway to sell the three nations everything
from advanced radar technology to cybersecurity systems.
The
WSJ cited former Israeli leaders and arms-industry officials as saying that the
UAE bought a small Israeli surface-to-air missile system designed to bring down
drones last year to allegedly protect its high-profile World Expo from Yemeni
retaliatory attacks over Abu Dhabi’s involvement in the Saudi-led war on the
impoverished country.
The
new cooperation, however, has its limits, with the WSJ citing Israeli officials
as saying that the Israeli military sales to the Persian Gulf Arab regimes are
restricted to air defenses.
“Israeli
government approval to sell advanced offensive weapons is unlikely to come any
time soon.”
The
United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed United States-brokered agreements with
Israel to normalize their ties with the regime back in September 2020. Some
other regional states, namely Sudan and Morocco, followed suit soon afterward.
Source:
Press TV
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Retaliatory
armed operations will continue in occupied al-Quds, West Bank: Palestinian
resistance groups
09
October 2022
Palestinian
resistance movements have said that armed retaliatory operations will continue
unabated and will repeatedly target the Tel Aviv regime’s security apparatus,
hailing the latest shooting attack in the occupied East al-Quds leading to the
killing of an Israeli soldier near the Shuafat refugee camp.
“Such
operations convey the message that the Palestinian nation’s uprising is going
on and will not draw back. Young Palestinian combatants will not stop chasing
down occupiers and settlers in order to give them proper responses for their
crimes and incursions into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound,” Hamas spokesperson
Abdel-Latif al-Qanou said.
Qanou
said that the wrath of al-Aqsa, which is reaching the boiling point anywhere
across the West Bank and occupied al-Quds, will eventually go off in the face
of the occupying regime and settlers, and will not appease unless the Zionists’
plans aimed at Judaization and partition of the al-Aqsa Mosque are dropped.
He
pointed out that Palestinians residing in the cities of Jenin, Nablus,
al-Khalil, Ramallah, al-Quds and elsewhere in the West Bank are all united to
defend al-Aqsa Mosque, and will not back down until the sacred site is purged
from the grip of the occupying regime.
Fawzi
Barhoum, another spokesperson for Hamas, emphasized that the heroic operation
shows that no matter how much the Israeli enemy would intensify its repressive
measures, armed resistance will continue in the West Bank and occupied al-Quds.
The
Hamas spokesman described the shooting attack as a natural response to Israeli
crimes and atrocities against the residents of al-Quds, assaults against women
and children, as well as the desecration of the Ibrahimi Mosque and al-Aqsa
Mosque compound.
Tariq
Ezzedine, a spokesman for the Islamic Jihad resistance movement in the West
Bank, also said the East al-Quds operation points to the righteous nature of
the Palestinian struggle against Israel.
He
went on to highlight that the operation comes at the appropriate time and
place, and is in response to the crimes that the Tel Aviv regime has committed
against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Ezzedine
stressed that the heroic operation dealt heavy blows to Israel’s security,
military and political organs, which are trying to employ all criminal methods
to eliminate the Palestinian uprising. The Israeli bodies have, however, failed
in the face of resistance fighters’ recurrent retaliatory moves.
He
noted that the operation conveys the important message that “our hands are
tied” and the uptick in Israeli crimes will never undermine the determination
of resistance fighters and will not discourage them from performing their
duties.
Moreover,
the Palestinian Freedom Movement stated that the incident clearly shows that
resistance is in full effect, and will target the Israeli security apparatus
time after time.
The
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine also said Palestinians view
nothing but resistance as the sole effective way to deter Israeli aggression
and terrorism.
It
underlined that the latest retaliatory operation in East al-Quds will push
hundreds and even thousands of young Palestinians to the fields of
confrontation with Israel.
Israeli
forces have recently been conducting overnight raids and killings in the
northern occupied West Bank, mainly in the cities of Jenin and Nablus, where
new groups of Palestinian resistance fighters have been formed.
Source:
Press TV
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Europe
Germany
wants those behind Iran crackdown banned from EU, assets frozen: Report
09
October, 2022
Germany
will ensure the European Union freezes the assets of those responsible for a
violent crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran and bans their entry to
the bloc, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told a German Sunday newspaper.
Germany,
France, Denmark, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic have submitted 16
proposals for new EU sanctions against Iran for its clampdown on protests
ignited by the death in policy custody of a young woman, a German foreign
ministry source said last week.
Those
proposing the sanctions are aiming for the EU foreign ministers to decide on
them at their meeting on Oct. 17, with no resistance expected from the members
of the bloc.
The
protests, which initially focused on women’s rights, have spiraled into the
biggest show of opposition to Iran’s authorities in years, with many calling
for the end of more than four decades of Islamic clerical rule.
On
Saturday, female students in Tehran chanted “get lost” as Iranian President
Ebrahim Raisi visited their university campus on Saturday and condemned
protesters enraged by the death of a young woman in custody, videos on social
media showed.
“Those
who beat up women and girls on the street, who abduct, arbitrarily imprison and
condemn to death people who want nothing other than to live free - they stand
on the wrong side of history,” Baerbock told Bild am Sonntag newspaper.
“To
those people in Iran we say: we stand by you, and will continue to do so,” she
said.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
Iran-made
drones used in Russian strikes against Ukraine: Zelenskyy
10
October, 2022
Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia targeted Ukraine’s energy
infrastructure during Monday’s strikes across the country, including by
Iran-made drones.
“This
morning is difficult. We are dealing with terrorists. Dozens of missiles and
Iranian Shaheds. They have two targets. Energy facilities throughout the
country,” Zelenskyy said in a video address on social media, adding that “the
second target is people.”
“They
want panic and chaos, they want to destroy our energy system,” Zelenskyy said.
Strikes
were reported in multiple cities across Ukraine, including rare attacks on the
capital Kyiv and the western Lviv region.
Zelenskyy
said that attacks also took place in Dnipro, Vinnytsia and Ivano-Frankivsk in
central Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia in the south and Kharkiv and Sumy regions in the
east, among others.
“There
may be temporary power outages now, but there will never be an interruption in
our confidence – our confidence in victory,” Zelenskyy added.
Earlier
in the day, Zelenskyy accused Russia of trying to wipe his country “off the
face of the earth.”
“They
are trying to destroy us and wipe us off the face of the earth...destroy our people
who are sleeping at home in [the city of] Zaporizhzhia. Kill people who go to
work in Dnipro and Kyiv,” Zelenskyy said on the Telegram messaging app.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Three
men face murder charge after stabbing near UK mosque
October
09, 2022
LONDON:
Three men have been charged with murder by British police a week after Haji
Choudhary Rab Nawaz was fatally stabbed outside the Jamiah Masjid &
Institute in Coventry, England.
The
52-year-old was knifed on Oct. 2, dying in hospital soon after the attack.
Adam
Razaaq, 20, Hasnian Razaaq, 23, and Mohammed Faisal, 29, are set to appear at
Coventry Magistrates’ Court next Saturday.
The
three men, from Halesowen and Birmingham, have been bailed.
West
Midlands Police, which has oversight of Coventry and the surrounding area, said
that the men had also been charged with attempted murder after another man was
found with a knife wound at the mosque fight.
Nawaz
was knifed to death during a fight involving a large group of men, some armed
with knives, with the police called out to calm the situation.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2178096/world
--------
UN
chief says West’s ‘moral responsibility’ to help Pakistan
Anwar
Iqbal
October
9, 2022
UNITED
NATIONS: Pakistan is the victim of “a grim calculus of climate injustice”, said
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, while calling on industrialised nations
that drive 80 per cent of climate-destroying emissions to help the country
recover, adapt and build resilience to disasters.
While
concluding a debate on the devastation caused by the recent floods, the UN
chief called help for Pakistan a “moral responsibility” of industrialised
nations.
“This
time it is Pakistan, tomorrow, it could be any of our countries and our
communities,” he added.
On
Friday, the UNGA unanimously adopted a resolution urging donor nations and
institutions to provide full support to rehabilitation and reconstruction
efforts.
Mr
Guterres, who recently visited Pakistan, told the UNGA that flood waters
covered a landmass three times the total area of his own country, Portugal.
“Pakistan
is on the verge of a public health disaster”, he warned, adding that now
cholera, malaria and dengue fever could take “far more lives than the floods”.
In
another appeal for help, the UN refugee agency said on Saturday that it
urgently needed relief goods for more than 650,000 people.
UNHCR
Spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh said Pakistan was facing “a colossal challenge”
and more support were needed.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1714207/un-chief-says-wests-moral-responsibility-to-help-pakistan
--------
Southeast
Asia
Veep:
Umno not against PAS’ agenda to unify Muslim community, we're against Bersatu
By
Zarrah Morden
10
Oct 2022
KUALA
LUMPUR, Oct 10 — Umno is not against Islamist party PAS’ agenda to unify the
Muslim community but is instead opposing its on-and-off ally Parti Pribumi
Bersatu Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said today.
The
Umno vice-president accused Bersatu of being established merely to undermine
Umno, and inevitably destroy the Malay nationalist party.
“[Bersatu’s]
strength is superficial. Not built through genuine struggle, but through the
most sly and ugly political betrayal syndicate in Malaysian political history,”
he said, referring to the role Bersatu’s leaders played in the so-called
“Sheraton Move” that resulted in Perikatan Nasional’s formation.
“Because
of that, Bersatu does not have the standing as a supporter of Malay unity and
solidarity.”
He
labelled Bersatu as a “traitor” party, contrasting it with Umno which he said
is currently focusing to restore its full strength to be the choice of Malay
voters.
Yesterday,
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said his party had yet to arrive at a
conclusion on whether it would ally with Bersatu or Umno for the next general
election (GE15).
Source:
Malay Mail
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196-year-old
Jamae Chulia Mosque in Chinatown to get $3m restoration from end-2022
Syarafana
Shafeeq
OCT
9, 2022
SINGAPORE
- One of Singapore's oldest mosques, Jamae Chulia Mosque, will undergo a
year-long restoration, estimated to cost $3 million, from the end of 2022.
The
196-year-old mosque, located in Chinatown, will remain open for prayers during
the restoration period. It was last renovated more than a decade ago, mainly
for roof works due to leaking, and a paint job.
The
mosque was originally built in 1826 to serve the Tamil Muslim community in
Chinatown, who often refer to it as "Periya Palli" - Tamil for
"Big Mosque".
The
restoration will expand the classroom space, which currently fits 15 people, to
five classrooms that can hold around 100 people in total. Jamae Chulia Mosque
is one of the few in Singapore that holds Islamic religious classes in Tamil.
Ramps
and handrails will also be installed to make the space more accessible and
wheelchair-friendly. Works will also include treating the rising water dampness
in the walls, repairing surface cracks, and restoring timber fixtures and
rusted ironmongery.
A
new community plaza will be built in the open space behind the mosque, to be
used for festive occasions, celebrations and communal functions.
The
space can also be used for prayers, increasing the mosque's capacity for
congregants from 1,500 to 1,700.
At
the launch of the restoration project on Sunday, Minister of State for National
Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said: "Many of you here have shared
with me stories of how you grew up with the mosque during our engagement
sessions, and I am very heartened that you take pride in preserving and protecting
Jamae Chulia Mosque so that it can continue to be experienced and utilised by
our future generations.
"The
Indian Muslim community has made valuable contributions towards building our
community of success. We are fully supportive of the efforts to uplift the
community as we undertake this journey together."
The
mosque was built by South Indian Tamil Muslim migrants, under the guidance of
Chulia pioneer Anser Saib. The Chulias were early migrants from the Coromandel
Coast of Southern India, and were mostly small traders and money changers.
The
restoration project will also set up a customer service counter near the main
entrance to cater to tourists, as the mosque is a popular attraction within the
Chinatown belt.
It
is among three Islamic heritage buildings in the Chinatown area, alongside
Al-Abrar Mosque and Nagore Darga.
Jamae
Chulia Mosque was put under the charge of the Islamic Religious Council of
Singapore (Muis) in 1968, and gazetted as a national monument in 1974. It is
believed to be the oldest among the five mosques that are monuments.
Other
mosques that are national monuments in Singapore include Sultan Mosque and
Hajjah Fatimah Mosque.
The
estimated $3 million needed for the project will be gathered through online
collections by the community and other fundraising projects.
Chairman
of Jamae Chulia Mosque Rasheed Zaman said he hopes to see support for the
project from the larger community, not just Indian Muslims.
He
said: "Being in the Central Business District, we have a lot of
congregants coming to the Masjid, and they have been supporting us in the form
of donations and volunteering. A Masjid is for all Muslims, so we are hoping
for all Singapore Muslims to come forward and donate for this cause."
Muis
also announced that a commercial mixed-development, including short-term
communal residences and co-working spaces, will be built behind the mosque
through its subsidiary, Warees Investments. It will redevelop the land under
its Wakaf Revitalisation Scheme to maximise the overall value of the land.
More
details will be announced in the second quarter of 2023, with the development
expected to be ready by 2025.
Source:
Straits Times
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Malaysian
PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolves Parliament, calls snap polls
OCTOBER
10, 2022
Malaysian
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Parliament will be dissolved,
paving the way for general elections
Malaysian
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Parliament will be dissolved
Monday, paving the way for general elections that are expected to be held in
early November.
The
elections would come nine months before Parliament’s term expires, following
calls for early polls from Mr. Ismail’s United Malays National Organization.
UMNO, the biggest party in the ruling coalition, was feuding with its allies
and is aiming for a big win on its own.
Mr.
Ismail said he met on Sunday with King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who
consented to the dissolution. He said he decided to call early polls to counter
criticism over the legitimacy of his government — the third since 2018 polls.
“With
this announcement, the mandate will be returned to the people. The people’s
mandate is a powerful antidote" to create a firm and stable government,
Mr. Ismail said in a televised announcement.
The
Election Commission is expected to meet within the week to announce a date for
the vote, which must be held within 60 days from Parliament’s dissolution. It
is likely to be held early November before the year-end monsoon season that
often brings devastating floods.
UMNO’s
allies in the government and opposition parties have protested any plans to
hold elections during the monsoon season, which last year killed more than 50
people and displaced thousands. But UMNO’s top leaders decided recently that
polls must be called this year for UMNO to capitalize on the return of ethnic
Malay voters and an opposition in disarray.
“Ismail
Sabri has succumbed to pressure by his party UMNO, serving the shortest tenure
as a PM, and entering the country into polls during a dangerous season of
monsoon floods,” said Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asia expert with Malaysia’s
Nottingham University.
“UMNO
believes it has the advantage with early polls and has maintained pressure as
they hope to return to power as the dominant party,” she said.
UMNO
led Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957, but was brought down in
2018 elections by a multibillion-dollar financial scandal that saw ex-Prime
Minister Najib Razak imprisoned for 12 years for graft. The party’s current
president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is also on trial for graft.
UMNO
returned to power in March 2020 as part of a mainly Muslim coalition government
after the reformist alliance led by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad
collapsed due to defections.
The
new government was unstable due to a razor-thin majority in Parliament, and
then-Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was forced to resign 17 months later after
some UMNO lawmakers withdrew support for him.
Source:
The Hindu
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North
America
New
York Muslim police officers society sends relief goods to flood-hit Pakistan
Mucahit
Oktay
10.10.2022
NEW
YORK
The
New York Police Department’s Muslim Officers Society sent their first shipment
of relief goods to flood-hit Pakistan on Sunday.
The
clothes and cleaning materials collected by the members of the society for
people affected by the floods that hit Pakistan in August were dispatched to
the country from John F. Kennedy International Airport with the sponsorship of
Turkish Airlines Cargo.
Speaking
following the delivery of relief goods to Turkish Airlines Cargo at the
airport, Adeel Rana, the head of the NYPD Muslim Officers Society, said
millions of people's homes were under water in the flood disaster in Pakistan
and they needed all kinds of help, adding they would continue to send aid from
New York after the first cargo.
Rana
also thanked Türkiye's Consul General Reyhan Ozgur and Turkish Airlines, which
mediated the free delivery of the aid cargo to Pakistan.
The
society’s vice chairman, Ali Hammutoglu, said they established delivery centers
at three different points in New York and much more aid materials were
collected in a short time than they expected.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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US
says failed rocket attack targeted American troops in Syria
October
09, 2022
WASHINGTON:
The US military said late on Saturday that unidentified forces fired a rocket
at a compound in Syria hosting US troops and partnered local forces, but failed
to cause any injuries or damage.
The
military, in a short statement, said the 107 mm rocket failed to impact
anything inside the Rumalyn Landing Zone US compound in northeast Syria.
“Additional
rockets were found at the launch site,” said the US military’s Central Command,
which oversees US troops in the Middle East.
Central
Command did not say who it believed might be responsible for the failed attack.
It
came just two days after a rare US helicopter raid on a government-held village
in Syria’s northeast killed a Daesh militant on Thursday, followed hours later
by a separate US air strike later that killed two other militants.
US
forces first deployed into Syria during the Obama administration’s campaign
against Daesh, partnering with a Kurdish-led group called the Syrian Democratic
Forces. There are about 900 US troops in Syria, most of them in the east.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2177871/world
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Senator
Murphy: Decades-long US-Saudi partnership is ‘broken’
10
October 2022
Democratic
US Senator Chris Murphy called for a reassessment of the US military alliance
with Saudi Arabia after the kingdom and its oil-exporting allies agreed to a
production cut, ahead of the November midterm elections which Democrats are
already set to lose to the Republicans.
In
an interview on Sunday, Murphy lambasted OPEC+’s cut of 2 million oil barrels
per day, and called the decades-long US-Saudi partnership “broken.”
The
oil-exporting alliance, which includes the 13 OPEC nations and 11 non-members
including Russia, made the production cut announcement on Wednesday. The group
agreed to cut output by 2 million barrels per day, equal to 2 percent of global
supply.
The
OPEC move was a large blow to the administration of US President Joe Biden, who
visited oil-rich Saudi Arabia on a July trip to appeal to Saudi Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman.
Independent
observers believe the Biden administration is worried that the decision to cut
oil production will cause a gas price hike in the US.
“I
don’t have any problem with American presidents meeting with our friends or
adversaries,” Murphy said on Sunday. “I think it’s clear that right now the
relationship is broken. But it’s been broken under Democratic presidents and
Republican presidents.”
The
OPEC decision was made as US-led Western nations continue attempts to curb
Iran’s and Russia’s oil trade as part of illegal sanctions, while also
grappling with soaring energy prices in the US.
The
decision has prompted some lawmakers, including Murphy, to rethink Washington’s
alliance with Saudi Arabia, which routinely purchases American weapons and
hosts troops.
“We
sell massive amounts of arms to the Saudis,” Murphy said on CNN. “I think we
need to rethink those sales. I think we need to lift the exemption that we have
given this OPEC+ cartel from U.S. price-fixing liability. I think we need to
look at our true presence in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia.”
“For
years, we have looked the other way as Saudi Arabia has chopped up journalists,
has engaged in massive political repression, for one reason: We wanted to know
that when the chips were down, when there was a global crisis, that the Saudis
would choose us instead of Russia,” Murphy told Tapper.
“Well,
they didn’t. They chose Russia,” Murphy added.
A
team of Saudi operatives murdered Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post
journalist, in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2, 2018.
Source:
Press TV
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Rocket
attack targets base housing US occupation troops in northeastern Syria
09
October 2022
A
military facility occupied by US occupation forces in Syria’s northeastern
province of Hasakah has come under a
rocket attack from nearby areas, as Washington continues to plunder natural
resources of the energy-rich regions of the war-ravaged Arab country.
The
US military's Central Command, which oversees American troops in the Middle
East, asserted in a short statement that the 107mm rocket, launched at around
10:12 p.m. local time (1912 GMT) on Saturday, failed to impact anything inside
the Rumalyn Landing Zone.
It
added that “Additional rockets were found at the launch site,” further claiming
that the projectile did not cause any injuries or damage.
The
development came hours after the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Expatriates demanded the immediate withdrawal of US occupation forces from the
war-ravaged Arab country.
The
ministry said in a statement that presence of American troops in Syria was
illegal, and called for an end to Washington’s support to Kurdish-led militants
affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which it said served the US
interests in Syria.
The
statement went on to condemn the looting of Syrian crude oil by US forces,
saying that, “The continuation of US despicable policy of stealing Syrian oil
across the Syrian-Iraqi border and transporting it to northern Iraq represents
piracy and an attempt to return to the outdated colonial era.”
It
further said that the US practices run counter to international law and UN
charters, demanding the UN Security Council to censure the act.
The
ministry also said Syria reserves the right to get compensation from the United
States for the losses it has caused and the oil it plundered.
The
US military has for long stationed its forces and equipment in northeastern
Syria, with the Pentagon claiming that the deployment is aimed at preventing
the oilfields in the area from falling into the hands of the Daesh terrorists.
Damascus,
however, maintains the deployment is meant to plunder the country’s natural
resources. Former US president Donald Trump admitted on several occasions that
American forces were in the Arab country for its oil wealth.
On
Saturday, Syria’s official news agency SANA, citing local sources in
al-Ya'rubiyah town, reported that a convoy of 50 tankers, laden with oil from
the energy-rich Jazira region, left Syria through the illegal Mahmoudiya border
crossing on Friday, and headed towards Iraqi territories.
Source:
Press TV
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--------
US
approves $3 billion sale of air-defense missile system to Kuwait
08
October 2022
The
US State Department has approved a $3 billion military deal with Kuwait that
paves the way for the sale of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missiles
System (NASAMS) to the Persian Gulf kingdom, the Pentagon declared.
"The
proposed sale will improve Kuwait's capability to meet current and future
threats by enhancing the ability to defend itself against regional malign
actors and improve interoperability with systems operated by US forces and
other [Persian] Gulf countries," the US Defense Department said in a
statement cited by Defense News on Friday.
While
the estimated cost of the deal for Kuwait comes in at $3 billion, the report
adds, the final dollar amount is subject to change until the Pentagon finalizes
a contract with Raytheon.
According
to the report, the weapon is manufactured as a joint venture between US-based
Raytheon Technologies and Norway’s Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, though the
principal contractor on the Kuwait sale is Raytheon.
The
State Department’s approval, meanwhile, kicks off the 30-day congressional
review period. Congress has advanced legislation in recent months to accelerate
the slow-moving delivery of weapons to its customers across the globe.
However,
such efforts have so far centered largely on a $14 billion backlog of foreign
military sales to Taiwan as Washington actively seeks to contain China’s
growing influence in the region by increasing its military presence and weapons
sales in the Indo-Pacific region.
The
United States itself uses NASAMS to protect the airspace over the White House
and the Pentagon. Both Hungary and India have also purchased NASAMS to defend
their territories in recent years.
Source:
Press TV
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--------
Pakistan
UN
should ensure implementation of international law everywhere equally: Bilawal
October
8, 2022
BERLIN:
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called upon the United Nations to
ensure implementation of international law everywhere on equal footings, as
India’s unilateral actions in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir
(IIOJK) after the events of August 2019 cannot be approved particularly in the scenario
when Russian actions in Ukraine are disapproved by the global community.
He
stated this during a press conference in Berlin, Germany, while responding to a
query regarding India’s unilateral actions of August 2019 in IIOJK.
He
was flanked by his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock. The Foreign Minister
said that Pakistan has been raising the issue with foreign dignitaries during
engagements. “During our meetings, we continue to raise the issue of occupied
Kashmir, particularly after the events of August 2019. We believe that
international law should apply everywhere. UN resolutions should be respected
everywhere. Unilateral actions in occupied Kashmir cannot be approved while
unilateral actions in Ukraine are disapproved,” he added.
Bilawal
Bhutto Zardari called for maintaining consistency in similar issues
particularly at the United Nations level. He pointed out that Kashmiris
continue to raise their voices and people in Pakistan and around the globe were
looking forward to the moment when United Nations plays its part in finding a
just solution to the Kashmir dispute.
The
Foreign Minister also referred to the ceasefire agreement with India despite
New Delhi’s unilateral actions in IIOJK. He expressed the hope of seeing the
resolution of the dispute soon.
Source:
Pakistan Today
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Pak
Minister Baig’s abduction reflects growing resurgence of Taliban in
Gilgit-Baltistan
8
October, 2022
Gilgit
Baltistan [PoK], October 8 (ANI): Incidents of the growing influence of the
Taliban in the occupied Gilgit-Baltistan region are increasing on daily basis
with the law enforcement failing to control the law and order situation while
Taliban continues to enjoy a stronghold in the region.
The
kidnapping of a senior Pakistani minister from Gilgit Baltistan is a reminder
of the same. Abaid Ullah Baig, a minister from the Gilgit Baltistan region was
travelling from Islamabad to Gilgit city when he was abducted by militants
headed by Taliban commander Habibur Rehman.
The
kidnapping took place near Babusar Top which is a mountain pass connecting the
northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with the country’s north. The leader
of the militants Rehman is a prime accused in the Nanga Parbat base camp
attack.
The
2013 Nanga Parbat massacre was a terrorist attack that took place on the night
of 22 June 2013 in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. About 16 militants, reportedly
dressed in Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts uniforms, stormed a high-altitude mountaineering
base camp and killed 11 people; 10 climbers and one local tourist guide.
Rehman
was arrested in the case but he managed to flee in March 2015 after a jailbreak
in Gilgit.
In
the latest incident of the abduction of a Pakistan minister in the Cabinet
holding the Ministry of Finance, Industries, Commerce and Labour the militants
had blocked the road and left tourists stranded for hours.
The
senior minister belongs to the PTI party. Arab News reported quoting a Jirga
member that the militants belonged to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, also
known as the Pakistani Taliban.
However,
Baig was set free after negotiations with militants, a top government official
said on Saturday, adding the talks were facilitated by local clerics.
“He
[Baig] is back. And road [is] open,” Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary Mohyuddin
Ahmad Wani told Arab News and added that the minister was set free after
“successful” negotiations through local ulemas.
“The
minister has been released at around 3 am today as a result of successful
negotiations,” Muhammad Alamgir, station house officer (SHO) of Jal area in
Diamer district told Arab News.
“A
local jirga comprising clerics and officials negotiated with the militant
group.”
Alamgir
said the road was blocked at 2 pm on Friday by a group of protesters, led by
militant commander Habibur Rehman. “They blocked the road and held the
minister, Col (retired) Abaidullah Baig, hostage,” he said.
“Their
main demand was the release of incarcerated prisoners from the Minawar Jail,
Gilgit.”
Moreover,
Faizullah Faraq, a former minister and member of the jirga that negotiated with
militants, said they had kept the minister in a room and wanted him to use his
influence to pressurize the government.
“They
thought their demands will be met, if they keep the minister for a longtime,”
Faraq told Arab News. Ziaullah Thakvi, another Jirga member, said around 200
militants, mostly from outside Diamer district, had blocked the road, which
left tourists from European countries among others stranded.
“Locals
kept the foreigners at their homes and were all safely taken out later,” he
told Arab News.
The
Jirga member Ziaullah Thakvi quoted a militant commander for GB, Abdul Hameed,
as telling the clerics, “We are leaving the area for ten days but if the
process to meet our demands did not begin, then do not come in front of us next
time.”
A
TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khorasani was not reachable for comment. Gilgit
Baltistan’s chief secretary said it was a “local group” of militants.
Source:
The Print
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Imran
Khan claims ruling party behind audio leak
Oct
9, 2022
ISLAMABAD(ANI):
Pakistan's former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran Khan
on Friday claimed that the ruling party Pakistan Muslim League (N) was behind
the "new game of fake audios," hours after another audio of the PTI
Chairman leaked.
Earlier,
on Friday, two audio recordings featuring PTI Chief Imran Khan surfaced in one
of them he was heard talking about 'buying' MNAs and in the second one, the
former PM was using a "US cypher" to brand those who would vote
against him in April's confidence vote as traitors, Dawn reported.
The
audio leak comes a week after a leaked audio recording of PTI leaders was
released recently.
While
addressing the public rally, Imran Khan claimed that PML-N was behind all these
audio leak games.
Whereas
other party leaders said the leaked audios were a work of "cut and
paste" in which bits of different conversations could be joined together,
reported Dawn.
Meanwhile,
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that these leaks reveal Khan's
"hypocrisy" and his "anti-state actions" made him unfit for
the high office.
In
Friday's audio leak, Imran Khan was heard talking about his strategy to win the
support of five MNAs through horse trading.
"You
have a misunderstanding that now the number game is complete [...] don't think
this is over."
"You
see, 48 hours is a long, long time. Big things are happening. I am making my
own moves that we can't make public," Khan purportedly says and adds that
he "is buying five".
"I
have given the message that those five are very important. And tell them that
if they secure these five [...] and if he secures 10, then the game will be in
our hands. The nation at this moment is alarmed. Across the board, people want
us to win somehow," he added.
"Hence,
don't worry about whether this is right or wrong [...] even if they get one, it
will create a huge difference," the voice adds as quoted by Dawn.
In
the second audio, PTI leaders featuring Shireen Mazari, Asad Umar and Khan said
the cypher, which he has used to further a foreign conspiracy narrative behind
his ouster, had a global impact and urged his close aides to brand those who
would vote against him in the confidence vote as Mir Jafar and Mir Sadiq,
according to Dawn.
Source:
Times Of India
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--------
Pak
minister, two foreigners abducted by militants in Gilgit-Baltistan freed
Oct
9, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
Militants on Saturday freed a senior minister and two foreigners in the
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region in northern Pakistan following “successful”
negotiations with government officials, facilitated by local clerics.
Colonel
(retired) Abaidullah Baig, a minister in the GB government, and the two
foreigners were abducted on Friday from Babusar Top — a mountain pass
connecting the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with Gilgit-Baltistan —
where the militants, belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), had set up
road blockades. They were demanding the release of their jailed accomplices.
The
minister was released around 3 am, said Muhammad Alamgir, station house officer
of Jal area in GB’s Diamer district. “A local jirga (council of elders)
comprising ulemas (clerics) and officials held talks with the militants,” he
added.
“He
(Baig) is back home and the road is open for traffic,” said Mohiuddin Ahmad
Wani, GB’s chief secretary, adding that the minister was set free “unconditionally”.
In
a purported conversation with a journalist shared on social media, Baig could
be heard saying the militants had two demands: the release of their accomplices
from jail, and imposition of Islamic law, with no women sports activities.
Official
sources said Habibur Rahman, GB’s most wanted militant commander accused of the
2013 killing of 11 people — 10 of them foreign tourists — in the Nanga Parbat
base camp, and about 200 of his men had blocked the road in Thak village of
Chilas in Diamer on Friday, leaving travellers on both sides stranded.
Ziaullah
Thakvi, a jirga member, said the militants demanded that their incarcerated
fellows be released or moved to Diamer, and treated like other inmates.
Faizullah
Faraq, another jirga member, said the militants belonged to the TTP and most of
them were “outsiders”. “I could only identify two from Diamer – Habibur Rehman
and Abdul Hammed,” Faraq said, adding that a majority of them were Pashtuns.
The
GB chief secretary, however, said it was a “local group” of militants.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
Imran
urges youth to study Seerat-e-Nabvi for prosperity
October
09, 2022
Former
prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has urged
the youth to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and study his
character for the prosperity of the nation.
"Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) for the first time in history created a welfare state but now
there is no Muslim state which is a welfare state. Scandinavian countries are
the closest to Riyasat-e-Madina," he said while addressing a ceremony in
connection with Eid Miladun Nabi in Islamabad.
Imran
said when he went to the UK, he for the first time saw how a welfare state
worked. "They take care of their animals more than we care about our
people. Even stray dogs are provided shelter homes," he added.
The
deposed premier said that the societies which follow the principles of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) will have prosperity, whether they are Muslims or not.
"Allah gave him [Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)] the title of
Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen... he is a blessing for the entire humanity," he
added.
In
Riyasat-e-Madina, Imran said the Prophet (PBUH) united the people and did not
divide them. "Mohammad Abduh, a famous Egyptian scholar, when he went to
Europe, he said he saw Islam but no Muslims but when he returned to Egypt, he
said he saw Muslims, but not Islam."
The
PTI chief went on to say that "our prime minister goes to foreign
countries and begs for money", saying that the country will default and it
is a shameful moment for the entire nation. "Some white persons come from
abroad and everybody here bows before them. We need to reflect back on this
holy day. This country was not founded that some people make money and the rest
become their slaves," he added.
Imran
said that Pakistan has also the resources in the world to become a prosperous
country. "We have all the resources. We have all seasons. During my
tenure, I came to know how blessed we are.," he said and added that
everyone particularly the youth has to play a role in the uplifting of the
country.
"I
made Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen authority so that everybody gets to know about the
character of our Prophet (PBUH). Youth are being targeted with Western values
therefore we need to stop the onslaught with Prophet's (PBUH) character. Our
children start to copy Western culture. We will revive Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen
authority when we get back into power. We should give a strong foundation to
our children. I urge the youth to read books and study the character of our
Holy Prophet (PBUH)."
He
said that the PTI government tried to change the curriculum after 75 years.
"We have a separate education system for the rich and the poor. We tried
to change that but probably this government had suspended the plan."
Source:
Tribune Pakistan
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2380848/imran-urges-youth-to-study-seerat-e-nabvi-for-prosperity
--------
FO
rejects India’s ‘unwarranted remarks’ on FM Bilawal and German counterpart’s
joint press conference
Naveed
Siddiqui
October
9, 2022
Pakistan
has rejected the “unwarranted remarks” by the Indian Ministry of External
Affairs’ (EAM) official spokesperson regarding Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto
Zardari’s joint press conference with his German counterpart in Berlin wherein
the two spoke about the United Nations’ role in resolving the Kashmir dispute,
according to a press release by the Foreign Office on Sunday.
In
the press conference, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had said:
“Germany also has a role and responsibility with regard to the situation in
Kashmir. Therefore, we support intensively the engagement of the United
Nations, to find peaceful resolutions in the region.”
Reacting
to her remarks, EAM spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the global community
had a responsibility to “call out international terrorism, especially of a
cross-border nature” in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
“The
UN Security Council and FATF (Financial Action Task Force) are still pursuing
Pakistan-based terrorists involved in the horrific 26/11 attacks,” he said.
“When states do not recognise such dangers, either because of self-interest or
indifference, they undermine the cause of peace, not promote it.”
Responding
to Bagchi’s “gratuitous remarks”, the FO said they had “exposed the desperation
of a country that finds itself increasingly isolated on the issue of its
illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and the reprehensible human rights
violations being perpetrated by its ruthless occupation force in the occupied
territory”.
The
press release said the two foreign ministers had highlighted the centrality of
the Kashmir dispute and agreed that there was a role and responsibility of the
international community as well as a need for intensified efforts from the UN,
with regard to a peaceful and just resolution of the issue.
The
FO said that India’s “proclivity” to hoist the “bogey of cross-border
terrorism” whenever there was a call for increased scrutiny of its actions in
Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu Kashmir (IIOJK) was “well known”.
“It
must, however, realise that no amount of obfuscation will change the reality of
its repression in IIOJK. India’s credentials as a purveyor of state terrorism
in IIOJK and as an instigator of cross-border terrorism in Pakistan need no
reiteration.
“Hollow
denials and evasion of responsibility will no longer cover up India’s
mischievous strategy of posing as a ‘victim’ of terrorism while shifting blame
elsewhere,” the FO said while rebuffing Bagchi’s remarks.
On
the other hand, it added that Pakistan’s contribution to the cause of counterterrorism
was globally acknowledged.
It
also pointed out that Bagchi’s allusion to the FATF characterised India’s
“bias, hostility and partiality” towards Pakistan and “corroborates Pakistan’s
long-standing view that India has been politicising FATF and trying to misuse
its membership of FATF to target Pakistan.”
The
FO called on the FATF to take note of India’s “irresponsible statement”.
“Rather
than making preposterous remarks about statements made by foreign ministers,
India would do well to introspect, address the international community’s valid
concerns and mend its conduct in the IIOJK.
“Pakistan
urges the international community, particularly human rights and humanitarian
organisations to condemn India’s barbaric state-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir
and ensure that Kashmiris are given their right to self-determination as
enshrined in the relevant UNSC (UN Security Council) resolutions and as per
their own wishes,” the press release reads.
On
Monday, the FO had “categorically rejected” Indian Foreign Minister
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s remarks insinuating that Pakistan was involved in
“international terrorism”.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Govt
will not seek Paris Club debt restructuring: Dar
October
9, 2022
Finance
Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday said Pakistan will not seek debt restructuring
from Paris Club creditor nations, as he seeks to restore market confidence
after a credit rating downgrade.
The
new rating from Moody’s raised concerns that Pakistan could default on its
foreign debt as the country contends with economic turmoil and a balance of
payments crisis.
“We
have decided not to go to Paris Club,” Dar said while addressing a press
conference in Islamabad, adding that in consultation with Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif it was decided that it wasn’t in the nation’s interest to ask
for a restructuring.
“We
will fulfil all sovereign [debt] commitment,” he said.
Dismissing
market rumours that the government might extend maturities for its bonds, Dar
said the country will fulfil all multilateral, international and bond
obligations.
“God
willing, we will pay the bonds on time,” said Dar.
“We
are not extending the bond maturity.” Pakistan’s Eurobond matures in December
this year.
Moody’s
last week downgraded Pakistan’s credit rating from B3 into so-called junk
territory at Caa1, citing external risks and concerns about its ability to
secure required financing to meet its needs in the next few years.
Dar
has previously said that the country will meet the requirement to raise nearly
$35 billion in external financing for the 2022-23 financial year.
PM
Shehbaz last month made an appeal to the Paris Club for a debt moratorium after
the already struggling economy was hit by devastating floods that the
government estimates will cause economic losses of up to $30bn.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1714271/govt-will-not-seek-paris-club-debt-restructuring-dar
--------
Muslims
in Pakistan celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday
Sunday,
09 October 2022
Nasir
Kazmi
Press
TV, Islamabad
Thousands
of Muslims have held a gathering in the Pakistani capital Islamabad to
celebrate the birth anniversary of Islam's Holy Prophet Muhammad.
The
occasion is one of the key festivities on the Islamic calendar and holds a
special significance for Muslims around the world. The same goes for the people
of Pakistan, who are always excited about commemorating this day.
The
participants in the ceremonies say the day provides Muslims with a great
opportunity to understand the teachings and the message of Prophet Muhammad.
Source:
Press TV
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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South
Asia
Acclaimed
Afghan Singer Joins Hazara Protests in Washington D.C.
By
Saqalain Eqbal
09
Oct 2022
Renowned
Afghan singer Farhad Darya took part in the demonstration held in Washington
D.C. against the “genocide” of the Hazaras and urged the people in a brief
address to stop being divided and unite as one.
Along
with his wife, Farhad Darya, another Afghan artist, participated in the mass
protest against the systematic abuse of Hazaras that was held in the US
capital. Darya said that the people’s voice has now reached a global level and
will not be silenced.
These
protests, according to Farhad Darya, who actively engages on social media and
remarks on the goings-on, “opened the gate of mass protests and it will not
stop.”
Global
protests against the genocide of Hazaras started on Saturday, October 8th, and
are still going on Sunday, October 9th, in more than 100 cities around the
world, including Melbourne and cities in Portugal.
The
terrorist attack on the Kaaj education center in the Hazara neighborhood of
west Kabul on September 30 sparked these widespread protests, the number of
which is unprecedented.
The
protesters demand an immediate end to the “genocide” being committed against
the Hazara minority, citing the attack on Kaaj as a flagrant example of
atrocities committed against the Hazara community.
The
White House pledged to establish a team of significant government agencies to
actively monitor the genocide of Hazaras on a long-term basis.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/acclaimed-afghan-singer-joins-hazara-protests-in-washington-d-c-36547/
--------
Afghans
still worried over drone strikes after US puts limits on drone use
09
October 2022
Abdullah
Amirzada
Press
TV, Kabul
US
president Joe Biden has signed a new classified policy that limits the
country’s drone operations and tightens the rules of engagement.
This
policy will limit drone operations in several countries where the US has
carried out many strikes in recent years, including Afghanistan. US drones,
however, are still flying in the skies of Afghanistan, and people are worried
that deadly strikes could still happen at any moment.
Back
in 2017, the Trump administration replaced old guidelines with a looser set of
rules for drone engagement that led to a 330 percent rise in civilian
casualties in Afghanistan. Research by an independent media organization shows
that from 2015 to 2020 alone, between 300 to 900 civilians lost their lives to
US drone operations. Experts say that even with the new policy adopted, US
drones in Afghanistan are still dangerous.
The
aforementioned policy requires “near certainty” that a target is a member of a
designated terrorist group and “near certainty” that no civilians will be
killed or injured before pulling the trigger. But it still remains unclear what
this “near certainty” standard means in practice.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/10/09/690663/Afghanistan-drone-strikes-US
--------
Unidentified
Gunmen Kill Man in Northern Afghanistan
By
Saqalain Eqbal
10
Oct 2022
Local
Taliban officials in Faryab province in northern Afghanistan said that unknown
gunmen killed a man in the Pashtun Kot district of the province.
The
Taliban security officials involved in the investigation of the case stated
that the incident took place on Saturday night, October 8 in the Takali village
of the Pashtun Kot district.
According
to Shamsullah Mohammadi, the Director of Information and Culture of the Taliban
for Faryab province, the man was shot to death with a rifle.
However,
other than to say that they are investigating the case to identify the
perpetrators and ascertain the cause and motive, the Taliban officials made no
mention of the murder’s cause or motive.
Previously
last week, a gardener was reported to have been killed by unidentified
assailants who killed him in the Qaisar district of Faryab province.
The
Taliban officials had arrested two people in connection with the case and
stated that the investigations were underway.
Meanwhile,
a Taliban official, the head of economy for Faryab province was also
assassinated by unknown assailants as the Taliban official was on his way home.
People
are concerned due to security instability in many Afghan provinces,
particularly Faryab province, as crime rates have raised in Afghanistan.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/unidentified-gunmen-kill-man-in-northern-afghanistan-43755/
--------
Taliban
Meets Members of Afghan Sikh and Hindu Community
By
Saqalain Eqbal
09
Oct 2022
The
Taliban administration’s Kabul mayor, Mawlawi Abdul Rashid, met with some
Afghan Hindu and Sikh community members. The Hindu and Sikh participants at
this meeting demanded that usurpers be driven off their land.
The
Kabul Municipality said in a statement that Afghan Hindus and Sikhs have
requested assistance in reclaiming their lands.
According
to the statement, the Kabul mayor has assured that the problems of the
complainants will be resolved.
The
Taliban official has also stated that the Afghan Hindu and Sikh are as much as
valuable as other Afghans.
The
Afghan Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan now make up a small minority, and many
of them left the country after the Taliban took over.
Prior
to the Taliban’s rule, there were thousands of Hindu and Sikh families, each
with their own businesses and representatives in the parliament. Currently,
reports claim that there are fewer than 20 families left in the country.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-meets-members-of-afghan-sikh-and-hindu-community-67486/
--------
Taliban
Delegation Meets Top US Officials in Doha
By
Saqalain Eqbal
09
Oct 2022
For
the first time since US forces killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a
drone operation in July, senior US officials met with the Taliban delegation in
Doha, international media reported.
The
delegation from the Taliban, which included the group’s head of intelligence,
Abdul Haq Wasiq, met with the top US officials in Doha, the capital city of
Qatar, including the US deputy director of the CIA and the top State Department
official in charge of Afghanistan.
According
to a CNN report, the two sides met in the Qatari capital on Saturday, October
8.
Details
of this meeting are unknown, but the US cut off its ties with the Taliban after
the assassination of the Al-Qaeda leader in downtown Kabul, the capital of
Afghanistan.
The
Doha Agreement, to which the US and the Taliban are parties, stated that the
Taliban would not harbor terrorists after the US military withdraws from
Afghanistan and that the US accuses the Taliban of breaching it in a “clear and
blatant” manner.
Source:
Khaama Press
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-delegation-meets-top-us-officials-in-doha-23434/
--------
Arab
World
Saudi
Ports Authority signs $170 mln contracts to develop Jeddah Islamic Port
09
October, 2022
Saudi
Arabia’s ports authority has inked two contracts worth more than $170 million
(640 million riyals) to deepen existing wharfs and establish new ones at Jeddah
Islamic Port, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Lebanon
expecting final draft from US mediator over maritime demarcation within hours
09
October, 2022
Lebanon’s
President Michel Aoun said on Sunday that he will be sent a final draft of a
proposal to demarcate Lebanon’s maritime border with long-time foe Israel
within hours.
US
mediator Amos Hochstein has drawn up the final text.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iraqi
Kurdistan lawmakers delay polls and extend term
09
October, 2022
Parliament
in Iraq’s autonomous northern Kurdistan region voted Sunday to extend its term
by a year, postponing polls against a backdrop of a wider national political
paralysis.
Legislative
elections in Kurdistan had been due this month, four years after the last vote.
Amid
disagreements between its two major parties, lawmakers will now stay until a
new parliament is elected in late 2023.
Eighty
out of 111 representatives voted for the measure, the regional parliament said
in a statement, with members of the opposition abstaining.
The
delay is the result of disputes between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)
and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) over the delineation of electoral
constituencies.
But
it also is part of a broader power struggle between the parliament’s two
biggest parties, said Shivan Fazil, a researcher at the Stockholm International
Peace Research Institute.
KDP,
which controls the regional government, has challenged PUK’s claim for the
presidency of Iraq, which by convention is held by a member of Iraq’s Kurdish
minority. The PUK has held the largely symbolic post since 2005.
“Lack
of cooperation and consensus between the two parties at the federal level...
has increasingly led to a lack of cooperation and consensus” in Kurdistan too,
Fazil said.
The
parliament has extended its term several times in recent decades over political
disagreements, and in the 1990s due to fighting between two rival clans, the
KDP-affiliated Barzanis and the PUK-affiliated Talabanis.
The
UN envoy to Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, warned this week that “the
political fallout” of not conducting timely elections and “neglecting basic
democratic principles will bear a high cost.”
“Monopolizing
power breeds instability,” she told the Security Council on Tuesday. “That goes
for both Iraq as a whole and for the Kurdistan region.”
Kurdish
officials have painted the region as a haven of stability in conflict-ridden
Iraq. It is home to several international charities, and has developed its
infrastructure and projects at a faster pace than the rest of the country.
But
activists and opposition figures have decried corruption, arbitrary arrests and
intimidation of protesters.
The
region has also been caught in the crosshairs of geopolitical conflict among
neighboring countries, having recently been the target of strikes by both Iran
and Turkey.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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British
warship intercepts dhow carrying $16.6 mln worth of meth in Arabian Sea
09
October, 2022
A
British warship intercepted a dhow carrying $16.6 million worth of
methamphetamine in the Arabian Sea on Saturday, according to the UK’s National
Crime Agency.
HMS
Montrose, which has been deployed in the Middle East since 2019, carried out a
six-hour operation to confiscate more than 870 kilograms of the drug.
The
ship has now made five drugs seizures worth a total of $52 million this year,
and two firearms seizures.
It
is part of the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150, which consists of forces from
38 nations that work together to provide security for the Red and Arabian seas.
“HMS
Montrose pounced, after her Wildcat helicopter located and tracked the suspect
dhow until the frigate was in range to launch her boarding teams in her boats,”
a Royal Navy spokesperson said.
“Royal
Marines from 42 Commando, the UK military’s specialists in these operations,
seized control of the vessel in choppy conditions, before sailors moved in to
search the craft for any illegal cargo, while overhead the Wildcat observed
proceedings and provided cover for those scouring the dhow for her illicit
cargo.”
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Saudi
leaders send condolences to Thai king over mass shootings
October
09, 2022
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Sunday sent a cable of condolences and sympathy
to Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn over the victims of a nursery massacre
in northeastern Thailand on Thursday.
“We
have learned of the news of the shooting incident that took place in Nong Bua
Lam Phu province, and the resulting deaths and injuries, and while we strongly
condemn this heinous criminal act, we express to Your Majesty, the families of
the deceased and the friendly people of the Kingdom of Thailand our deepest and
sincere condolences,” the king said in a statement issued by Saudi Press
Agency.
An
ex-policeman murdered 24 children and 12 adults on a three-hour gun and knife
rampage in a rural day care center at naptime.
King
Salman also offered his sympathy for those afflicted, and wished the injured a
speedy recovery.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2178321/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
foreign minister discusses relations with counterparts from Malta, El Salvador
October
09, 2022
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Sunday received his
Maltese counterpart Ian Borg in the capital, Riyadh, the Kingdom’s foreign
ministry said.
During
the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance and develop
them in all areas of cooperation, in addition to discussing aspects of joint
work and coordination in many regional and international issues.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2178161/saudi-arabia
--------
Africa
2023
poll: Plot against APC Muslim-Muslim ticket thickens as Dogara, Lawal, Aliero
move to adopt consensus candidate
By
Adamu Abuh, Abuja
09
October 2022
The
ongoing plot against the Muslim -Muslim ticket of the ruling All progressive
congress (APC) thickened yesterday after the Northern Christian leaders
concluded arrangements to adopt any of the leading presidential candidates of
the opposition political parties as their consensus candidate in the 2023 poll.
The
group led by the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr
Yakubu Dogara and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir
David Lawal disclosed that they have resolved to work with their Muslim
counterparts in the north to adopt one of the Presidential Candidates in a bid
to defeat the same faith ticket (Muslim-Muslim) ticket of the APC.
Sources
say the aggrieved politicians are considering Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who are the presidential candidates of the opposition
peoples democratic party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigerian
Peoples Party (NNPC) have the Muslim -Christians joint tickets as their
consensus candidate.
The
resolution was contained in a communique jointly signed by a former Deputy
Governor of Sokoto State and minister of Water Resources during the
administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo Hon. Mukhari Shagari and Hon
Yakubu Dogara.
The
communique was the outcome of their consultative meeting and dialogue between
Northern APC Christian Leaders and Northern Muslim Political Leaders held on
Saturday, October 8, 2022, at NAF Conference Centre, Kado Abuja.
The
APC Northern Christian leaders claimed that the resolution had the full backing
of their members across the 19 northern states and the FCT.
It
reads thus: “That we have agreed to work together with a view to fostering
unity, peace and national cohesion.
“To
work together and jointly adopt a pan-Nigerian political platform that will
engender unity, inclusiveness and a sense of belonging among the Nigerian
citizenry.
”
Conscious of the multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural configuration
of Nigeria we believe that a same faith ticket and voting along religious lines
may trigger dangerous dimensions of negative consequences among our disparate
peoples in ways that will hamper nation building.
”
Consequently, we have agreed to channel our energies on matters that unite us
more as a people instead of encouraging attacks on sensitive issues bothering
religion in the name of politics.
“In
view of the above, we have agreed to set up a committee with the mandate to
fashion out strategies for advancing the objectives set forth in this
resolution.”
The
dialogue and consultative meeting had in attendance the following persons:
Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari, Boni Haruna, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Yakubu Dogara, Babachir
David Lawal, Damishi Sango, Senator Idris Ahmed Umar, Yomi Awoniyi, Simon
Achuba, Ummara Kumalia, Baba Shehu Agaie.
They
include Air Marshall Monday Morgan (Rtd), General Ishaya Bauka (rtd), Mohammed
Sani Sidi, John B. Bawa, Iliya Stephen Msheliza, Sarah Allabeh-nanpon, Shina
Ibiyemi, Dr Auwalu Anwar
Others
are Dr. Yakubu Tor-Agbidye, Hon Hassan Jonga, Hon Dauda Bundot, Alhaji Abdul
Abubakar, Alhaji Musa Bello, Ishaku Pennap
Hon
Leah Solomon, Mohammed Alhaji Yakubu, Professor Salamatu Machunga, Barrister
Mela Nanghe SAN
The
attendees include Reverend Joseph Hayab, Dr Mrs Ruth Magaji, Rev Innocent Solomon,
Rev Habila Tengya, Hon Haruna Mohammed and Hon Gwamna Dimas
Source:
Guardian Nigeria
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Eid
el-Maulud: Sani, Bello congratulate Muslims, urge prayer for sustained security
improvement
10
October 2022
The
Senator representing Kaduna Central, Uba Sani, has called for prayers to
sustain improvement in security witnessed in recent times, as Muslims mark Eid
el-Maulud across Nigeria.
The
lawmaker urged the people to devote Eid el-Maulud festivities to praying for
the sustenance of successes, which security agencies have been recording
against terrorism, even though the country is still grappling with the menace.
Sani,
in his Eid-el-Maulud message, prayed to Almighty Allah to give the nation’s
leaders and security agencies the wisdom, strength and courage to prosecute the
terrorism battle to its end, so that peace and security may return to the
country.
The
governorship flag bearer also noted that as the 2023 governorship elections
draw closer, he has continued to receive endorsements from critical
stakeholders across the state, adding that APC is sure of victory to take
Kaduna State to greater heights.
He
said: “I wish my Muslim brothers and sisters, in Nigeria and across the globe,
joyous and spiritually uplifting Eid el-Maulud celebrations. We thank Almighty
Allah for making us see this glorious day set aside to celebrate the birth of
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him).
“As
we mark this day, let us remember, cherish and imbibe virtues Prophet Muhammad
exemplified. He exemplified virtues of patience, love, tolerance and
perseverance. He devoted his life to building understanding among people while
pursuing his faith. He had respect for other people’s faiths. His approach and
disposition enhanced the search for peace and security.
“Our
dear country is still grappling with insecurity. Enemies of the state and other
criminal elements have been carrying out acts of destabilisation and sabotage
against our country and its people,” Sani added.
ALSO,
Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the
celebration of Eid el-Maulud, urging them to use the occasion of the prophet’s
birth to reflect on essential lessons of his life and times.
The
governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Berje, noted
that the Prophet Muhammad had lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation by
all adherents of the religion.
Source:
Guardian Nigeria
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Greece
and Egypt call Turkish-Libyan gas deal ‘illegal’
09
October, 2022
Egypt
and Greece on Sunday said a deal allowing Turkish hydrocarbon exploration in
Libya’s Mediterranean waters was “illegal” as Athens said it would oppose it by
all “legal means.”
On
Monday, Turkey said it had signed a memorandum of understanding on exploration
for hydrocarbons in Libya’s seas with the authorities in Tripoli.
“This
agreement threatens stability and security in the Mediterranean,” Greek Foreign
Minister Nikos Dendias said in Cairo, where he met his Egyptian counterpart
Sameh Shoukry.
The
deal follows an agreement Turkey signed three years ago with Tripoli that
demarcated the countries’ shared maritime borders.
Greece,
Egypt and Cyprus believe the 2019 agreement violates their economic rights in
an area suspected to contain vast natural gas reserves.
“We
will use all legal means to defend our rights,” Dendias added.
He
said Tripoli “does not have the necessary sovereignty over this area,” and that
the agreement is therefore “illegal and inadmissible.”
Shoukry
charged that the mandate of the authorities in Tripoli has “expired” and that
“the government of Tripoli does not have the legitimacy to sign agreements.”
A
rival Libyan administration in the war-torn country’s east – which since March
has been attempting to take office in Tripoli and also argues the government’s mandate
has expired – has rejected the accord.
Monday’s
deal builds on an agreement signed between Ankara and a previous Tripoli-based
administration in 2019, at the height of a battle for the capital after
eastern-based military chief Khalifa Haftar attempted to seize it by force.
The
delivery of Turkish drones to Tripoli-based forces shortly afterwards was seen
as crucial in the victory over Haftar, who was backed at the time by Egypt,
Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
The
question of rights to Libya’s vast hydrocarbon resources has become more urgent
this year as global energy prices have soared.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
76
dead after boat capsizes in southeastern Nigeria
Olanrewaju
Kola
10.10.2022
MAIDUGURI,
Nigeria
The
death toll in a boat accident in southeastern Nigeria has risen to 76,
officials said Sunday.
A
vessel with 85 people capsized due to heavy flooding in Ogbaru, an area in the
state of Anambra, on Friday.
Garba
Shehu, a spokesman for Nigeria’s president, said authorities have confirmed the
death toll after nearly two days of rescue efforts.
He
said searches are still underway for any missing passengers.
President
Muhammadu Buhari has ordered emergency services and relevant agencies to ensure
strict safety checks to prevent future accidents, the spokesman added.
According
to local media reports, the boat’s engine had stalled and it capsized due to
powerful waves.
Officials,
though, are yet to confirm the cause of the accident.
According
to Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency, heavy rainfall and flooding
since May has impacted more than 500,000 people in almost 30 of the country’s
36 states.
It
has warned that dams are overflowing and will likely cause more damage in
several areas.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/76-dead-after-boat-capsizes-in-southeastern-nigeria/2706874
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Algeria,
France sign 11 agreements to boost cooperation
Esat
Firat
10.10.2022
ALGIERS
Algerian
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced Sunday that his country has signed 11 cooperation
agreements with France in various fields.
Speaking
at a press conference following the 5th session of the Algerian-French High
Level Intergovernmental Committee in the capital Algiers, Tebboune said the
agreements cover several sectors including industry and technology, startups
and innovation, agriculture, higher education and scientific research, labor
and employment, and tourism and crafts.
The
agreements were signed within the framework of the directives of the two
states' presidents, he added.
Aiming
to improve ties between the two nations, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne
accompanied by a delegation of 16 ministers arrived to attend the session of
the Intergovernmental Committee.
The
joint high-level committee meeting between the two countries had been suspended
since its 4th session in 2017 due to tense relations stemming from the colonial
period and immigration-related issues.
The
two countries signed six cooperation agreements in various sectors and a
declaration for a "renewed partnership" at the end of French
President Emmanuel Macron's three-day visit to the North African nation in late
August.
The
two leaders also signed five other agreements to boost bilateral relations in
various fields.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/algeria-france-sign-11-agreements-to-boost-cooperation/2706906
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UN
condemns ‘heinous killing’ of migrants in Libya
October
10, 2022
TRIPOLI:
The UN mission in Libya has condemned the “heinous killing” of 15 migrants near
the Mediterranean coastal city of Sabratha, accusing smugglers and demanding
justice.
The
bodies were found on a beach on Friday morning, most of them burned inside a
charred boat, according to the UN and the Libyan Red Crescent.
“While
the exact circumstances remain to be determined, the killings reportedly
resulted from clashes between rival traffickers,” the UN mission UNSMIL said in
a statement.
It
urged authorities in Libya “to ensure a swift, independent and transparent
investigation to bring all perpetrators to justice.”
Libya
was a key route for clandestine migration even before the 2011 uprising that
overthrew Muammar Qaddafi.
The
lawlessness that ensued bolstered its position on the world’s deadliest
migration route across the Mediterranean to Europe.
People
smugglers from the western city of Sabratha — just 300 km from the Italian
island of Lampedusa —continue to play a key role.
Migrants
often face horrific treatment at the hands of smuggling gangs.
Rights
groups have repeatedly accused authorities and armed groups operating under
state auspices of torture and other abuses.
The
latest killings are “a stark reminder of the lack of protection migrants and
asylum seekers face in Libya, and the widespread human rights violations
undertaken by powerful trafficking and criminal networks who need to be swiftly
stopped and prosecuted,” UNSMIL said.
Libyan
media reported that the killings resulted from a “dispute between people
smugglers” that led to them opening fire on the migrants, mostly from African
countries further south.
One
of the groups involved set fire to the boat, according to the reports.
Since
the start of the year, more than 14,000 migrants have been intercepted and
returned to Libya, the International Organization for Migration said Monday.
At
least 216 people have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea and 724
are missing and presumed dead.
Pope
Francis made an impassioned defense of migrants, calling their exclusion
“scandalous, disgusting and sinful,” putting him on a collision course with
Italy’s upcoming right-wing government.
The
Pope made his comments as he canonized a 19th century bishop known as the
“father of migrants” and a 20th century man who ministered to the sick in
Argentina.
Pope
Francis, who has made support of migrants a major theme of his pontificate,
presided over the ceremony before 50,000 people in St. Peter’s Square.
“The
exclusion of migrants is scandalous. Indeed, the exclusion of migrants is
criminal. It makes them die in front of us,” he said.
“And
so today the Mediterranean is the world’s largest cemetery,” he said, referring
to thousands who have drowned trying to reach Europe.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2178261/middle-east
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