Uttarakhand CM’s Achievements List: UCC, Anti-Conversion, And Anti-Land Jihad Laws
New Age Islam News Bureau
05 July 2024
Uttarakhand Chief Minister
Pushkar Singh Dhami (File Photo: ANI)
------------
·
Uttarakhand
CM’s Achievements List: UCC, Anti-Conversion, And Anti-Land Jihad Laws
·
Saudi
Arabia Committed to Attaining Highest Standards in Protection of Human Rights,
Says HRC Chief
·
Islamic
Leader of Russia's Karachay-Cherkessia Announces Temporary Niqab Ban
·
‘Time
to Close Deal,’ Biden Tells Netanyahu
·
Australia
Announces Appointment Of Special Representative In Afghanistan
India
·
Krishna
Janambhoomi Case: Allahabad HC Seeks ASI Reply On Jama Masjid of Agra Survey
·
Bhojshala-Kamal
Maula Mosque: Madhya Pradesh HC Orders ASI to Submit Survey Report By July 15
·
Delhi
Riots 2020: HC Judge Recuses from Hearing Bail Pleas OfSharjeel Imam, Others In
UAPA Case
--------
Arab
World
·
Saudi
FM Calls for Sanctions On Israeli Officials Amid Gaza War
·
Saudi
citizenship granted to selection of researchers, innovators, and specialists
·
Kiswa
of Kaaba to be replaced with advent of new Islamic year
·
Al-Ahsa
showcases experience in preserving folk art at UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Conference
·
KSGAAL
launches books on promotion of Arabic in 4 countries
-----
Europe
·
Russian
Youth Wrestling Coach, Ismatzoda, Charged with Terrorism Offenses
·
Young
Muslims inside Russia Radicalizing Because of Collapse of Traditional Societies
at Home, Says Moscow Scholar
·
Israeli
captives attempted suicide after being treated like Israel treats Palestinians:
Islamic Jihad
·
New
Muslim community centre opens in Bushey
--------
North
America
·
Ralo
Buys an Atlanta Block & Plans to Open City's First Vine City, Georgia,
Mosque After Prison Release
·
‘Absolutely
not’: Biden faces up to mounting pressure to quit presidential race
·
US
deports more than hundred Chinese migrants in rare move
--------
South
Asia
·
Biden
administration reviews expansion of intelligence cooperation with Taliban
·
Education
Minister Announces Construction of Hundreds of Schools Nationwide with National
and International Support
·
UN to
Implement Infrastructure and Restoration Projects in Herat
·
Deputy
Agriculture Minister and International Officials Address Saffron Market Success
and Future Support
---------
Southeast
Asia
·
Indonesia's
Jemaah Islamiyah Disbands, Vows Collaboration with Authorities On Anti-Terror
Measures
·
Not
Now: Palestine Responds to Indonesia-Malaysia’s Plan to Send Peacekeepers
·
PM
Anwar congratulates Labour Party, Keir Starmer on ‘sweeping win’ in UK polls
·
Court
upholds four Indonesians’ prison sentence for smuggling 37 Bangladeshis into
Malaysia
--------
Pakistan
·
Pakistan
to Ban All Social Media Platforms for 6 Days ToControl 'Hate Material' During
Muharram
·
Bilawal
calls for defeating narrative of terrorism
·
Bohra
community leader Syedna Mufaddal arrives in Karachi
·
KP CM
Gandapur orders provision of funds for Muharram security
·
PTI
leaders protest over 'not being allowed' to meet jailed Imran Khan
·
'Threat
to judges': IHC terms viral tweet about Justice Aurangzeb’s letter to SC
'baseless'
·
PM to
'hold APC to address opposition's concerns' over anti-terrorism operation
·
Naqvi
decides to transform ICT into city of int’l standard
---------
Mideast
·
SDF
Announces Outcomes of Anti-Islamic State Operations Over Six Months
·
Hezbollah,
Hamas discuss latest developments in Gaza ceasefire talks, Hezbollah says
·
Israel
sends Mossad chief to Qatar for Gaza hostage negotiations: sources
·
US sees
major breakthrough in Israel-Hamas talks — senior official
·
Anti-Islamic
Revolution person arrested in Australia
·
Istanbul
mosque unveils centuries-old Byzantine, Ottoman legacy
·
Israel
conducts military operation in the area of the West Bank city of Jenin; 4
Palestinians killed
·
Sunni
political leaders meet to resolve parliament speaker election crisis
--------
Africa
·
Don’t
Donate Your Pension to Churches, Mosques — Nigerian Governor Tells Retirees
·
Deal
with rogue cops! Muslim leaders' message to President Ruto, Gen Zs
·
Viral Video
Shows Muslims Practising A Ritual At Hajj Camp In Nigeria’s Kano State
·
Oyo
declares July 8 public holiday for Islamic New Year
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
Uttarakhand CM’s AchievementsList:UCC,
Anti-Conversion, And Anti-Land Jihad Laws
July 4, 2024
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami (File
Photo: ANI)
--------------
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh on Thursday
claimed enactment of the UCC, anti-religious conversion law, and action against
land jihad as big achievements of his governance in the past three years.
Dhami has become the third chief minister of the state
to head to complete three years or more at a stretch.
Except for ND Tiwari no other chief minister of
Uttarakhand was able to complete five years at a stretch in the 24 years of the
state’s history. Trivendra Singh Rawat served the state for four years, the
second-highest tenure.
Source: thestatesman.com
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https://www.thestatesman.com/india/uttarakhand-cm-lists-ucc-anti-conversion-and-anti-land-jihad-laws-as-his-govts-achievements-1503316971.html#google_vignette
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Saudi Arabia committed to attaining highest standards
in protection of human rights, says HRC chief
July 04, 2024
The president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission
(HRC) said on Thursday that the Kingdom remained committed to attaining the
highest international standards in protecting and promoting human rights. (SPA)
----------------
RIYADH: The president of the Saudi Human Rights
Commission (HRC) said on Thursday that the Kingdom remained committed to
attaining the highest international standards in protecting and promoting human
rights, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Hala bint Mazyed Al-Tuwaijri emphasized that the
commitment was based on the country’s deeply rooted principles and values and
its leadership’s prioritization of human welfare above all else.
Al-Tuwaijri 's remarks came at the UN Human Rights
Council in Geneva during Saudi Arabia's participation in a session to adopt the
results of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.
Leading the Kingdom's delegation at the session,
Al-Tuwaijri highlighted the government's extensive cooperation with the review
mechanism, which is a crucial tool for the Human Rights Council to enhance
human rights globally.
She stressed that principles such as equality,
dialogue, cooperation, neutrality, objectivity, and transparency should form
the foundation for any collaborative efforts between states in the realm of
human rights.
She also noted that Saudi Arabia’s acceptance of over
80 percent of the recommendations from the fourth cycle of the Universal
Periodic Review demonstrated its genuine dedication to human rights.
Al-Tuwaijri outlined the significant reforms and
advancements in human rights in the Kingdom, emphasizing that more than 150
legislative, institutional, judicial, and procedural reforms have been
accomplished since the adoption of Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2543736/saudi-arabia
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Islamic leader of Russia's Karachay-Cherkessia
announces temporary niqab ban
July 4, 2024
Tourists wearing black robes and niqab face covers,
wait for a transfer from Trabzon Airport in Trabzon, Turkey on Aug. 16, 2019.
(Kerem Uzel/Bloomberg via Getty Images_
--------------
The Muftiate of Karachay-Cherkessia, a republic of
Russia in the North Caucasus, announced a temporary ban on the wearing of the
niqab, a day after the Muftiate of Dagestan announced a similar ban.
"The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of
Karachay-Cherkessia considers the wearing of the niqab in modern conditions in
Russia to be prohibited until the identified threats are eliminated and a new
theological opinion is issued," the Mufti of Karachay-Cherkessia, Ismail
Berdiev, told Russian news agency Interfax.
Dagestan announced the ban on July 3 following a
terrorist attack on June 23 that killed 22 people.
The announcement followed a statement after the attack
by Alexander Bastrykin, the head of Russia's Investigative Committee, who said
it was the work of "Islamist terrorists" and urged Russia to ban the
niqab, a women's garment that covers the wearer's entire face, other than the
eyes.
Bastrykin's suggestion prompted a reaction from
Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, who said that the official should be
"extremely careful" in blaming the attack on Islam.
Karachay-Cherkessia borders Krasnodar Krai to the
west, Stavropol Krai to the north, the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic to the
east, and Georgia to the south.
Source: kyivindependent.com
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https://kyivindependent.com/another-russian-muftiate-announces-temporary-niqab-ban/
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‘Time to close deal,’ Biden tells Netanyahu
04 July 2024
US President Joe Biden (L) and Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu
--------------
US President Joe Biden has reportedly talked to
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address underway efforts at
conclusion of a truce deal between the occupying regime and the Palestinian
resistance movement Hamas.
Biden and Netanyahu exchanged remarks during a
telephone conversation, a White House official said, according to a Thursday
report by American news website Axios.
"It is time to close the deal" aimed at
enabling release of Israeli captives and reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza
Strip, the official said, citing the conversation.
The regime has been waging a war against Gaza since
October, when the coastal sliver’s resistance movements took hundreds captive
during a surprise retaliatory operation against the occupied territories. The
war has so far claimed the lives of more than 38,000 Palestinians, most of them
women, children, and adolescents.
A seven-day truce, mediated by Egypt and Qatar in
November, saw Hamas releasing 105 of the captives for 240 Palestinian
prisoners.
Hamas says another truce deal has to end the war,
bring about complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and involve a
genuine captive/prisoner exchange deal.
The regime, however, says it will accept only
temporary pauses in fighting until Hamas is “eradicated.”
‘Biden bidding to score foreign policy achievement
after debate debacle’
Still addressing Biden’s phone call with Netanyahu,
Axios noted that a potential agreement “would be a huge foreign policy
accomplishment for Biden, who is facing intense criticism after the
presidential debate in June.”
During the first round of debates between Biden and
Republican contender Donald Trump last week, the former seemed to lose his
chain of thought at several points, raising serious concerns among his fellow
Democrats, friends, and family members about the 81-year-old's health and
mental aptitude.
Ever since the debate, Biden has been facing mounting
pressure from those who believe that the US president had to withdraw from the
race due to his likely inability to carry out another four-year term.
Israeli obduracy
Responding to Biden, Netanyahu said he had decided to
send a delegation to continue truce negotiations, the report said.
The Israeli premier, however, also said of
"Israel's commitment to ending the war only after all of its goals have
been achieved."
Source: presstv.ir
Please
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/04/728721/United-States-Israel-Biden-Netanyahu-deal-Gaza-war-Hamas
--------
Australia announces appointment of special
representative in Afghanistan
July 4, 2024
The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has
appointed Amanda McGregor as the new Special Representative for Afghanistan.
On Wednesday, July 3rd, Australian Foreign Minister
Penny Wong stated that McGregor would carry out her mission from Qatar.
The ministry’s statement emphasized Australia’s
ongoing support for the people of Afghanistan over the past two years in
collaboration with the international community, particularly focusing on
women’s and girls’ rights.
Minister Wong highlighted McGregor’s previous
diplomatic roles at Australian embassies in Canada and Lebanon, where she also
served as a senior advisor to the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also
stated, “Our diplomats are drivers of Australia’s engagement with the world.
They create influence and advance the country’s national interests abroad.”
It should be noted that Australia has strongly
condemned the Taliban’s policies towards women’s and girls’ rights over the
past two years and continues to emphasize humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
Since August 2021, the international community has
refused to recognize the Taliban due to their harsh and suppressive policies,
human rights violations, and severe restrictions on women’s rights and
education.
This lack of recognition underscores global concerns
about the Taliban’s governance and their commitment to basic human rights,
prompting ongoing humanitarian efforts to support Afghanistan’s people.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/australia-announces-appointment-of-special-representative-in-afghanistan/
---------
India
Krishna JanambhoomiCase: Allahabad HC Seeks ASI Reply
On Jama Masjid of Agra Survey
Jul 04, 2024
The Allahabad high court on Thursday asked the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to file its reply in a suit seeking ASI
survey of Jama Masjid of Agra alleging that idols of Thakur Keshavdev, which
were worshipped in Krishna Janambhoomi, were brought to Agra by Mughal emperor
Aurangzeb, who allegedly attacked the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura in
1670, and were buried in the Agra mosque.
The plaintiff had also prayed for the appointment of
an advocate commissioner in the case for survey of the mosque. Justice Mayank
Kumar Jain was hearing one of the suits related to Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi
Eidgah case which was filed in the name of deity Thakur Keshav Dev Ji, Maharaj
Virajman Mandir Katra Keshavdev.
In the suit it was alleged that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb
had demolished the temple of Keshavdev in 1670 and buried the idols under the
Jama Masjid in Agra.
Earlier, Committee of management Shah Masjidi Idgah
had moved an impleadment application requesting the court to add it as a
defendant in the suit and during the course of hearing, a copy of the
application was provided to the plaintiff in the suit.
The court observed, “An application (A-5) is moved on
behalf of plaintiffs to direct the respondent-authority to make S.I.T report as
well as archeological survey by the competent authority and Advocate
Commissioner be also appointed for making S.I.T report as well as archeological
survey by the competent authority. Sri Manoj Kumar Singh, learned counsel for
the defendants may file reply to this application by the date fixed.” The court
fixed August 5 as the next date of hearing in the case.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/krishna-janmabhoomi-case-allahabad-hc-seeks-asi-reply-on-agra-mosque-survey-101720108685592.html
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Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque: Madhya Pradesh HC Orders
ASI To Submit Survey Report By July 15
4 July 2024
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday granted ten
more days to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to submit its report of
the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex's scientific survey.
The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh HC ordered ASI
to complete the report of its three-month-long survey on the premises of the
disputed monument from the 11th century, which is located in the state's Dhar
district, by July 15.
As per the High Court's previous order, the surveying
body was required to submit its complete report by July 2. However, the agency
had moved a plea on the last day, seeking an extension of four weeks for the
report submission.
ASI, in its plea, had contended that the
Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) had sought three
weeks to analyse the massive data collected during the Ground Penetrating Radar
(GPR)-Geographic Information System (GIS) survey of he medieval-era structure
and submit the final report.
Noting that sufficient time had been allotted to the
ASI, the bench consisting of Justice Sushruta Arvind Dharmadhikari and Duppala
Venkata Ramana passed the order.
Dismissing the ASI counsel's reiteration of the
extension plea, the court ordered that the entire survey report of the
Bhojshala-Kamal Moula Masjid be submitted to the court by July 15 and its
copies be provided to all those concerned.
Appearing for the Muslim side, senior Advocate Salman
Khurshid said the survey agency should justify in court that it will not carry
out anymore excavation on the disputed premises.
Meanwhile, ASI's counsel Himanshu Joshi responded saying
that no such activity was being carried out inside the complex, but the ground
was being levelled to prevent water accumulation during rainy season. He said
this was being done to ensure that no damage is caused to the monument.
The matter will further be heard on July 22.
Notably, the Hindu community considers the Bhojshala
complex to be Vagdevi's (Goddess Saraswati) temple, while the Muslim side calls
it Kamal Maula Mosque.
India's premier agency for archaeological researches
and protection of cultural heritage, ASI, was ordered by the HC on March 11 to
conduct a scientific survey of the disputed premises, on the basis of an
application by the "Hindu Front for Justice". The agency began it
survey on March 22, which concluded recently.
Following a controversy over the same, the ASI had
issued an order on April 7, 2003, concerning access to the monument.
As per this 2003 order, Hindus are allowed to worship
in the Bhojshala every Tuesday, while Muslims are allowed to offer namaz at
this place every Friday. This notice was challenged by the Hindu Front for
Justice in its petition.
Source: outlookindia.com
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https://www.outlookindia.com/national/madhya-pradesh-hc-order-asi-submit-bhojshala-kamal-mala-mosque-survey-report-july-15-indore
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Delhi Riots 2020: HC judge recuses from hearing bail
pleas of Sharjeel Imam, others in UAPA case
04 July 2024
New Delhi: Delhi High Court judge Amit Sharma recused
himself on Thursday from hearing a batch of bail pleas in a UAPA case linked to
an alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 communal riots here, including
that of student activist Sharjeel Imam.
The matters were listed before a division bench headed
by Justice Prathiba M Singh after a change in the roster of judges dealing with
such cases.
"Let these matters be listed before another bench
of which one of us, Justice Sharma, is not a member, subject to the orders of
the acting chief justice, on July 24," Justice Singh ordered.
The other accused persons in the case include
Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) youth wing leader and Jamia Millia Islamia student
Meeran Haider and Alumni Association of Jamia Millia Islamia president
Shifa-ur-Rehman.
Imam, United Against Hate founder Khalid Saifi and
several others, including former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar
Khalid, have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
and provisions of the Indian Penal Code ...
The violence had erupted during protests against the
Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).
On April 11, 2022, the trial court denied bail to
Imam, who was arrested in the case on August 25, 2020.
The Delhi Police opposed Imam's bail plea before a
bench headed by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait in March on the ground that he
mobilised members of the minority community and "propagated"
"chakka jam" as a mode of disruption, with "no window for a peace...
Police have claimed that the protests were part of a
conspiracy to trigger violence at the time of the visit of then United States
president Donald Trump and that Imam, in his public addresses, had propagated
the idea of "chakka jam" as the plan of a...
Source: deccanherald.com
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https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/delhi-riots-2020-hc-judge-recuses-from-hearing-bail-pleas-of-sharjeel-imam-others-in-uapa-case-3092722
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Arab
World
Saudi FM calls for sanctions on Israeli officials amid
Gaza war
July 05, 2024
MADRID: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal
bin Farhan has urged European nations to impose sanctions on Israeli officials
violating international human rights laws as he warned that Israel’s war on
Gaza was affecting the entire Middle East, including southern Lebanon.
“The situation in the Gaza Strip does not only affect
the Palestinian issue but the entire region and contributes to further
escalations, which is currently happening in southern Lebanon,” he said on
Thursday.
He was speaking at a panel discussion titled “Wars and
shadow wars: What are Europe’s options in the Middle East?” at the European
Council on Foreign Relations meeting in Madrid.
Prince Faisal highlighted the international
community’s silence on Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in the West
Bank that undermine the peace process in Palestine.
He said the least that European countries can do is
condemn Israel’s failure to abide by its commitments.
And they should take stricter steps such as imposing
sanctions on those officials violating international human rights laws, the SPA
reported.
He said the Palestinian people have the right to
self-determination and deserve an independent state recognized internationally.
“The majority of the international community agrees
that the permanent and just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the
two-state solution, yet they stand idle in the face of matters that could
undermine the two-state solution, such as Israel’s continued expansion of
settlement activities.”
He praised those European countries that have
recognized Palestine as a state, including Spain. This was “a very important
move” that supports the peace process and the push toward a two-state solution,
he said.
Prince Faisal reiterated calls for an immediate
ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged
population.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2543931/saudi-arabia
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Saudi citizenship granted to selection of researchers,
innovators, and specialists
July 04, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi citizenship has been granted to a number
of scientists, doctors, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and people who
have unique capabilities, expertise, and specializations, Saudi Press Agency
reported on Thursday.
The granting of citizenship was issued as part of a
royal order granting Saudi citizenship to people with distinguished legal,
medical, scientific, cultural, sports and technical expertise for the benefit
of the nation in various fields.
It is also in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims
to create an appealing environment that attracts, invests in, and retains exceptional
creative minds.
A number of specialists, whose expertise in the
economic, health, cultural, sports and innovation fields was considered
distinguished, were previously awarded citizenship in 2021.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2543641/saudi-arabia
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Kiswa of Kaaba to be replaced with advent of new
Islamic year
July 04, 2024
RIYADH: The intricate black cloth covering the Kaaba
will be replaced on Muharram 1, the beginning of the Hijri year, as part of an
annual tradition.
The Kiswa will be changed with the help of 159
technicians and craftsmen, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The old Kiswa will be removed and replaced by a new
one which consists of four separate sides and a door curtain. Each side will be
raised separately to the top of the Kaaba in preparation for its unfolding over
the old side.
The new Kiswa will be attached from above and the
ropes of the old cloth will then be loosened.
Over 200 craftsmen and administrators work at the King
Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa in Makkah where the special cloth is
produced.
The complex has separate departments for dyeing,
machine-weaving, hand-weaving, printing, belts, gold-plating, sewing, and
assembling.
The sewing and assembling department features the
largest sewing machine in the world which is 16 meters long and runs on a
computer system.
Production of the Kiswa requires about 1,000 kilograms
of raw silk which is dyed black at the complex, 120 kilograms of gold wire, and
100 kilograms of silver wire.
The new Hijri year is due to start on July 7.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2543581/saudi-arabia
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Al-Ahsa showcases experience in preserving folk art at
UNESCO Creative Cities Network Conference
July 04, 2024
AL-AHSA: Al-Ahsa has joined 118 other cities worldwide
for the 16th annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Held from
July 1-5 in Braga, Portugal, the event was attended by Ernesto Ottone, UNESCO’s
assistant director-general for culture.
During the conference, Al-Ahsa, which became a member
of the network in 2015, showcased its experience in preserving handicrafts and
folk arts.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2543551/saudi-arabia
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KSGAAL launches books on promotion of Arabic in 4
countries
July 04, 2024
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic
Language (KSGAAL) launched four new publications on Thursday.
According to a statement, the four publications are
part of The Arabic Language in the World series, and include the books: “The
Arabic Language in Chad,” “The Arabic Language in Thailand,” “The Arabic
language in Kyrgyzstan: A Critical Analytical Descriptive Study” and “The
Arabic Language in the Comoros.”
The publications aim to build bridges of communication
with Arabic-speaking peoples around the world.
Language researchers, academics, and institutions
inside and outside the Kingdom can view the books on the KSGAAL website via:
https://library.ksaa.gov.sa/index/view/78.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, secretary-general of KSGAAL,
said the academy’s Specialized Global Research Track project includes a variety
of disciplines and arts related to the Arabic language.
The Arabic Language in the World series seeks to
deepen communication between institutions and individuals concerned with the
language.
The program involves about 1,100 researchers from 76
countries around the world.
KSGAAL is tasked with supporting the Arabic language,
enhancing its status, preserving its integrity in speech and writing,
documenting its origins, methods, vocabulary and grammar, and facilitating
learning inside and outside Saudi Arabia, Al-Washmi said.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2543526/saudi-arabia
--------
Europe
Russian Youth Wrestling Coach, Ismatzoda, Charged with
Terrorism Offenses
4 Jul, 2024
The coach of the Russian youth freestyle wrestling
team, Alisheri Ismatzoda, has been arrested on charges of aiding terrorism and
providing financial assistance to a terrorist organization, RIA Novosti has
reported.
According to the outlet, Moscow’s Scherbinsky district
court ordered Ismatzoda to remain in custody until August 28 following a
request from state prosecutors.
The 32-year-old, who was originally born in
Tajikistan, is accused of inciting, recruiting, or otherwise involving a person
in the commission of at least one terrorist crime or preparing a person for the
purpose of committing such a crime. Ismatzoda faces up to 15 years in prison if
found guilty.
Investigators also reportedly found “extremist
literature” during a search of Ismatzoda’s apartment, and discovered that one
of his relatives is fighting in Syria and is being prosecuted for terrorism in
Tajikistan. The coach has also been accused of sending money to people
convicted of terrorist activities or who are suspected of such crimes.
Ismatzoda denies the allegations and insists that he
does not maintain any contact with his relative in Syria or any other people
that have professed radical Islam.
“I am a family man, professing traditional Islam,”
Ismatzoda told the court, as per RIA.
The coach’s defense argued that state prosecutors
failed to provide sufficient information about Ismatzoda’s allegedly illegal
transactions, which they said were meant for the purchase of sports equipment.
“Our client has never participated and does not plan
to participate in terrorist organizations, leads a secular lifestyle, is
integrated into the community, and has three young children,” Ismatzoda’s
lawyer said, insisting that the coach should at least be released under house
arrest.
Ismatzoda’s detention came as a “shock” to his friends
and colleagues at the Russian Wrestling Federation. His close friend Sergey,
whose sons once trained under Ismatzoda, insisted that the coach is “very
well-mannered, modest, and talented.”
“It’s hard to believe that he’s some kind of
terrorist. I hope this is a mistake,” Sergey told the media. He claimed it made
no sense for Ismatzoda to engage in terrorist activity considering what he
stood to lose, including his wife, sons, and property in Moscow.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/600432-russian-wrestling-coach-terrorism/
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Young Muslims inside Russia Radicalizing Because of
Collapse of Traditional Societies at Home, Says Moscow Scholar
July 4, 2024
Staunton, July 1 – Young Muslims in the North Caucasus
are becoming increasingly radicalized because of the rapid collapse of the
traditional societies in their republics and because of social and economic
problems in the Muslim world more generally, according to Ruslan Kurbanov of
the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The Moscow scholar says that young Muslims there blame
the Russian state for its role in promoting modernization and are even prepared
to “take up arms” against it, and they see the Muslim hierarchies in the
Islamic world as having been corrupted by their ties with states and thuds
follow radicals (rbc.ru/society/01/07/2024/667e6f809a7947bbc82b9e66
Expanding on Kurbanov’s points, Mufti Damir
Mukhetdinov of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate (MSD) of Russia suggests that
some of these problems might be limited if it were the case that Russian
society had provided greater opportunities for young Muslims to make careers
and rise through the social hierarchy.
But those elevators, military in the case of tsarist
times and the communist party in Soviet times, no longer work, Mukhetdinov
says. Some of them were destroyed, others were limited in their operation. And
recently, he continues, “we haven’t offered anything new” as a replacement.
Unless that changes, radicalization of Muslim young people will only continue
to grow.
Source: windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com
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http://windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2024/07/young-muslims-inside-russia.html
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Israeli captives attempted suicide after being treated
like Israel treats Palestinians: Islamic Jihad
July 4, 2024
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement’s armed wing, Al-Quds
Brigades, said yesterday some Israeli captives have attempted suicide after it
started treating them the same way Israel treats Palestinian prisoners, Reuters
reported.
“Some enemy prisoners have attempted suicide as a
result of the extreme frustration they are feeling due to their government’s
neglect of their cause,” Al-Quds Brigades spokesperson Abu Hamza said in a post
on Telegram.
“We will keep treating Israeli hostages the same way
Israel treats our prisoners,” he added, explaining that the decision came
following the Nuseirat massacre, when Israel killed 275 Palestinian civilians
to free four prisoners of war.
Abu Hamza explained that the decision to deprive the
Israeli captives of their privileges came in light of Isreal’s continued policy
of torture of Palestinian prisoners and other arbitrary and unjust measures
committed against them.
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
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https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240704-israeli-captives-attempted-suicide-after-being-treated-like-israel-treats-palestinians-islamic-jihad/
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New Muslim community centre opens in Bushey
05-07-24
A new space for the "spiritual and educational
needs of the Muslim community" has been opened in Bushey.
The Bushey Islamic Circle (BIC) joins the existing
community centres for Christian, Jewish, and Jain residents, over a mile
stretch referred to as Bushey's Multifaith Mile.
Located in the historic Bushey Country Club, the BIC
isn't only a place of worship but also a centre for community activities.
It features prayer facilities, hosts community events,
leads exercise classes, runs health and nutritional talks, and organises youth
clubs.
A spokesperson for the BIC said: "Beyond the
physical beauty of Bushey’s natural landscape, people from all walks of life
are residents of Bushey.
"Many of us have called Bushey home our entire
lives and it’s been a blessing to grow up alongside diverse communities whether
in terms of faith, heritage, worldview or otherwise.
"We’re thrilled to be able to have a space for
Bushey’s long-standing Muslim community, offering prayer spaces, social events,
exercise classes, and educational talks.
"Where possible, we hope to one day ensure that
social events, exercise classes among others are open to the wider community.
"We’re looking forward to working with the
broader Bushey community to ensure that Bushey remains a place we can be proud
of."
BIC joins a diverse gathering of religions calling
Bushey home, including Christians, Bahá’ís, Hindus, Jains, and others.
The spokesperson confirmed that the centre aims to
encourage participation from all strands of Bushey's residents.
They also reiterated their commitment to making Bushey
a location of unity and pride for all its inhabitants.
Source: watfordobserver.co.uk
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https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/24430059.new-muslim-community-centre-opens-bushey/
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North
America
Ralo Buys an Atlanta Block & Plans to Open City's
First Vine City, Georgia, Mosque After Prison Release
04-07-24
After his long jail stint, it seems like Ralo is
committed to building community and moving on from his past troubles.
Ralo has been through a lot over the past few years,
and now that he's officially free from his halfway house, he can move onto
greater things. Moreover, he recently announced that he bought a whole block in
Atlanta consisting of various commercial properties, and also relayed plans to
build the first Vine City Mosque in the history of the state of Georgia. In the
Atlanta rapper's Instagram post on the matter, he specifically highlighted the
importance of not having to recur to his old lifestyles and troubles now that
he's found personal and financial freedom. Overall, it's a very heartening
story and a hard-earned one, and hopefully one that brings him a lot of
fulfillment, joy, and opportunities in the future.
"The folks sent me to federal prison, took
everything from me and left my family out hea with NOTHING," Ralo's
Instagram caption began. "I ran this s**t back up legally. I won't ever
have to sell a piece of dope again in my life. I've become a restaurant, hair
salon, barber shop and clothing store owner. Allah has blessed me to open up
the first #VineCityMosque in the history of Atlanta.
"I won't ever in my life have to rent another
condo again now that I own dozens directly across the street from the Mercedes
Benz stadium in Atlanta," Ralo's Instagram post continued. "Go watch
Ralo Chapter 38 | Hood Hero #OutNow on YouTube to see how I'm putting all this
s**t together. My goal is to link up with the people and do this in every
state. If you wanna donate to the cause or help with the mostque go to
FamericaNews.Com #KingAkh."
Meanwhile, Ralo also recently stood by many values
that he continues to champion from his past life, even under wildly different
circumstances. "Man ain’t no way Shawty just got on that stand against his
childhood friend," he expressed concerning Trontavious Stephens' recent
testimony in the Young Thug and YSL RICO case. "I rather die ah thousand
deaths before I do some s**t like that." We'll see what other principles,
initiatives, and developments the 29-year-old enjoys in his freedom.
Source: hotnewhiphop.com
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https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/822499-ralo-prison-release-buy-atlanta-block-mosque-instagram-hip-hop-news
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‘Absolutely not’: Biden faces up to mounting pressure
to quit presidential race
03 July 2024
US President Joe Biden reportedly has no intention of
quitting the 2024 presidential race, despite mounting pressure on him to do so
following, what many have called, his questionable performance in the first
presidential debate.
The White House affirmed Biden’s determination to stay
in the race through spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday.
"Absolutely not," she told reporters when
asked if Biden was considering throwing in the towel. "And you heard
directly from the campaign as well," she added.
During the first round of debates between Biden and
Republican contender Donald Trump last week, the former seemed to lose his
chain of thought at several points, raising serious concerns among his fellow
Democrats, friends, and family members about the 81-year-old's health and
mental aptitude.
Late Tuesday, during remarks at a fundraiser, Biden
reportedly blamed his performance on jet lag and too much traveling.
Jean-Pierre quoted the president as saying that
"the debate was not his best night," but said that was was not an
excuse but an explanation.
"In addition to the two major trips, he continued
to do his presidential duties. He worked late, doing that, and he also prepared
for the debate. And on top of that, there was obviously the jet lag you just
asked, and also, he had a cold and you all heard directly during the debate, he
had a hoarse voice," she told reporters.
She said Biden was "continuing to be very steady,
and continuing to work on for the American people."
Also on Tuesday, however, a new poll showed that
nearly a third of Democrats believed that the US president had to withdraw from
the race, citing concerns about his ability to carry out another four-year
term.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll said 32 percent of Democrats thought
Biden had to end his reelection bid, ahead of the upcoming election scheduled
for November.
Source: presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/03/728662/United-States-Biden-refusal-withdraw-presidential-election
--------
US deports more than hundred Chinese migrants in rare
move
03 July 2024
The United States’ Department of Homeland Security
said that it deported 116 Chinese people back to China in the first such “large
charter flight” in five years.
The department said it was working with China to
“reduce and deter irregular migration and to disrupt illicit human smuggling
through expanded law enforcement efforts”.
"We will continue to enforce our immigration laws
and remove individuals without a legal basis to remain in the United
States," said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.
The recent flight carrying 116 Chinese migrants during
the weekend came amid the intense political debate ahead of the US presidential
election over the issue of Chinese immigration.
The weekend's extensive charter flight announcement
contrasts with ongoing attempts in other regions to block important pathways
utilized by Chinese migrants to reach the western hemisphere.
In the past few years, the US has faced challenges in
repatriating Chinese citizens who lack the legal right to remain in the
country, as China has been reluctant to accept their return.
The issue of Chinese migration has been a focal point
for Republicans and former president Donald Trump, who have expressed concerns
regarding the reasons behind the influx of Chinese migrants to the US.
Asian rights groups are worried by the possibility of
the rhetoric fueling harassment against Asians, while migrants have stated that
their motivation for coming is to escape poverty and repression.
In 2023, over 37,000 Chinese nationals were
apprehended by US border authorities at the southern border, a tenfold increase
compared to the previous year.
Border officials in the United States detained over
37,000 Chinese citizens at the southern border in 2023; marking a tenfold rise
from the previous year.The United States’ has deported at least 116 Chinese
migrants in the first such “large charter flight” in five years.
China’s Embassy in the US said the country’s law
enforcement was cracking down “hard on crimes that harm the tranquility of
national border, and maintained a high pressure against all kinds of smuggling
organizations and offenders.”
Source: presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/03/728628/US-deports-more-than-hundred-Chinese-migrants
--------
South
Asia
Biden administration reviews expansion of intelligence
cooperation with Taliban
July 4, 2024
According to sources cited by NBC, the Biden
administration has placed cooperation with the Taliban on the agenda to track
down ISIS-Khorasan’s branch.
NBC reported yesterday, Tuesday, 3rd, citing two
informed sources and a former US official that the Biden administration’s
concern about ISIS-Khorasan’s capability to conduct transnational operations
has prompted consideration of cooperation with the Taliban regime in
Afghanistan.
According to the report, ISIS-Khorasan’s attack on the
Moscow concert hall in March of this year, which killed 130 and injured
hundreds, has challenged the US officials’ view of ISIS’s inability to target
US interests.
Two informed sources and a former US official told NBC
that “Biden administration officials are now discussing expanding cooperation
with the Taliban regime to help track down ISIS-Khorasan’s branch amid a global
terrorist threat.”
The US military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan and
reduced Western influence in Africa have weakened Washington’s capacity to
gather intelligence on various branches of ISIS, including its significant
operations from Afghanistan.
The NBC report indicates that the Biden administration
has not yet reached a final agreement on expanding cooperation with the
Taliban, as there is widespread opposition to the proposal, with some members
of Congress insisting on guarantees from the Taliban regime regarding human
rights and related issues in exchange for such cooperation.
Some Biden administration officials have proposed
scenarios for reopening their country’s embassy in Kabul to expand intelligence cooperation with
the Taliban.
Amidst these developments, Russian officials have
highlighted concerns over the proliferation of militant and terrorist groups in
Afghanistan, numbering over 21, all reportedly operating under the influence of
the Taliban.
This situation underscores broader international
apprehensions regarding security and stability in the region following the
Taliban’s takeover.
The presence and activities of these diverse militant
factions pose significant challenges to regional stability and efforts towards
peacebuilding in Afghanistan.
The reported increase in militant groups under Taliban
control raises urgent questions about the Taliban’s ability and willingness to
govern and secure Afghanistan effectively.
International observers closely monitor these
developments as they impact regional security dynamics and efforts towards
fostering a secure and stable environment in Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/biden-administration-reviews-expansion-of-intelligence-cooperation-with-taliban/
--------
Education Minister Announces Construction of Hundreds
of Schools Nationwide with National and International Support
2024-07-04
KABUL(BNA): The Acting Minister of Education announced
that hundreds of schools have been built across the country with financial
support from national traders, education enthusiasts, and aid organizations.
In a press release today, the Ministry of Education
stated that Mawlawi Habibullah Agha, the Acting Minister, traveled to Paktika
province to assess the educational situation and meet with local education
officials, scholars, and elders from the southern provinces.
In a meeting with Mawlawi Abdul Wakil Khalid, the
Director of Education, leadership and staff of the Directorate, Sheikh Abdul
Quddus Azimi, the head of the Scholars Council, and other intellectuals from
Paktika province, they discussed the Ministry’s development plans and programs
aimed at strengthening religious and contemporary sciences.
The Acting Minister emphasized that since the
establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, numerous schools have been
constructed due to the financial contributions from national traders, education
supporters, and aid organizations. He further stated that efforts are underway
to expand educational centers to all parts of the country, and no effort will
be spared in this endeavor.
The head of the scholars in Paktika highlighted
several educational and training issues, including the shortage of professional
teachers, the need for administrative and teaching staff increases, the lack of
buildings for some schools where students are studying in open spaces, resolving
issues of the Ali Baba High School in the provincial center, and upgrading some
schools to middle and high schools.
He urged the Ministry’s leadership to issue directives
to relevant officials to address these issues. Accordingly, the Acting Minister
assured that if additional positions are added to the Ministry’s organizational
structure, priority will be given to the Directorate of Education in Paktika
province.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/education-minister-announces-construction-of-hundreds-of-schools-nationwide-with-national-and-international-support/
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UN to Implement Infrastructure and Restoration
Projects in Herat
2024-07-04
KABUL(BNA): In a promising development for Herat, the
United Nations has announced its readiness to implement several development
projects in the region. This initiative aims to boost local infrastructure,
improve living standards, and foster sustainable growth.
In a meeting with Herat Governor, Mawlana Noor Ahmad
Islam Jar, the UNOPS Earthquake Response Project Manager provided a brief
overview of their projects in Herat. They expressed readiness to begin the
restoration of health centers, residential homes, irrigation canals, and water
supply networks damaged by last year’s earthquake in Herat.
Governor Islam Jar welcomed the continued cooperation
of UNOPS with the people of Herat, praised the previous activities of the
organization in the province, and assured full cooperation from the local
administration with the UN office.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/un-to-implement-infrastructure-and-restoration-projects-in-herat/
---------
Deputy Agriculture Minister and International
Officials Address Saffron Market Success and Future Support
2024-07-04
KABUL(BNA): In a promising meeting with officials from
the Salam Charity Foundation, the OTED organization, and a senior advisor to
the European Parliament, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and
Livestock, Mawlawi Sadr Azam Osmani, addressed the unprecedented high prices of
saffron in national and international markets. The discussion emphasized the
need for continued support and collaborative efforts to sustain and enhance the
saffron industry’s growth and stability.
During the meeting, Mawlawi Sadr Azam Osmani
emphasized that, following Supreme Leader’s decree banning poppy cultivation,
United Nations statistics indicate a 95% reduction in poppy cultivation in
Afghanistan. However, Osmani claimed that their own data shows poppy
cultivation has been completely eradicated in the country. He highlighted that
this achievement is significant not only for Afghanistan but for the entire
world.
Osmani also noted that Afghan saffron has attained the
top position globally in terms of quality and its market price is
unprecedentedly high, which necessitates further work and support.
He also mentioned that over the past 20 years, around four
million people in Afghanistan became addicted due to the American presence, but
the Islamic Emirate has treated them. He criticized previous projects as
superficial and not genuinely beneficial to the people.
Simona Fernandez, President of the Salam Charity
Foundation, which is supported by Italy, stated in the meeting that their
foundation works in various sectors, with agriculture being a major focus. She
expressed a desire to resume their activities and support the people of
Afghanistan.
On the other hand, Bassem Hatat, an advisor to the
European Parliament on international relations, emphasized the importance of
fostering good relations between the Islamic Emirate and other nations. He
praised Afghanistan for its stance against colonialism and urged Islamic
Emirate officials to engage with all countries and prioritize development.
Hatat reiterated that no person or country is superior by law and stressed that
Afghans deserve security, support, and the right to maintain international
relations.
The leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture,
Irrigation, and Livestock is committed to facilitating services for the people,
especially farmers and livestock owners, by attracting cooperation from
national and international organizations and institutions.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/deputy-agriculture-minister-and-international-officials-address-saffron-market-success-and-future-support/
---------
Southeast
Asia
Indonesia's Jemaah Islamiyah disbands, vows
collaboration with authorities on anti-terror measures
05 Jul 2024
JAKARTA, July 5 — Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), a radical
extremist network with links to Al-Qaeda, has officially announced its
dissolution, according to local media reports.
The decision to disband was made through a
widely-circulated video lasting three minutes and 10 seconds, filmed in Bogor,
West Java.
The video prominently featured Abu Rusdan, a key
spokesman, reading the dissolution declaration while surrounded by 15 other
prominent leaders of the organisation.
The authenticity of the announcement, issued on June
30, was confirmed by the Jakarta-based think tank, the Institute for Policy
Analysis of Conflict (IPAC), along with several terrorism experts in Indonesia.
In the video, Abu Rusdan stated that the decision was
endorsed by senior members of JI’s leadership council and leaders of its
affiliated educational institutions and Islamic boarding schools (pesantren).
They also announced a plan to revise educational
curricula at this pesantran to remove extremist ideologies, aligning with the
principles of Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah, national laws, and societal norms.
The group expressed readiness to contribute to
Indonesia’s progress and dignity.
Abu Rusdan further stated: “The matters related to the
agreement will be discussed with the Densus 88 anti-terror unit of the
Indonesian National Police Headquarters.”
The video also featured the signatures of 15 other
leaders: Para Wijayanto, Abu Mahmuda, Bambang Sukirno, Abu Fatih, Ustaz
Zarkasih, Ustaz Shalahudin, Ustaz Fachrudin Soleh, Ustaz Saptono Munadi, Ustaz
Abu Dujanah, Ustaz Qadri Faturrahman, Tengku Azhar, Ustaz Imtihan, Ustaz Hamad,
Ustaz Mustaqim, and Ustaz Fahim, all signatories affirming the dissolution of
JI.
Founded in the early 1990s with aspirations to
establish an ‘Islamic state’ encompassing southern Thailand, Malaysia,
Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and southern Philippines, JI gained notoriety for
its involvement in the tragic Bali Bombings on Oct 12, 2002.
The attacks, which targeted multiple nightclubs and
claimed 202 lives, underscored JI’s militant activities and its global
connections. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/07/05/indonesias-jemaah-islamiyah-disbands-vows-collaboration-with-authorities-on-anti-terror-measures/142810
--------
Not Now: Palestine Responds to Indonesia-Malaysia’s
Plan to Send Peacekeepers
July 5, 2024
Jakarta. A Palestinian envoy to the UN recently said
that there was still no need for Indonesia and Malaysia to rush into sending
peacekeeping troops to the war-torn Gaza, or at least for now.
Just last month, President-Elect Prabowo Subianto said
Indonesia would stand ready to deploy a peacekeeping mission to Gaza if
requested by the UN.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim earlier this
week announced he welcomed the idea of working with Indonesia's international
peacekeeping mission.
The Malaysian leader announced the plans on the social
media platform X shortly after having a phone call with Prabowo. The visiting
Palestinian Permanent Observer to the UN Riyad Mansour commented Thursday on
this plan. According to Mansour, Palestine is currently focusing on ending the
Gaza war.
“Most of our energies are concentrated on putting an
end to the war. After we end the war, there will be many issues to deal with. …
Including Indonesia-Malaysia's readiness to provide security forces to the
occupied territory. While we welcome all intentions of those who want to help,
we are not at the stage to deal with that issue now,” Mansour told a press
briefing in Jakarta.
However, Palestine is keeping the option to have the
Indonesian-Malaysian peacekeeping mission open.
“After we put an end to the war, we will consider all
these options with an open mind, to see which ones would be applicable and
useful, and what would not be possible. But we are not there yet,” Mansour
said.
He added: “We are not excluding the idea, but we are
not indulging in the idea that will make us put the cart before the horse.”
It has been almost nine months since the armed
conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas escalated last
October. The Palestinian death toll has reached over 38,000 people, according
to the Gaza health ministry.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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https://jakartaglobe.id/news/not-now-palestine-responds-to-indonesiamalaysias-plan-to-send-peacekeepers-
--------
PM Anwar congratulates Labour Party, Keir Starmer on
‘sweeping win’ in UK polls
05 Jul 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 — Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Anwar Ibrahim today congratulated the UK’s Labour Party and its leader
Keir Starmer on their stunning win in the the British elections.
“The partnership between Malaysia and Britain is an
enduring one, woven through history and strengthened by the close bonds of kith
and kin.
“I look forward to working with Starmer and his team
to develop a new strategic relationship, built on inclusivity, equality, mutual
respect, people-to-people connection and a shared vision for the future,” Anwar
said in a statement on his social media accounts.
Anwar said Britain’s participation in the
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership broadens
the horizons for economic partnership with Malaysia.
He also expressed optimism in the continuance of the
regional security cooperation under the Five Power Defence Arrangements – the
bilateral defence partnerships involving Malaysia and other Commonwealth
nations like Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/05/pm-anwar-congratulates-labour-party-keir-starmer-on-sweeping-win-in-uk-polls/142818
--------
Court upholds four Indonesians’ prison sentence for
smuggling 37 Bangladeshis into Malaysia
05-07- 2024
PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal today upheld the
eight-year jail sentence imposed on four Indonesians for smuggling 37
Bangladeshis into Malaysia two years ago.
The appeals by Zainal Lampe, 45, Rosli Kitan, 43,
Rusli Genep, 40, and Ajiman Rahman, 36, for a reduction in their sentences were
dismissed by the court’s three-member panel of judges.
The panel, comprising Justices Datuk Ahmad Zaidi
Ibrahim, Mohamed Zaini Mazlan and Datuk Azhahari Kamal Ramli, affirmed the
eight-year jail term imposed on the four men by the High Court.
In delivering the court’s decision, Judge Ahmad Zaidi
said the eight-year jail sentence was within the range of the sentencing trend
for such an offence.
“The appellants fail to show that the prison sentence
imposed on them were harsh,” he said.
According to the charge sheet, they illegally smuggled
37 Bangladeshis on an unregistered boat into Malaysian waters at approximately
1.1 nautical miles from Kuala Sepang Kechil, Selangor at 12.10 am on July 1,
2022.
On Oct 17, 2022, the four men pleaded guilty to the
offence in the High Court and were sentenced to eight years in jail.
In their appeal to the Court of Appeal, the men
requested a reduction in their prison term citing their burden from the
punishment and their responsibilities to their children.
Deputy public prosecutor Eyu Ghim Siang argued that
the jail term imposed on the four men was fair and aligned with the sentencing
trends for similar offences which ranged from seven to 10 years of
imprisonment.
He stressed that the smuggling of 37 migrants into the
country raises significant concerns regarding national security.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/local-news/court-upholds-four-indonesians-prison-sentence-for-smuggling-37-bangladeshis-into-malaysia-DN12682441
---------
Pakistan
Pakistan to Ban All Social Media Platforms for 6 Days
ToControl 'Hate Material' During Muharram
Jul 05, 2024
After successfully blocking X, formerly Twitter, for
over four months, the Pakistan government is now set to ban all social media
platforms -- YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok -- for six days
from July 13 to 18, citing the need to control "hate material" during
the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's cabinet committee on law
and order has recommended banning of all social media platforms -- YouTube, X,
WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, among others --during 6 to 11
Muharram (July 13-18) in Punjab, a province of over 120 million people, to
"control hate material, misinformation to avoid sectarian violence",
according to a Punjab government notification issued here late Thursday night.
The Punjab government of Maryam Nawaz has requested
her uncle Shehbaz Sharif's government at the Centre to notify the suspension of
all social media platforms on internet for six days (July 13-18).
Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir has already
declared social media a "vicious media" and underscored the need to
fight what he called "digital terrorism".
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also
holds the portfolio of foreign minister, recently called for placing a complete
ban on social media.
The Shehbaz government had shut down X in last
February following allegations of change of general election results by the Election
Commission of Pakistan, apparently on the order of the military establishment
to stop Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's jailed founder Imran Khan from coming to
power.
Both the military and the government were receiving
backlash on social media since the ouster of former prime minister Imran Khan
through a no-confidence motion in April 2022.
The government has arrested dozens of social media
activists of Khan's party since then.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
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https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/pakistan-to-ban-social-media-platforms-for-6-days-to-control-hate-material-during-ramadan/articleshow/111503303.cms
--------
Bilawal calls for defeating narrative of terrorism
July 5, 2024
QUETTA: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on
Thursday emphasised the need to counter terrorism by defeating its narrative
and underscored the importance of restoring peace and political stability in
Balochistan through grassroots political processes.
Mr Bhutto-Zardari made these remarks during a meeting
at the Chief Minister Secretariat after he arrived in Quetta on a two-day
visit.
The meeting was attended by Balochistan Chief Minister
Sarfraz Bugti, provincial ministers, the chief secretary, and the inspector
general of police.
The PPP chairman urged the provincial government to
expedite the compensation process for those affected by the 2022 floods. “The
housing project for the flood-affected should be accelerated. Every possible
step should be taken to assist the calamity-stricken people of Balochistan and
Sindh,” he stated.
Urges Balochistan govt to speed up work on housing
project for flood victims
He praised the development of Balochistan’s first
youth policy, stressing that its implementation was crucial to provide the
youth with more opportunities.
During the briefing, Mr Bhutto-Zardari was briefed on
several flagship programmes in Balochistan, including the Benazir Bhutto
Scholarship Programme, People’s Air Ambulance, and People’s Green Bus Service.
Other initiatives mentioned were the establishment of the NICVD and the Gambat
Institute of Liver Transplant in Quetta, the Skilled Workers Card Programme,
and the Rescue 1122 Service.
A new project to convert over 30,000 agricultural tube
wells to solar energy has commenced, and subsidies for tractors will be
provided to support Balochistan’s farmers. Besides, Rs10 billion has been
allocated for a new phase of the Kachhi Canal project from the Indus River, and
Rs4bn for interest-free loans to unemployed graduates.
Under the Youth Skills Development Programme, around
30,000 young people will be trained over two years and provided employment
opportunities abroad.
Source: dawn.com
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--------
Bohra community leader Syedna Mufaddal arrives in
Karachi
July 5, 2024
KARACHI: Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the spiritual
leader of the Bohra community, arrived in the metropolis on Thursday evening.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Syed
Murad Ali Shah and other high-ranking officers, along with a large number of
Bohra community members, received him at the airport’s old terminal.
According to a press release, Syedna will deliver a
series of sermons in Karachi over nine days, starting from July 8 at Taheri
Masjid in Saddar.
There will be a live telecast to over 21 centres in
other parts of Karachi as well as the neighbouring city of Hyderabad, it added.
Following an invitation extended by the government and
the local Bohra community, Syedna has chosen Karachi to host the “Ashara
Mubaraka” congregations this year, it said, adding that over 80,000 Dawoodi
Bohras from Pakistan and around the world are expected to attend the events.
Shabbir Harianawala, media coordinator for the Dawoodi
Bohras, said that various committees had been set up to handle accommodation,
transport, food and provide other necessary facilities to ensure that visitors
coming from all parts of the world were able to participate fully and in the
best possible manner.
“We’re grateful to the government and local
authorities for their support and assistance in hosting thousands of attendees,
and ensuring that they have a comfortable stay in the city,” he added.
Source: dawn.com
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--------
KP CM Gandapur orders provision of funds for Muharram
security
July 5, 2024
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin
Khan Gandapur on Thursday ordered the release of the funds required for
security measures during Muharram, saying maintaining law and order in the
province is the top priority of his government.
Chairing a meeting here, the chief minister said that
authorities should pay special attention to sensitive districts for foolproof
security measures in Muharram.
He also asked them to contact religious leaders of
different sects and elected public representatives to promote religious harmony
and tolerance, according to an official statement by the chief minister’s
secretariat.
Mr Gandapur issued orders for the installation of
tents on the routes of mourning processions in view of the heat wave and said
that officials should contact the Peshawar and tribal areas electric supply
companies to ensure uninterrupted power supply to Muharram processions and
majalis.
He ordered the introduction of an effective mechanism
of coordination among the relevant departments and agencies at provincial,
divisional and district levels.
Mr Gandapur urged religious leaders and people to play
their proactive role in maintaining law and order and promoting sectarian
harmony during Muharram.
He also examined the security plan and arrangements
for Muharram during the meeting.
The participants included the provincial chief
secretary, additional chief secretary home, police chief and administrative
secretaries. The divisional commissioners, regional police officers, deputy
commissioners and district police officers attended the meeting via video link.
Officials briefed the meeting about Muharram’s
security plan and said that the mourning processions and gatherings would be
held in 14 districts with eight districts declared as the most sensitive and
six sensitive in light of the law and order situation.
They also said that around 40,000 security personnel
would be deployed across the province in Muharram, whereas special contingents
of Frontier Corps and Pakistan Army would be engaged for protecting mourning
processions and majalis.
The officials told the meeting that a central control
room with representatives of all relevant departments and law-enforcement
agencies was being set up at the home department.
They also said that special arrangements would be made
for the security of sensitive districts and places across the province.
The officials said that mourning processions and
majalis would be monitored through closed circuit television cameras, whereas a
ban had been slapped on the display of arms, pillion riding, and hateful
wall-chalking.
They said that special initiatives were proposed to
constantly monitor social media pages to control hateful contents and negative
propaganda during the month of Muharram.
The officials also said that mobile phone service
would be suspended in sensitive districts, while staff of health and rescue
departments would be assigned special duties with the purpose to effectively
deal with any untoward situation.
Source: dawn.com
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--------
PTI leaders protest over 'not being allowed' to meet
jailed Imran Khan
July 05, 2024
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Thursday
said that they were not allowed to meet the party's incarcerated founder Imran
Khan in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail after they waited outside the facility for a
few hours to see him.
Several PTI leaders, including Leader of the
Opposition in Senate Shibli Faraz and Leader of the Opposition in the National
Assembly Omar Ayub, protested outside the jail after the prison's meeting time
was over.
"We are all united and there are no rifts among
the party's ranks and files. We are all on the same page," said Senator
Shibli while talking to the media outside Adiala Jail.
"We came to meet our leader in the jail. It's our
right to do so. We have been elected to the assemblies through elections, and
we are loyal to our party," he added.
Shibli's remarks regarding rifts in the party came
after Khan admitted to the presence of groups within the party. However, he
refuted reports of any forward bloc within the PTI. There were no major
differences within the party, the PTI founder had said, speaking to reporters
in a courtroom at the Adiala facility yesterday.
In today's media talk, Shibli stressed, "I am the
leader of the Opposition in the Senate and Omar Ayub is the leader of the
Opposition in the National Assembly. But we were forced to wait outside the
jail. We were not allowed to even sit in the jail's mosque."
There are no differences among the party's leaders, he
said, adding: "We will not let anyone spread misinformation and create
divisions among us." He reiterated that the party would not be deterred by
the propaganda of opponents and it would continue to work together for the
betterment of the country.
Shibli said, "We have pledged allegiance to the
party's founder."
False propaganda is being peddled through "rented
spokespersons," who highlight the rifts in the party, he alleged, terming
it a conspiracy to stir up disruption in the party.
Omar Ayub, who exchanged harsh words with the security
personnel standing guard outside the jail, said that the meeting with Imran
Khan was scheduled, however, the party leaders were not allowed to meet him
despite waiting outside the prison since 1pm.
Ayub, expressing his displeasure, said that a senior
official told them that they (jail officials) had received orders to do so.
"They (govt) believe that they can psychologically pressure us," he
said, adding that the meeting was scheduled as per judicial orders.
The PTI leader said that the party stood by Khan and
would remain steadfast in doing so, adding, "We will make them answerable
through a privilege motion in the National Assembly."
"One thing is quite clear that we will not
surrender to whatever they may do as we are the PTI founder's soldiers and can
do anything for him," said PTI leader Shehryar Afridi, who also present
outside the jail.
He said that opponents were trying to create divisions
in the party.
Another party leader Shandana Gulzar asserted that the
reports regarding the differences in the party are baseless, adding, "I
would not have shown up if I had a difference of opinion."
Source: thenews.com.pk
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--------
'Threat to judges': IHC terms viral tweet about
Justice Aurangzeb’s letter to SC 'baseless'
July 04, 2024
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday termed a
viral X post "baseless" which claimed that Justice Miangul Hassan
approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the chief of the country's
premier spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
A purported Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader
Fauzia Siddiqui, who claims to be the party's secretary information in Karachi
on her verified X account, wrote yesterday that the IHC Justice Aurangzeb
"submitted a petition to the top court against the Inter-Services
Intelligence (ISI) chief after the families of judges received threats from spy
agencies".
The social media post regarding another senior jurist
came after six IHC judges wrote a letter to the apex court on March 25,
accusing spy agencies of meddling in judicial affairs.
The six jurists, who had approached the Chief Justice
of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to formally register their complaints against the spy
agencies, included Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice
Arbab Muhammad Tahir, Justice Tariq Mahmood Jehangiri, Justice Sardar Ejaz
Ishaq Khan and Justice Saman Rifat Imtiaz.
However, Justice Aurangzeb was not among those six
jurists who had lodged any complaints regarding the "interference" of
intelligence operatives in judicial affairs and alleged intimidation of judges.
Following the tweet, the IHC issued a clarification
stating no such petition was filed by Justice Aurangzeb to the SC and termed
Fauzia's tweet "fake".
"It is clarified that the contents of the said
tweet/posts are not true and the same are baseless," it read.
The IHC judges in their March 25 letter had accused
the country's spy agencies of meddling in judicial functions and called out the
"intimidation" of judges tantamount to undermining the independence
of the judiciary.
The serious accusations from the IHC judges led the
top court to take suo motu notice after more than 300 lawyers from different
bar associations also called upon the SC to hear the matter under Article
184(3) of the Constitution.
On the other hand, the federal government had also
approved the constitution of an inquiry commission led by former chief justice
of Pakistan (CJP) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani to probe the judges' allegations.
However, Jillani recused himself from heading a
one-man inquiry commission and recommended the matter to be heard by the
judiciary's constitutional body — Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) — besides
suggesting CJP Isa resolve the issue at the institutional level.
The matter is now being heard by a seven-member bench
headed by CJP Isa and comprises Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya
Afridi, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Musarrat
Hilali and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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--------
PM to 'hold APC to address opposition's concerns' over
anti-terrorism operation
By Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai
July 04, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is likely to
summon an all-parties conference (APC) to "take political parties in
confidence in the Operation Azm-e-Istehkam" after the opposition expressed
serious concerns over the new counterterrorism drive.
The premier, who is currently in Kazakhstan's capital
Astana to represent Pakistan in global summits of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation (SCO), will return home tonight — likely at 2am — after concluding
his official foreign visit, sources told Geo News.
PM Shehbaz will hold consultations to decide on the
date of the APC centric on the reinvigorated and re-energised national drive to
root out militancy from the country following a spike in terrorist attacks, the
sources said, adding that the date would be announced afterwards.
The federal cabinet last week approved the launching
of the counter-terrorism operation following the National Action Plan's Central
Apex Committee's recommendations to turn up the heat on militants targeting
Pakistan.
The Prime Minister Office (PMO) had said that the new
counter-terrorism push was approved with the consensus of all stakeholders
including provinces, Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
However, opposition parties including the Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Fazl (JUI-F), Awami National Party
(ANP), and others have voiced concerns over the military operation, demanding
that parliament must be taken into confidence before taking any such decision.
In response to the criticism, the PMO had clarified
that that "no large-scale military operation is being launched" in
the country.
"The recently announced vision for enduring
stability named Azm-e-Istehkam is being erroneously misunderstood and compared
with earlier launched kinetic operations like Zarb-e-Azab, Rah-e-Najaat
etc," read a statement issued by the PMO on June 24.
It had said the previous kinetic operations were
conducted to physically dislodge terrorists from their known locations which
had become no-go areas and compromised the writ of the state. "These
operations required mass displacement of the local population and systematic
clearance of affected areas."
The federal government had further stated that there
are no such no-go areas in the country since the ability of terrorist entities
to carry out large-scale organised operations inside Pakistan was decisively
degraded by earlier kinetic operations.
The operation is being launched at a time as the
country's overall fatalities in terrorist attacks and counter-terror operations
reached a six-year high with nearly 1,000 deaths, The News reported in January
quoting the Centre for Research and Security Studies's (CRSS) Annual Security
Report.
Pakistan has witnessed a significant surge in attacks
on security forces in recent months with the militants using advanced weaponry
and equipment.
Islamabad has time again called on the interim
Afghanistan government to prevent its land from being used by the
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant organisations for carrying
out attacks against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in an
interview with the Voice of America (VoA), said that Pakistan could target
terrorist hideouts across the border in Afghanistan under the new
anti-terrorism operation.
He also promised that any political parties' concerns
about the operation would be addressed, and the government would bring the
matter to the assembly to answer questions and build trust among members.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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--------
Naqvi decides to transform ICT into city of int’l
standard
July 05, 2024
A high-level meeting of Capital Development Authority
(CDA) chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad has decided to
take a number of steps to transform the federal capital into a city of
international standard.
Under the decisions taken in the meeting, the Interior
Minister directed the CDA to purchase only electric bikes in future to reduce
environmental pollution, while eco-friendly electric buses will be operated for
the citizens of Islamabad.
Interior Minister banned the purchase of petrol
motorcycles. He also directed provision of international standard emergency
services to the residents of Islamabad.
It was also decided to transfer emergency services
from Municipal Corporation Islamabad to Capital Development Authority and
establishment of Capital WASA soon.
It was further decided to speed up process for
finalizing the matters related to the establishment of Capital Waste Management
Company and construction of Underpass at Serena Chowk and Flyover at F-9 Park
Chowk.
The Interior Minister directed the authorities
concerned to accelerate work for rapidly completing the pending construction
work of Islamabad Expressway project.
It was informed in the meeting that work on Islamabad
Model Jail, which has been stalled for the past seventeen years, is going on
rapidly, and the first phase will be completed within the stipulated period.
Mohsin Naqvi said Business Facilitation Centers are
being established in Islamabad where facilities will be provided to investors
under one roof.
He said process of allotment of land for construction
of Health Tower in H-16 sector of the Federal Capital has been completed.
He also congratulated to the entire team of CDA
including its Chairman for the record tax collection.
The Interior Minister directed the CDA authorities to
prepare investment plan for the organization and submit it within a week.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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--------
Mideast
SDF announces outcomes of anti-Islamic State
operations over six months
04/07/2024
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the
results of its operations against the Islamic State group in its controlled
areas in northeastern Syria, coinciding with the increase in the group’s
activities in the same region during the first six months of the current year.
The SDF stated on its official website today,
Thursday, July 4, that it carried out 28 operations against the group in its
controlled areas, including six operations that thwarted attempts to carry out
“terrorist operations,” three of which were large-scale operations.
It added that the number of operations conducted by
the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), the Counter-Terrorism Units (YAT), the
Commando Forces, and its Military Operations Teams reached nine operations.
According to the statistics, the number of IS elements
captured amounted to 233 elements, suspects, and collaborators, including 85
elements arrested during the “Humanity and Security” operation, 82 others in a
large-scale operation in Raqqa, and 40 in the outskirts of al-Hasakah.
The SDF indicated that some of the group’s elements
were captured with the help of local residents while attempting to carry out
operations.
The number of IS members killed during these
operations reached ten, six of whom were killed while carrying out failed
operations targeting the SDF security forces, according to the statistics.
The SDF’s announcement of its operational statistics
against the group in Syria came days after the Islamic State announced
statistics of its attacks in areas where its cells are spread worldwide,
including Syria.
The group stated on July 1 that it carried out 156
operations in Syria, resulting in 393 deaths and injuries, without specifying
the distribution of these attacks within Syria.
In the past two months, the group has adopted a
different attack mechanism from its other operations since its control receded
in Syria in March 2019, returning to the use of car bombs, which it had reduced
reliance on since its control receded in the desert.
This marked a shift in its strategy in the region, as
it had long relied on ambushes, assassinations, and scattered attacks targeting
SDF fighters and Autonomous Administration employees (the political umbrella of
the SDF).
At the end of last April, the group’s official
spokesperson, Abu Hudhaifa al-Ansari, called on its groups spread in Syria to
intensify their attacks against the SDF.
The call came in response to repeated arrest campaigns
launched by the SDF in al-Hol camp, which houses families of the Islamic State
group’s fighters.
The SDF launched successive security campaigns after
an increase in the group’s activities early this year, which was reflected on
the ground by a decrease in the group’s attacks.
On June 21, the group announced through its weekly
newspaper “al-Naba” that it carried out one operation in Deir Ezzor province,
resulting in three deaths and injuries, while the total number of its
operations in Syria during the first week of last January reached 34
operations, and 32 in the following week.
Source: english.enabbaladi.net
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https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2024/07/sdf-announces-outcomes-of-anti-islamic-state-operations-over-six-months/
--------
Hezbollah, Hamas discuss latest developments in Gaza
ceasefire talks, Hezbollah says
July 05, 2024
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan
Nasrallah and top Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya discussed the latest
developments in the Gaza Strip and negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire
there during a meeting, Hezbollah said on Friday.
Nasrallah received Hamas deputy chief Hayya for the
meeting, which reviewed “the latest security and political developments” in the
Gaza Strip, the Iran-backed Hezbollah said in a statement.
“They also discussed the latest developments in the
ongoing negotiations these days, their atmosphere, and the proposals presented
to reach an end to the treacherous aggression against the Palestinian people in
the Gaza Strip,” the statement said.
A senior US administration official said on Thursday
that Hamas had made a pretty significant adjustment in its position over a
potential hostage release deal with Israel, expressing hope that it would lead
to a pact that would be a step to a permanent ceasefire.
Hezbollah and Israel have been trading fire since
October across the Lebanese-Israeli border in a conflict that has run in
parallel to the Gaza war, raising fears of a bigger conflict between the
heavily armed adversaries.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Israel sends Mossad chief to Qatar for Gaza hostage
negotiations: sources
July 05, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
on Friday ordered his spy chief to Qatar for talks with mediators on a Gaza war
ceasefire that could see Hamas militants release hostages seized in the October
7 attacks, sources said.
Amidst new optimism over a possible breakthrough,
Netanyahu called a meeting of his security cabinet for late Thursday to discuss
new Hamas proposals sent through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, reports said.
Israel believes dozens of hostages are still alive in
Gaza and with the war taking an increasing human toll in the devastated
Palestinian territory both sides face mounting international pressure to reach
a deal.
Mossad chief David Barnea was to lead an Israeli
delegation to Qatar that has spent months trying to bring the enemies to the
negotiating table, according to a source with knowledge of the talks. He was
expected in Doha on Friday and was to meet the Gulf state’s Prime Minister
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Barnea’s delegation “is traveling to Qatar in a
continuation of talks on a ceasefire and hostage deal.
“He will meet with the Qatari prime minister for
discussions aiming to bring the parties closer to a deal in Gaza,” the source
said on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of talks.
US President Joe Biden praised the decision to send a
delegation in a telephone conversation with Netanyahu, the White House said.
Biden welcomed the decision to have Israeli negotiators “engage” with mediators
in a bid “to close out the deal.”
The United States believes Israel and Hamas have a
“pretty significant opening” to reach an agreement on a ceasefire and the
release of hostages, a senior US official said.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity,
said the Hamas proposal “moves the process forward and may provide the basis
for closing the deal,” while stressing it does not mean an agreement was likely
in coming days, and that “significant work” remains.
Hamas had demanded an end to the war and an Israeli
withdrawal as a prelude to any hostage deal.
Israel has countered that there can be no end to the
war without the release of hostages. Netanyahu has also repeatedly vowed that
the Gaza campaign will not end until Hamas’s military and government
capabilities have been destroyed.
Hamas said late Wednesday that it had sent new “ideas”
for a potential deal and Netanyahu’s office said the government was
“evaluating” them.
Qatar, Egypt and the United States have been mediating
between the two sides and sources close to their efforts said they have been
pushing for several weeks to bridge the “gaps” between the foes.
Biden announced a pathway to a truce deal in May which
he said had been proposed by Israel. This included a six-week truce to allow for
talks, the release of hostages and eventually a program to rebuild devastated
Gaza.
“There are important developments in the latest
proposals with positive options for both sides,” said a diplomat briefed on the
latest proposals. “This time the Americans are very serious about this.”
The war started with the October 7 attack on southern
Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according
to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.
Hamas militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom
remain in Gaza including 42 the army says are dead.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least
38,011 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run
territory’s health ministry.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
US sees major breakthrough in Israel-Hamas talks —
senior official
July 04, 2024
WASHINGTON: Hamas made a pretty significant adjustment
in its position over a potential hostage release deal with Israel, a senior US
administration official said on Thursday, expressing hope that it would lead to
a pact that would be a step to a permanent ceasefire.
“We’ve had a breakthrough,” the official told reporters
on a conference call, adding there were still outstanding issues related to
implementation of the agreement and that a deal was not expected to be closed
in a period of days.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Anti-Islamic Revolution person arrested in Australia
Jul 5, 2024
The announcement was made on Friday on the runoff
presidential election day underway across Iran and its 138 representative
offices abroad.
The police of Australia have a good presence, and the
number of the opponents has decreased compared with the previous week, the
ambassador told Iran’s election headquarters through a live video
communication.
In a related development, Iran’s Ambassador to New
Zealand Reza Nazar-Ahari had already said that the interruption from the
anti-Islamic Revolution groups has dropped as the police of that country
offered better cooperation.
The early election was held on June 28 across Iran with
the participation of four candidates.
Masoud Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili won more votes than
other hopefuls. The runoff election was planned for a week later as none of the
candidates could get the majority of votes to become the president of Iran.
During the presidential election held last week, a few
anti-Islamic Revolution individuals in different cities of the world tried to
disrupt the process.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
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--------
Istanbul mosque unveils centuries-old Byzantine,
Ottoman legacy
JUL 05, 2024
The historic Lala Hayrettin Mosque, previously known
as Chalkoprateia Church and serving as a mosque since Istanbul's conquest,
welcomes both local and international visitors with its over 1,600-year-old
history.
Following its restoration, the building was officially
reopened in May by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a ceremony organized
by the General Directorate of Foundations.
Archaeologist Murat Sav, speaking to Anadolu Agency
(AA) about the structure located in Istanbul's Sultanahmet, mentioned that the
building had been used as a mosque since the late 15th century, following
Istanbul's conquest.
Sav noted that due to a devastating earthquake in the
early 20th century, much of the mosque had collapsed, leaving it in ruins until
recent restoration efforts. He highlighted excavations conducted on-site in the
1960s, which revealed details about both its Byzantine and Ottoman-era
identities, leading to various reconstruction projects. Approximately a decade
and a half ago, plans were set in motion for its restoration, eventually funded
through sponsorship.
Originally constructed as a grand basilica in the
Byzantine era, the interior spanned 30 meters (98.5 feet). The current mosque
preserves a section of the basilica known as the apse and bema, which houses a
crypt for safeguarding sacred relics. According to Sav, the structure's origins
date back to the fifth century.
"In the Byzantine period, just as in the Ottoman
period, significant projects were undertaken by prominent empresses or those
closely associated with the palace," said Sav, attributing the church's
construction to Pulcheria, among others.
Sav explained that shortly after being built as a
basilica, a massive fire in Constantinople in 475 severely damaged the
structure. Despite subsequent reconstruction efforts in the sixth century, the
church endured further damage in the ninth century, resulting in the addition
of a dome in place of its pitched roof. Subsequent earthquakes and fires in the
12th century led to the creation of three smaller chapels on-site.
The archaeologist pointed out that a portion of the
basilica's circular plan remains intact beneath a nearby hotel today, featuring
partially preserved frescoes dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries.
Highlighting its significance as a sacred site in
Byzantine history dedicated to Mary, Sav noted, "Several relics, including
a belt believed to belong to Mary, brought from Jerusalem in the fifth century,
are safeguarded here, attributed to the miracles associated with it."
Sav concluded by emphasizing the mosque's role as a
patriarchal church for five years during the construction of Hagia Sophia from
532 to 537, underscoring its importance within the Byzantine architectural
complex.
During the Ottoman era, due to the building's
dilapidated state, only the apse section was converted into a mosque. In the
18th century, Zeynep Sultan Mosque was erected nearby, with a street passing
between it and the current mosque structure. Today, fragments of the basilica's
walls and footings, along with its northern nave, are visible in the street
facade.
Recent restoration efforts revealed original basilica
flooring and uncovered a well in the courtyard. Sav mentioned that while the
church's frescoes and decorations were largely lost to fires, some details were
recovered from the mihrab area.
"In preserving and displaying findings from both
Byzantine and Ottoman periods, modern restoration techniques blend seamlessly
with traditional practices," Sav concluded.
Source: dailysabah.com
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https://www.dailysabah.com/turkiye/istanbul/istanbul-mosque-unveils-centuries-old-byzantine-ottoman-legacy
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Israel conducts military operation in the area of the
West Bank city of Jenin; 4 Palestinians killed
July 05, 2024
JERUSALEM: The Israeli military said Friday it was
conducting counterterrorism activity that included an airstrike in the area of
the West Bank city of Jenin. Palestinian authorities said four people were
killed.
The military said Israeli soldiers had “encircled a
building where terrorists have barricaded themselves in” and the soldiers were
exchanging fire, while an airstrike had “struck several armed terrorists” in
the area.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said four people died
but did not provide any information on their identities. No further details were
immediately available from either side.
The clashes in Jenin, a known militant stronghold
where the army frequently operates, came a day after an Israeli anti-settlement
monitoring group said the government plans to build nearly 5,300 new homes in
settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The construction plans revealed by the Peace Now group
are part of the hard-line government’s efforts to beef up settlements as part
of a strategy of cementing Israel’s control over the West Bank to prevent a
future Palestinian state. The Palestinians seek the West Bank, east Jerusalem
and Gaza — areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war — for an
independent state.
Violence has spiraled in the West Bank since the start
of Israel’s war in Gaza, sparked by the Oct. 7 raid into southern Israel by
Hamas militants who killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took more
than 200 others as hostages. The war has so far killed more than 38,000
Palestinians, Gaza’s Health Ministry says. The ministry does not differentiate
between combatants and civilians in its count, but it includes thousands of
women and children.
Ceasefire talks appeared to be reviving after stalling
for weeks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Thursday he was
sending negotiators to resume the talks, a day after Hamas handed mediators its
latest response to a US-backed proposal for a deal.
The revival of negotiations appeared to mark another
attempt by US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators to overcome the gap that has
repeatedly thwarted a deal over the past months. Hamas wants an agreement that
ensures Israeli troops fully leave Gaza and the war ends, while Netanyahu says
the war cannot end before Hamas is eliminated.
Israeli negotiators are expected to arrive in Doha,
Qatar’s capital, for the talks as early as Friday, with American, Egyptian and
Qatari officials present.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2543961/middle-east
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Sunni political leaders meet to resolve parliament
speaker election crisis
2024-07-04
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, a meeting of Sunni political
leaders took place in the office of Khamis al-Khanjar, head of the Sovereignty
(Al-Siyada) coalition, with the participation of Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani,
who arrived in the capital Baghdad on Tuesday.
All leaders of Sunni political parties attended the
meeting, including the ousted Speaker of Parliament and head of the Taqadum
Party, Mohammed al-Halbousi.
A source told Shafaq News Agency that the meeting aims
to "find solutions for the crisis surrounding the election of the Speaker
of the Iraqi Parliament and to reach an agreement on supporting a single
candidate who represents all Sunni factions."
The Sunni political scene is currently marked by
intense competition to succeed Mohammed al-Halbousi, who was ousted from
Parliament by a court ruling. His party, Taqadum, insists on retaining the
position, claiming its majority within the Sunni faction with 43 seats.
In June, Al-Khanjar launched the "Sunni Unity
Initiative" to unify the Sunni political forces. However, this step was
rejected by Taqadum unless it recognizes the party's majority within the Sunni
community.
Source: shafaq.com
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https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Sunni-political-leaders-meet-to-resolve-parliament-speaker-election-crisis
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Africa
Don’t Donate Your Pension to Churches, Mosques —
Nigerian GovernorTells Retirees
July 5, 2024
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has advised the about 2000
retirees from the state’s civil service who have received their contributory
pension worth about N4.46 billion not to donate same to churches, mosques or
religious groups.
Speaking at the retirement bond certificate presentation
ceremony to retirees, Sanwo-Olu noted that the payment of pension is a
testament to the unwavering commitment of the state government to its retirees
and celebrates their years of dedicated service to the beloved state.
He said: “Today, we mark the 105th Retirement Bond
Certificate presentation, a historic milestone as we transition into a new era
of Pension Administration called ‘Pay-As You-Go.’
“From now on, all retirees of the state government
will be paid as they retire, provided all procedures and approvals have been
completed before retirement.
“We have strategically prioritized clearing all
backlogs of accrued rights payments to ensure our retirees enjoy dignity and
financial stability after retirement.
“This commitment extends to the welfare of both
current and former members of our workforce, recognizing their unblemished
careers in the state public service.”
Sanwo-Olu maintained that since the inception of the
Contributory Pension Scheme, the state government has paid N141.2b to 35,191
retirees.
“Under this administration alone, we have paid N59.7b
to 17,039 retirees, making Lagos State a top performer in pension payments.
Today, I am pleased to announce that another 2,000 retirees will receive bond
certificates worth a total of N4.46b,” the governor said.
“These funds, along with their monthly contributions,
have already been remitted into their respective Retirement Savings Accounts
with the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).
“In addition to financial entitlements, the Lagos
State Government, through the Lagos State Health Management Agency, has
launched a Health Insurance Scheme tailored specifically for our retirees. This
scheme will provide access to a wide range of medical services, from routine
check-ups to specialized treatments.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to the
well-being of our retirees, ensuring that you receive not only what is due to
you statutorily but also additional support and assistance to enhance your
lives in retirement.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the director general of
Lagos State Pension Commission, Mr. Babalola Obilana, appreciated the governor
and other stakeholders for their support.
Source: politicsnigeria.com
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https://politicsnigeria.com/dont-donate-your-pension-to-churches-mosques-sanwo-olu-tells-retirees/
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Deal with rogue cops! Muslim leaders' message to
President Ruto, Gen Zs
04 July 2024
Mr President, as you will agree, our country is at a
critical crossroads. The scenes of violence in the last few weeks is
unprecedented and could be a recipe for anarchy;Such moments call for
patriotism, great leadership beyond parochialism and devoid of brinkmanship.
New challenges call for new and innovative ways to
deal with contemporary challenges. Old ways and approaches which are not in
tune with the current circumstances cannot take us far in this discourse.
Only you can provide leadership and a way out of this
quagmire. You need to view this uprising as an opportunity to redeem the
malaise and maladies we face as a nation.
We are saddened by the overzealousness of the police
who have and continue to use unnecessary and excess force on peaceful demonstrators
in contrast and tragically, we have seen the same police officers stand by as
hooligans rampage, loot and destroy private property.
As a sign of leadership and patriotism, we urge you to
unequivocally and publicly rein in rogue police officers and restrain them from
harming, arresting, or kidnapping peaceful protestors.
We urge you to release those in police custody or just
missing and for the state to underwrite and meet the costs of those protestors
in hospitals and provide assistance to families in the burials of those slain
by police. Such a course of action will demonstrate goodwill and empathy on
your part as Head of state;
Mr President, our youth are seeking and demanding
actions on the raft of issues they have raised, they are not interested in a
Multi-Sectoral Forum to dialogue over things and issues which are quite
apparent and within your means to do or to initiate within the premise of our
laws and constitution.
Specifically we urge you to take the following
actions:
1. Trim down the size of your cabinet to fourteen;
2. Rid your cabinet and government in general of those
functionaries named in corruption, waste, fraud and abuse of public resources;
3. Immediately reconstitute the IEBC.
4. Undertake and facilitate the audit of our public
debt, enabling public participation in an inclusive, transparent and
accountable manner;
5. Provide leadership for the prosecution of corrupt
individuals at all levels of government. Kenyans need to see heads rolling;
6. Remove all unconstitutional offices
In conclusion, we empathize with our nation,
especially with our youth who are wounded, and mourn with the families of the
dead and fallen vanguards in our youth, the Gen Zs.
We Muslim leaders and the entire Muslim community
remain available to provide counsel, advice and any assistance within our
means.
We pray and beseech the Almighty Allah, Lord of the
Heavens and the Earth to salvage our nation, Kenya and grant us His Infinite
Mercy and Peace to this nation and her people.
Our message to Gen Zs
You represent the feelings, the spirit, the rage and
the aspirations of an overwhelming majority of our people.
We share your frustrations, agony and pain
We empathize with you, on the suffering, the maimings
and those amongst you in the struggle who have been killed.
Our prayers are with you and we stand in solidarity
with you in this struggle.
Whilst we urge you not to relent in your legitimate
struggle which is personified by your own brand and character, you must seize
the moment and opportunities that are thrust upon you by the circumstances of
the moment.
As you will no doubt agree with us, endless protests
cannot be an end in itself, rather it is a means to a well-defined end which
must be realistic, achievable and within the confines of the law.
Sadly, as was not unexpected, hooligans and anarchists
who unlike you are neither peaceful nor share in the objectives of your
struggle have infiltrated your protests causing mayhem and destruction and
adding to the suffering of the very people you are seeking to speak for. This
calls for rethinking and re-strategising without deviating from the cause.
As we have done before during the onset of the
struggle, we shall continue to offer you all our spaces of worship and our
centres across the country. We do this as a solemn duty to our nation. Your
cause is legitimate and you are our sons and daughters.
As your elders, parents and kith and kin, we remain at
your disposal for guidance, counsel and any other assistance within our means.
We profoundly thank our youth, the GenZ for acting
reasonably to cancel the protests and street demos across the country, which
were planned to take place today Thursday 04th July 2024.
The analysis of the circumstances in the country, particularly
the fact that some unscrupulous individuals including hooligans, hired goons,
and anarchists took advantage and infiltrated the otherwise peaceful protests
causing national distress, lootings and destruction of property.
Source: the-star.co.ke
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click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/2024-07-04-deal-with-rogue-cops-muslim-leaders-message-to-president-ruto-gen-zs/
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Viral video shows Muslims practising a ritual at Hajj camp
in Nigeria’s Kano state
04 July 2024
A video has been posted on social media with the claim
it shows Nigerians participating in a Hajj ritual.
The video shows a group of people moving around a
black rectangular structure while others look on.
A typical caption reads: “People in Nigeria are
participating in the Hajj ritual. Regardless of the intention, we should avoid
promoting activities that may lead to Biddah in the future.”
Hajj is the pilgrimage, a journey undertaken for
religious purposes, that adult Muslims make to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi
Arabia.
One of the essential parts of the Hajj is the
performance of a ritual called tawaf. The tawaf is when the pilgrims
circumambulate a rectangular structure called the Kaaba seven times in an
anti-clockwise direction.
The ritual comes in different forms and is only
performed in Mecca, a place of immense significance in Islam and considered the
holiest site in the faith.
Biddah, or bid’ah, refers to innovation within Islam. It
often involves the introduction of practices, beliefs or customs that are not
rooted in the original teachings of Islam as found in the holy book – the
Qur’an – and the Hadith. The Hadith is a collection of texts and traditions by
the Prophet Muhammad that serve as the basis of Islamic law.
The posts imply that the circumambulation seen in the
viral video is a bid’ah because it is performed by “people in Nigeria”.
Similar posts can be found here and here.
But does the video show people doing the Hajj ritual
in Nigeria? We checked.
Pilgrims practising the ritual in Nigeria
Africa Check took keyframes from the video circulating
on social media and ran them through a reverse image search.
We found the same video in several Instagram posts.
According to the captions, the video shows a replica of the Kaaba built in the
Nigerian state of Kano to teach people how to perform the tawaf when they
eventually travel to Mecca.
Our Google search for the phrase “Hajj training in
Nigeria’s Kano state” brought up a fact check on the same video by PRNigeria, a
Nigerian news agency.
The agency reached out to the Kano State Pilgrims
Welfare Board. The board’s public relations officer Sulaiman Dederi confirmed
that the video showed the Hajj camp in Kano and a practical exercise that has
been going on for over 20 years.
The camp is a facility dedicated to the preparation
and accommodation of pilgrims from Kano state and neighbouring regions.
According to PRNigeria, the Hajj camp includes a model
of the Kaaba and replicas of other important Hajj sites. These facilities are
designed to train prospective pilgrims to perform the Islamic rituals of Hajj
before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
The claim has also been debunked here.
Source: africacheck.org
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click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://africacheck.org/fact-checks/meta-programme-fact-checks/viral-video-shows-muslims-practising-ritual-hajj-camp
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Oyo declares July 8 public holiday for Islamic New
Year
4th July 2024
The Oyo State Government has declared Monday, July 8,
2024, a work-free day in commemoration of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1446AH.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for
Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state government acknowledged the
significance of Hijrah in the lives of its Muslim residents.
“Monday, July 8, 2024, has been declared a work-free
day to mark the Hijrah, which signifies Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca
to Medina in 622 AD,” Oyelade said.
The commissioner emphasised that this day is a gesture
of respect and solidarity with the Muslim community. He called on all residents
to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in Oyo State and
Nigeria.
Oyelade urged everyone to reflect on the teachings of
Hijrah and to come together in the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood.
“The Hijrah is a time for reflection, prayer, and
community spirit. Let us come together on this day to pray for peace, unity,
and prosperity in our state and our nation,” he added.
Source: punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/oyo-declares-july-8-public-holiday-for-islamic-new-year/
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