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1 Vol. : 5, Issue : 23 December 16-31, 2016 Shah Bano (1985) m n r e v e go da n e g a ent th n i t o de n Imp 8 De 1, b a nquil l Co s Naqvi (I i v i C n o ba m m o ar Ab C g n i t n leme 16) 0 2, r e cemb kht u M Farah Vora (2016) Read More Darul Uloom, Deoband alleged to make money for issuing fatwa Russian Ambassador killed in Turkey Campaign unleashed against Muslims in the US Thousands of women killed in Pakistan every year

2 For Private Circulation Vol. 5, Issue - 23 December 16-31, 2016 Editorial Advisors Prof. Rakesh Sinha Editor-in-Chief Manmohan Sharma Editorial Assistance Ashish Rawat Circulation Sudhir Kumar Singh ( ) Publisher INDIA POLICY FOUNDATION D-51, First Floor, Hauz Khas New Delhi Tel : Fax : indiapolicy@gmail.com Website :

3 Contents SUMMARY NATIONAL I. Ban on beards to continue for Muslims in Indian Air Force II. Sharia courts in mosques declared illegal III. Darul Uloom, Deoband alleged to make money for issuing fatwa IV. Uniform Civil Code not in the agenda of the Centre? V. Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen to contest elections in UP! VI. Muslims threaten for making law against Shariat WESTERN ASIA I. Civil war between Shia and Sunnies in Syria II. Airport in Adan attacked III. Russian Ambassador killed in Turkey IV. Kuwait asks illegal Indian workers to leave country V. Iranian models sentenced to jail for six years VI. Branches of Iranian Bank to be opened in India WORLD I. Islamic terrorist organisation of Myanmar linked to Saudi Arabia II. 12 died in Germany in Jihadi attack III. New Pakistani Army chief in the eye of Arab Media IV. Campaign unleashed against Muslims in the US V. Iran behind every terrorist organization in Afghanistan VI. Five women sentenced to death for dancing in a marriage ceremony VII. Pakistan bans Rs 5000 denomination notes VIII. Muslim women arrested in US for faking attack story OTHERS I. Muslim women to be Romanian Prime Minister II. Bharat Ratna demanded for Sir Syed Ahmed III. Ajanta-Ellora caves in the line of fire of Islamic radicals IV. Thousands of women killed in Pakistan every year V. Death sentence to accused of Hyderabad bomb blast case VI. Ban on showing Indian movies in Pakistan lifted VII. Royal Family of Qatar attacked in Pakistan

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5 Summary Courts have stunned radical Muslims in the past few weeks when the Supreme Court ruled in its judgment that Muslims employees of the Indian Air Force would not be able to keep beards. The court had made it clear that banning people of a particular community not to keep beards did not violate fundamental rights. The SC gave this ruling on the petition filed by two Indian Air Force employees Mohammad Zuber and Aftab Ahmed. They challenged guidelines of the Indian Air Force which banned Muslim employees from keeping beards. Another important ruling was given by the Madras High Court by declaring Sharia courts functioning within the premises of mosques illegal. The court ruled in its judgment that religious places were for religious purposes and they should not be misused by running Sharia courts from there. The court gave direction to the administration to take tough measures to stop Sharia courts being organized in mosques. The second largest Islamic educational institution of the world Darul Uloom, Deoband courted controversy. Maulana Abu Arshad Kandhalvi of Tablighi Jamaat alleged that Darul Uloom, Deoband of embezzlement to the tune of crores of rupees. He alleged that Darul Uloom, Deoband commercialized fatwa. They were being issued for money. The interesting thing is that the Maulana who had alleged Darul Uloom for commercializing fatwa is the son-in-law of Aszad Madani -- the brother of Jamiat Ulama e Hind president Arshad Madani. There was an ongoing dispute between Tablighi Jamaat and Darul Uloom, Deoband these days. A Tablighi Izetma was organized by Tablighi Jamaat in Sambhal in which it was claimed that around 50 lakh Muslims participated in it. However, Darul Uloom, Deoband tried its best to make this izetma a failure. Union minority affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi gave a controversial statement in a Sharia Conference on the occasion of International Arabic Day. He said that agenda of the Narendra Modi government did not include imposing Uniform Civil Code or interference into the matters of Muslim Personal Law. Dainik Inquilab published speech of Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi prominently. A week was passed but no refutation was issued for this speech. Civil war in Syria is getting serious by the day over 40 thousand people have been killed in this war so far and lakhs of Sunni Muslims had to flee Syria. Muslims are playing bloodbath with Muslims in Syria. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

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7 National I According to Munsif (December 16), the Supreme Court in one of its decisions ruled that Muslim officials of the Indian Air Force can't keep beards. The SC bench headed by Chief Justice Tirath Singh Thakur ruled that the Central government banning a particular community from keeping beards did not tantamount to violating fundamental right. The Supreme Court gave this ruling on the petition of two officials of the Indian Air Force Mohammad Zuber and Ansari Aftab Ahmed who had challenged the decision of the Air Force announced on February 24, 2013 challenging the very decision by saying that Muslims were stopped from keeping beards. Mohammad Zuber argued in his petition that this decision of the Indian Air Force was against the Fundamental Rights provided in the Constitution of India. He said that on July 18, 1990 Union Home ministry issued an order allowing Sikhs in the police and paramilitary to keep beards on the religious grounds but with a condition that they would have to take permission from the higher officials. The central government argued that security was the top priority in Air Force which has secular policies. Earlier there was a permission to keep beards but it was later withdrawn. Officials said that only Sikhs are allowed to keep beards. After this Ansari Aftab Ahmed appealed the matter in the High Court which was rejected. Ban on beards to continue for Muslims in Indian Air Force Dawat on December 22 published an article by Masoom Muradabadi criticizing the Supreme Court. He said that arguments given by the Supreme Court for dismissing petition of Ansari Aftab Ahmed were problematic for Muslims because keeping beards for Muslims was a religious binding. If a Muslim wants to keep beards while being in the police or Army then this is his right. Constitution allows everyone to follow his/her religious traditions laid out in that particular religion. The Supreme Court in several other matters allowed keeping beards. The question is that why there was discrimination between Sikhs and Muslims? On one hand the government says that Indian Air Force is secular on the hand why anyone could be sacked from Air Force for keeping beard. Had officers of Air Force behaved prudently, Ansari Aftab Ahmed and Muhammad Zuber would not have gone to the Supreme Court. Mistake of Ansari Aftab Ahmed was only this that he kept beard while being in the Air Force and later on he was removed. After this Aftab Ahmed had gone to High Court and then to the Supreme Court. The biggest question before Aftab Ahmed had been that if he would get his beard cut to save his job or would be forced to wonder here and there. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

8 II Sharia courts in mosques declared illegal According to Inquilab (December 20), Madras High Court declared Sharia Courts running from the mosques as illegal and instructed TN administration to get them closed. The court ruled in its decision that religious places were for religious purposes and they should not be misused. The court also instructed the government to take right steps to stop Sharia courts in mosques. The court gave this ruling on Public Interest Litigation filed by a NRI Abdul Rahman. He had complained to the court that in Anna Malai area of Tamil Nadu Sharia courts were being run in Mecca mosque like any other court. It summons people to settle disputes like marriages and also give instructions about divorce. His lawyer Sirazuddin said that this petition was filed to save interest of innocent Muslims who were affected by Sharia courts. Muslims had been made to realize that these courts were working as Sharia courts and it was religious compulsion for every Muslim to accept its decision. Petitioner Abdul Rahman claimed that he himself was the victim of Sharia courts. He wanted to live with his wife but he was forced to sign divorce documents and their divorce was announced. According to the newspaper, the most interesting thing was that in 2013 the Supreme Court refused to ban Sharia Courts. III Darul Uloom, Deoband alleged to make money for issuing fatwa According to Akhbar Mashriq (December 15), dispute between Darul Uloom, Deoband and Tablighi Jamaat was getting serious by the day. Maulana Abu Arshad Kandhalvi of Tablighi Jamaat alleged Darul Uloom, Deoband of amassing money to the tune of crores of rupees to issue fatwa. Maulana alleged that Darul Uloom, Deoband issues fatwa for money and it has become a business for it. Screen shots from Maulana Arshad Kandhalwi's facebook posts clearly targeted Darul Uloom, Deoband saying that if anyone could tell the name of any Maulana of Darul Uloom who knows about Hadith. It was said in another post that if anyone could tell which teacher of Darul Uloom has the allegation of embezzlement of crores of rupees. But no one answered these allegations and no one could dare to ask the question. Maulavi also asked if anyone could tell who are the people to take money for facilitating admission at Darul Uloom? Maulvi Arshad does not stop there only and further writes by saying that don't force him to open his mouth else names of such people would come out who have paid crores of rupees. The newspaper wrote that Darul Uloom, Deoband faced from British to Arya Samaj. The entire world tried to buy them but they remained unfazed. The entire Islamic world look at Darul Uloom with respect but pointing figure at it is questioning its reputation. Dispute between Darul Uloom, Deoband and Tablighi Jamaat is getting serious by the day. According to Hamara Samaj (December 19), differences between Darul Uloom and Tablighi Jamaat are getting widened by the day. Leaders of Tablighi Jamaat are out in open against Darul Uloom. In a conference of India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

9 Tablighi Jamaat in Meerut, it was threatened that the person supporting Darul Uloom would be dealt later. It is said that in the Meerut conference a big number of Muslim leaders from western Uttar Pradesh participated and they tried to remove differences between Darul Uloom and Tablighi Jamaat but due to tension between both the groups in Meerut, no decision could be reached. Supporters of Maulana Saad said that in this meeting over 2000 Muslim leaders participated. According to Dainik Sahafat (December 27), despite opposition from Darul Uloom, Deoband Tablighi Jamaat organized a three-day Tablighi Jamaat for propagating Islam in which over 50 lakh Muslims participated and there was traffic jam for two days. According to the police, it was told that around 30 lakh people participate in this Ijetma but over 50 lakh people participated in it. This conference was addressed by the controversial leader of Tablighi Jamaat Maulana Mohammad Saad Kandhalvi. This is to recall that Darul Uloom already issued tough fatwa against Tablighi Jamaat. Darul Uloom tried its best to make this conference a failure but they failed. The unprecedented success of this programe gave a blow to Darul Uloom. Hamara Samaj on December 15 reported mentioning Maulana Abu Arshad Kandhalvi who alleged Darul Uloom for fraud in fatwa is the son-in-law of Maulana Aszad Madani the younger brother of Maulana Arshad Madani. IV Uniform Civil Code not in the agenda of the Centre? According to Inquilab (December 18), Union minority works minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi clarified that implementing Uniform Civil Code was not in the agenda of the Central government. If any new law is made nothing will be done ignoring 25 crore Muslims of the country. Whatever will happen, it will have consent of majority. Union minority affairs minister had said all this on the occasion of Shariat Conference on Arabic Day organized at India Islamic Cultural Centre where he was the chief guest. He claimed that none of the government could ignore 25 crore Muslims. Implementing Uniform Civil Code is not Child's play. Such discussions have been during the NDA rule and other governments' as well. The matter was just about triple talaq but it was presented as Uniform Civil Code. He assured that the Narendra Modi government did not have any plans to implement Uniform Civil Code. He said that the government did not want to thrust anything on anyone. He said that ever since he was given the matter related to Haj, he was trying to provide as much convenience as possible to hajies. Naqvi said, I had sent my officials to Mecca-Medina and tried to get maximum facilities for Hajies from the Saudi Arabia government. He said that subsidies provided by the government would end but spending on Haj would be cut to half. Naqvi claimed that exploitation of Hajies that was happening so far would not be allowed any more. The government is working for the welfare of the minorities and the government does not have any dearth of money for this. Muslims are benefited from the demonetization. Earlier Jamiat Ulama and founder of Ahle Sunnat Sheikh Abu Bakar Ahmed gave a memorandum to Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi demanding that the government must not try to implement Uniform Civil Code in the country. The country has Sikhs, Christians, Budhdhists, Jains and Parsies including several sects even in Hindus which have different personal laws. So Uniform Civil Code India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

10 must not be brought in the country. Comment: The first women who dared to demand Uniform Civil Code was 65-year-old woman Shah Bano from Indore but the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi under pressure from radical Maulanas surrendered before them and get passed a law under which Muslim women have been deprived of alimony. It is sad that due to pressure from radical Muslims and pressure from these organizations Shah Bano had to withdraw her case from Supreme Court. Despite opposition from the conservative Muslim society, several dozen Muslim women dared to challenge Muslim Personal Law and banning triple talaq in the Supreme Court. Petition of 35-year-old Shaira Bano of Uttarakhand is still pending in the Supreme Court. 37-year-old Faraha Bora of Mumbai was thrown out of the house and her husband divorced her through whatsapp with the help of his brother-in-law. Faraha Bora got married to a Mumbai resident Moin Bora in 2003 and they had three children. Similarly a woman called Afreen Rahman of Jaipur knocked the door of the Supreme Court against divorce. Afreen got married to Ashar Warsi in 2014 who later divorced her. Afreen Rahman is the second Muslim woman who has challenged divorce in the court. Challenging triple talaq included 47-year-old Afsha Khan whose husband divorced her in a fit of anger. Her husband is a magistrate in Aligarh. Strange thing is that Muslim scholars and leaders not only keep silent over atrocities against Muslim women but also openly advocate keeping Muslim Personal Law unchanged. They argue that these Sharia laws are based on Quran and Hadith therefore no government can change it. However, the hollowness of their argument proved from the fact that over 90 countries across the world amended Muslim Personal Law. Bharatiya Janata Party in its manifesto announced that if it comes to power it would implement Uniform Civil Code in the country. Akhbar Mashriq on December 23 threatened in one of its write ups that if Uniform Civil Code was implemented in India civil war would start in the country. In this article, the justice of Allahabad High Court was opposed and claimed that decision of Allahabad High Court was in violation of constitution of India and was against Muslims. He threatened that as long as we are alive we would not let anyone interfere into the matters of Sharia. Our Sharia is unchanged from the past 1400 years the way it was presented by Mohammad Saheb. This is not like any other religion that could be changed. No court has been allowed by the constitution to change Sharia law therefore Allahabad High Court saying that no personal law is above constitution is wrong. We will not tolerate anyone's interference in our personal law. Therefore we demand from Allahabad High Court to withdraw its order. The author claimed that for saving Muslim Personal Law not only Muslims but the entire minority community must get united. If Uniform Civil Code is imposed, then civil war will start that no one will be able to stop. If the government takes any such step, Muslims would not accept that and would fiercely oppose it. Another news report published in the same newspaper attributing Kuldip Nair's speech in a seminar that today Muslims are the most unsafe therefore Muslims must get united. Mahmood Madani of Jamiat Ulama said that recommendations of Sachchar Committee were not implemented. Muslims are called terrorists to defame them. Kuldip Nair said that Muslims would have to fight for their rights. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

11 V Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen to contest elections in UP! Inquilab in its editorial on December 18 said that All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen Chief Asaduddin Owaisi caused stir in Uttar Pradesh by announcing to field candidates of his party in Muslim majority areas. The newspaper wrote that after the Parliament session the focus of every political party would be on Assembly elections in five states. These activities would have started earlier but demonetization was ruling the roost leaving the issue of Assembly elections behind. A Muslim organisation from South India was trying to settle its feet in Uttar Pradesh. Supporters of this popular organisation are hoping that Muslims would support this organisation. His fiery speech, solid arguments and fearless approach is making him popular among Muslims by the day. He is getting popular as extremist Hindus are opposing him. It appears that ignoring Owaisi is not possible for any party. Everyone knows that Samajwadi Party considers it the biggest threat therefore it does not allow Owaisi to organize a rally in the state. But it would be difficult for state government to stop Owaisi once elections are announced. The Congress and BSP are also worried about Owaisi because they are sensing that if Muslims voted for Owaisi, it would be a dent in their vote bank. This is the reason the Samajwadi Party, the BSP and the Congress are propagating this news that the BJP would be benefitted if Owaisi joins fray in UP. The question is that if three political parties are contesting separately to divide Muslim votes why to complain about Owaisi. Dr Ayoob is also trying his best. He too cannot be neglected in several areas. This is known to all that division of secular and Muslim votes would benefit the BJP. Common Muslims is keeping distance from the Congress ever since Babri mosque was demolished. Now, the Samajwadi Party is intending to join hands with the same Congress with whom Muslims snapped their relations. A section of Muslims is also angry with the SP over Muzaffarnagar riots because of that many people have become homeless in their own country. The SP is the only party with whom Muslims don't have any big complain therefore votes polled by Owaisi could proved to be dear for the SP. If Owaisi joins hands with Mayawati then politics of Uttar Pradesh would have turned towards them. VI Muslims threaten for making law against Shariat According to Inquilab (December 17), a conference was organized in Nagpur over protection of Sharia laws and reservation for Muslims. Demonstrators were shouting 'we want our right not alms'. A delegation of Jamiat Ulama met chief minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis in Vidhan Bhawan and handed over a memorandum. Earlier addressing a rally Jamiat Ulama e Hind general secretary Maulana Mehmood Madani said that injustice continuing with Muslims even after independence. Today the condition is such that the community was forced to ask for reservation to protect its identity. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

12 There is partiality with Muslims on the basis of religion. He warned that if any interference was done with Sharia, we will not tolerate it. He criticized the fact that Islam was being linked to terrorism which no Muslim would put up with. President of Jamiat Ulama e Hind, Maharashtra said that the organisation would fight for the rights of Muslims. Strange thing was that the Maharashtra government was ready to give reservation to Maratha Society but when it comes to Muslims they are refused and said that it was against the constitution while Muslims are the most backward communities in the country. Therefore Muslims must be given reservation on the basis of backwardness. Bill related to Muslim Reservation, stoppage on arrest on charges of terror involvements, conservation of waqf properties and providing 5 per cent reservation to Muslims must be resumed was passed on the occasion. Chief of Jamate Islami also attended this rally of Jamiat Ulama e Hind. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said while talking to Muslim representative that the government would wait for the court decision. The government would implement whatever court decides. Fadnavis said, We are spending more money for the welfare of Muslims in comparison to the previous government. He clarified, the BJP was not against giving reservation to Muslims but as per constitution reservation could not be given on the basis of religion. So we are waiting for the court to give its ruling on the matter. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

13 Western Asia I Civil war between Shia and Sunnies in Syria Hamara Samaj on December 21 alleged that president of Syria Bashar al Ashad was planning to drive out Sunni Muslims from Syria to settle Shia Muslims replacing them and Iran was behind this move. The newspaper said that tension was emanating between Shias in Syria and Russia. Russia wanted to establish its hold in the coastal areas of Syria while policy of Iran is different from it. Iran wanted Sunnies to be driven out of Syria and Shias to be settled there. Destruction due to civil war in Syria could not be neglected. Russia and Turkey had a deal to check migration from the Halb city of Syria but Iran made it ineffective by interfering in it. Iran is interfering into the internal matters of Syria by instigating civil war in the country. Iran indiscriminately bombarded the region and deliberately targeting Sunnies. They are trying to drive out Sunnies to locale Shias there. Earlier also Iran forcefully settled Shias at Sunni properties and they wanted to continue with this policy further on. According to another write up published in this news paper, Abdul Hameed claimed that condition of Syria was deteriorating very fast due to intervention of Russia. Syria attained independence from French imperialism in 1946 and a nationalist government was formed in Syria. There was a coup in 1949 to dethrone this government but the old nationalist government once again occupied the government but after that Adib Shishkali captured power in Syria and Army was in control of power from 1951 to 54. He was later forced to resign due to pressure from people. After this clash between the Left and nationalists continued for over two years and during this period 20 times ministries were formed and dissolved. Syria and Egypt tried to capture Jordan in 1956 but the conspiracy was foiled by Iraq. This year only the communist government in Syria entered into a deal with Russia after this global influence of Syria increased. Both the countries signed a declaration in 1958 under which a nation called United Arab Republic emerged where political activities were barred. Mutiny took place in Syria in 1961 and unity between Egypt and Syria was broken and a new government was constituted as Syrian Arab Republic. After this several coups took place in Syria. In 1963 Left Army came to power and formed the government as NCRC which later on took the shape of Bath Party. The same year this party had formed the government in Iraq. Leaders of this political parties tried to form an alliance among Iraq, Syria and Egypt but in 1963 Bath Party was out of power in Iraq and the entire plan had bite the dust. Defence minister Hafiz al Asad captured the power in 1970 to become president of the country. There came stability for 30 years in Iraq after Hafiz al Asad taking over reigns of Iraq. Hafiz al Asad was a soldier. He made Syria his fiefdom. Now, Syria was being ruled by Nasiri Shias while other sects of Islam were completely ignored. During his regime around 20,000 Islamic scholars were killed. They were all Sunni Muslims who were treated like slaves. Syria was being ruled by Army from the past 40 years and civilians don't have any right. Hafiz al Asad joins hands with Russia to save his government. Several deals were struck with Russia to procure arms and ammunition. Syria tried to destroy Palestine. Shia community formed Hejbullah militia when civil war broke out in Lebanon. The objective of Hafiz al Asad was to established dominance of Shia in the entire region. In the year 2000 when Hafiz al Asad died his son Bashar al Asad took over as his successor. He too implemented policies of his father India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

14 strictly. In February 2011, there was a wave of change in the Arabic world which gave set back to the schemes of Shia community. Sunni community openly rebelled in Syria and civil war between Shia and Sunni at present in Syria is still continuing. Thousands of Sunnies have been killed so far and lakhs have been rendered homeless. The author alleged that Syrian Army was in the killing spree of Sunni community in entire Syria and they are being driven out. Attitude of Turkey towards Sunnies who had fled from Syria was friendly and this was the reason that Bashar al Asad had very tense relations with Turkey. II Airport in Adan attacked According to Hamara Samaj (December 12), 35 soldiers got killed and dozens got injured in a fidayeen attack at an airport in Yemen. The blast occurred when soldiers were taking their salaries at the airport in Adan. Non-government sources said that the number of dead people was over 50 and many more injured. Adan was in the line of fire of Islamic terrorists. Recently 60 people got killed there and the responsibility was taken by the IS. Civil war in Yemen is continuing from March Civil war is continuing between the supporters of the exiled president of the country Mansoor Hadi and terrorist organizations like AL Qaida and IS. Terrorist organizations captured several areas in the southern part of the country. Over 3 crore people have been rendered homeless in this civil war and thousands got killed mostly common citizen. According to Inquilab (December 19), at least 48 soldiers have been killed in a fidayeen attack at the Adan port of Yemen and several dozen got injured. This attack took place when soldiers gathered to take their salaries. Earlier also around 50 soldiers got killed and the attack was claimed by the IS. There was a war between Habbasies and IS in Yemen. Recently al Qaida also inflicted violent attack at several places. IS terrorists killed over 100 soldiers in more than a dozen attacks. According to United Nations sources in Yemen, over seven thousand soldiers have been killed so far. III Russian Ambassador killed in Turkey According to Roznama Rashtriya Sahara (December 20), Russian Ambassador in Turkey Andre Carloef was killed by a terrorist. Russian Ambassador was inaugurating an exhibition having theme of 'Russia in the Eye of Turkey'. During the inauguration, when Russian Ambassador stood up to address a youth fired at him shouting Allah hu Akbar. Russian foreign ministry termed it a terrorist activity. This is to recall that demonstration was taking place across Turkey against intervention of Turkish Army in Syria. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

15 According to Hindustan Express (December 21), Russian President Vladimir Putin said commenting on the killing of Russian Ambassador that it was a big blow to the peace process in Syria. He said killing of ambassador was a conspiracy hatched by enemies of Russia and Turkey and the only objective was to spoil relations between both the countries. Russia decided to beef up security of its embassies across the world. Besides that investigation started for the killing of the Russian Ambassador. Security Council criticized this attack. The newly appointed US President Donald Trump criticized the killing of Ambassador and attack in Berlin saying that attack was done by Muslim terrorists. He said that situation was deteriorating by the day. The Indian government also criticized the incidence. As per the recent information, the person who had assassinated Russian Ambassador belongs to Turkish police and after shooting at Ambassador he shouted Allah hu Akbar and Syria can't be forgotten. Hamara Samaj in its editorial on September 21 criticised the attack and termed it anti-islamic. The newspaper alleged that the Bashar al Asad government in Syria was spilling blood of innocent people. The newspaper said that entire Islamic world must denounce this incidence of hate. The newspaper suggested that Turkey must pay special attention to check terrorism. According to Roznama Rashtriya Sahara (December 22), a Turkish diplomat was mysteriously killed in Moscow. His dead body was recovered from his home. The body was drenched in blood and a pistol was lying next to the body. Moscow police said that it was a matter of murder. The dead diplomat had been Ambassador in several countries. Russian newspaper did not give much importance to the killing of Turkish Ambassador and was published as normal news in inside pages. Etemaad in its editorial on December 21 criticised killing of the Russian Ambassador in Turkey and said that the purpose of the killing was to spoil relations between Russia and the US. The newspaper claimed that this would have long-lasting repercussion in Turkey. The Turkey government held, Fatehullah Gulen living in the US, responsible for it. Dawat, mouth-piece of Jamate Islami, on December 25 reported that the way a truck driver killed people by running over trucks in Christmas Market in Berlin that gave another chance to European nations to spread canard against Muslims who are fleeing Syria due to ongoing civil war in the country. Muslims are taking refuge in Europe. IV Kuwait asks illegal Indian workers to leave country According to Akhbar Mashriq (December 5), the Kuwait government announced that if people of Indian origin living in Kuwait illegally disclose their status, they would not be punished rather would be sent back to India. Chief of the immigration department of Kuwait Talal Ibrahim Marfi said that his country wanted to express its goodwill towards India so they would be sent back by charging a nominal fine. There are over 10 lakh Indians living in Kuwait besides that thousands of illegal workers living there. The local government decided to send them back. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

16 V Iranian models sentenced to jail for six years According to Hindustan Express (December 7), an Iranian court sentenced 12 models for six years each in jail for posing raunchy pictures online. They included 8 women and 4 men. A court in Seraz city of Iran accused that these models were involved in bawdy activities and used to wear anti-islamic cloths. This was bringing disrepute to Iran. A government spokesperson said that even after completing their jail terms, they would not be allowed to go abroad for two year and would not be allowed modeling. This is to recall that Iranian police unleashed a campaign against these models. Several models have been arrested so far in this regard. This is to recall that these days there is radical Islamic government in Iran. As per Muslim Sharia, exposing body for Muslim women is sin. Therefore Iranian police are running a nation-wide campaign that Muslim women must not wear such cloths that are tight or expose any part of the body. VI Branches of Iranian Bank to be opened in India According to Inquilab (December 21), preparation is being made to open branches of Iranian Bank in India. A delegation of Iranian Bank said that the Reserve Bank of India was causing hurdle in opening branches. They said that business between the two countries could be increased if branches of Iranian Banks are allowed to be opened in India. They said that the agreement signed between the two countries in 2012 on the basis of Re, it was agreed upon that both the countries would open banks in each other's countries. After that five banks of Iran sought permission from the RBI to open their branches in India. Deputy Governor of Iran said that business picked up very fast after it was started on the basis of Indian currency but now it was declining. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

17 World I Islamic terrorist organisation of Myanmar linked to Saudi Arabia According to Munsif (December 16), International Thinkers Organisation International Crisis Group in its report claimed that Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar who had attacked border security posts have links to Saudi Arabia. According to the report, there is a hand of Saudi Arab terrorist organisation Harkat al Yakeen in this attack. The conspiracy to attack army posts at the border area was hatched in Saudi Arabia. In an attack last year nine soldiers were killed after that the Myanmar government initiated a major crackdown in the Rohingya majority area Rakhin. According to the government sources, in this attack 86 people were killed. According to United Nations, 27 thousand Rohingya Muslims had to flee from Bangladesh. As per the Crisis Group, this report was formed on the basis of interview of several people. The government of Myanmar alleged that these attacks took place on instigation of foreign people. Report released from there tells that headquarters of the terrorist organization was in Mecca which was run by a committee of 20 people. According to the report, the same group is coordinating terrorist activities there. The report also claimed terrorist who had attacked border posts were trained in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They were giving arm and guerilla training to Muslims of Myanmar. This is also claimed in the report that terrorist organizations like al Qaida and ISIS are encouraging Rohingya Muslims and Rohingya Muslims are having links to Islamic terrorist organisation. These terrorist organizations have links to global terrorist organizations. According to Munsif (December 2), United Nations claimed that after recent violent incidence over 10 thousand Rohingya Muslims fled to Bangladesh. As per the latest news report, the Bangladesh government deployed Army along the border to stop infiltration of Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh. As per another source, Rohingya Muslims have been able to infiltrate illegally and their number could be around 30,000. Rohingya Muslims fleeing from Myanmar alleged that Myanmari Army is killing them in mass and their women are being raped and houses being set ablaze. So they are fleeing from there to save their lives. According to Munsif (December 5), Prime Minister of Malaysia Najeeb Razzak expressed his anger over the attack on Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar by organizing a huge rally and announced that Muslims world over would not tolerate it. Foreign ministry of the Malaysian government alleged the Myanmar government that it was cleaning Muslims from its soil and 56 thousand Muslims took refuge in Malaysia so far. The government alleged that soldiers set over 1000 houses of Muslims on fire. They demanded that 10 lakh Rohingya Muslims living in Myanmar must be given citizenship. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

18 Dainik Siyasat in its editorial on December 4 expressed anger against atrocities on Rohingya Muslims by Myanmar and alleged that the government failed to protect Muslims. The newspaper criticized to the fact that western countries were blindfolded towards Myanmar. According to United Nations' report, around 5 lakh Muslims were uprooted from their homes to become homeless. II 12 died in Germany in Jihadi attack According to Inquilab (December 21), Islamic terrorists played bloodbath in several European countries. In a Charismas market in Berlin the capital of Germany a truck driver ran over a truck on the crowd killing 12 people while in Zurich in Switzerland a person entered a mosque and fired indiscriminately injuring three people in which two are serious. According to the police, there is a hand of Islamic terrorists in Berlin incidence. This is to recall that last year an Islamic terrorist in France killed 84 people by running truck over people injuring over 200 people. The person who opened fire at Islamic Centre in Zurich in Switzerland was around 30-year-old. His body was recovered later. Building mosques is still ban in Switzerland. Total population of Switzerland is around 43 lakh and Muslims are 15 lakh and their number is continuously increasing. According to another news report, some unidentified persons opened fire at the US Embassy. The US government had close down all its embassy offices in Turkey. Commenting on these attacks Dainik Inquilab in its editorial on December 21 said that the person responsible for killing over a dozen people in Berlin was 23-year-old Pakistani terrorist. The ISIS claimed the responsibility of attack. As far as killing of Russian Ambassador was concerned, there was every possibility of hands of rebel element Fatehullah Gulen in it. Ever since a section of Army tried to do a coup in Turkey, Fatehullah Gulen is in the line of fire of the present government. The newspaper accepted that there was a big increase in the number of terrorist incidence in Turkey in the past one and half years. The Turkish government had held Kurds and IS responsible for these attacks so far but the person who had killed Russian Ambassador was an officer in the Turkish Army. This makes it clear that terrorism is spreading its wings in Turkey very fast. According to Roznama Rashtriya Sahara (December 22), the Pakistani citizen arrested for running over trucks on people in Berlin, which killed 12 people, Naved Baloch was arrested but later on released. Baloch is missing after his release. When search was conducted in the truck that was used to crush people, visa and passport of a Tunisian people recovered from the truck and the police were looking for that person. According to the police, since they did not have any evidence against him, they released him. Brother of Naved said that both of them came to Germany from Pakistan because police was after them. German police claimed that they were searching for proofs and they would be able to arrest the culprits very soon. Meanwhile, an Islamic organisation claimed the responsibility by saying that one of its workers executed the incidence. Some of the Muslim organizations criticized the India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

19 incidence. Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel said that the policy of giving refuge to people fleeing from foreign countries would continue. Last year around 8.90 lakh people have been given refuge in Germany. She said that the police would arrest the culprits very soon. According to Dainik Sahafat (December 24), Islamic terrorist who had played bloodbath with innocent people in Berlin was killed in a police encounter in Italy. According to Home Minister, when the Islamic Jihadi was intercepted, he had opened fired at the police and in counter attack by the police he got killed. III New Pakistani Army chief in the eye of Arab Media According to Chauthi Dunia (December 12), newspapers published from Saudi Arabia Al Mashrikh al Bast commented on the appointment of the new Army chief saying that 69 years have passed after Pakistan gained independence and half of the time Pakistan was under military rule. This is the reason that Pakistan has special importance for Army and its chief. In any democratic country, all the power lies with the elected government but that is not the case with Pakistan. Army has a special role in preparing foreign policy of Pakistan. Policies concerning India and Afghanistan are decided by Army only. The new Army chief is a sensible person and it is expected that his appointment would impact not only domestic but foreign policy of Pakistan as well. Newspaper published from Egypt Al Hayat says the biggest responsibility of the new chief is to retain the faith of people in the army and work in tandem with the elected government. The newspaper claims that Nawaz Sharief has very cleverly appointed Qamar Bazwa to this post because he is a sensible man and he would not attempt to capture power by coup like his predecessors. London-based newspaper Al Arab says that appointment of Qamar Javed Bazwa is an important decision because Army takes every important decision. The biggest challenge for the new Army chief would be to rein in increasing incidents of terrorism but nothing can be said about his foreign policy at the moment. Morocco's Arabic newspaper Morocco Post says that Pakistani Army is the sixth largest Army in the world. What would be the policy of new Army chief towards India is a big challenge. Bazwa has proved his mettle along the Jammu and Kashmir border. What is his policy decision towards India is the matter to watch for. Qamar Javed Bazwa got his Army training from Canada. He has the biggest challenge of unity, integrity and establishing peace in Pakistan. How far he succeeds in his test as it is too premature to say anything now. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

20 IV Campaign unleashed against Muslims in the US According to Siyasat (December 2), several mosques in the US received threatening letters in which they have been threatened that either they leave the US or they would be killed. Besides that mosque across the US got threatening letters in which it was warned that the new US president would do the same to Muslims what Hitler did to Jews. The government instructed the FBI to look for such people who had sent such letters. These letters were sent by a Muslim name. Mosques situated at nine places in California got such messages while six more states got threatening letters. Dainik Munsif on December 3 criticized incidents of threats to American Muslims. It alleged that ever since Donald Trump got elected to President, environment of hate was being created against Muslims which has become a major cause of concern for the Muslims there. The newspaper expressed astonishment to the fact that no legal action could be taken against people sending such threatening letters. The newspaper reported that number of incidence of attack on Muslim men and women increased. The newspaper was amazed to report that dangerous situation cropped up against Muslims in the US. V Iran behind every terrorist organization in Afghanistan According to Hamara Samaj (December 12), Iranian Ambassador appointed in Afghanistan Mohammad Raza Bahrami accepted that some people in his country have contacts with active Taliban group of Afghanistan. Recently some of the higher officials of Afghanistan alleged that Iran was making Taliban available soldiers and other help but the Iranian government had denied these charges. Iranian Ambassador based in Kabul, Behrami in an interview to government TV Ariana said, Our contact with Taliban is to control security structure. Some people are in touch with Taliban. They are mediators between Iran and Taliban. This is to recall that earlier also the Afghanistan government has been alleging that Taliban was getting help from foreign countries. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

21 VI Five women sentenced to death for dancing in a marriage ceremony According to Hindustan Express (December 19), five women were killed in Kohistan area of Pakistan for dancing in a marriage ceremony. It is said that these women were sentenced to death by village panchayat (Jargah) for dancing in a marriage ceremony. According to the Pakistani police report, these women were killed by their family members on instructions of Jargah. These girls were first confined to a room and then they were beheaded before being buried. In the tribal areas of Pakistan, participating in dance and music programme of marriage was considered sinful as per Islam. It is said that the matter was disclosed by one Afzal. The High Court instructed the police to investigate the matter on the petition of Afzal. Afzal told the court that even his life is under threat and he might also be killed. He told the court that in another marriage ceremony several youths dancing there were killed in open on instructions of Jargah. The police have not registered even a case for these murders so far. However, everyone knows who had killed these youths. But no one could dare to open their mouth on the issue. The court had sent an investigation team so they could investigate about these five missing girls. Tribal leaders tried to misguide the investigating team and claimed that no girl was killed. But even after bodies of five girls were recovered after they were exhumed from the graveyard, the police have not registered any case on this matter. VII Pakistan bans Rs 5000 denomination notes According to Inquilab (December 20), upper house of the Pakistan Parliament passed an order declaring that Rs 5000 notes would no longer remain a legal tender. Parliament passed a resolution in this regard saying that most of the transactions take place in Rs 5,000 denominations notes so the biggest denomination of the note must be banned. The proposal was opposed from the government side by a minister Zaid Hamid who had said that this would negatively impact economy of the country. He said, We don't want to create a situation like India in Pakistan as there is a crisis in India due to ban of big denomination of currency. On this speaker of the Upper House said, We are not saying to ban big denomination notes suddenly but phase out Rs 5000 denomination notes gradually in 10 years. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

22 VIII Muslim women arrested in US for faking attack story According to Munsif (December 16), a Muslim women was arrested in the US. 18-year-old Yasmin Swed claimed that supporters of president elect Donald Trump teased her and called her terrorist in a sub-way in New York. The complaint was found false in the investigation. Yasmin was arrested for filing false report and interrupting government work. Yasmin accepted before the police after interrogation that she was heavily drunk and she cooked up this story to hide that. The girl claimed that three persons removed her hijab (scarf) and tried to tear it off by saying to leave the US. She also alleged that one of them tried to snatch his bag. Yasmin wrote all this on facebook wall to propagate the matter by saying that this has broken my heart because no one tried to save me from these rowdy people. When this news reached media there was uproar all around and the police started investigation. The police found the story false. Yasmin accepted that she cooked up the story to save herself from the wrath of her relatives. When Yasmin was produced before the court, she was not wearing naqab and her hair was cut. Muslim press played up Yasmin issue. But the entire matter was proved to be false after investigation. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

23 OTHERS I Muslim women to be Romanian Prime Minister According to Dainik Sahafat (December 24), for the first time in the history of Romania a Muslim women would take over as its Prime Minister. She was elected by rightist Social Democratic Party and her name is Sevil Shahidesh and she is 52-year-old. Earlier in 2015 she was minister in Regional Development Department. President of Social Democratic Party himself cannot become Prime Minister because of his involvement in election fraud case. He told reporters that the newly constituted Parliament might consider dissolving that 2001 law under which he was being prosecuted. This is the first occasion when a Muslim woman would become Prime Minister of Romania. II Bharat Ratna demanded for Sir Syed Ahmed According to Hamara Samaj (December 19), leader of Samajwadi Party Shivpal Singh Yadav demanded Bharat Ratna for Sir Syed Ahmed Khan like Pt Madan Mohan Malviya. Yadav was addressing a conference of district presidents and general secretaries. He said that a letter had been written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard in which it was mentioned that Sir Syed Ahmed contributed for education so he must also be given Bharat Ratna. He said that the SP requested the Central government to implement Sachchar committee recommendation. He said that the SP always supported while the BSP and BJP had joined hands to form the government in the state. Mayawati campaigned for Narendra Modi in Gujarat. He said voting for the BSP was voting for the BJP. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not fulfill even a single commitment. Instead of criminals landing in jail, the PM had put the entire country outside ATM and there is a kind of economic emergency in the country. III Ajanta-Ellora caves in the line of fire of Islamic radicals World famous historic caves of Ajanta-Ellora are now in the line of fire of Islamic radical. Dawat, mouthpiece of Jamate Islami published a write up on December 25 terming paintings inside the cave as raunchy and people watching these paintings get ashamed and embarrassed. Secretary of Jamate Islami Academy Mohammad Raji al Islam Nadvi commented on Hindu, Budhdhist and Jain religion that these religions not only teach idol worship, polytheism but also sanctify pornographic things while Islam talks about Monotheism and opposes idol worship. Nadvi said that whichever civilization India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

24 adopted polytheism, they disappeared and Islam was flourishing day in and day out. The author criticized to the fact that visitor must keep away from these caves because they are sinful as per Islam. He denounced such people who had got paintings made in these caves. The author showered praise on the most dreaded ruler of the country Aurangzeb and mentioned his simple grave at Khuldabad. He went on to say that he was so simple king that he used to earn his living by writing Quran. He did not take a single penny from the government coffer. Aurangzeb appointed a team of 500-Islamic scholars to write a detailed book about all aspects of Islamic Sharia. This book has 30 sections. The author also criticized that someone started worshiping at Jama Mosque built by Aurangzeb by keeping idols there. But the author also accepted there this mosque was built on several ancient Hindu and Jain temples using their wreckages. IV Thousands of women killed in Pakistan every year According to Hindustan Express (December 7), two thousand women were killed last year in Pakistan for so called bringing disrepute to the family. This is to recall that Parliament of Pakistan passed a law recently which allows death sentence for people involved in honour killing. This law was pending for approval for the past three years. According to Human Right reports, in the name of saving dignity of the family over 2500 women are killed every year by their family members. Women organizations claimed that government data were not reliable which had deliberately given the wrong figure. As per the government sources, 1096 women were killed in 2015 in the name of saving family dignity. The number of such killings was increasing by the day in Pakistan therefore Peoples Party introduced a bill in 2014 in Upper House of Parliament which was opposed by the religious leaders of Pakistan. The government accepted that it was very common that if a woman fell in love and married the person of her choice, she was killed. As per report by Human Rights organizations, in the killing of such women 30 per cent husband were found responsible while in 20 per cent cases brothers were held responsible. The commission claimed that such killings take place in common cities and Punjab is the leaders in the cases of honour killing. Faizabad in Punjab is the place where maximum number of such incidence took place. V Death sentence to accused of Hyderabad bomb blast case According to Inquilab (December 20), five Indian Mujahiddin terrorists including Yasin Bhatkal have been sentenced to death in 2013 Hyderabad blast case. The court sentenced Abdullah Akhtar, Tehsin Akhtar,Riyaz Bhatkal and Jia-ur-Rahman besides Yasin Bhatkal. All these accused were linked with Indian Mujahiddin. The case was heard in the special court constituted in Cherapulli jail where it was heard for three-and-half-years. During the trial, 57 witnesses were examined. Chief of the investigating agency Sharad Kumar said that for the first time terrorists belonging to Indian Mujahiddin were India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

25 declared culprits. National Investigation Agency reported in its charge sheet that Indian Mujahiddin was hatching conspiracy to wage war against the country. They even conducted a trial of bomb blast at a hill top. This is to recall that in Dilsukh Nagar of Hyderabad, two blasts occurred in February 2013 in which at least 17 people got killed and over 150 people got injured. The police arrested Yasin Bhatkal from the Indo-Nepal border. Yasin Bhatkal is considered to be an expert in bomb making. He belongs to Yasin Bhatkal village of Karnataka and his actual name is Mohammad Ahmed Siddibappa. According to Inquilab (December 21), Muslim organisation Jamiat Ulama e Hind decided to challenge the sentence of the special court on Dilsukh Nagar case in the High Court. Arshad Madani claimed, The police deliberately implicate innocent people therefore we would provide all kinds of help to them. All India Majlish Ittehadul Musalmin President Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the matter of death sentence to Yasin Bhatkal. He said that the way this matter was investigated why not the matter of Babri mosque? Why no one is taking any interest in the matter of Mecca mosque and Malegaon blast death cases. Why bail of Swami Aseemanand was not challenged in the High Court by National Investigation Agencies. VI Ban on showing Indian movies in Pakistan lifted According to Hamara Samaj (December 19), the Pakistan government was forced to withdraw ban on showing Indian movies in Pakistan due to incurring losses caused by the ban in Pakistan. The first film that would be screened in Pakistan after the ban was lifted was Freeky Ali of Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Chief of the organisation of the Pakistani theater Nadeem Mandviwala said that both the sides had incurred huge losses due to this. Indian movies were ban in Pakistan for over 40 years and when we lifted ban then Indian Film Industry allowed Pakistani artists to work in India. This is to recall that India banned Pakistani artists to work after terrorist attacks in Uri in Kashmir. VII Royal Family of Qatar attacked in Pakistan According to Hindustan Express (December 21), some unidentified persons fired at the cavalcade of Royal Family of United Arab Emirate when they were in Balooch province where they had gone to hunt for Tilore. The attacker ran away after the counter fire. This is to recall that Royal family of Arabic nations visit Pakistan for hunting of Tiloy. Protests were organized at several places in Baluchistan for allowing hunting of Tiloy. This is to recall that Royal family of Qatar hunted this bird in Bhakkar of Punjab which was protested by farmers. They said that hunters destroyed their gram crop. The government refused to give permission for hunting to Arabs in Khaibar Pakhtunwa. They said Tilore was the bird on the verge of extinction therefore the government cannot allow this. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

26 Review of Urdu Newspapers by IPF 1. Dawat, Delhi 2. Daily Inquilab, Delhi 3. Daily Akhbar Mashriq, Delhi 4. Daily Sahafat, Delhi 5. Rojnama Rashtriya Sahara, Delhi 6. Daily Hindustan Express, Delhi 7. Daily Hind Samachar, Jalandhar 8. Daily Pratap, Delhi 9. Daily Munsif, Hyderabad 10. Daily Siasat, Hyderabad 11. Daily Hamara Samaj, Delhi 12. Weekly Almi Sahara, Delhi 13. Daily Aurangabad Times, Aurangabad (Maharashtra) 14. Weekly Jadid Markaz, Lucknow 15. Weekly Nai Dunia, Delhi 16. Daily Etemaad, Hyderabad 17. Daily Jadid Mail, Delhi 18. Daily Siyasi Taqdir, Delhi 19. Daily Urdu Action, Delhi 20. Weekly Chauthi Duniya, Delhi 21. Weekly Akhbar Nav, Delhi 22. Daily Milap, Delhi 23. Daily Qaumi Tanzeem, Patna 24. Daily Jadid Khabar, Delhi Please send your suggestions, information, news and views from Urdu newspapers to the foundation. Editorial Board would try to accommodate them as per our editorial policy in forthcoming issues. India Policy Foundation December 16-31,

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