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12 Bangladeshi infiltrators, including 3 women, arrested in Tripura, booked under Foreigners Act and Passport Act

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12 Bangladeshi infiltrators, including 3 women, arrested in Tripura, booked under Foreigners Act and Passport Act

On Sunday, 4th August, 12 Bangladeshi infiltrators, including three women, were arrested from the West Tripura district for illegal entry into India. The accused persons are said to have been arrested near the international border in the Lankamura and Shanmura areas on the outskirts of the state capital. 

“We are interrogating the detainees. We have booked a case under the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act. We produced them in the court today and sought their police remand,” S K Bardhan, inspector of the West Agartala police station was quoted as saying.

The accused individuals after the arrest claimed that they were trying to return to Bangladesh.

This comes just days after 4 Bangladeshi infiltrators were arrested from Kolkata. The West Bengal Police arrested the individuals on 22nd July after they failed to provide valid identity documents. “They could not provide valid identity documents and confessed to being Bangladeshi nationals who entered India illegally. They stayed at a rented accommodation in Narendrapur police station area,” Anandapur police was quoted as saying as they launched an investigation into the case.

Earlier on 30th June, eleven Bangladeshi infiltrators were arrested from Agartala railway station for entering the country without any valid travel document. They had crossed the international border through Tripura’s Sepahijala district and had trains to board to various parts of the country from Agartala. The police had suspected human trafficking angle as well.

Reports suggest that the Government train Police have apprehended more than 200 Bangladeshi nationals and 32 Rohingyas this year. These arrests have been made mostly by the Border Security Force, police, and other agencies at the Agartala train station, Chandrapur Inter-State Bus Terminus, Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, and other locations throughout Tripura.

With the increase in foreign infiltration, Chief Minister Manik Saha interacted with top BSF commanders in July. The BSF has held several talks with the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) at the commander and outpost levels.

 

9 Kanwariyas including a minor die in Bihar due to electrocution after DJ vehicle crashes with high voltage cable

OpIndia Staff
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9 Kanwariyas including a minor die in Bihar due to electrocution after DJ vehicle crashes with high voltage cable

On the night of Sunday, 4th August, nine Kanwariyas suffered fatal injuries in a horrific accident after the DJ vehicle they were riding on struck a high-voltage cable. The incident occurred in Sultanpur village, which is in the industrial police station area of Bihar’s Hajipur.

More than six persons had been burned in the accident, with one in critical condition. The incident occurred while the Kanwariyas rode a DJ trolley to perform Jalabhishek at Sonepur’s Baba Hariharnath Temple, as confirmed by the witnesses.

According to reports, the tragic accident occurred late at night, when the carriage in which the Kanwariyas were traveling struck a high-voltage cable line in Sultanpur village. The deaths include one minor. The other eight have been identified as Ravi Kumar, Raja Kumar, Naveen Kumar, Amresh Kumar, Ashok, Chandan, Kalu and Ashish Kumar.

All of the Kanwariyas were on their way to Sonepur to carry out Jalabhishek at the Baba Hariharnath Temple after stocking up with Ganga water in Pahleja. Eight individuals died on the spot, while another died from injuries sustained during treatment. One injured person is in serious condition and receiving treatment at Hajipur Sadar Hospital.

Meanwhile, as per the reports, four additional injured patients continue to receive care at a local private nursing home. Sadar SDPO Omprakash commented on the issue and stated that the deaths happened as the DJ vehicle crashed the 11,000 high-volt wire.

“Nine pilgrims (Kanwariyas) died and three sustained severe injuries when a high tension overhead wire fell on their vehicle in Sultanpur village under the jurisdiction of Industrial police station in Vaishali district. The incident took place in the intervening night of Sunday and Monday when the Kanwariyas were going to Baba Harihar Nath Temple in Sonepur to perform Jalabhishekh,” Rambabu Baitha, Sub-divisional Officer of Hajipur-Sadar further confirmed.

The injured people have been admitted to a hospital, and their condition is said to be stable. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and the case is being probed.

UP: Hindu girl commits suicide after Wasif Ansari threatens acid attack for refusing to convert and do Nikah with him in Mainpuri

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Hindu girl commits suicide after Wasif Ansari threatens acid attack for refusing to convert and do Nikah with him in Mainpuri

In Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri, a Hindu girl allegedly committed suicide on 29th July, after a Muslim youth identified as Mohammed Wasif Ansari threatened an acid attack if she refused to convert to Islam. The incident unfolded in Kuravali Police Station precinct wherein a B.sc student hanged herself after getting frustrated with the constant harassment and threats by accused Wasif. On Saturday, 3rd August, Mainpuri Police arrested the accused after registering a case against him on the complaint filed by the deceased victim’s father.

The accused Muslim youth was pressuring the victim to convert to Islam and perform Nikah with him. Reports say that Wasif was threatening the victim to make her obscene video viral on social media. On 29th July, Wasif threatened to throw acid on the Hindu’s girl face if she refused to convert to Islam and do Nikah with him. The deceased victim’s father said that he works as a driver in Delhi and his daughter was doing B.sc in Mainpuri.

In his complaint, the deceased victim’s father said that Wasif Ansari, son of Aslam Ansari, a resident of Gharnajpur locality was harassing his daughter to convert to Islam and marry him. He said that the accused Muslim youth used to visit their house and claimed that he had made an obscene video of the victim and would circulate it on social media if does not accept his demands. The victim had told her family about Wasif’s activities, however, due to the fear of defamation, the victim’s father did not approach the local police.

The victim’s father complained to Wasif’s father Aslam and brother Salim about the matter, however, they abused him and said that Wasif’s nikah would happen only with the Hindu victim.

On 29th July, a sacred and frustrated victim committed suicide after Wasif said that either she would marry him on the same day or he would make her obscene video viral on social media and hurl acid on her face.

Taking to X, Mainpuri SP Vinod Kumar informed about the incident and said, “In the Kuravali area, a girl committed suicide at her home. In this case, the deceased victim’s father has alleged that one Wasif, who resided in the same locality, was harassing her and pressuring her to marry him. Due to this stress, the girl committed suicide. On the complaint lodged by the victim’s father, a case has been registered under relevant sections of BNS. The accused has been arrested and sent to jail. The cause of death has been identified as hanging. Necessary action is being taken in the matter.”

Death toll rises to 100 in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina imposes nationwide curfew, Indian govt issues urgent travel advisory

OpIndia Staff
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Death toll rises to 100 in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina imposes nationwide curfew, Indian govt issues urgent travel advisory

The clashes between the police, Awami League supporters and protestors, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have left at least 100 people dead in Bangladesh since Sunday (4th August).

Among the deceased are 14 police officials. The ongoing violence in the country has forced the Interior Ministry to declare a nationwide curfew and control the law and order. The government has also declared a holiday between 5th and 7th August to pacify the situation.

It must be mentioned that the protests began as part of anti-quota agitation in June but have now metamorphosed into an anti-government demonstration. The renewed agitation seeks justice for the 200 people who were killed during the initial phase of the protests.

Anti-govt protests to continue on Monday

However, there seems to be no cessation of violence in sight when one of the protest organisers Asif Mahmud, heading the ‘Student Movements Against Discrimination’ appealed to protestors to march in Dhaka on Monday (5th August).

“I call upon the students and people of the whole country to leave for Dhaka tomorrow,” he emphasised.

Govt intervention and demands by ex-Army general

Amid demands for the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the Bangladeshi Prime Minister had called for an intense crackdown on the demonstrators.

“I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand,” she declared. Anisul Haq, the country’s law minister, emphasised that the law enforcement authorities had shown restraint and credited them for avoiding a bloodbath.

The government has shut down Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram in the country. Mobile data operators were also directed to cut off 4G internet.

On Sunday, ex-military generals of Bangladesh urged Sheikh Hasina to withdraw armed forces from the streets and send them to barracks.

Former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan remarked, “We urge the government to undertake political initiatives to resolve the ongoing crisis. Do not destroy the good standing of our armed forces by keeping them engaged in a disgraceful campaign.”

He further added, “The Bangladeshi armed forces have never faced off with the masses or trained their guns at the chests of their fellow citizens.”

Travel advisory by Indian MEA

On Sunday (4th August) night, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an urgent travel advisory for Indian nationals planning to travel to Bangladesh.

It urged Indians residing in the neighbouring country to exercise urgent caution.

“All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka,” it emphasised.

‘Accused are Raju Khan and Moeed Khan’: Ayodhya police dismisses claims of ‘Hindu man had affair with the victim’ by SP leaders

OpIndia Staff
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‘Accused are Raju Khan and Moeed Khan’: Ayodhya police dismisses claims of ‘Hindu man had affair with the victim’ by SP leaders

On 4th August, Ayodhya Police debunked false claims of “Hindu man had affair with the victim” by supporters of SP MP Awadhesh Prasad. In a post replying to former State Minister from Azamgarh and Samajwadi Party leader IP Singh, Ayodhya police said, “In the above case, based on the complaint received, a case was registered and both the named accused Moeed Khan and Raju Khan were arrested and sent to judicial custody. Further legal proceedings are underway based on scientific evidence collection.” Reply from the police came after IP Singh made false claims that the accused Raju was a “Hindu” and had a “love affair” with the victim.

In a post on X, IP Singh added a video of Moeed Khan’s family members stating to the media. He wrote, “Why we all insisting that a DNA test be conducted is because Raju had a love affair with that girl and Raju is a Hindu. [He] used to work at the bakery [owned by Moeed Khan]. BJP leaders forcefully dragged the 72-year-old bakery owner into this case because he was a Muslim. Today, the Yogi government is playing politics on a false fabricated case. The Honourable High Court should take cognisance of this and the security of the girl should be increased. She should be shifted to AIIMS.”

Source: X

In the video, the family members of Moeed Khan claimed that no one came to listen to their side. A lady in Hijab said, “It is being said that the girl had an affair with Raju. He is 20 years old. I gave birth to two children. I became a mother [for the first time] at the age of 16. If the girl was pregnant for two months, how did her mother not find out?” She further claimed that Raju told police that Moeed has no role in the matter but no one is listening to him. She further accused the girl’s family of lying under the influence of money and politics. Another family member said the politics was happening because the family is linked to the Samajwadi Party as Moeed Khan was made city head a year ago. Notably, in the video the family members neither used the full name of Raju nor directly asserted that he was a Hindu.

Not only IP Singh, but other X users and Samajwadi Party supporters pushed the same narrative to save Moeed Khan. Er, Chaudhary Uttam Chand asserted Akhilesh Yadav was right and copy-pasted exactly what IP Singh said.

Source: X

OBC minor girl gang-raped by Moeed Khan and Raju Khan

In Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party leader Moeed Khan and his worker Raju Khan allegedly gang-raped a minor OBC girl, recording the act to blackmail her for over two months. The crime surfaced when the girl’s health deteriorated due to pregnancy. There was a delay in filing the FIR. The police station operated from Moeed Khan’s property since 2012. Arrests were made after public pressure, and investigations are underway.

Death toll in fresh violence in Bangladesh on Sunday reaches 90, Hindu councillor lynched in Rangpur, govt imposes curfew in major cities as protestors announce “March to Dhaka”

OpIndia Staff
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Death toll in fresh violence in Bangladesh on Sunday reaches 90, Hindu councillor lynched in Rangpur, govt imposes curfew in major cities as protestors announce “March to Dhaka”

At least 90 people lost their lives while numerous others have been injured as the student protest has intensified across Bangladesh by the non-cooperation movement announced by the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement on Sunday. The deaths including 14 police officers happened during the fresh round of violent protests which had calmed after the Supreme Court overturned the controversial High Court order on reservations.

Violences were reported from various places including capital Dhaka, Bogura, Pabna, Rangpur, Magura, Comilla, Barisal and Feni districts across the country. The attack on the police by unidentified people took place at the Enayetpur police station in the northwest city of Sirajganj, according to Additional Deputy Inspector General Vijay Basak of the Bangladesh police.

12 people died in Dhaka in clashes between protesters under the banner of the anti-discrimination student movement and Awami League activists along with police.

Clashes between members of the ruling party and the protestors have turned violent, causing deaths and injuries. Bangladesh State Minister for Water Resource Ministry Zahid Faruk’s house was also vandalised in Barishal today. According to the Awami League sources, angry protesters entered the house, smashed furniture, and attacked the house staff.

Protesters called for “noncooperation”, urging people not to pay taxes and utility bills and not show up for work on Sunday, which is a working day in Bangladesh. The anti-discrimination student movement has announced a “March to Dhaka” programme tomorrow (Monday) to press home for their one-point demand: the resignation of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

The protestors are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after earlier protests in July against the reintroduction of quota in government jobs for families of freedom fighters. The protests had escalated into massive violence killing over 200 people. Now the students are demanding action of police officers responsible for the death of protestors, along with the PM’s resignation. They claim that police used excessive violence during the last month’s protests.

The initial protest was against the High Court order that restored 30% reservation for families of freedom fighters and was not necessarily against the govt as the govt itself had removed that quota and had appealed against the court order. But this time the protests have turned into a full-fledged anti-govt movement.

Amid the violence, there are also reports of targeting minorities including Hindus by the Islamist elements in protestors. As per reports, Hindu Awami League leader and Rangpur City Corporation Haradhan Roy Hara and his nephew were lynched by a mob.

The Bangladesh government has announced a three-day general holiday from August 5 till August 7 to ensure public safety amid the ongoing violent protests across the country. Moreover, a curfew has been imposed indefinitely starting from 6:00 pm on Sunday in Dhaka and other divisional cities, district towns and all city corporations. The curfew will remain in effect until otherwise directed.

Mobile internet service remains suspended in the country, and Facebook and WhatsApp were not accessible even on broadband. Junior Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat said mobile internet and messaging services were disabled to help prevent violence.

Home Minister Amit Shah launches e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti and e-Summon apps for the 3 new criminal laws, the apps will strengthen technical competency of the entire system

OpIndia Staff
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Home Minister Amit Shah launches e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti and e-Summon apps for the 3 new criminal laws, the apps will strengthen technical competency of the entire system

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah launched the e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti and e-Summon apps for the three new criminal laws in Chandigarh today. The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, and the Union Home Secretary were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that everyone present here today has witnessed the implementation of the biggest reform of the 21st century. He said three new laws brought in by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)- have the fragrance of Indianness and our ethos of justice. He said that it is the responsibility of the Constitution to give justice to every person and our criminal justice system is the means to bring this spirit of the Constitution to reality.

Union Home Minister said that laws made 150 years ago cannot remain relevant today. He said that there is a vast difference between the objectives of 1860 and today’s India, and interests of rulers of those times and the objectives of our Constitution today, but the machinery of implementation has remained the same. He said that for years, people did not get justice, instead the justice system was blamed for only giving newer dates of hearing. Shri Shah added that gradually the trust of the people on our systems was getting eroded. That is why Modi government has done the work of implementing BNS instead of IPC, BNSS instead of CrPC and BSA instead of Evidence Act, he said.

Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had spoken of Panch Pran from the ramparts of the Red Fort, one of which was to abolish all signs of slavery. He said that BNS, BNSS and BSA are laws made by the elected representatives of the people in the Indian Parliament and for the people of India. Shri Shah said that there is precedence to justice than punishment in the new laws, and are aimed at giving justice to the people, that is why they are not penal code but ‘Nyaya Sanhita’.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that after the full implementation of these laws, India will have the most modern and technology-enabled criminal justice system in the whole world. For this, he said, the Ministry of Home Affairs has made arrangements for training and skill development at various levels. He said that even before these laws were enacted, a decision was taken to set up a Forensic Science University and today forensic science universities are functioning in eight states of the country and forensic experts have started to be made available. He said that forensic science universities will be opened in eight more states, which will provide 36 thousand forensic experts annually.

Shri Amit Shah said that these laws provide for mandatory visits by a forensic team in offences carrying a punishment of seven years or more and technical evidence will also help in increasing the proof of conviction. He said that a Director of Prosecution has been arranged in these cases who will continuously monitor the entire process of prosecution. He said that the entire chain of Directors of Prosecution up to the district and tehsil level has been prepared and their powers have also been fixed.

Union Home Minister said that the technical capacity of our entire system will have to be increased for its complete implementation. He said that today e-Sakshya, Nyaay Setu, Nyaay Shruti and e-Summon apps have been launched. He said that under e-Sakshya, all videography, photography and testimonies will be saved on the e-evidence server, which will also be available in the courts immediately. Under the e-Summon, it will be sent electronically from the court to the police station and also to the person to whom the summons is to be sent. Police, Medical, Forensic, Prosecution and Prisons are interlinked together on the Nyaay Setu Dashboard, which will provide the police with all the information related to the investigation in just one click. Through Nyaay Shruti, the court will be able to hear witnesses through video conferencing. This will save time and money and also settle the cases faster.

Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government has taken many initiatives for the smooth implementation of these three new laws. He said that a lot of work has been done from CCTNS to training of SHOs and integration of FSL. He said that technology has been made the main pillar of this entire system. He said that in Chandigarh alone, 22 IT specialists and 125 data analysts have been placed. 107 new computers, speakers and two web cameras have been installed in all police stations, 170 tablets, 25 mobile phones and 144 new IT constables have been recruited. Shri Shah said that the first administrative unit in the country is likely to be Chandigarh having 100% implementation of the new criminal laws. Shri Shah said that those who imbibe the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, from ‘self’ to ‘selflessness’, are the real wisemen, and our cyber-soldiers have worked to realise it.

Union Home Minister said that our campaign against drug addiction is not just a government campaign but it is a campaign to get our new generation out of drug addiction. He said that by removing the stigma of those who are in the grip of drugs and their families, we should treat this disease and spread awareness about it.

Shri Amit Shah said that through these three new laws, India’s criminal justice system is witnessing the biggest reform of the 21st century. He said that technology has been included in these laws in such a way that it will cater to the requirements of the next 50 years. Shri Shah said that citizen-centric laws have been made according to the spirit of our Constitution and after their full implementation, it will be possible to get judgement up to Supreme Court within three years.

Union Home Minister said that citizens have as much responsibility to bring awareness about these laws as the Ministry of Home Affairs, state governments or judges. The Home Minister requested the people of Chandigarh to seek official clarification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India or the Chandigarh Administration on the misconceptions being spread about these laws. He appealed to everyone to stay away from rumours and make active and constructive contributions towards the implementation of these laws.

Lifetime imprisonment for love jihad, CM’s permission for inter-religious land sale, domicile policy in govt jobs: Himanta Biswa Sarma announces several new laws in Assam

OpIndia Staff
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Lifetime imprisonment for love jihad, CM’s permission for inter-religious land sale, domicile policy in govt jobs: Himanta Biswa Sarma announces several new laws in Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced that his govt will bring a stringent law against Love Jihad, with lifetime imprisonment as punishment. He also announced a domicile policy for jobs, restricting govt jobs only to those born in Assam, and restrictions on land sale to Muslims.

CM Sarma made these announcements while addressing a state Executive meeting of BJP in Guwahati. “We will bring a new law in the next few days, to convert the punishment for love jihad to life imprisonment”, he said amid applause from the audience at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati.

He also announced new law to protect land owned by indigenous people in the state. He said that a new law will be brought to restrict inter-religious land sale. He said that if a Muslim wants to buy land owned by a Hindu or vice-versa, chief minister’s permission will be required. The land transfer can happen only after taking permission from the CM, he emphasised.

He also announced a special provision for areas in undivided Goalpara district, where sale of land to ‘people of a specific community’ will not be allowed at all. He said that people in the area have become minority, and this law will be implemented to protect the remaining land owned by indigenous people.

The CM also announced another law to protect the land rights of tribal communities, including small pockets inhabited by tribals and other backwards people. This law will establish micro tribal belts and blocks in such areas in the state.

Himanta Biswa Sarma had promised 1 lakh govt jobs before the elections, and his government is set to exceed that promise. Today he announced that a domicile law will be implemented to reserve the govt jobs only to those who were born in Assam. He said that the move is aimed at addressing the state’s changing demography, which is a “huge concern” and a “matter of life and death”.

CM Sarma said that the new domicile policy will be brought in the next two months, which will clearly say that only those who were born in Assam will be eligible for govt jobs.

Announcing another initiative, the chief minister announced another law to protect the land owned by religiously important sites in Barpeta, Bordowa and Majuli. As per the new law, only local people in these places will be allowed to purchase land in these places. He said that even people from other places in Assam would not be allowed to settle in these places by purchasing land. He added that the govt is open to add more places to this provision on the suggestion of people.

“We can’t push anyone to Bangladesh, but we will take every step within our power to protect our future,” the CM said.

End protests or you will be shot dead: Pakistani defence forces threaten Baloch Yakjehti Committee activists over Gwadar sit-in

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End protests or you will be shot dead: Pakistani defence forces threaten Baloch Yakjehti Committee activists over Gwadar sit-in

The Pakistani defence forces have allegedly issued threats to the leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), warning that they will be shot dead if the sit-in at Gwadar is not ended soon, The Balochistan Post (TBP) reported.

Reportedly, the Gwadar protest, which was planned as a one-day event on July 28 titled the Baloch National Gathering or the Baloch Raaji Muchi, has now been extended to eight days and is facing state violence and brutalities of the Pakistani defence forces.

A government delegation warned BYC leaders, including Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, that they would be shot if the protest continued, reported The Balochistan Post.

The threats were made by an officer from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), who has been stationed at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Gwadar and has been given a task to sabotage the Baloch Raaji Muchi along with the sit-in at Gwadar.

These threats to the top leadership of the BYC are witnessed when negotiations are being held between BYC and authorities of Balochistan but authorities are using them as delaying tactics to intensify its crackdowns on the Baloch community.

The BYC has demanded that First Information Reports (FIRs) be registered against the people who have killed and injured Baloch protestors during the Baloch National Gathering (BNG). The same list of demands also urged for the release of all detained individuals alongside BNG.

The BYC leadership has also called for the withdrawal of FIRs against participants and demands assurances of no further harassment detentions and restoration of the internet services.

Although authorities have suggested that these demands will be met, recent incidents have once again intensified tensions, The Balochistan Post reported.

Earlier on Friday, Noshki, security forces, orchestrated open fire on a BYC rally, which resulted in one death and multiple injuries to the protestors.

In another incident in Karachi, the police detained several BYC protesters, including women, during a demonstration against Pakistan.

As of now, the BYC has urged the people to continue their peaceful protests against the brutalities of Pakistan’s defence forces. Meanwhile, Mahrang Baloch, the central organiser of BYC, declared on Friday that protests and sit-ins would continue across Balochistan until their demands are fully implemented.

 (This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

There should be no politics on it: All India Imam Organization Chief supports amendment of Waqf Board Act, AIMPLB member Maulana Khalid Rasheed opposes

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There should be no politics on it: All India Imam Organization Chief supports amendment of Waqf Board Act, AIMPLB member Maulana Khalid Rasheed opposes

Amid reports that the Centre is planning to amend the Waqf Board Act, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), member, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said that the government should consult and take the opinion of the stakeholders before making any amendments.

Maulana Mahali said, “Our ancestors have donated a large part of their property and they have made it a Waqf under Islamic law. So as far as the Waqf law is concerned, the property must be used only for charitable purposes for which the Waqf has been done. And it is a law that once a property is made a Waqf, it cannot be sold or transferred. As far as the management of properties is concerned, we already have the Waqf Act 1995 and then some amendments were made in 2013. Currently, we do not feel that there is any need to make any kind of amendment to this Waqf Act and if the government feels that there is any need, then the government should consult and take the opinion of the stakeholders before making any amendment. Everyone should keep in mind that about 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the waqf properties are in the form of mosques, dargahs, and graveyards.”

Notably, the central government is likely to bring a bill to curb the powers of the Waqf Board over assets.

Earlier reports suggested that the government was looking to amend the Waqf Act.

According to the reports, the Centre is likely to bring 40 amendments to the Act in the next Parliament sitting.

On the other hand, supporting the amendments, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam, All India Imam Organization said that it is the need of the hour to do amendment and there should be no politics over it.

“The amendment is a part of the process that keeps on happening from time to time. Amendments have been made in the Waqf Act earlier also. It should be taken care of that the dignity of Waqf should not be harmed. It is the need of the hour to do amendment and there should be no politics over it. There should be a discussion on it. What did Asaduddin Owaisi or other opposition leaders say when amendments were made during the previous governments? The opposition should not protest against everything. There should be a discussion on it rather than politics,” he said.

Reacting to the same, Former Union Minister of Minority Affairs in the UPA government, Rahman Khan said that he hopes that the Centre will not amend the act without proper discussion.

“They (Central government) are going to amend substantially and the impression given is that Waqf properties will be taken away without enquiry, or investigation. The impression is created by the government itself and various authorities that the Waqf board has unlimited powers to declare any property as a Waqf board. It is an exaggeration, Waqf board can’t do that. I hope that the government will not amend the act without proper discussion and looking at all aspects,” Khan said.

 (This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

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