Month: August 2024

Iranian Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi said the current situation in West Asia is deteriorating amid escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon, adding that there is no horizon in sight for the end of the “tragic trend” in Gaza.

Criticizing operations by Israel, Elahi alleged that Israel’s “crimes” in Gaza and Lebanon are continuing while terming the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as a “terrorist operation inside Iran” for which his country has vowed revenge.

Speaking to ANI, the Iranian envoy on Tuesday said, “Unfortunately, the situation in West Asia is not good. The crimes of Israel in Gaza and Lebanon are continuing. Recently, we have witnessed a terrorist operation inside Iran, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was an official guest in Iran.”

He further stated that all Palestinians have been displaced from Gaza.

The Iranian envoy also criticized US’ support to Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“The situation is escalating and deteriorating. Daily we are witnessing cases of innocent people increasing. 40,000 lives have been lost. So it is not just a figure. More than 90,000 have been wounded. All the Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced…there is no safe place. Displaced people are targeted by Israeli forces,” Elahi said.

He added, “Unfortunately, there is no horizon for the end of this tragic trend in the region…from another side, we are witnessing, full support of the United States to Israel and Netanyahu, who is responsible for this crime. There is no intention to stop this crime.”

Tensions West Asia have escalated following deaths of several key Hezbollah and Hamas leaders in quick succession.

Last month, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in the Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Tuesday (local time).

This has been followed by intense strikes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, sparking fears of a wider conflict.

Highlighting several anti-Israel demonstrations in different parts of the world, the Iranian Ambassador further warned that the escalating conflict could spur further drawing more people into the conflict.

“It’s natural it will provoke the feelings, the heart of all people in the war, not only Muslim people in the war, but all people…as we witnessed demonstrations in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, in North America. So, if it continues it will affect…I hope those who are responsible, those who have influenced, Israel, especially United States…reach to this conclusion, that it should stop this ongoing trend…and this genocide,” he stated.

Speaking on Haniyeh’s assassination, Ambassador Elahi reiterated Tehran’s position that the Hamas leader was killed by a short-range projectile with a warhead of 7kg explosives and again blamed Israel for the attack.

“According to the latest investigation, Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated by a short-range projectile with a warhead of 7-kilogram explosive materials. There is no doubt in Iran, and according to the proof and evidence, there is no doubt that Israel is behind this assassination. You know, besides this, it doesn’t need Israel to accept the responsibility of this. You know, we have witnessed too much terror and assassinations which have been done inside Iran and outside of Iran, in the region, by Israel, that Israel did not accept. Logically, we can judge and conclude that Israel is behind this,” the envoy said.

Haniyeh was in Iran’s capital for the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian last month, when he was assassinated.

Israel, which is at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has neither acknowledged nor denied killing Haniyeh.

However, Iran has accused Israel for the attack and has vowed revenge.

Being asked about Iran’s warning of retaliation against Israel, the Iran envoy said it is the “inherent right” of Iranianas to defend their national interest and national security, adding that Tehran will take a decision on this.

“Regarding the retaliation by Iran, we believe that we have the inherent right to defend our national interest and national security. But it depends on how we retaliate. It depends on the situation. There is no doubt about retaliation. We will make our decision about this, but there will be revenge,” Elahi said. (ANI)

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The Delhi High Court on Tuesday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the functioning of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and its officials concerning a tragic incident in East Delhi’s Ghazipur area where a mother and child died after falling into an uncovered drain.

The court suggested that the case might warrant a recommendation to the government to dissolve the MCD due to ongoing issues and inefficiencies in its operations.

Acting Chief Justice Manmohan has stated that there has been criminal negligence by the civic authorities in the case and emphasized that they must be held accountable and booked for their actions.

The Court instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to submit a fresh status report, complete with photographs, within a week. The court has also ordered both the Delhi Police and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to file status reports regarding the matter. This directive aims to provide a comprehensive update on the situation from all relevant authorities involved.

The Deputy Commissioner of Shahdara South Zone, who was present, assured the court that the problematic drain would be cleaned and the waste removed immediately.

The court also made clear that it cannot yet determine whether the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) or the MCD is liable, leaving that decision to the police’s investigation.

Earlier today, the Delhi High Court bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, expressed serious concern over the incident where a woman and child died after falling into a waterlogged drain in Ghazipur. The court criticized the civic agencies for their negligence and described the situation as indicative of broader issues with civic management.

The DDA has stated that the body was found near their drain, but the area where the incident occurred falls under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

The plea also sought accountability from the contractor responsible for the drain and requested a comprehensive audit of ongoing drain construction projects, including flood mitigation measures.

The petitioner Jhunnu Lal Srivastava also directed the respondents to frame and adopt policies to address and mitigate the mayhem of flood-like situations in Delhi for rainfall and further to cover all open drains in Delhi with immediate effect with proper signage educating the common public to stay away from the drains.

A woman and her child drowned after falling into a waterlogged drain in the Ghazipur area of East Delhi following heavy rainfall in the national capital on July 31. The deceased were identified as Tanuja (22) and her child, Priyansh (3), residents of Prakash Nagar Khoda Colony, Ghaziabad.

The plea alleged that DDA has acted in blatant violation of its own circular No. 135 dated February 26, 1986, wherein it was directed to all Engineers to strictly ensure that there should not be any gap on deep covered drains and no manhole should be left uncovered in order to avoid any mishap or accident.

The lack of a comprehensive flood management policy and the presence of uncovered drains violate the fundamental right to the health and safety of Delhi’s residents. The Respondents despite frequent fatalities due to waterlogging and clogged drains have failed to take corrective steps which are leading to further loss of lives, the plea stated. (ANI)

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to an early hearing on the issue of whether Muslim personal law allowing child marriages will prevail over the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act,2006.

As the matter could not be taken up today for the hearing, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta requested that the matter be heard and resolved at the earliest, as the different High Courts are giving contrary judgments.

A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said it will list the matter soon.

“We have to settle the matter at once,” it added.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had approached the apex court challenging an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which said a Muslim girl after attaining puberty is competent to enter into a contract of marriage with a person of her choice under the Muslim Personal Law.

It had issued notices to the respondents in the case on the plea of NCPCR.

The top court had directed that the order of the High Court, which held that a Muslim girl aged 15 years can enter into a legal and valid marriage as per personal law, should not be relied on as a precedent in any other case.

The Solicitor General had contended that Muslim girls who are 14, 15, and 16 years old are getting married.

Earlier, the National Commission for Women (NCW) had approached the top court to make the minimum age of marriage for Muslims girls the same as that of persons belonging to other religions.

The minimum age for marriage in India is currently 18 for women and 21 for men. However, the minimum marriage age for Muslim women is when they attain puberty and 15 years is presumed to be that age.

The NCW had said that allowing Muslims to marry at the age of puberty (around 15) is arbitrary, irrational, discriminatory, and violates penal laws.

The plea had said even the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) does not provide for those under 18 to consent for sex.

It had said the PIL was filed for enforcement of the fundamental rights of minor Muslim women to bring Islamic personal law in consonance with the penal laws applicable to other religions.

The High Court in June last year in its order had cited the provisions of the Muslim Personal Law on marriage to rule that a 15-year-old Muslim girl was competent to enter into a contract of marriage with a person of her choice.

The NCPCR sought to ensure the proper implementation of statutory laws that are specifically in place to protect children below the age of 18 years.

The Commission highlighted the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) 2006 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) to put forth its reasons for challenging the High Court ruling.

NCPCR had said the order was violative of PCMA which, the petition said, is a secular law that is applicable to all.

It further said that the provisions of POCSO say no child below the age of 18 years can give valid consent. (ANI)

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Amid political unrest in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that there are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals of which about 9000 are students while ensuring the country that the government is in close contact with the Indian community in Dhaka.

Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha that the bulk of the students returned to India in July.

“We are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions. There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals there of which about 9000 are students. The bulk of the students returned in July,” he said.

He also said that Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested approval from India to come at very short notice and she arrived on the evening of Monday.

“On August 5, demonstrators converged in Dhaka despite the curfew. Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi,” he said.

The External Affairs Minister also mentioned that the government is monitoring the situation with regard to the minorities living in Bangladesh.

Jaishankar noted that ties between India and Bangladesh are exceptionally close.

“Since the election in January 2024, there has been considerable tensions, deep divides and growing polarization in Bangladesh politics and “this underlying foundation aggravated a student agitation that started in June this year.”

“There was growing violence including attacks on public buildings and violence continued in July. We counselled restraint and urged the situation be resolved by dialogue, Jaishankar said in his statement in Rajya Sabha.

He said that the growing violence included attacks on public buildings and infrastructure, as well as traffic and rail obstructions.

“Throughout this period, we repeatedly counselled restraint and urged that the situation be defused through dialogue. Similar urgings were made to various political forces with whom we were in touch,” Jaishankar said.

Despite the Supreme Court judgement on July 21, there was no letup in protests, the Union minister said.

“Various decisions and actions taken thereafter only exacerbated the situation. The agitation at this stage coalesced around a one-point agenda, that is that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should step down,” Jaishankar said.

On August 4 the situation in the neighbouring country turned serious, Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha.

“Attacks on police, including police stations and government installations, intensified even as overall levels of violence greatly escalated. Properties of individuals associated with the regime were torched across the country. What was particularly worrying was that minorities, their businesses and temples also came under attack at multiple locations. The full extent of this is still not clear,” Jaishankar said.

The EAM informed the House that the situation in Bangladesh “is still evolving.”

“The Army Chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, addressed the nation on 5th August. He spoke about assuming responsibility and constituting an interim government,” the foreign minister said.

He said that in addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, India’s diplomatic presence in Bangladesh included the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet.

“It is our expectation that the host government will provide the required security protection for these establishments. We look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes,” Jaishankar said.”

We are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being. Naturally, we will remain deeply concerned till law and order is restored,” the EAM said.

“Our border guarding forces have been instructed to be exceptionally alert in view of this complex situation. In the last 24 hours, we have been in touch with authorities in Dhaka,” the foreign minister said.

Jaishankar said, “In the last 24 hours, we have also been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka. This is the situation as of now”.

“The Union Minister said that he “seeks the understanding and support of the House in regard to sensitive issues regarding an important neighbour on which there has always been strong national consensus.” (ANI)

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The Indian wrestler and Olympian Vinesh Phogat delivered a brilliant start to her Paris Olympics campaign as she defeated the top seed and the Tokyo 2020 champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the women’s 50kg freestyle round of 16 match on Tuesday.

Susaki was leading 1-0 at the end of the first period, but Vinesh made a brilliant turnaround in the second period, outdoing her Japanese opponent by miles to secure a 3-2 win to make way to QFs.

She will be going up against the 2019 European Champion, Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals, as per Olympics.com.

Yui is not only the defending champion but also a three-time world champion in the 50 kg freestyle category and the current Asian level champion.

Nisha Dahiya’s Paris Olympics campaign met an unfortunate end as she succumbed to North Korea’s Pak Sol Gum in the quarterfinals of the women’s 68 kg competition on Monday.

Dahiya faced a 8-10 lost to Sol Gum. At one point, she was leading by 8-2, but she faced an injury and had to take some medical timeouts. Sol Gum took a full advantage of her opponent’s injury and made a comeback which was just good enough to help her win the match.

In the round of 16, Nisha had defeated Tetiana Sova by 6-4 at the Champs de Mars Arena. Nisha could just make it to the quarterfinals in her debut Olympics.

Sova led 4-1 after the first round, but Nisha fought back in the second round to get five more points and turn around the contest in her favour.

A total of six Indian wrestlers will be competing at the Paris Olympics from August 5 to 11. Two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat will be competing in the women’s 50 kg category, having featured in 48 kg in the Rio 2016 Olympics and 53 kg in the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Antim Panghal, who had won a Asian Games bronze last year, will be making her debut at the Olympics in the women’s 53 kg category. She secured her quota for the Olympics with a World Championships bronze medal last year.

Commonwealth Games silver medallist Anshu Malik (women’s 57kg), and U-23 world champion Reetika Hooda (women’s 76kg) are the other Indian wrestlers who will be competing in the Olympics for the first time ever.

Aman Sehrawat will be India’s sole representative in men’s wrestling, competing in freestyle wrestling. An Asian Games bronze medalist, he will in action during the men’s 57 kg freestyle wrestling.

India has secured seven wrestling medals at the Olympics: two silver and five bronze medals.

-Paris 2024 Olympics: Indian wrestlers

Men’s freestyle

Aman Sehrawat – Men’s 57kg

Women’s freestyle

Vinesh Phogat – Women’s 50kg

Antim Panghal – Women’s 53kg

Anshu Malik – Women’s 57kg

Nisha Dahiya – Women’s 68kg

Reetika Hooda – Women’s 76kg. (ANI)

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Defending Olympic champion and World Championships gold medalist Neeraj Chopra registered a huge throw of 89.34 metres in Group B of the men’s javelin throw qualification round at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday and made his way into the finals.

Neeraj threw 89.34 m in his first attempt, his best throw this season. The final will be played on Thursday at 11:55 pm IST. He successfully breached the qualification mark of 84.00 m.

Chopra’s first attempt was his all-time second-best throw at a men’s javelin event, with his top throw coming at Stockholm Diamond League 2022 with a distance of 89.94 m. It was also the 26-year-old’s best throw in any qualification round. He won India its sole gold medal in the last Olympics.

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who is also one of Neeraj’s closest rivals, joined the Indian star for the men’s javelin final with his season-best throw of 86.59 m. Arshad and Neeraj have developed a healthy rivalry over the years, with Neeraj dominating the head-to-head record 9-0. However, Arshad’s best effort of 90.18 m in the 2022 Commonwealth Games is ahead of Neeraj’s top effort.

Asian Games silver medalist Kishore Jena finished ninth in Group A of the men’s javelin throw qualification round, failing to advance to the medal round.

Kishore’s best attempt of 80.73 m could give him only the ninth spot. Only four competitors from group A advanced to the medal round. To advance to the final round for the medal, the athlete will have to finish among the top 12 best athletes across both groups A and B, as per Olympics.com.

Jena’s best attempt came in his first throw. His second attempt was not deemed to be valid and the third attempt was only 80.21. (ANI)

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President Droupadi Murmu expressed India’s readiness to partner with Fiji to build a stronger, resilient and prosperous nation. She stressed that India and Fiji must work together to unlock the full potential in partnership for the mutual benefit of the people of the two nations.

Addressing the leaders in the Fijian Parliament, President Murmu said, “As India emerges strongly on the global stage, we stand ready to partner with Fiji according to your priorities to build a stronger, resilient and more prosperous nation. Let us come together to unlock the full potential in our partnership for the mutual benefit of people of both our beloved countries.”

President Murmu stated that the cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, including health care, manufacturing, research and renewable energy continues to grow. She noted that India and Fiji share a close bond.

Highlighting the bilateral ties President Murmu said, “Our cooperation in agriculture, capacity building, climate change, clean energy, digital partnership, education, health care, manufacturing, research, renewable energy and the SMEs sector continues to grow from strength to strength.”

“Despite the physical distance between us, we have always had a close bond. No wonder in times of need we have been among the first to respond. I am glad to note that the COVID-19 vaccines provided by India in 2021 under the vaccine Maitri initiative played a key role in Fiji’s successful national vaccination program,” President Murmu said.

She expressed happiness in witnessing growth in high-level engagements and people-centric activities between the two nations. She expressed confidence that the newly announced projects, including the super speciality Cardiology hospital to be established in Suva would help to meet the priority needs of the people of Fiji.

President Murmu said, “As we celebrate 75 years of India’s diplomatic presence in Fiji, I am pleased to see the strong growth in our high-level engagements, development projects and our people-centric activities. I am told that in the last 18 months 15 ministerial-level visits have taken place on both sides. The historic meeting of both our prime ministers in May 2023 during the FIPIC-3 Summit has given new energy and direction to our bilateral ties. I am confident that the newly announced projects including the super speciality Cardiology hospital to be established in Suva would help to meet the priority needs of the people of Fiji and the wider Pacific region.”

President Murmu said that she is “honoured” by the conferment of ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’ and described the honour as the reflection of the “deep ties of friendship between two nations. She recalled PM Narendra Modi’s address at the Fiji Parliament.

Stressing that the two nations have much in common despite differences in size, President Murmu said, “Despite the vast difference in our size, both our countries have much in common including our vibrant democracies. Almost 10 years ago speaking in this same Hall, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi had underlined some basic values that unite India and Fiji. These include our democracy the diversity of our societies, our creed that all human beings are equal and our commitment to the liberty, dignity and rights of every individual. These shared values are eternal and …continue to guide us ahead.”

Expressing India’s readiness to partner with Fiji, President Murmu said, “I am glad to note that India has been closely associated with your Democratic Journey over the last three parliamentary elections in Fiji. As a close friend and partner with rich experience of fostering democracy at the grassroots level, India stand ready to partner at all times.”

She stated that the rest of the world has so much to learn from Fiji and praised the gentle Fijian way of life.

President Murmu said, “In my short time here, I can see that the rest of the world has so much to learn from Fiji. The gentle Fijian way of life, the deep-rooted respect for traditions and customs, an open and multicultural environment, makes Fiji so special in an increasingly conflict-ridden world. No wonder, Fiji is the place where the rest of the world comes to find its happiness.”

She also spoke about Fiji’s contribution to making the world a better place to live. She spoke about Fiji’s legendary player Waisale Serevi as India’s New National Rugby coach and said, “I do look forward to the day when our two teams will play each other. I take this opportunity to also convey our heartiest congratulations to the Fiji men’s rugby team for their wonderful silver medal performance in the various Olympics.”

President Droupadi Murmu has been conferred with Fiji’s highest civilian award, ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji.’ President Murmu called it an honour that reflects the deep ties of friendship between the two nations.

In a post on X, the President of India stated, “President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji upon President Droupadi Murmu. This is the highest civilian award of Fiji. President Murmu said that this honour is a reflection of the deep ties of friendship between India and Fiji.”

Earlier in the day, President Murmu was received by her Fijian counterpart Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere at the State House in Suva. As the two leaders met, discussions were held on how to further deepen the India-Fiji relationship.

President Droupadi Murmu, who is on her State visit to Fiji, was also accorded a traditional ceremonial welcome.

Taking to X, the office of the President of India stated, “President Droupadi Murmu was warmly received by President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji at State House, Suva. The two leaders discussed ways to further deepen the India-Fiji relationship. At State House, President Droupadi Murmu also witnessed the progress of the ‘Solarization of Heads of State Residences’ project, an Indian initiative that was inaugurated in February last year.”

In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, “An important milestone in India – Fiji partnership! President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn arrived in Suva on the first-ever visit by the President of India to Fiji. In a special gesture, PM @slrabuka of Fiji received President Murmu at the Nausori Airport with full state honors.”

President Murmu embarked on Sunday on visit to Fiji at the invitation of Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, President of Fiji. She is scheduled to visit New Zealand and Timor-Leste next. (ANI)

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With police firings, mob beatings, and arson across the country, at least 135 people were killed in Bangladesh on Monday during unrest, according to Dhaka Tribune.

The country announced on Monday that the clashes between demonstrators and members of the Awami League claimed the lives of at least 96 people in police firings.

After fighting broke out between police and miscreants on Monday, at least 18 people were slain on the outskirts of the capital in the Savar and Dhamrai regions.

Meanwhile, 50 more individuals sustained injuries as police opened fire with tear gas and bullets. Locals reported that multiple journalists were also there amongst those shot, according to Dhaka Tribune.

At least 10 people were killed and many others were injured in the capital’s Uttara on Monday afternoon after some individuals wearing civilian clothes reportedly opened fire on protesters. The shots were fired from the Uttara East police station.

In response, hundreds of enraged people surrounded the police station and set it on fire.

As violence and unrest gripped Bangladesh, 37 dead bodies arrived at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from 11 am to 8 pm on Monday, local media, Prothom Alo reported.

Apart from this, the bullet-ridden bodies of three unidentified persons arrived at the hospital. It is not known where they were shot.

Prothom Alo, citing Dhaka Medical College Hospital sources, reported that 500 people were brought to the hospital with various injuries including gunshot wounds. 70 of them have been admitted to hospital.

The eyewitnesses said that the protestors attacked the Jatrabari police station in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, in Sreepur, Gazipur, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel opened fire on miscreants who had blocked two BGB trucks, At least six people were shot.

Inside the cars were at least eighty BGB personnel. The incident happened on Monday at around noon.

People from all walks of life marched towards Chittagong, distributing sweets in celebration. After reports surfaced that Sheikh Hasina had departed from Bangladesh, people took to the streets to celebrate, Dhaka Tribune reported.

A joyous procession began at 3 pm (local time), spreading through Muradpur, Agrabad, Dewanhat, Chowkbazar, GEC, Sholshahar, Kazir Dewri, Jamalkhan, Bahaddarhat, and every part of the city, the report said.

Bangladesh is facing a fluid political situation with the country’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning from her post in the wake of mounting protests. The protests, majorly by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, took the shape of anti-government protests.

Bangladesh PM Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening after tendering her resignation in the wake of mounting protests in Dhaka.

It is not clear if the Bangladeshi Prime Minister will stay in Delhi or move to another location. Reports in media outlets in Bangladesh have speculated that Sheikh Hasina may proceed to London.

Meanwhile in Dhaka, the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have proposed an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, in a bid to address Bangladesh’s ongoing challenge.

This announcement was made in a video message released early hours of Tuesday by key student leaders Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, and Abu Bakar Mazumdar.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday night gave his nod to form an interim government to run the country.

Earlier on Monday night, Nahid had announced that an outline for an interim government would be formulated within the next 24 hours. (ANI)

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All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council (AISSC) welcomed the central government’s proposed amendments to the Waqf Board Act and appealed to everyone to “cooperate” with the government.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi on Tuesday, AISSC Chairman Syed Naseruddin Chishty said, “From time to time, we have given memorandums to Govt of India demanding amendments in Waqf Act. Today, we have found through the media that the Govt of India is bringing amendments to this act. It is very important that the position of the dargahs is defined and they are protected.”

“I appeal to all including all political parties that politics should not be done on this issue as Muslims are connected to Waqf. I appeal to those opposing it should take part in the discussion on it and cooperate with the government to pass this bill,” the AISSC chairman said.

He said that there must be transparency in the Waqf Board as he highlighted the various corruption issues in Waqf boards across states.

“We welcome that the government is bringing a Waqf amendment bill. We have written to NSA Ajit Doval on this matter and also met him. We are confident that the bill being brought by the government will be in favour of minorities and Muslims. People should not be misled,” Syed Naseruddin Chishty said.

“We hope that everyone’s rights will be protected and corruption in Waqf board will end through the amendment in Waqf bill,” he added.

On August 5, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju held a meeting with a delegation of the AISSC comprising the prominent Sajjadanashins from various dargahs across the country.

“Last evening a delegation of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC) comprising of the most revered and prominent Sajjadanashins from various Dargahs across India met me under the leadership of Syed Naseruddin Chishty, Chairman and Successor of the present spiritual head of Ajmer Dargah to discuss a range of important issues concerning the Muslim community,” Kiren Rijiju said in a post on X on Tuesday.

Rijiju said that it was a fruitful and forward-looking discussion. “They lauded and praised the efforts of PM Narendra Modi towards the welfare of the entire community and minorities in general. They also committed themselves towards the Sankalp of Viksit Bharat 2047,” he added.

According to top government sources, the Waqf amendment bill is likely to be presented after the passage of the Finance Bill, likely this week. Before drafting the amendments, the government consulted various Muslim intellectuals and organisations to ensure comprehensive reforms.

One of the key proposed amendments is the mandatory registration of Waqf properties with the District Collector’s office, allowing for proper evaluation and monitoring. Additionally, the amendments aim to enhance inclusivity by ensuring women’s representation on both the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards. (ANI)

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will make a statement on the situation in Bangladesh in both houses of Parliament on Tuesday. His first address will be to the Rajya Sabha at 2:30 pm followed by an address to the Lok Sabha at 3:30 pm.

Earlier in the day, the External Affairs Minister while briefing an all-party meeting on the Bangladesh situation told members that Sheikh Hasina had moved to India and that India has assured all possible help to the Bangladeshi leader.

Stating that the embattled former prime minister of Bangladesh Shiekh Hasina is in India and the Indian government wants to give her time to let the Indian government know what her future course of action would be.

Taking to X, Jaishankar stated, “Briefed an All-Party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh. Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding that was extended.”

During the meeting, Jaishankar informed the leaders that the central government was in touch with the Bangladesh Army as well. He said that it is a prevailing situation and the government will take appropriate action at the right time, according to sources.

According to sources, the leaders at the party meeting were informed that there are 20000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh.

According to sources, so far 8000 Indian nationals have returned. Jaishankar informed the meeting that the Indian government is in touch with Indian nationals and the High Commission there continues to operate.

The leaders were informed that the focus is on minorities and that they should be protected, sources from the all-party meeting told ANI.

During the all-party meeting, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi inquired about India’s long-term and short-term strategy and the government stated that this was a progressive situation and they would continue to analyse it.

Rahul Gandhi also sought to know from the government on the possible involvement of a foreign hand. The central government said that all possible angles were being looked into. After being briefed by the government, Rahul Gandhi expressed his support for the measures taken in the national interest.

Bangladesh is facing a fluid political situation after Sheikh Hasina resigned from her post in the wake of mounting protests. The protests, majorly led by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, took the shape of anti-government protests.

In Dhaka, the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have proposed an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, in a bid to address Bangladesh’s ongoing challenges.

Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening after tendering her resignation. It is not clear if Sheikh Hasina will continue to stay in Delhi or move to another location later. (ANI)

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